OUR MISSION
Heritage Defense Group exists to equip everyday people, through professional, values-based firearms and personal defense training, to defend what matters most — their faith, their family, and their heritage.
MEET THE TEAM
GABE GONZALEZ
Owner, Business Operations Manager
Certified USCCA & NRA Firearms Instructor, RSO
Gabe Gonzalez is an Owner and the Business Operations Manager of Heritage Defense Group, where he oversees organizational strategy, program development, and day-to-day operations. With extensive firearms training experience and a strong foundation in practical defensive skills, Gabe plays a key role in shaping HDG’s mission and ensuring its training programs deliver real-world value.
Gabe is deeply passionate about teaching others—especially families—how to protect themselves, make confident decisions under pressure, and stay prepared for real-world situations. His leadership blends tactical knowledge with a commitment to empowering individuals through clear, accessible, and effective training.
Working alongside his father and Co-Founder, Eddie Gonzalez, Gabe is dedicated to equipping the HDG community with the skills and mindset necessary to defend their homes, loved ones, and way of life.
EDDIE GONZALEZ
Owner, Director of Training Operations
Certified USCCA & NRA Firearms Instructor,
Lead Instructor
Eddie Gonzalez is a United States Marine Corps veteran with extensive experience in firearms instruction and advanced tactical shooting. Over the course of his service and civilian career, he has developed deep expertise in advanced tactical handgun, AR-15, and shotgun applications, along with a wide range of complementary defensive skillsets.
As an Owner and the Director of Training Operations for Heritage Defense Group, Eddie leads the development of all training programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety, skill, and real-world effectiveness. Working alongside his son, Gabe, he is committed to equipping individuals and families with the knowledge, confidence, and capability to protect themselves and those they love.
Eddie is driven by a shared passion for empowering others through responsible, practical, and mission-focused defensive training.
TESTIMONIALS
Araceli M.
I attended the Intro to Defensive Handgun course with Heritage Defense Group, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From start to finish, Eddie created an environment where I felt completely safe, in control, and confident in my abilities. His teaching style is clear, patient, and highly knowledgeable, which made even the more complex concepts easy to understand.
Eddie took the time to ensure I was comfortable with every step of the process, and his attention to detail gave me full trust in him as an instructor. He emphasized safety above all else while still making the training engaging and empowering. By the end of the course, I left with a much stronger understanding of defensive handgun safety and felt genuinely prepared to handle situations responsibly.
I highly recommend Heritage Defense Group to anyone looking for professional, trustworthy, and safety focused handgun training.
Daniel & Rebecca T.
"My wife and I trained with Heritage Defense Group, and the experience was top-tier. Eddie's instruction was clear and patient, and HDG's real-world approach brought the training to another level. We left feeling more confident and capable in a way we never had before."
Jessica M.
"I’ve taken several firearms courses before, but nothing compares to the professionalism and depth of training I received at HDG. Their focus on real-world situations made the drills feel relevant and applicable. This is the kind of training every responsible gun owner should get."
Ryan C.
"Heritage Defense Group exceeded every expectation. From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was friendly, safe, and supportive. Eddie and Gabe are not just incredible instructors—they genuinely care about the people they train. I left more confident, more skilled, and ready for whatever life throws at me."