Blaise began his career in the military’s special operations command, serving in the 1/75 Ranger Regiment with multiple combat deployments. After leaving the military he transitioned into the private sector of high threat executive security, working as a private contractor for the department of defense, the department of state, and various private corporations. After a decade of service to the government in multiple combat theaters, Blaise moved back to Nashville, TN. He earned two Bachelor degrees from Belmont and gave back to the community through various programs including the Big Brother program. After college, Blaise entered the private security industry state side working for a variety of companies conducting executive protection, site security assessments, and training. Blaise has become a leader in the training industry and currently sits on the Private Protective Services Committee with the Department of Commerce. Blaise is now the director of training and academic affairs for the Academy of Personal Protection and Security.  

Originally from St Petersburg, Florida, Brandy began apprenticing in a gun shop at an early age. Brandy's knowledge in the firearm industry is a balance of education, precision, and experience. Over a distinguished and extensive career, she has become an NRA certified pistol instructor, range safety officer, instructor of “Refuse to be a Victim”, TN State handgun instructor, USCCA concealed carry and home defense instructor, and a Glock certified armorer. Brandy has trained both new and seasoned shooters and developed a variety of industry leading course curriculums.

Brody got his start into the firearms world early on, being more fascinated by the mechanical science of how they worked than the firearms themselves. Pouring over ballistics tables as a hobby, and the history of weapon design and their specialized applications, led to a lifelong passion to find the most unique and obscure examples from around the world. From the development of anti-material weapons, to the categorization of military and civilian small-arms, breaking down each and every minute detail is his favorite part of the job. 

John was born in Arizona and enlisted in the US Army at 18. Serving 17.5yrs, working across multiple commands to include 173rd Airborne and Special operations command under 10th SFG(A) covering multiple combat tours and missions around the world. Also working as the Unit armorer and Weapons repair shop leadership. Left active duty at 14yrs and went contracting with 5th SFG(A) while attending Sonoran Desert Institute for his Associates in Firearms Technology for gunsmithing. Transitioned to the US Army reserves for 3.5yrs as a weapons and tactics instructor lead until being medically retired, but volunteers to train Reserve on occasion. Working last 2.5yrs as a behind the scenes gunsmith, primary assembler, and production lead for a weapons manufacturer covering multiple platforms and systems to include belt fed and remote operated turrets

Nicolas Lopez, AKA Brad in the shop is a native of Riverside, Ca. He joined the Navy out of high school in 2010 and is currently active duty Navy, stationed in Nashville. If you see him in the shop, he’s the apprentice learning everything and anything there is to learn about firearms.

Leann Woods, President of the Academy of Personal Protection & Security (APPS), was born and raised in Nashville, TN. She learned at a very young age the value of hard work and dedication in which she applies these values to her daily life. Leann is a proud member of the “Women Business Enterprise” (WBE) and believes that with diligence and commitment, you can achieve anything. Being married to a retired police officer, she realizes the importance of safety and security, along with the significance of proper training.  Hence why she is so passionate about providing a comfortable place, where anyone can come and feel confident, they will receive first class training in all areas related to security, personal safety, and protection.

“She wraps herself in STRENGTH, carries herself with CONFIDENCE, and WORKS HARD strengthening her arms for the tasks at hand.”