More About Skillsmith Training Group
Skillsmith Training Group was founded to bring real and up to date firearms training and tactics to everyday people at an affordable price. Every American citizen has the right to bear arms, but just because you have the right, doesn’t mean you have the skills or knowledge necessary to exercise that right. Robert Heinlein once said “An armed society is a polite society.” And at Skillsmith Training Group, we strongly believe in providing everyone with the skills and knowledge to be able to defend yourself and your loved ones.
Firearms training courses are a dime a dozen, they’re everywhere, so what sets us apart? We are an independently owned and operated small business operated right here out of Castle Rock, CO. That means no federal nonprofit affiliations and we aren’t tied to any shooting range. Which means we can provide this material directly to you, without the need for memberships or other red tape. Our primary goal is to provide you the training you want or need.
Skillsmith Training Group Instructors
Hone Your Craft
Nick Puleo
Lead Instructor/Founder
Nick enlisted in the Air National Guard as a Security Forces Specialist out of high school and quickly found he has a passion for training. Nick joined the unit’s training cadre as an instructor and gained certifications as an instructor in less lethal weapons, Air Force Combatives, and a variety of other disciplines. In 2015 Nick cross trained into the field of Combat Arms and became a firearms instructor, eventually going on to be the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Wing’s entire Combat Arms program. Nick became a Police Officer in 2016 and reached the rank of Corporal. Nick became a field training officer for new officers and expanded his instructor certifications in TASER, crowd control, and eventually became a Colorado POST certified firearms instructor.
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Nick founded Skillsmith Training Group because it combined his two passions of firearms and training, and it allows him to share these passions with members of his community.
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Nick is a nerd who enjoys all things superhero and fantasy, and loves movies. When not working or training, Nick also enjoys outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and spending time with his family.
Bill Idler
Assistant Instructor
Bill decided to join the Air National Guard in 2012 when he wanted a career rather than just a job. Bill got into the Air Force as a Security Forces member and when he got done out of Security Forces training, decided he wanted to pursue that career full time. Bill eventually became a Police Officer in 2019 and continued with his passion with weapons.
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In 2022, Bill transitioned from Security Forces, and got his certificate in the Combat Arms unit, where he quickly became the NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge) of the program, being responsible for training, maintaining all weapons and supervising three other Combat Arms members and mentoring two members to become Combat Arms as well.
In 2022, Bill pursued his passion and became an armorer for Glock, AR-15s and the Dev-Tech 40mm launcher.
