Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Solomon.
Hi Ryan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Operation Iraqi Freedom combat Veteran. I was severely injured causing cardiac death. Placed on life support and before doctors pulled the plug, I showed signs of brain activity and days later came out of my coma. I went on to do all the things they said I wouldn’t do such as recover from brain trauma yet I went to college and finished my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security. I wouldn’t be able to sustain fitness at a high level yet I am more fit now than I ever before. I was denied by law enforcement agencies because I was high risk due to my past injuries. So I created my own business training anyone who wanted own a gun or learn to safely handle their gun with confidence. I didn’t have much money so I branded myself as the product and service. I became a certified instructor and put my own style to my teaching based on my military training as well as furthering my education. My goal is to show the community that guns are as safe as the one handling them. Guns are not evil, Guns are not good, Gun just are. Just as gravity can neither be good nor evil, it just depends on the context or situation it is used in. Today business has grown due to the giant leap in gun sales since 2020. Georgia led the way in gun sales in 2020 and Atlanta was behind that influx of sales. My mission became clearer to educate gun owners and give them the sense of safety needed to own and handle them. My clients see that I’m not out for a money grab and I’m not looking to turn them into Rambo. I ask understand what their needs are and tailor each training specifically to that individual or groups needs. For example, I had a group of ladies who was all new to owning guns. They were all very nervous to hold one in hand so I had them put the guns down and we had a 20-minute session of mindfulness where I sought to calm their minds and with their permission, bypass their conscious fear of guns and into the subconscious in order to boost the confidence and break away from the anxiety and fear, By the end of that class they all were returning customers. I enjoy teaching and seeing the positive influence Valiant Defense has on those who come to me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part has been gaining exposure. My work ethic is beyond normal so I never expected it to be smooth. But when working with limited funds and not having funding. It was all on me and I had to come to terms with one thing I had no clue about until 2019……….Social Media!!!!! I had no experience and social media almost took me out of the game because I have always been a private person so I had no friends or followers. I had no idea about the algorithm nor did I understand the benefits. Struggling to become a person that engaged people. I’m an introvert so talking to people was not my thing so I had to overcome mental struggles in order to be more of the COMFORTABLE ME. I still have struggles today but I can never give up because those who have come to me repeatedly still look to me for information, knowledge, even leadership. I’m living my dream and nothing worth having comes easy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m medically retired from the U.S. Navy. While I was in I served in Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Dawn. I specialized the Weapons and Anti-Terrorism Force Protection. So that all led to where I am now. I specialize in teaching civilians, military, and law enforcement how to properly handle their guns. I specialize in fitness and scenario-based training. I.e. active shooter attacks, home invasions, car-jackings, muggings and more. I’m most proud of sticking to what I know and not deviating in order to gain more customers or followers. So many people do what I do and may have a big following but I’ve found that they do it under false information teaching, they do it for money and make themselves out to be more than what firearms training is really meant to be. It’s not a show it’s not Hollywood. This is real life and my training may and will save someone’s life who, before me, had no fighting chance. That’s what I’m most proud of. I’ve stayed true to me and honest to my clients. I’m known for incorporating fitness into gun training. I’m known for calming my clients and not being overbearing and some big intimidating highly decorated military guy but instead a relatable guy who has expertise in what YOU want to learn.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising that most people who know my work don’t know about me is that I’m very much introvert and not a talker face to face. I’m also a drummer.
Contact Info:
- Email: Valiantdefense@gmail,com
- Website: www.valiantdefenseinc.com
- Instagram: @valiantdefense
