In this installment of Gal Gab, former Top Shot contestant and Walther pro shooter Gabby Franco answers our six standard questions. Gabby is an Army wife, mother, author, instructor and former Olympian. She uses her 25 years of experience as a competitive shooter and instructor as a platform to educate people via both live and virtual training across the US. Gabby is a powerful advocate for the 2nd Amendment and shooting sports.
Beyond all of her professional cred, we are big fans of Gabby here at Women’s Outdoor News because she is always real. Even with all of her incredible accolades, she is genuine and down-to-earth. Gabby contributes regularly to our publication, often creating content centered around promoting and empowering women in the firearms industry and shooting sports realm.
Gabby is not just focused on promoting women in the firearms field; she volunteers her time coaching disabled veterans, trained several wounded veterans with the Epic Warriors Foundation and wives of the Special Forces Community with the Special Forces Charitable Trust. Keep reading to find out more about this incredible woman.
1. Describe a typical day in your work life:
I wake up early in the morning at about 5am and work out. I plan for my daily tasks, take care of writing and responding to emails. Take care of my son, David. Working on many exciting projects!
2. #1 piece of advice you would give other females who want to break into the industry?
Be yourself! It is very important that you are genuine. If you don’t know something, I think it’s very important to say “I don’t know, can you teach me?” Don’t try to be the “bad girl” who knows everything and is trying to compete with the guys. Your strength will be knowing who you are, and understanding what you know and don’t know (and what you can ask for help on).
3. What motivates you?
This is a simple answer: my son, David. I always aim to show him how to overcome challenges, focus on possibilities and believe in himself. My goal is not to show success as solely a product of hard work. Instead, I want David to understand that success comes mostly from many challenges and failures. These challenges and failures are important because they strengthen our minds and souls, and prepare us to deal with the responsibility that often comes along with achieving success.
4. Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
How embracing this industry can be. It has been overwhelming how welcoming and friendly people are in this industry. The comradery is super cool.
5. Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
The Walther PDP F-Series pistol! (In fact, Gabby played in a role in the development of this particular firearm. She, along with some other ladies, were asked to shoot the F-Series prototype and give feedback on the pistol designed for women and people with smaller hands. She tells us about that experience in this post, and also came up with three drills to use when practicing with the Walther PDP F-Series pistol.)
6. Let’s have some fun … what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
A bazooka! (And we don’t think she means of the bubblegum variety …)
Gabby’s website is the place to find out more about her books and training, as well as read her blog. Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. She often posts about her current projects at work, and is never shy to voice her opinion on matters – especially those that threaten shooting sports and the 2nd Amendment!
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
