Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abigail Baker, Founder of Recon Night Tactical Defense, located in Ellenwood, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I have a workforce training business where we conduct active shooter drills, teach self-defense principles, and encourage organizations and higher education institutions to incorporate radical belonging as a violence reduction methodology.
Tell us about yourself
As a product of my father and grandfather in law enforcement and the military, I developed a keen interest in public/national defense, and the desire to protect citizens runs through my veins. When I entered college, my goal was to become fluent in Arabic, join the military and eventually pursue a career in federal law enforcement. However, new interests and skills emerged throughout college, leading me to graduate with a degree in People and Global Organizations.
Since graduating from my master's program, I've enjoyed a diverse career spanning many facets of leadership, human resources, culture, learning and development, and communications. Although my career took a different path, my passion for defense never waned, and after college, I started training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, and Muay Thai. Later, I earned two certifications in Krav Maga and began weapons training.
Life has repeatedly proven that defense thinking is the key to survival. Based on recent research, my combat training experiences, and what I like to call radical belonging theory, I've developed a defense thinking framework central to my programs.
Everything I teach must remain based on research-driven trauma-informed pedagogy practices. Through RECON NIGHT, I seek to bring together thought leaders from law enforcement, military, mental health, and martial arts arenas to empower people, increase their sense of belonging and educate them with in-the-moment skills that help save lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking the leap into this industry has been my biggest accomplishment. After eight years in the fight world and a three-year journey into Krav Maga, weapons and defense training, I realized I could help people live safer lives. After seeing shooting after shooting on the news, I knew I had to do something.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner, you have to take decisive action without always knowing how everything will play out. Having to make hard decisions every day and being responsible for the outcomes can be difficult.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn to fail fast and often.
- Be curious and always have an open stance.
- Let play and adventure fuel your work–enjoy the ride.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.reconnight.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RECONNIGHTTD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recon-night/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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