After serving as a USMC combat engineer, Andrew joined the ShootSmart family in 2017. He quickly stepped into instructing, sharing the vast knowledge gained from his Marine Corps experience and numerous certifications. Andrew specializes in helping students take their LTC skills to the next level, focusing on concealment methods and defensive pistol tactics. 

Driven by a calling to ensure others can protect their loved ones, he is one of only two ShootSmart instructors to become a USCCA certified instructor in both Concealed Carry & Home Defense and Defensive Shooting Fundamentals. When he's off the clock, Andrew enjoys staying active and sharpening his tactical skills.

Joyce is originally from Wisconsin with ties to law enforcement and hunting. At ten years old she fired her first shots with her father’s .22 rifle beginning a lifelong foundation of respect for firearms. Since joining Shoot Smart in 2017, she has worked to expand her shooting skills and firearm knowledge. 

Joyce enjoys working with beginners and timid shooters. She values the opportunity to guide students through their first experience with a firearm — an experience that can be both empowering and intimidating. Through patient instruction and a focus on safety, she strives to build student confidence and reduce fear. 

Joyce is a certified NRA Range Safety Officer and NRA Certified Pistol Instructor. She is a private instructor and teaches New Shooter, On Target, Troubleshooting, Rapid Fire and Holster Draw classes. She is also certified to teach Texas LTC courses.  Outside of work, Joyce enjoys reading, traveling, photography, and genealogy.

Chip’s first experience with shooting was through the Boy Scouts of America Webelos program in grade school. His next shooting experience was at U.S. Navy boot camp with the venerable Colt 1911-A1 sidearm. During his 28-year Navy career on the aviation side as a P-3 Orion Flight Engineer, he formed bonds during his off time with other “Airdales” to learn about gunsmithing, improving shooting skills, and expanding general firearms knowledge. 

Educated throughout his career in survival shooting methods and sound range safety practices, he naturally began teaching others what he knew. Following his retirement from the service, he earned his NRA Range Safety Officer and Basic Pistol Instructor certifications. He now brings 14 years of experience in student instruction, shooting range management, and church security team guidance to his role.

Laurie specializes in teaching new shooters, especially women who feel more comfortable learning from another woman who understands their hesitations regarding firearms. Her calm, patient, and encouraging teaching style helps students feel at ease from the very beginning. As a mother and passionate firearms instructor, Laurie believes confidence is built through education, safety, and hands-on experience. She is dedicated to helping students develop the skills and mindset needed for responsible firearm ownership and personal protection. 

Whether working with first-time shooters or those looking to improve their skills, Laurie creates a respectful, supportive, and empowering learning environment where every student can grow with confidence.

Charlie started shooting pistols and rifles at the age of 6, taking after his father in the Army. He has since dedicated much of his time towards perfecting shooting techniques and firearms handling skills as he grew up. 

Joining the Civil Air Patrol at 13, he became an NRA distinguished marksman, training hundreds of cadets on rifle and pistol skills. Much of his firearms technique was thoroughly developed from military and competitive professionals. 

Currently he competes in USPSA at the Master Class level. He is proficient in teaching fundamentals and specializes in advanced handgun and rifle techniques for professional and competitive uses. 

At Shoot Smart, he is dedicated to helping fellow men and women develop strong fundamentals and sharpen their established skills. Whether new or advanced, every shooter has something to learn—even the instructors.

Bradley joined Shoot Smart in 2023, after retiring from state government to pursue his passion for firearm instruction. He specializes in teaching beginners but also has skills that can benefit advanced shooters. He currently teaches the License to Carry (LTC) and New Shooter courses and is available for private lessons. 

Certifications include:

- NRA instructor for Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, and Range Safety Officer. 

- Texas DPS for LTC and Private Security Level III Firearms. 

- Rangemaster instructor. 

- Modern Samurai Project Red Dot Pistol Instructor. 

- Certified Glock Armorer

Bradley’s passion for teaching shows in his ability to engage students and relate to them regardless of their current level of expertise. When not training, Bradley spends time with his wife, children and grandchildren. "

David has been a firearms instructor at Shoot Smart since 2020 and has been shooting for approximately 30 years, starting at a very young age. Firearms have been a major part of his life for as long as he can remember, and he enjoys helping others learn to shoot safely and confidently. 

His favorite firearms to shoot and teach with are pistols, and he primarily works with new to intermediate shooters. He focuses on building strong fundamentals, safe firearm handling habits, and improving confidence in a comfortable, low-pressure environment. 

Whether a student is brand new to shooting or looking to sharpen their skills, his goal is to provide clear instruction that helps them become a safer and more capable shooter while making the learning process approachable, practical, and enjoyable for everyone.

A Texas native and NRA-certified instructor, Paul joined Shoot Smart in 2022, bringing over two decades of competitive experience in IDPA and USPSA. Currently a USPSA B-class shooter, Paul bridges the gap between foundational safety and elite performance through a "crawl-walk-run" approach tailored to three pillars:

The Novice: A patient, ego-free introduction for new shooters, replacing intimidation with competence and a "safety-first" mindset.

The Competitor: Specialized coaching in the "mechanics of speed," helping shooters master explosive movement and stage planning to climb the ranks.

The Defender: Translating competitive speed into tactical reality, focusing on concealed carry draws and reliability under duress.

Whether you are holding a firearm for the first time, chasing a podium finish or learning to defend yourself and your loved ones, Paul provides the technical roadmap to master the balance of speed and precision. Your journey starts with Paul at Shoot Smart.

Joe Loza joined Shoot Smart in 2011, bringing 13+ years of experience as a U.S. Army veteran. During his service, he spent over five years in the Middle East, including a role as a Range Safety NCO in Kuwait training soldiers for deployment. Joe holds numerous certifications: NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, Basic Pistol, and Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor. He has also served as a USCCA Home and Self Defense Training Counselor. Fundamentals Instructor, a Texas LTC Instructor, and a certified Personal Protection Officer.

With 14 years at Shoot Smart, Joe has trained hundreds of students and mentors fellow instructors. Passionate about personal and home defense, he is known for a patient, engaging teaching style that helps shooters of all levels build confidence and safety skills. Outside the range, Joe enjoys time with his family and remains committed to his own ongoing professional development.

Christian Nelson joined the ShootSmart team in October of 2024, bringing over 20 years of firearms experience. In addition to his love for shooting, Christian has a great ability to diagnose issues quickly, communicate clearly and kindly, and help new shooters make rapid improvements in both their skills and confidence.

Christian’s diverse background includes a lifetime of shooting experience, an education in psychology and biomechanics, and advanced tactical training—some of which was gained alongside US Army Green Berets.

When he’s not busy at ShootSmart, Christian enjoys adventuring, hiking, grilling, and spending time in nature with his wife and boys. He is available for private instruction and is constantly training to elevate his own skills and deliver maximum value to his students.

Robbie specializes in teaching and training new shooters, with a strong focus on educating every student on firearm function and safety. An LTC holder with over seven years of shooting experience, he dedicates much of his time to mastering defensive training and precision accuracy. While he takes skill-building seriously, Robbie also loves to shoot for fun and regularly tests different firearms to expand his expertise. 

Known for his humor and positive energy, he excels at putting students at ease the moment they step onto the range. Robbie continuously pursues advanced training courses to sharpen his own skills and better assist his students.

Brendan’s background was originally rooted in music, but his true calling emerged when he developed a deep passion for firearms, practical training, and helping others build personal confidence. Because his extensive knowledge and experience are entirely civilian-centric, he has a unique ability to relate directly to everyday citizens stepping onto the range. 

Brendan firmly believes that everyone has an inherent right to self-defense and deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their daily lives. With a specialized focus on Every Day Carry (EDC) techniques, he goes beyond simply teaching students how to shoot; he empowers them with the practical skills and mindset needed to stay prepared for everyday life.

Earnest has 60+ years of firearms experience. He began hunting at age 10, shooting skeet at 13, and handgun competition in high school. Earnest is NRA certified (Chief Range Safety Officer, Basic Pistol Instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, and Distinguished Expert Marksman), and is a former Texas Level III Security Officer Firearms Instructor (Handgun and Shotgun).

Earnest provides a relaxed, stress-free learning environment for clients of all ages and levels of experience. With 50+ years as an educator, Earnest draws upon his extensive experience to help students achieve their personal goals - whether training for recreation, competition, or home/personal defense. And, as a "senior citizen" Earnest is passionately committed to help older shooters, and clients with physical limitations, find training options that achieve successful outcomes.