Built by people who had to be ready — for people who intend to be.

Gregory J. Hoover is the owner and operator of Ember & Iron Outfitters, bringing decades of experience in leadership, firearms instruction, outdoor education, safety, and natural resource management to the company. Instruction is delivered personally — you deal with the same person who answers the phone, teaches the course, and stands behind the work.

A retired United States Marine, Greg served for 20 years in a variety of leadership and instructional assignments. His experience included serving as a Close Quarters Battle Instructor, Primary Marksmanship Instructor, and Mountain Warfare Instructor. Throughout his military career, he had the opportunity to train Marines and other professionals in firearms, mountain operations, leadership, and the practical skills needed to perform safely in demanding environments.

Following his military service, Greg continued his work as an educator and leader. He spent more than a decade teaching wilderness education and outdoor leadership at Lake Tahoe Community College and currently works in safety and safety and training program management with the Nevada Department of Forestry. His professional background also includes natural resource management, wildlife conservation, workplace safety, emergency management, risk management, and firearms range operations.

Greg holds a Master of Natural Resource Management, a Graduate Certificate in Fish & Wildlife Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and Ecology. He is also continuing his education in firearms technology through the Sonoran Desert Institute. His professional training includes numerous military and civilian instructor programs in firearms, marksmanship, range safety, emergency medicine, occupational safety, and instructional development.

Greg founded Ember & Iron to provide practical, professional instruction in firearms, wilderness survival, land navigation, preparedness, and outdoor leadership. His approach emphasizes fundamentals, safety, sound decision-making, and hands-on learning rather than simply collecting equipment or completing a course.

Whether working with someone handling a firearm for the first time, improving their backcountry skills, or preparing for unexpected situations, Greg’s goal is straightforward: give people useful skills, build their confidence, and help them become better prepared to take care of themselves and others.