Some of you may already be aware of this but, it seems the Athena Gun Club, a newly built range on Houston’s west side, has already undergone a change in management. Here is a Facebook statement from former CEO John Boyert…
“To all our loyal fans and supporters,
We are saddened to inform you that the Executive team at Athena has parted ways from the organization as of last week. Many of you have followed our progress from the inception of our idea, through the construction progress, and all the way through our Grand Opening earlier this month. We first want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for the support you’ve given us and for making all of our events and milestones so successful.
We founded Athena on the belief that any person from any walk of life, race, gender, or religion is welcome through our doors, whether as an employee or guest, and be treated with the utmost respect. We were extremely proud to hire over 50 employees and that our hiring decisions were based upon finding people with great moral character and a strong work ethic. We were also proud to hire many military and law enforcement veterans and providing them an opportunity to grow and bring leadership values to our organization. Many of you have praised our staff members and we thank you for recognizing their service and abilities.
The reason for our departure is due to a strong difference in opinion with our Board on the direction of the company, our values, and our stance on leadership, staffing, and execution. Because we were unwilling to compromise on our values and key issues in these areas, the Board has demanded our resignation.
While we are disappointed that the Board and new management forced our resignation only a few days after our Grand Opening, we are thankful to you for the support that has and continues to pour in.
Being military combat veterans, service to our country and community is a fundamental part of our identity. We have made many friends and acquaintances through the last several years of developing Athena and look forward to serving our community in other ways again.
Sincerely,
John Boyert & Susan Cho”
Is this a good thing or bad thing? Can someone enlighten me?
To be honest, we aren’t taking a position on it. It is what it is…We don’t have a horse in the race and we don’t know what direction the Board might be taking. Mr. Boyert and his associates made the decision to leave (or at least, the Board forced that decision) and that’s really the only information we have at this time. I will probably visit the facility in the near future to see where they are headed and report back.
As I read this article from Mr. Boyert, Athena gun range is better off without you.
I experienced Mr. Boyerts unprofessional ethics in his hiring process. I was blackbald by a friend of Mr. Boyerts from Top Gun and was never interviewed in any way form or fashion. For Mr. Boyert to tell me over the phone that I didn’t meet there mere requirements is and was a total joke.
The resume that was sent in for an instructors position to Athena
was well detailed of my experience over the past 20 plus years ranging from the military, federal government, and private sector. For you to tell your main investor a lie about me of why I wasn’t interviewed or hired is unbecoming of a fellow soldier and a professional. I was told by Mr. Boyert that I didn’t meet their minimum requirements, if anything, I exceeded those requirements. It’s kind of strange that I can obtain a Department of State clearance and work as an instructor for a leading contract company but I don’t meet Athena’s or your week requirements.
I guess when your an egotistical individual and you forget what’s important, the public, you over step your bounds and the same crap you dish out comes back to bite you!
I guess you forgot your Army Values:
1. Loyalty
2. Duty
3. Respect
4. Selfless-Service
5. Honor
6. Integrity
7. Personal Courage
I wEnt to Athena yesterday to check them out and spend time in the facility.
The instructor I worked with in the simulator was very professional and it was an enjoyable experience. The facilities are nice. My one complaint is the environment feels very corporate. There was no personality. I work in that environment everyday. I enjoy the personality that other locations offer. Whether this is from the previous management o the board I am unsure. So I am not in a position to make a statement on better or worse. For me other than the simulator I will not be changing my patronage.
My crew and I went to check out this club on 2 occasions. Once when it was under construction, the other time after the opening. While the range was being built, the shop was first to open and it seemed the instructor team was already put in place. They were kind enough to give us a tour, explaining all the ideas behind the construction. I was told that most instructors were former military, which was of our interest as we were aware of Mr Boyert’s tactical background. The 2nd visit however, was exactly as the previous poster described: Sterile & Corporate. I didn’t recognize too many of the original team players & without knowing what had transpired I actually asked personnel if there had been a change in management. To me it seems strange that a board can oust the Originators of an idea, then again it’s not uncommon for corporate to make certain maneuvers. Bottom line is that when a strong leader leaves, so does his vision/spirit, soon followed by loyal team members. For my Buds & I, the place seems to have lost some of its appeal as apparently fewer tactical courses then we had been told are being offered. However, that might change if ‘Archangel’ will be utilizing the range more, as one of their instructors has MARSOC backgound.