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??Sometimes, We Are Our Own Greatest Obstacle….My ego nearly cost me everything?? Let me share something many of you don’t know about my journey. Most know about my 32 years in service—Marine Corps Officer, law enforcement officer, and detective—but before earning my commission, I was a police officer and detective. I thought my law enforcement experience gave me an edge when I joined the Marines. I was confident in my firearms skills—maybe too confident. The truth? I was painfully unprepared. I was an average pistol shooter at best, and I had never shot a rifle. In my early police career, we qualified on shotguns, but the standards were low. If the instructor heard the steel plates ring, you passed. I didn’t realize how untrained I was until I faced the Marine Corps Rifle Qualification. In the Marines, every Marine is a rifleman—no exceptions. I struggled. I was embarrassed. Here I was, an experienced police officer, failing to qualify. My ego took a hit. I almost let fear and pride stop me from asking for help. Then, a young Marine Corporal stepped in. He observed that I was left-eye dominant. Shooting a rifle on my right side had been holding me back. He taught me how to adjust, coached me through every step, and refused to let me fail. By the end of the training, I had not only qualified but earned Rifle Expert. Here’s the leadership lesson: Rank doesn’t make you immune to growth. I outranked every instructor on that range, but I had to drop my ego and embrace their expertise. Their mission wasn’t to let me fail—it was to ensure I succeeded. Fast forward to today, I see a parallel in law enforcement leadership. Too many leaders let fear, ego, and pride keep them from accepting their own blind spots. True leadership isn’t about your title; it’s about your willingness to grow, learn, and serve those you lead. The Marine Corps provided me with nearly a year of world-class leadership training. When was the last time you received great leadership training? That’s the question we need to ask. Leadership isn’t a trait you’re born with—it’s a skill that must be developed and sharpened. I know many in policing are hungry for better leadership but don’t know where to start. Some may have given up. But I haven’t. I believe we can work with forward-thinking, open-minded police executives to equip them with the leadership tools they need to create thriving organizations. If you’re reading this and you know there’s room to grow, don’t let ego stop you. Great leaders put the mission and their people above their pride. True leaders don’t accept “good enough.” They strive to be A Different Breed. #LeadershipMatters #LawEnforcement #ADifferentBreed #ADBTraining

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??Does America Value Its Police Officers? Let’s have an honest conversation:??? Does America truly value its police officers???? Does it prioritize their safety and well-being???? And perhaps most importantly, do police officers understand their own value? After 32 years of service—in the military, law enforcement, and as a business owner—I’ve seen a troubling trend. Many in law enforcement, and public service as a whole, undervalue themselves. As we prepare to launch A Different Breed Training Company & Community, this reality has become even clearer. In interviewing law enforcement instructors—some of the most skilled, experienced, and driven individuals you’ll meet—we’ve noticed a recurring theme: They wildly underestimate their own worth. The Reality When we ask instructors their rates, they often set the bar shockingly low. So low, in fact, that we end up paying them significantly more than what they request. And here’s the kicker—we still feel like we’re getting a great deal! Why is this happening? Why do so many in law enforcement not recognize their immense value? What’s the Message? This undervaluation doesn’t come from nowhere. It’s a reflection of the messages officers hear every day:??? From the public: Are they treated as heroes, or are they constantly criticized???? From government leaders: Are they supported with real resources, or treated as expendable???? From their own agencies: Are they invested in, or told to simply “make do”? Let’s be clear: Law enforcement officers are not replaceable parts. They’re skilled problem-solvers, creative thinkers, and protectors who face daily risks to keep others safe. The Cost of Undervaluing Officers When officers don’t understand their worth:??? Morale takes a hit.??? Recruitment and retention become impossible.??? The profession struggles to attract and keep the best talent. This isn’t just about paychecks. It’s about leadership, culture, and messaging. Time to Change the Narrative At A Different Breed Training Company & Community, we’re committed to shifting this mindset by: 1. Paying officers what they’re worth—because they deserve it. 2. Celebrating their contributions to society. 3. Building a culture of excellence that reminds them of their critical role. If police officers don’t value themselves, how can we expect anyone else to? My Question to You ?? To officers: Do you understand your value? Are you demanding the respect, training, and resources you deserve???? To leaders and policymakers: What message are you sending your officers? Are you lifting them up—or holding them back? It’s time to stop undervaluing the men and women who dedicate their lives to public safety. America needs its officers—let’s start acting like it. #ADifferentBreed #LeadershipMatters #SupportOurOfficers #ADBTraining