Our Team

The PFFTA team is made up of experienced instructors and professionals committed to creating a safe, challenging, and welcoming environment. From firearms and defensive training to hands-on experiences and scenario-based instruction, our team brings different skill sets together under one roof to help every guest train, grow, and experience something different.

Highly Accomplished Professional in Security and Law Enforcement

  • Certified Protection Professional (CPP), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) - a prestigious certification in security management with advanced tactical training

  • NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor - certified to train law enforcement in firearms expertise

  • Pennsylvania State Certified Instructor (Lethal Weapons Training Act 235) with specialized certifications in:

    • Active Shooter Response Training

    • Handcuffing, OC & Baton Instruction

    • Hand-to-Hand Combat Skills Instruction

    • Combat Firearms Training

    • Academic Instruction

  • Former Police Officer with a proven track record of service and leadership

  • Member, American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) - demonstrating commitment to excellence in security management

  • Extensive Training Experience: Skilled in teaching high-pressure tactics, including active shooter response, defensive tactics, and firearms combat training

  • Leader in Security Education: Equipped to provide top-tier training and guidance in security protocols, crisis management, and law enforcement best practices

Instructor Michael Hall


Marlo N. Leaks is a security operations executive with nearly 20 years of experience in physical security, executive protection, and operational leadership across private, government, and institutional environments. As Director of Operations at Ingage Security Services, she leads security strategy, staff training, and crisis response planning, including tactical training and compliance initiatives in coordination with law enforcement and regulatory agencies. She is a certified firearms instructor with qualifications as an NRA Firearms Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, and NRA Law Enforcement Pistol & Shotgun Instructor. Additionally, she has expertise in combat training as a Handcuffing/Expandable Baton/Pepper Spray/Defense Tactics Instructor. Marlo is also a Licensed Real Estate Agent (NJ), Executive Protection Certified, CPR/First Aid/AED Certified, a Notary Public (NJ), and holds prior federal security clearance.

Instructor MARLO LEAKS

Instructor Frank Manning

With over a decade of combat and tactical training experience, Frank Manning brings real-world operational knowledge, instructional expertise, and proven leadership to PFFTA. Since 2016, he has served as a Firearms Instructor, Martial Arts Instructor, Foreign Weapons Instructor, and Combat Marksmanship Trainer, training military personnel, civilians, and Department of Defense employees.

Frank completed two operational deployments to Afghanistan, gaining firsthand experience applying his skills in demanding, high-stress environments. His training goes beyond standard qualification drills, emphasizing strong fundamentals, situational awareness, disciplined movement, adaptability, and confident performance under pressure.

Frank’s goal is to develop capable individuals through realistic training and repetition, building skills that remain effective when they matter most.

Mission Statement:
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. My goal is to engrain skills so deeply that they become muscle memory—instinctive actions requiring no hesitation when it matters most.”

INSTRUCTOR BYRON FRANKLIN

With over 14 years of experience as a full-time firearms instructor and event security coordinator, Byron Franklin brings practical expertise and a commitment to helping others become their own first line of defense.

Byron has trained thousands of civilians, law enforcement officers, armed guards, and corporate teams nationwide. His instruction emphasizes strong fundamentals, situational awareness, and sound decision-making under pressure. His security experience spans private functions and large public events, with a focus on professionalism and discretion.

Professional Certifications & Qualifications

NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor, Combat Pistol Instructor, Stop the Bleed Instructor, OC Spray, Handcuffing & Baton Instructor, Firearms-Based Team Building Facilitator, Pennsylvania State Certified Agent

“Equip. Empower. Elevate.”

Train with purpose. Protect what matters. Grow in confidence.

Charles is a Certified Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer with experience in government contract work supporting the Department of Defense and a current contract supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration. His training background includes rifle and pistol courses, Introduction to CQB, and First Aid and CPR certification.

At PFFTA, Charles is known for his calm, clear approach that helps students build confidence without intimidation. His instruction emphasizes safe handling, strong fundamentals, situational awareness, and responsible decision-making, welcoming first-time shooters and experienced students alike.

His mission is simple: every responsible citizen deserves access to professional, safety-first firearms training—without the ego.

Instructor Charles Woodring


INSTRUCTOR STANFORD MARTIN JR.

At 23, Stanford Martin Jr. is the owner of Philly Tactical, with a training foundation shaped by his father, a police and firearms instructor with over 40 years of experience. Watching his father teach and training alongside his father’s peers with backgrounds in the Military, Secret Service, and SWAT helped establish his respect for discipline, safety, and continued learning.

An NRA Life Member, Stanford’s credentials include Pistol Instructor, NJ CCARE Instructor, U.S. LawShield Instructor, and NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor. He also holds Stop the Bleed certification. Through private pistol instruction, concealed carry preparation, and his work with PFFTA, he helps students build strong fundamentals, confidence, and responsible habits through a direct, approachable teaching style.