Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wishnia.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Livingston, NJ. After graduating high school, Michael went to Florida State University on an Army ROTC scholarship, before switching to the Marine PLC program. September 11, 2001 occurred shortly after his 2001 summer session, at which time he left school and joined the Marines. Michael spent just under 15 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry squad leader, platoon sergeant, and platoon commander. During time in the military, Michael was a part of a Close Quarter Battle team, in charge of protecting nuclear weapons. He deployed to Iraq in 2004, 2005, 2006, was a Drill Instructor on Parris Island from 2007-2010, and deployed to Afghanistan 2011-2012. After being injured in Afghanistan, he was placed in a vital role of running the Marksmanship Training Unit for 1st Marine regiment (approx.. 1500 Marines). Eventually, he was medically retired as a Sergeant. His military qualifications include being a non-lethal weapons instructor, combat marksmanship coach and trainer, and martial arts instructor trainer, among many other qualifications
In 2014, just prior to retiring from active duty, I was introduced into disabled sports. From there I trained hard set records on military levels but earned my way onto Team USA. In 2016 I earned my place on Team USA for the 2016 Paralympics. I am a
14-time seated shotput National Champion, American record holder in shotput and disc, as well selected US Olympic Committee “Outstanding Male Olympic Athlete of the Month” May 2015,
In 2020, Michael opened a firearms training business called Wish Firearms and Tactical Training in Chapin, SC, where he holds certification as an Active Shooter Instructor and Situational Awareness Instructor. He is also a certified NRA instructor, South Carolina SLED CWP instructor, and Range Safety Officer. Michael has trained over 5000 students on all levels of firearms, from beginner courses to concealed carrying classes and advanced tactical training.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Always starting a business is hard, it will never be easy. I do what i love doing and so the normal business stressors i don’t think are there.
The hardest part is getting my name out to the right people and help build new amazing students.
My brand to me is everything. From the design of the logo all has a part in my life and building that brand to be the Midlands Top firearms training academy is going to be hard but i won’t stop. The area has a ton of instructors, some good and some bad, so it’s always hard to compete against others.
The hardest is the marketing and letting possible future clients know why my business is the one to choose.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Right off the bat, what sets me apart is many years of Real World Experience. From tactical to basic firearm training, I have real world, where lives were on the line. My Marines and attachments lives to enemy or civilian lives.
MY business does all kinds of firearms training, whether it be beginner or more advanced style. Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun it can all be done.
I love specializing in carbine level 1 or 2 courses and or weekend carbine pistol courses.
Besides just the range, I am nationally certified instructor for Emergence Situational Awareness .
I am also an HSI Avert Instructor (Active shooter course). This is going to be my biggest push now because this truly matters and it keeps happening. My goal is to get into every business in the Midlands and beyond to get all employees trained in active shooter and make the world better
I also have developed a comprehensive home defense course, where i train families how to protect and defend their most valuable asset, Their family.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My hard work and dedication to my craft are key. I am always willing to learn from others and take more courses to build my skillsets
I pride myself in professionalism and each and very course i give my all. That is shown by my over 645 5 star google reviews and counting
Pricing:
- HSI Avert course is $60
- Private lessons -$100 per hour
- beginners courses $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wishtactical.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishfirearmsandtraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wishfirearmsandtacticaltraining
