About Us
Meet the team behind Apache Solutions Firearms Training.
Tim Kelly
Owner & Lead InstructorTim Kelly is the owner of Apache Solutions Firearms Training in Yadkinville, NC. Tim started Apache in 2017 with the intention of creating a stronger and more competent armed society. He recognized the need for safe and effective firearms training in his community and structured his business accordingly.
Apache specializes in individual private sessions and teaches over 1000 hours of private sessions throughout each year. A dedicated husband and father, Tim has a strong desire to lead and help others achieve their goals.
Major Accomplishments
- OEF Combat Veteran, United States Marine Corps (2005-2013)
- Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering (2016)
- GSSF Master Shooter (2018)
- NRA Training Counselor (2019-present)
- Top Shooter, Handgun Combatives Certified Instructor, 1/21 in the nation (2019, 2020)
- Rangemaster Certified Professional Pistolcraft Instructor (2023)
- Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship at American Military University (2025)
- Author of: Your World Is Not A Gun-Free Zone (2025)
Our Team of Instructors
Dedicated professionals committed to building a competent armed society.
Derek Watkins
Full-Time InstructorDerek joined Apache in 2021 and worked his way through the apprenticeship program, becoming a full-time instructor in 2023. Originally from Oak Island, NC, he's passionate about teaching and helping people achieve their goals through tailored instruction.
Major Accomplishments:
- Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft Instructor
- Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor
- Top 3 finisher in all Rangemaster Instructor classes
- Active Response Training Close Quarters Instructor
- Teaches 1000+ hours per year in private sessions
Derek Wright
Professional Pistolcraft InstructorProtective Pistolcraft and Shotgun Instructor certified through Rangemaster, and a graduate of the Apache Instructor Enrichment Program. He maintains his annual instructor ratings for NRA (Basics of Pistol and RSO), and the North Carolina Department of Justice to teach North Carolina Concealed Carry. He also holds numerous additional certifications, reflecting a strong commitment to ongoing education and responsible instruction.
Through Apache Solutions LLC, Derek focuses on empowering everyday, law-abiding citizens with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to safely carry and responsibly defend themselves. His training emphasizes safe gun handling, practical decision-making, and understanding the serious responsibility that comes with concealed carry. Derek believes informed, well-trained citizens are a critical part of personal and community safety.
Certifications:
- Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft Instructor
- NRA Basics of Pistol & RSO
- NC Department of Justice Concealed Carry Instructor
Dan Brady
Law Enforcement Firearms InstructorA career law enforcement officer with 25+ years of experience and 20+ years as an active firearms instructor, Dan approaches teaching with deep knowledge of Adult Learning Theory, Motor Learning Processes, and performance-based methods.
Expertise:
- 20+ years law enforcement firearms instruction
- 10+ years civilian firearms instruction
- Subject matter expert in defensive white light use
David Church
Apache Handgun InstructorAn Apache handgun instructor since March 2020, David's goal is to help develop essential skills that may one day save lives. Beyond firearms, he's a self-employed entrepreneur, avid rock climber, and triathlon runner.
Certifications:
- Rangemaster Professional Pistolcraft Instructor
- Defense Training International Instructor
- NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
Teresa Kelly
Co-Owner & Certified InstructorCo-owner of Apache Solutions LLC, Teresa has trained with renowned instructors including Tatiana Whitlock and Tom Givens. She's passionate about building community and empowering women through firearms training and education.
Certifications:
- Rangemaster Certified Pistol Instructor
- DTI-Certified Instructor
- CPR, AED, and NRA RSO Certified
Wes Matthews
Rescue Services & Firearms InstructorAffiliated with the Yadkin County Rescue Squad, Wes provides specialized rescue services and supports emergency medical operations while sharing his firearms expertise through instruction.
Certifications:
- Rangemaster Advanced Pistol Instructor
- Rangemaster Shotgun Instructor
- EMR (Emergency Medical Responder)
Patrice Nye
Apprentice InstructorTraining with Apache for five years, Patrice progressed from never handling a weapon to pursuing the Assistant Instructor track. A Banking Compliance professional by day, she's passionate about educating a responsibly armed citizenry.
About Patrice:
Writer, runner, foodie, traveler, and huntress committed to training and education.
Zack Halstead
Marine Corps Veteran & InstructorA Marine Corps veteran turned Law Enforcement Officer, Zack brings discipline and precision to his instruction. Apache instructor since 2023, he's driven by integrity and commitment to creating a better armed society.
Certifications:
- Rangemaster Advanced Certified Pistol Instructor
- Marine Corps Veteran
- Law Enforcement Officer
Nancy Caron
Apache InstructorNancy Caron joined the Apache cadre in 2025 after completing our Apache instructor apprentice program. She has a passion for helping others become the best version of themselves through education and mentoring.
Certifications & Achievements:
- Rangemaster Advanced Instructor
- IEP graduate
- First female RACC graduate
- 20 years as Registered Nurse
- Retired PGA Class A Golf Professional
Rodney White
Apache InstructorRodney White brings over a decade of retail management experience, during which he regularly educated and led groups of up to 70 individuals at a time. After obtaining his concealed carry permit, Rodney recognized a gap between his personal standards and the training options available. This realization led him to begin training with Apache.
After several years of dedicated development, Rodney pursued instructor credentials, first earning certification through the NRA and later achieving Rangemaster Instructor certification. He has trained with a wide range of nationally recognized instructors, including Tatiana Whitlock, VIGR Training, Dave Spaulding, and John Murphy, among others.
Rodney is passionate about leadership and coaching new shooters and is committed to supporting Apache's mission of building a more capable, confident, and responsible armed community.
Legacy Members of the Apache Instructor Cadre
Honored ContributorsThese names have contributed heavily to shaping our company. Their dedication and expertise continue to inspire us. Some still contribute, others have moved on, but ALL are our family.
- Greg Sidden
- Frank Horvath
- Joel Hardison
- Ryan Okeefe
- Landon Nelson
- Scott Foster
- Dawn Cheek
- Zach Cox
- Jessie Fletcher
- Josh Cook
Why the Name Apache?
An excerpt from Tim's journal — May 19, 2022
I get this question frequently and fail to elaborate it as well as I can on paper. So, why not just share an excerpt from my journal discussing how and why Apache got its name.
The callsign for my last squad was Apache IV. I took great pride in this band of degenerates. We fought together, bled, laughed, and cried together. Shared experiences that I will NEVER experience again with another human being. We were a small family. I led my squad and strived to stand by the Golden rule. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
I also never adopted the "I love me" mentality that many around me had done. Taking pride in yourself is one thing but, as a leader, I took greater pride in my Marines' accomplishments and guided them through their mistakes instead of forcing paperwork and senseless punishments that did nothing to benefit their growth as a man or a Marine. Instead of one man getting all the credit and advancing, I believed in helping my Marines succeed to the best of my abilities and advancing as a team.
That deployment to Afghanistan was one of the best/worst times of my life.
It was only made the best because of my squad of Marines. No matter how difficult it would get for me, their loyalty NEVER left. Even when we watched other Marines turn on each other. No matter if I made a mistake, or an accomplishment, THEY STOOD BY ME when no one else would. Even coming home to public figures and politicians turning their backs on us as a Battalion. Our own command disowning some of our own men who fought and bled with us without blinking an eye, much less admitting to their own faults. Apache IV never budged. We knew that if we stuck together, ALL of us would make it through.
This is what needed to be re-created. A place for others to succeed and be a part of a real change. To go against the grain and to stand for something even though many doubt and stand against you. A different fight but, a fight still.
Our community had a hole in it. And a massive gap of misinformation and a new standard that needed to be made. Some would say that I am talking about Quality Firearms Instruction but, that is just the catalyst. This is about making a change and setting a standard for others to follow.
It is about helping others work through problems be it with carrying a handgun or dealing with their problem with school or work. Helping that afraid single-mother running from a crazed ex-husband who is stalking her and threatening her. Not just teaching her to use a gun but, empowering her with data driven, street-proven knowledge and skill that may help her save her own life.
Helping others realize that there may be no one coming to save you but, WE are here to make sure you can save yourself. We needed a team of competent, qualified, humble, and resilient leaders to stand by each other and make a difference. That is why I chose the name Apache.
Apache now has grown to nearly a dozen instructors with several coming up through our apprenticeship program. Together, we have taught over 4,000 students in the last 3 years, built a range, classroom, and pro-shop. I am proud to say, even if it is only in the small community of Yadkin County, NC., we are making a difference.
