Gary Pittman – Owner/President
Gary began his interest in firearms at a young age. As an avid hunter, both with a bow and with long guns. Gary later enlisted in the United States Military in 1986, where he excelled in firearms, mostly with his M-16.
After returning home, he continued his desire to serve, but in another capacity. Gary joined his hometown volunteer fire department, where he trained as an EMT. Later Gary would become a trauma medic in his hometown area hospital. And then Gary had a new calling, this time in a different direction. Gary moved to Nashville, TN., where he pursued a professional singer-songwriter career for the next 20 plus years.
After moving to Florida in 2012, his focus shifted to firearms safety/education. Gary is an NRA Certified Instructor and with that has created SPLIT 2ND TRAINING LLC. Voted Florida’s favorite concealed weapons training course.
Nick Nagle – Director of Operations
In 2008 Nick decided that he wanted to expand his mission to protect and serve so he joined the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary, which he is still actively a member. Nick has also advanced his knowledge with additional training and studies of self-defense techniques, safe weapons use, and home protection. He uses these skills to assist in the development of curriculum and training for S2T.
Nick currently holds certifications in NRA Pistol & NRA Home Firearm Safety. Nick is also a husband and father of 3 handsome boys!
Rob Sabo – Instructor
Originally from Connecticut, Rob moved to Florida at the age of 17. He has been here for over 40 years. Rob served in the United States Air Force from 1979-1983. He then spent the better part of 25 years running Sabo’s Italian family restaurant. But it was while in the Air Force that he began his interest in hunting, target shooting, and self-defense. Robert witnessed his dad and brother get held up at gunpoint. He then shifted his focus to self-defense and joined the Split 2nd Training family to help educate as many people as possible. Rob is also a Certified NRA Instructor
Walt Key – Instructor
Walt is a 21-year military veteran with significant experience in Naval Special Warfare and Expeditionary warfare. Walt has been in multiple combat deployments. He has attended and successfully completed courses in military shooting, small unit tactics, Blackwater/Academi Customized Naval Special Warfare Shooting. Walt is an NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer. Walt graduated from the NRA’s Range Development & Operations Course as well as a Distinguished Graduate of Front Sight Firearms Academy 4-Day Defense Pistol.
AJ Hutcinson – Instructor
AJ grew up in Louisville, KY in an anti-gun household. His first experience with firearms was in 1997 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps infantry. Since then, he served 12 years active in the Marine Corps and 2 years in the FL Army National Guard.
While in service, AJ deployed 5 times, 2 of which were combat deployments to Al Anbar Providence, Iraq with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn. He also qualified numerous times as a pistol and rifle expert. One of his favorite experiences was being the Range Safety Officer and marksmanship trainer at Twentynine Palms, CA when he realized teaching firearms basics, safety, marksmanship and advanced tactics was his calling. He has been an NRA instructor since 2013, and is certified in pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, and home firearm safety. He has taught all levels from combat experienced Marines to Scouts (both boy and girl) who have never seen a firearm, and he’s looking forward to teaching you!