Meet Our Team
Dan Maldonado / NRA TRAINING COUNSELOR & Chief Firearms Instructor
Dan Maldonado is a military veteran with over 30 years of experience in firearms. As the owner and Chief Firearms Instructor, of Republic Firearms Training Corporation, he is dedicated to providing high-quality firearms education, including CPL classes and advanced training. His extensive background in firearms and tactical training makes him a trusted expert in the industry.
Matt Maldonado / Director of Competitive Shooting & Training
Matt Maldonado is an accomplished Advanced Firearms Instructor & Tactical Coach with a strong foundation in competitive shooting and firearms education. His journey began at age 10 in a local .22 rimfire league, fueling his passion for marksmanship. He went on to compete at the collegiate level as part of Michigan State University's (MSU) pistol team and served as the Cadet Commanding Officer of MSU's Army ROTC shooting team, leading a 10-member team to the All-Army Small Arms Championship at Ft. Benning GA.
Matt has also worked as a Range Safety Officer at the Demmer Center in East Lansing, ensuring safe and effective training environments. With over a decade of experience teaching CPL classes, he is NRA-Certified in multiple disciplines, bringing expertise in both competitive shooting and defensive firearms tactics.
Tessa Hawkes / Certified Firearms Instructor & Personal Defense Specialist
Tessa Hawkes, with experience in firearms instruction, self-defense, and martial arts, Tessa provides a well-rounded approach to personal protection. Specializing in marksmanship, defensive shooting techniques, and hand-to-hand combat, Tessa equips students with the skills and confidence needed to handle real-world threats. Her dynamic training style blends firearm proficiency with martial arts principles, ensuring a comprehensive self-defense education.
Taylor Wendorf / Certified Firearms instructor
Taylor Wendorf is an experienced firearms instructor at Republic Firearms Training Corporation. With a strong background in firearms safety and training, Taylor is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for responsible firearm ownership and self-defense.
Brenda LaBonte / Certified Firearms Instructor
Brenda LaBonte is an experienced firearms instructor at Republic Firearms. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearms education, focusing on safety, proficiency, and responsible gun ownership. Her expertise helps students build confidence and develop essential shooting skills.
Kevin Francart, Esq
Kevin Francart is a U.S. Army veteran and former Military Police Officer with over 35 years of experience teaching firearms skills. A seasoned attorney, Kevin possesses deep expertise in the legalities of firearm ownership, use, and the application of deadly force. As an NRA-certified instructor and practicing lawyer, he delivers comprehensive training that combines expert marksmanship instruction with in-depth guidance on the legal aspects of pistol ownership and self-defense. With his extensive military, law enforcement, and legal background, Kevin is a highly respected authority in firearms education.
Meet Our Team
Dan Maldonado / NRA TRAINING COUNSELOR & Chief Firearms Instructor
Dan Maldonado is a military veteran with over 30 years of experience in firearms. As the owner and Chief Firearms Instructor, of Republic Firearms Training Corporation, he is dedicated to providing high-quality firearms education, including CPL classes and advanced training. His extensive background in firearms and tactical training makes him a trusted expert in the industry.
Matt Maldonado / Director of Competitive Shooting & Training
Matt Maldonado is an accomplished Advanced Firearms Instructor & Tactical Coach with a strong foundation in competitive shooting and firearms education. His journey began at age 10 in a local .22 rimfire league, fueling his passion for marksmanship. He went on to compete at the collegiate level as part of Michigan State University's (MSU) pistol team and served as the Cadet Commanding Officer of MSU's Army ROTC shooting team, leading a 10-member team to the All-Army Small Arms Championship at Ft. Benning GA.
Matt has also worked as a Range Safety Officer at the Demmer Center in East Lansing, ensuring safe and effective training environments. With over a decade of experience teaching CPL classes, he is NRA-Certified in multiple disciplines, bringing expertise in both competitive shooting and defensive firearms tactics.
Tessa Hawkes / Certified Firearms Instructor & Personal Defense Specialist
Tessa Hawkes, with experience in firearms instruction, self-defense, and martial arts, Tessa provides a well-rounded approach to personal protection. Specializing in marksmanship, defensive shooting techniques, and hand-to-hand combat, Tessa equips students with the skills and confidence needed to handle real-world threats. Her dynamic training style blends firearm proficiency with martial arts principles, ensuring a comprehensive self-defense education.
Taylor Wendorf / Certified Firearms instructor
Taylor Wendorf is an experienced firearms instructor at Republic Firearms Training Corporation. With a strong background in firearms safety and training, Taylor is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for responsible firearm ownership and self-defense.
Brenda LaBonte / Certified Firearms Instructor
Brenda LaBonte is an experienced firearms instructor at Republic Firearms. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive firearms education, focusing on safety, proficiency, and responsible gun ownership. Her expertise helps students build confidence and develop essential shooting skills.
Kevin Francart, Esq
Kevin Francart is a U.S. Army veteran and former Military Police Officer with over 35 years of experience teaching firearms skills. A seasoned attorney, Kevin possesses deep expertise in the legalities of firearm ownership, use, and the application of deadly force. As an NRA-certified instructor and practicing lawyer, he delivers comprehensive training that combines expert marksmanship instruction with in-depth guidance on the legal aspects of pistol ownership and self-defense. With his extensive military, law enforcement, and legal background, Kevin is a highly respected authority in firearms education.
Copyright 2025 . All rights reserved