In this installment of Gal Gab, Avery Skipalis (of our Skip’s Tips series) answers our questions. She is a veteran, business owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, mother and current Active Duty Air Force member. We knew she was a busy and motivated lady (she provides content for GLOCK at The WON), but have even more respect for her, now that we understand her daily schedule!
Avery is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and GLOCK Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and two kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety.
1. Describe a typical day in your work life:
I normally wake up around 6:30 am to be ready for a workout by 7 am. Between 7 and 8:30 am, it’s time for my workout and taking my kids to school. Once I get back to my house, it’s time for my coffee and morning meditation. I clean my home for 30 minutes on days that I have to work. Once I’ve cleaned my home, I then work on my business for an hour to an hour-and-a-half. During this time, I will respond to emails, write out my to-do list and take care of any other task that needs to be accomplished. Once I’ve accomplished that, I listen to 30 minutes of an audiobook or a podcast while getting ready for my full-time job. My full-time job is for the United States Air Force. Due to my position, I have to get to work 30 minutes before everyone else. While I’m on duty for the Air Force, a lot of my time is spent focusing on the quality of life for my team. I also spend a lot of my time training individuals while also ensuring that they have the necessary tools to accomplish the mission. Once my mission is accomplished on the base, I head home. Depending on the day, that may be a 10-12 hour workday. Once I get home, I will tackle any task that I may have missed earlier that must be accomplished that day. Some days, the only time that I have to work on my business is 30 minutes after I get off of work. There are two days a week where I’m off from the Air Force. On those days, I ensure that I take care of my home and run any errands. I set a goal to work on my business for four hours on those days. Those days consist of going to the range, teaching classes, posting on social media, shipping out packages and budgeting (to name a few things).
2. #1 piece of advice you would give other females trying who want to break into the industry?
First, I would let them know that they should have a why. They have to be very clear on their why. If they’re not clear on their why, they can easily lose themselves. People will bring you opportunities and/or invite you into their clique. I would let them know that it’s OK to not fit in, just be yourself and your tribe will find you. There’s someone out there that’s looking for the exact thing that you offer. Why fit in when you were born to stand out? Find what makes you different and stay true to yourself. Never sell your soul for a product. Products come and go, but your integrity should not have a price tag attached to it.
3. What motivates you?
I’m motivated because I want to make this world a better place. I want to be the change that I want to see in the world, and inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and learn new skills. Teaching someone a skill that may be able to save her life if absolutely necessary, motivates me to keep pushing and teaching when I may not feel like it. I’m also motivated when I look at my kids. They inspire me to be a great person and lead by example, because I know that they’re watching me. The world needs to be a better place for them to grow, and someday have kids.
4. Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
That the industry is pretty small. Everyone seems to know everyone. Which can be a good thing and a bad thing.
5. Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
My favorite shooting product in the market right now is my 15-round magazine for my Hellcat from Springfield Armory. I’m loving this product due to the increased capacity that I’m able to have for my conceal carry firearm. I appreciate that Springfield Armory continues to be innovative through the pandemic.
6. Let’s have some fun… what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
I would use my custom Wonder Woman 10.5-inch AR Pistol. I would use this gun because I’m quite sure it gives me superpowers. At least I’m going to say that it does!
Be sure to visit Avery Skipalis’s website here, or see her posts at Women’s Outdoor News, here. She has exceptional shooting and military content on her social media: Facebook & Instagram.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
