Meet Joseph Wilkey | Multi State Certified Private Firearms Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joseph Wilkey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Honestly, I wanted to have a hobby that I loved, something that I made a living from. It’s true that not everyday is fun. But most of the time I really enjoy what I do! I also have a large family, siblings, nieces and nephews etc. Someone is always doing something. And I love being able to take time off as needed to support whatever they are doing or need help with. It makes it convenient to balance work fun, and fun fun.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a private firearms instructor, my goal is to be able teach students to be more confident and safe in their firearms handling abilities. Teaching good accurate information. Establishing a good, solid foundation from which to build from with their new skills. Whether new or proficient, young or old. There is always more room to learn and grow. One way I accomplish this is by tailoring courses to fit the needs of the student. Everyone learns differently, everyone has more or less knowledge, than another on certain topics, or skills etc. I love being able to adjust what is being taught so the student can get the maximum amount of information, to help them to be more proficient.

I think aside from above, one thing that really sets me apart, is that I consider myself a forever learner. I don’t know everything and I never will. For example, there are some things that I’m really good at doing. I have done it thousands of times and it works well for me. Every so often someone will come along with a slightly different way of doing whatever I’ve been doing, that will completely change (often for the better) how I was previously doing something. And I love being able to be taught that there is a better way. And being able to teach that there are better ways.

I personally come from a background of many fields, be it welding, life insurance, sales positions, management etc. All fun. Nothing I loved. It’s not easy to follow your passions and make money while doing it. And in many cases, I don’t think it’s too late to start. It’s hard to accomplish, especially without a good support system. But not impossible. Hard work, dedication, consistency, continual learning, and striving to be GREAT at what you do. And you’ll get there. The world has a funny way of helping you accomplish what you are putting your effort, your all into.

My parents would definitely say I’ve “matured” through starting my own business. I have learned to listen better, to observe and to learn and to grow. To see things from other people’s perspectives. I’ve learned that some days you feel like you have worked ALL day and not gotten a single client/student. But then later you get a ton! It’s that consistent and constant effort being put forth that yields good results. I’ve learned that sometimes I feel more mentally exhausted than I would with a normal 9-5. But I feel so much better and happier with what I’m doing. And I think that’s pretty key. When I ask people what they do for a living. I often follow that up with. ” Are you happy with what you do” If not, try and find what makes you happy. Sometimes you have to work while you build your business or whatever you’re going to do, and man oh man is it time consuming. But it’s time well spent to build something that you are happy doing.

If there is anything I want people to know about me and my business. It’s that I’m always trying to challenge myself and my business, So when you meet me, take a course from me, work with me. You see and feel the passion I have for helping you learn a new and valuable skill and know that I’m giving you the best of me in that moment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I suppose it depends on the season, however most everything would be outdoors! It’s the beginning of spring as I write this. The weather is getting warmer, the sun is staying out longer. So based on that, perhaps something like this.

Monday would be downtown Fort Collins. Check out the little shops, throw a coin and make a wish into the fountain. Go to Rocket Fizz and get some candy and pick out some wild root beers. Grab some Wendy’s (spicy chicken sandwich for the win!) Then head over to Horsetooth rock, go for a hike, take some fun pics and eat some snacks. Head down to the reservoir. Take some more pics, maybe jump into the water for a cool dip. Go to the movies and then back to my house and hop in the hot tub.

Tuesday, we gotta go shooting! Probably Pawnee, set up our own range with steel and cardboard targets and run drills and shoot for time with some friendly wagers lol. Can’t forget it’s Taco Tuesday! Taqueria Los Comales has some seriously good tacos! I compare all other tacos to these. Check out more cool shops. Meet up with friends. Have a fire in the back yard with the hot tub, while smoking meat on the traeger. Movie in the basement on the projector.

Wednesday, Pack up gear and head to the mountains for an overnight camping trip. Go karts, rock hounding, more shooting, hiking. Wood chopping competition, tomahawk throwing. Cook some venison/dinner. Make a nice big/safe fire. Put up the projector and play halo at night in the woods haha.

Thursday Morning, wake up, breakfast, clean up. Go explore! When we get tired of exploring we will head back to my house. Unpack, clean up shower. Probably just hang out and relax for a while. Go out to Texas roadhouse or something for dinner. Meet up with some friends or family and play some games or maybe karaoke.

Friday grab some other friends or family and all go up to Estes park, get some salt water taffy, hit up the shops, elk burgers. Go into Rocky Mountain National Forest. Hike, take pics of the beauty of the animals, bask in the glory that is RMNF lol. Likely spend all day up there, so come down, see a movie, eat and go home.

Saturday- If it’s hot out, go up the canyon, maybe float the Pouder river, throw in some fishing. Mini Golf, get some food and maybe Red Rocks for a show.

Sunday would be church, and hanging out with family, eating good food, more games and just relaxing.

Sounds like an eventful week to me!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I love this. I love giving and getting credit when credit is due! First shoutout is to my Heavenly Father for blessing me so abundantly. Despite the rough days that we all have, I’m grateful for the talents I have been given, and the opportunity to learn and grow. One thing that has helped me to forge ahead continuously is by Reading the Book of Mormon and watching my Savior’s example on how to be more Christ-like. No better example has there been.

Also, my family. It is amazing to be able to ask for help, and instantly receive it. Example, I don’t know how to build a website. And although my website isn’t the greatest, I’m happy with the progress I’ve made, because I built it. I was able to ask for help from my Brother in law Ryan Hitz, Owner of KAHANA, and my brother Michael Wilkey, Owner of Cavemanllc. And they showed me the basics, so I could build something. And now that I have a better understanding, I’m constantly changing it and trying to make it better!

For me, the Lord, my parents, siblings, brothers and sisters in laws and nieces and nephews are people that I can rely on when I need help, or a boost of confidence or whatever the case may be. And in that I am well blessed.

Website: https://www.levelupfirearmsllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/levelupfirearms/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-wilkey-089033198/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LevelUpFirearmsllc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA2fm8iQ45GByaBo-7-fWCw

Other: Mewe: https://mewe.com/i/levelupfirearms Second Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXC1kUkrWOZzNV0IVeXACSA