We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Patete and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I decided to start my own business, my primary motivation was to fill a serious gap I saw in law enforcement training. I wanted to make sure officers were receiving pragmatic, real-world training that was directly relevant to the challenges they faced on the job. Too often, training can be outdated, unrealistic, or disconnected from the actual threats and decision-making scenarios officers encounter daily.

My goal was to develop programs that not only enhance officer safety but are also backed by solid evidence from POST standards and incorporate proven methodologies like force-on-force training.

Starting this business was about raising the standard. I wasn’t interested in checking a box—I wanted to create training that makes a tangible difference in the field for officers and civilians.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others is my dedication to providing law enforcement training that’s both practical and grounded in real-world experience. I’ve always believed that training should reflect the realities officers face on the street, not just check boxes. That belief is what drove me to start my own company focused on delivering evidence-based, force-on-force, and scenario-driven training that prepares officers to stay safe, think clearly under pressure, and make sound decisions.

What I’m most proud of is seeing the tangible impact this kind of training has. When officers come back and say, “That scenario you ran last month helped me on the job last night,” that’s what makes it all worth it. Knowing that I’ve helped contribute to someone going home safe to their family is a powerful motivator.

Professionally, I got to where I am through a mix of hard work, persistence, and learning from every situation, good or bad. It wasn’t easy. Like many in this line of work, I’ve faced long hours, high-stress situations, and setbacks that tested my resolve. Starting a business on top of that came with a whole new set of challenges—financial risk, self-doubt, and navigating the business side of something I was passionate about. But I leaned into those obstacles and treated each one as a learning opportunity.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? First, credibility matters—especially in this profession. If you’re going to train other officers, you need to have walked the walk. Second, humility and a willingness to keep learning are key. Law enforcement and tactics evolve, and we owe it to ourselves and our communities to evolve with them.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I’m not in it for the spotlight or the sales. I started this business because I care deeply about officer safety and doing things the right way. I want to raise the bar for law enforcement training—make it more relevant, more realistic, and ultimately, more effective. This work is personal to me, and every class I run reflects that commitment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Cleveland and we had a full week to explore, we’d spend every day soaking up the best the region has to offer—especially the outdoors. Northeast Ohio is packed with natural beauty, great food, and down-to-earth people who make this place special.

Day 1: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
We’d kick off the trip with a full day of hiking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. We’d start with Brandywine Falls, then hit Blue Hen Falls and wrap it up on the Ledges Trail—the views at the overlook are killer, especially around sunset. For lunch, we’d stop at Fisher’s Café & Pub in Peninsula, and maybe grab a cold beer to celebrate the first hike of the trip.

Day 2: Lake Erie + Edgewater Park
We’d spend the next day lakeside. Edgewater Park has a solid beach vibe in the summer—swimming, paddleboarding, or just hanging out. We’d rent some kayaks or bikes and cruise the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway. For food, we’d hit up Terrestrial Brewing Company in Battery Park for great craft beer and outdoor seating with a view of the lake.

Day 3: West Side Market + Ohio City
For a change of pace, we’d head to West Side Market to grab some food and check out local vendors. Then spend the afternoon walking around Ohio City, stopping into places like Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Great Lakes Brewing Co., or Nano Brew—they all have great patios. If it’s a weekend, there’s usually something going on nearby: street festivals, farmers markets, or live music.

Day 4: Metroparks Adventure
The Cleveland Metroparks are unreal—called the “Emerald Necklace” for a reason. We’d do a full day in the Rocky River Reservation, maybe trail run or hike through the Fort Hill Stairs, and if they’re up for it, we could try the Go Ape Treetop Adventure for some high ropes and zip-lining action.

Day 5: Hocking Hills (Road Trip Day)
I’d plan a day trip down to Hocking Hills State Park—it’s a bit of a drive (about 2.5 hours), but totally worth it. We’d hit up Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls. Bring a camera—it’s some of the most scenic hiking in the state. Dinner on the road or back in town at Fat Head’s Brewery for a hearty post-hike meal.

Day 6: Local Outdoor Vibes + Live Music
We’d take it easy with some fishing or disc golf at Hinckley Lake, or hit Whipps Ledges if we’re still feeling energetic. At night, we’d head to The Music Box Supper Club or Nautica Pavilion for live music overlooking the water.

Day 7: Chill + Wrap-Up
For the last day, we’d brunch at TownHall (they’ve got a great patio and healthy-ish options), stroll around Edgewater Park or the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and finish the trip watching the sunset over the lake with some takeout and a drink in hand.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A book I enjoy is the DAILY STOIC. KEEPS ME IN THE RIGHT MINDSET

Website: https://www.rpdefensetraining.com

Instagram: @r_p_d_t

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Rifle & Pistol Defense Training LLC (TM)

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