Meet Our Team
Forest Meadows - Managing Partner / Director of Operations
forest@fttandt.com
Forest joined FT3 Tactical in January 2016 after honorably retiring from a 20-year career in law enforcement in 2015 as a police commander with a Southern California Police Agency. Forest lives in Orange County and loves traveling, hiking, working out , shooting, the beach, spending time with his friends and his son, listening to Depeche Mode and going to Angels baseball games. Forest has a passion for learning and teaching. He loves being a part of FT3 Tactical and is proud of the entire team and the professional, safe and welcoming environment they have created!
Michael Hernandez - Range Manager
michael@fttandt.com
Michael has been with FT3 since 2014 starting as an RSO and instructor. A native Californian, Michael has decades of experience teaching and working with firearms. Michael is the Chief Range Safety Officer and holds NRA Instructor Certifications for Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Protection Inside the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, and In-Home Firearm Safety. When Michael is not at FT3 or teaching classes, he enjoys traveling with his wife of 30 years. He is also an avid student of U.S. and World History. In his down time he teaches, tinkers with firearms and relaxes with close friends.
Carla Amador - Human Resource and Office Manager
carla@fttandt.com
Carla has been with FT3 Tactical family since September of 2012 after many years of working as a Case Manager helping our youth in the community prepare for the work force and furthering their education. She is a native of Los Angeles County and currently resides in Corona. She enjoys outdoor activities, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren and family. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time for a little range therapy!
Dan Alexander - Building and Facilities Manager
dana@fttandt.com
Dan joined FT3 in 2024 as the dedicated Facilities Manager. He brings a diverse background in public service. Born and raised in Utah, he began in firefighting before enlisting in the United States Air Force, which eventually brought him to California. With over 10 years in the medical industry and a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management, Dan combines strong leadership, problem-solving, and a deep commitment to excellence to keep the range running smoothly and safely.
A lifelong firearms enthusiast and current firearms instructor, Dan brings a passion for training and responsible ownership. He’s proud to help foster a safe and welcoming environment for both employees and guests. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, off-roading, and spending time with his family.
Mary Cleghorn - Assistant Range Manager - Law Enforcement Liaison, Instructor and Events Coordinator
maryc@fttandt.com
Mary joined FT3 as a Range Safety Officer and Firearms Instructor in 2022. Since then, her role has expanded to include Law Enforcement Liaison, Instructor and Events Coordinator, and Assistant Range Manager. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and NRA certifications as an Instructor for Pistol, Personal Protection Inside and Outside the Home, and Range Safety Officer. With a passion for customer service, Mary specializes in working with federal & state agencies, local law enforcement, and outside firearms instructors. Outside of work, Mary enjoys reading, cultivating marksmanship skills and spending time in nature.
Robert “Bob” Smith - Assistant Manager
bob@fttandt.com
Bob joined FT3 Tactical in October 2016, following a 40-year career in Specialty Retail Management. He is a United States Air Force veteran and has lived in Orange County since 1974 where he and his wife have raised a family. Bob spent 16 years actively competing as a member of the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) and an additional five years competing in Western Three-Gun and Action Pistol Matches. He actively participates in outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, camping, horseback riding and golfing.
Julie Manapat - Assistant Manager
julie@fttandt.com
Julie joined FT3 Tactical in April of 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Following her degree, she gained experience in the bail bonds industry before joining FT3. Julie holds NRA certifications for RSO and Pistol Instructor. She is a native of California and resides in Los Angeles County with her beloved dog, Bambi. She is a massive “sneaker head” and often highlights her shoes at work. Julie loves dogs, firearms, great food and spending time with her family and friends.
Bryce Melendez - Assistant Manager
bryce@fttandt.com
Bryce joined FT3 Tactical in April of 2017. At an early age he took an interest in firearms from inspirations by his Father, Uncles, and Grandpa. He grew up shooting clays, and playing with paintball, airsoft, nerf, and BB guns. Furthering his passion for firearms Bryce is also a Range Safety Officer, Firearms Instructor, and competive shooter. In his free time he also loves doing Jiu Jitsu, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and spending time with close friends and family.
Fred Sunio - Assistant Range Manager
freds@fttandt.com
Fred joined FT3 as a Range Safety Officer in 2022. With a wealth of retail firearms industry experience and shooting background since childhood he was a natural move up to Assistant Range Manager.
Fred is a native California kid - born and raised in Northern California, moved to Southern California for college to get his degree and never left. He has always found the range to be his happy place! In his off time Fred enjoys hiking. He is proud father of a son who is excelling in the medical industry.
Vanessa Sapinoso - Assistant Range Manager
vanessas@fttandt.com
Vanessa joined FT3 Tactical in 2025 as our the newest Assistant Range Manager. Raised in San Diego, she earned her associate's degree in Administration of Justice and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Forensic Psychology at Grand Canyon University. Her family inspired her to enter firearms industry. She was taught to handle firearms responsibly at the age of 10. In her free time, Vanessa enjoys visiting the beach, spending time with family and friends, and exploring new destinations. One of her favorite shooting experiences occurred in the Philippines, where she successfully shot down several mangoes dangling from a single stem, approximately 20 yards away and two stories high! Just ask about my mango story, and she can show a video!