Meet Our Team
Forest Meadows - 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 26 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!
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 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.
John Daleiden - Assistant Manager
John joined FT3 Tactical in April 2022. Prior to FT3 he enjoyed careers in Banking and Restaurant Management. John is married and has three children. In his spare time he likes to precision reload and compete in mid-range precision rifle matches. He also enjoys reading, going to church, and spending quality time with his wife and kids.