Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Black. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Apostles Firearms Academy was started after we (Joshua Greenough & Austin Black) saw a desperate need for firearms training amongst new firearm owners in Austin. There are several training outfits in Austin however they are mostly formatted to meet the needs of advanced shooters. Working at some of the local gun stores in town highlighted the market demands for safety training of new firearm owners. After starting our company in 2018, we were able to use our experience in competitive shooting and military background to develop a curriculum that focused on the foundations of firearms use and safety. When Covid hit in 2020, the demand for training doubled, and this can be attributed to a historic rise in firearm purchases in America. The FBI reported a record-breaking 39.6 million background checks performed in 2020 for individuals purchasing firearms. (NICS Firearms Background Checks Report FBI.gov)
Along with License To Carry training and qualifications, AFA continued to meet the needs of Austinites by providing 1-on-1 training, Trauma Courses /Stop the Bleed courses, and Active Shooter courses for local Churches. We are excited to continue this mission of humbly sharing what we know about firearms, safety, and laws relating to carrying to Austin, TX in 2022.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Initially, AFA operated smoothly but we had to make some changes for Covid. Not only did our demand increase, but students had new concerns about health and class size. We held classes more frequently and limited class size. Luckily our courses were held outdoors which seemed to be a comfort for most students who were concerned about Covid.
We’ve been impressed with Apostles Firearms Academy, Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
AFA specializes in Firearms Training, specifically for the brand new shooter/ firearm owner, whether that is License to Carry, 1-on-1 training, or group lessons. We pride ourselves on building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills with each student, which they can draw from to handle their firearm safely and legally. We know that purchasing a firearm and getting training can be intimidating, but we have strived to create a welcoming environment of humble instructors that meet students where they are and pass along what we know.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
AFA owes a great debt to many supporters and mentors, to name a few:
Walt Settelmeyer who has teamed up with us to help provide medical training and trauma care in our Stop the Bleed courses. He also continues to use his platform, a podcast called Distinguished Savage, to advertise for us.
John Friedlander, who has been a steady voice of wisdom and constructive criticism about how we conduct business.
Joe Alesia, who has taught me 99% of what I know about firearms training.
Dani Aguilar, who has effortlessly created our logo and all of our marketing materials.
David Black, who has helped us with Tax questions and helped us form a legitimate legal business.
Finally, our staff instructors Stephen Sheftall, Jeff Rockwell, Bob Haygood, and Steve Adams who continue to pour out themselves for our students.
Pricing:
- License To Carry Qualification ($49.00)
- Private Lesson ($150.00)
- Private for 2 ($200.00)
- Online Firearms Training ($65)
Contact Info:
- Email: apostles.f.a@gmail.com
- Website: www.apostlesfirearmsacademy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/apostlesfirearmsacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apostles.f.a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AFA_ATX
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/apostles-firearms-academy-austin
