– TRIGGER TALENT –

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

The Most Experienced and Qualified Instructors in the Business

The quality of your concealed carry training depends heavily on the experience and knowledge of your instructors. At Trigger Talent, our students learn from a team of highly qualified firearms professionals with more than 90 years of combined experience in competitive shooting, tactical training, firearm safety, and concealed carry education.

Our instructors are certified by the National Rifle Association (NRA), Illinois State Police, and the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), providing students with professional instruction that exceeds minimum state requirements.

Whether you are new to firearms or an experienced shooter seeking advanced skills, Trigger Talent instructors are committed to helping you become a safer, more knowledgeable, and more confident firearm owner.

Mark Maggos - Chief Instructor

Mark Maggos

Chief Instructor

Mark Maggos is one of the most highly credentialed firearms instructors in the region and has been training responsible firearm owners for decades. As the founder and Chief Instructor of Trigger Talent, Mark brings an unmatched combination of competitive shooting experience, advanced firearms training, and instructional expertise.

Mark has competed with handguns for more than 50 years in:

  • Metallic Silhouette Competition
  • Long-Range Handgun Competition
  • Bullseye Shooting
  • International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)

Throughout his career, Mark has trained with America’s Special Forces personnel and elite military instructors while continually expanding his knowledge through advanced firearms education and ongoing training.

Professional Certifications

National Rifle Association (NRA)

  • NRA Instructor since 1998
  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Basic Rifle Instructor
  • NRA Basic Shotgun Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor
  • NRA Range Safety Officer

State & National Certifications

  • Illinois State Police Certified Concealed Carry Instructor
  • USCCA Certified Instructor
  • Refuse To Be A Victim (RTBAV) Certified Instructor
  • Trained in Shooting and Tactics by America’s Special Forces and Police SWAT Members

Mark’s dedication to firearms education, safety, and continuous learning has helped thousands of students successfully obtain their concealed carry licenses while developing the skills necessary for responsible firearm ownership.

Allison Vandersand - Firearms Instructor

Allison Vandersand

Firearms Instructor

Allison Vandersand is dedicated to helping students of all experience levels develop the knowledge and confidence necessary to safely and responsibly carry a firearm. Her approachable teaching style makes her especially effective at helping new shooters feel comfortable and confident throughout the training process.

Allison is highly trained in personal protection, firearm safety, and defensive handgun instruction.

Professional Certifications

  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor
  • NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor
  • NRA Range Safety Officer
  • Illinois State Police Certified Concealed Carry Instructor

Her commitment to education and safety helps ensure students receive a positive, informative, and supportive training experience.

Gene Flowers - Firearms Instructor

Gene Flowers

Firearms Instructor

Gene Flowers brings extensive competitive shooting experience and firearms expertise to Trigger Talent. As a local, state, and national shooting champion, Gene provides students with practical insights gained through years of high-level competition and firearm training.

His teaching style focuses on firearm safety, marksmanship fundamentals, and helping students develop confidence through proper technique and training.

Professional Certifications

  • NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
  • NRA Range Safety Officer
  • Illinois State Police Certified Concealed Carry Instructor

Gene’s competitive shooting background provides students with valuable instruction in accuracy, firearm control, and practical handgun skills.

Why Our Instructors Make the Difference

At Trigger Talent, we believe experience matters. Our instructional team combines competitive shooting success, advanced firearms education, defensive handgun expertise, and decades of real-world training experience.

When you train with Trigger Talent, you’re learning from professionals who are passionate about firearm safety, responsible concealed carry, and helping students become confident, capable firearm owners.

Trigger Talent Instructor Advantages

✔ More than 90 years of combined firearms experience

✔ Nationally recognized certifications

✔ Illinois State Police Certified Instructors

✔ NRA Certified Instructors

✔ USCCA Certified Instruction

✔ Championship-level shooting experience

✔ Perfect safety record

✔ More than 5,500 students trained

✔ Beginner-friendly and advanced training options

Train With The Best

Ready to learn from some of Illinois’ most experienced concealed carry instructors? Join Trigger Talent for an upcoming Concealed Carry Class, Renewal Course, or Defensive Handgun Training session and experience the difference professional instruction can make.