Nick, tell us a bit about yourself
I live in LeMars, Iowa, in the same town I grew up in. I have two kids and two stepchildren and our dog Molly. I’ve been with my better half and number one supporter for four years now and I couldn’t do what I love to do without her. When I’m not shooting our youngest two boys race dirt bikes which keeps us very busy. I also enjoy mountain biking, Crossfit and attending car shows.
What age were you when you started shooting, and who taught you?
I was 14-years old when I started shooting but I didn’t become heavily involved in the sport until I was 25. My dad was the one who taught me everything I know about shooting. We always joke about how I never listened to him as kid, but when I started shooting competitively, which was 15 years ago now, I listened to everything he said and still do to this day. I’ve never doubted a word he has told me, he’s been shooting for a long time with lots of success so when he talks, I listen.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from shooting?
Hard work and determination will always pay off in the end. Set goals and never lose focus on them.
Who has been your biggest influence in shooting, and why?
That has to be my dad. From my first match to now he’s always been there to teach me everything he knows about shooting and everything else to be honest. He’s had tons of success and I know he wants the same success for me.
Why did you choose to specialize in practical pistol?
I was hooked on it from my first match. I love the challenge each course presents whether its big or small, it’s all on you and your ability to figure it all out. Plus that adrenaline rush you get at the start signal is like nothing else!
Tell us about your competition set up.
My competition set up includes a Double Alpha holster and magazine pouches, which hold my custom 9mm open gun with its STI frame, KKM barrel, Phoenix Trinity grips and C-More RTS2 optic. My MBX magazines house my Hornady ammo that I load with Hodgdon HS6 powder, Winchester primers and Hornady 115g HAP bullets, all in Hornady brass.
How do you prepare for a competition?
Practice as much as I can, so that the shooting just happens and my mind can focus on all the other things it needs during the stage, like where’s my next target, are my feet in the right spot, I need to reload now, and the hundred other things that go through my head.
What has been your greatest achievement, and what are your goals?
I’ve managed to win Area 3 Champion several years in a row, which is pretty awesome. I want to continue to improve, but also to help grow the sport. I would love to become one of the few father and son Grand Masters in United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA)!
How long have you been a Hornady shooter?
I believe it’s been ten years now. The reliability and accuracy of my Hornady ammo is amazing! It’s the one thing I never need to worry about letting me down.
