Meet Kevin Wheeler of Wheeler’s Firearms and Safety Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Wheeler.

Kevin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and currently reside in Chicago. From an early age I have always been very active, but when my father passed away shortly after my 9th birthday, I took a turn for the worse, considering my behavior. Thankfully I began to wake myself up before things really got bad at the age of 16, took my GED and quickly entered college. It took me a total of 3 years of going to school all year round to earn my BA in Criminal Justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. In the year prior to graduating I met and married my beautiful wife, with whom I now have three wonderful children wife. Shortly after graduating College I moved to the Chicagoland Area, her home front. Almost immediately after moving here I began pursuing my MS in Psychology. While in pursuit of my Masters I joined the United States Marine Corps. Once in the Fleet Marine Force I completed my last two semesters and obtained my MS in Psychology. In the Marine Corps I excelled earning several Instructor level certifications to include that of a Foreign Weapons Instructor, Marine Combat Instructor of Water Survival, Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, and Host Nation Police Mentor Instructor. Once I got out of the Marines I quickly became an NRA Instructor and now I am an NRA Training Counselor able to certify instructors. In addition I maintained my American Red Cross Certifications and obtained several other instructor level certificates.

So now that you know a little about me I am going to tell you a bit about what it is that I do. Wheeler’s Firearms and Safety Training, LLC offers professional firearms training courses, as well as American Red Cross safety training for armed professionals and civilians. We offer a variety of courses covering the use of firearms ranging from Revolvers, and Semi-Automatic Pistols to Shotguns, Carbines, and Rifles. Additionally we offer Muti-State Concealed Carry Courses, 20/40 IL State Approved Security Officer Training, Pepper Spray Personal Safety Courses, Collapsible Baton Training, CPR, AED, and First Aid, and Lifeguarding. Our instructors hold certifications from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), State of Florida, State of Arizona, the National Rifle Association, the American Red Cross, Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), SABRE Red-Security Equipment Corp.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were many obstacles on the road to what we like to call success. For me it seems that many obstacles seem to come out of thin air and is a nearly crisis situation. There have been so many instances and obstacles that will not discuss however; I will say that the majority of issues that I have faced have been logistical ones. In additional to logistical issues I have encountered technical issues, and the occasional equipment malfunction.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Wheeler’s Firearms and Safety Training – what should we know?
The main objective of Wheeler’s Firearms and Safety Training (WFST) is to help to keep America and its citizen’s safe by helping students become confident and self-sufficient in personal protection through providing a combination of firearms safety, self-defense, and self and buddy aid. We do this in a very unique way, and that is through a level of rapport that rivals that of a family relationship we like to call it the WFST Standard. Our instructors are expected to train their students to a level of safety and proficiency that is comparable to that of teaching a child how to ride a bike. The way in which we will achieve our main objective is through our vision. Our Vision at WFST is unparalleled, because it emphasizes proficiency in the basics, enabling individuals to build both competency and confidence while adhering to all safety measures. Specifically we provide basic and advanced instruction in the safe and effective application of firearms, self-defense techniques, and self and buddy aid. Currently we offer a wide variety of firearms safety courses as well as self-defense and American Red Cross Courses, including National Rifle Association (NRA) User/Instructor Courses, Illinois Concealed Carry Courses, State of Illinois Certified Security Training Courses, Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc. (ASP) Courses in Baton, Handcuffing, and flashlight, and courses from the SABRE Personal Safety Academy.

In the near future we will also be offering SABRE OC Non-Lethal Courses law enforcement, NRA Law Enforcement Courses, the sale of firearms, and eventually, Taser Certification Courses. We are also in the process of implementing a plan to expand into a private security contractor agency.

Here at WFST our focus is on personal safety on all levels, however what sets us apart from our competition is our method of instruction. Our instructors are so adamant about safety; they train their students the same way that they teach their children. Another words we don’t just teach the method or the bare minimum, we teach to instill the confidence and skills necessary for firearm safety, personal protection and self/buddy aid, and we do this for both new and older patrons. Because of our well established relationships with our students and customers they enroll in additional courses to improve upon their skills, refer friends and purchase firearms.

Management Responsibilities include, marketing, ensuring that employees continually teach to the WFST standard, maintain awareness of all new firearms, as well as gun laws, new methods for self-defense and self, buddy aid, ensure instructor’s certifications are valid, and ensuring that all bills, materials, and paychecks are available and distributed.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe that I have many characteristics that have contributed liberally to my success today, but the most important is my Determination. I refuse to quit or accept failure. In addition to my determination I try to live by The United States Marine Corps 14 Leadership Traits, paying particular attention to JUDGMENT, DEPENDABILITY, INITIATIVE, ENTHUSIASM, and KNOWLEDGE.

Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.

Definition: Dependability means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.

Definition: It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.

Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.

Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know policies and keep up with current events.

Pricing:

• NRA Instructor Level Courses Starting at $221
• NRA Courses Starting at $100
• Illinois Concealed Carry $200/$100
• Security and Security Related Training Starting at $70
• American Red Cross Courses Starting at $80
• WFST Advanced Firearms Training Courses Starting at $150

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaw1418.com
• Phone: 646-372-3795
• Email: kaw1418@gmail.com
• Instagram: wheelers_firearms_n_safety_trn

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