Army Veteran
Michael Cargill served his country honorably for over 12 years in the United States Army. While stationed in the U.S. Army, he attended Troy State University in Troy, Alabama, where he studied criminal justice. Michael has been stationed at Ft. Benning, Korea, Norfolk Naval Base, Ft. Hood, and Bosnia. While in the Army, Michael was awarded four Army Commendation Medals, eight Army Achievement Medals, and four Army Good Conduct Medals. He is qualified as an expert marksman, and is Airborne qualified as a parachutist. While in the Army he instructed new recruits in Drill and Ceremony as well as teaching them their secondary mission of guarding prisoners of war.
Business Owner
Experienced Leader
After his honorable discharge, Michael worked for a telecommunications company in Austin, Texas. After working in Austin, he was recruited as an area manager for a different telecommunications company based out of Dallas, where he was entrusted with half of the company’s accounts in Texas, and managed a budget of $2,500,000 and enough equipment for 60 central offices.
Successful Business Owner
In 2006 Michael founded a freight carrying company, became the owner and CEO shortly thereafter and subsequently dissolved the company in 2011 to start his current business. Michael is now the owner of local Austin business Central Texas Gun Works, which is a retail store and training facility. In the course of his business in Austin, Michael has trained members of the Texas State House and Senate, district judges, justices of the peace, staff of many Federal, Texas state and local agencies, attorneys, corporate employees and the public how to handle firearms safely.
News organizations throughout the country have recognized Michael for his excellence in business practices and the passion he has for his field by featuring him as a frequent guest and subject matter expert. His concern for local safety has led to features on local affiliates of ABC News, NBC News, Fox News, Telemundo and YNN. He has also achieved national exposure in such prestigious media outlets as the New York Times, BBC World News, CNN Money, AOL, Forbes Magazine, Huffington Post and Fox Business News.
Environmentally Conscious Business Practices
Central Texas Gun Works was the first business in Texas to have a completely solar powered sign. Michael Cargill led the way for other businesses to take their energy needs off the grid to renewable sources.
Musician
In his personal life, Michael plays the trumpet, tuba, and trombone. He formerly instructed musicians at the United States Armed Forces School of Music. Michael takes a special interest in Austin’s live music scene.
