Meet the Team

Matt got the idea to open a gun store after watching Lord of War and War Dogs one weekend.

Alpha Dog Firearms was named after Sadie, a boxer pit mix that Matt had for over 16 years. Sadie inspired the name after she got tired of playing with Red (husky/german shepard) and Zoe (chihuahua/dachshund) and growled at the pair after they attempted to touch one of her toys from across the room. The statement was made about how it was funny that Sadie was the old Alpha Dog among the group. The idea of the name of the store then changed from “Matt’s Gun Shop” to Alpha Dog Firearms.

Matt has been on Fox News multiple times for his outspoken stance on gun control, and the “Beto Special” of 2019, when Matt sold AR15’s at cost just to make a point against Francis Beto O’Rourke and his comments about coming after our AR15’s.

Matt has also been featured in local news outlets and has been contacted by many news outlets on things like “ghost guns”, binary triggers, gun control, arm braces, and other 2A topics.

Matt grew up in Michigan, and is a fan of both the Michigan State Spartans and Detroit Tigers. Matt loves classic American Muscle cars and has owned a few in the past, and dreams of building a 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS.

Matt works hard to make sure Alpha Dog Firearms provides the best customer service experience. It is his passion to make sure everyone feels welcome and it’s a great point of pride that Alpha Dog Firearms is listed as a LGBTQ safe spot, as well as being named the 2019 and 2020 “Best Gun Store” in Tempe.

Matt’s goal is to have the mission of Alpha Dog Firearms help arm and educate 100 million law abiding citizens so you can protect your family, protect your country, and protect your 2nd Amendment rights.

Matt spends his time away from Alpha Dog Firearms at home, working from home, trying to go to the gym, and traveling with Zoe.

Tj has been with Alpha Dog Firearms since 2021. Tj started with Alpha Dog Firearms as a part-time sales associate while working a 2nd job at Fed Ex.

Tj’s vast knowledge of Sig, Glock, Steyr, and AR15 pattern rifles quickly lead him to be one of Alpha Dog Firearms top salesman, and his management experience in the restaurant industry gave him a fast track to management.

Under Tj’s direction, Alpha Dog Firearms has grown in sales volume, and as such, is able to offer a much wider range of firearms and accessories.

Tj likes to make a joke that since he’s the only black guy in the store, he’s the real “brother in arms”, but Tj’s superior customer service makes him a favorite with all our customers.

Tj is able to have a great work/life balance and in his off time, Tj loves anything automotive related including going to car shows and racing. Tj also spends a lot of time taking pictures and videos of cars, and he enjoys making and listening to music. Tj is also a video gamer, when he’s not actually out shooting.

Russ has been with Alpha Dog Firearms since June 2021. Russ came to Alpha Dog Firearms after being a customer and he decided that Alpha Dog Firearms would be a fun place to work. Russ started as sales and worked his way to shift lead and manager.

Russell spent 5 years  as a Specialist in the US Army as a Combat Engineer.

Russell has a great knowledge of accessories and customization, as well as suppressors and helping with NFA items.

Russell has a high level of expertise with the AR15 platform and it’s his favorite weapon of choice, although Russell is known as “that dude with the Desert Eagle .50” in store.

Outside of work, Russell spends his time going to concerts, hiking, and playing Warhammer 40,000.

Cole came to Alpha Dog Firearms in September 2021.

Cole is Alpha Dog Firearms resident crayon eater, proudly serving as Rifleman of 1st Battalion, 7th Marines Animal Co. for 5 years, as well as 2 deployments to Iraq.

Cole has a great area of expertise in the AR and AK platforms as well as NFA products, and the M60.

Cole has the largest collection of NFA items on the staff and can discuss suppressors with everyone from a first time buyer to our customers who buy them regularly.

Cole likes to spend his off time playing video games, working out, showing appreciation for cars, and of course guns.

Drew came to Alpha Dog Firearms in March 2022. Drew has the distinction of being the youngest hire in Alpha Dog Firearms history, as his first day of work was his 2nd day of being 18 years old.

Drew is currently an ASU student from Vermont. Drew is a former US ski team coach, and is part of the ASU Snow Devils, where he competes and is the Brand Manager.

Drew brings a strong base of knowledge in shotguns and hunting, as well as recreational shooting, even though he says his favorite weapon is an AR15.

Drew is responsible for all social media of Alpha Dog Firearms and when he’s not busy working on Alpha Dog Firearms Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Website, or Gun Broker pages, Drew can be found enjoying the outdoors ski racing, boating, flying, and shooting.

Juni is the man behind the scenes. Every product that comes in or out of the store goes through Juni first. Juni has been with Alpha Dog Firearms since September 2021, and has helped the shipping/receiving department grow to levels that at one time seemed impossible.

Juni is fluent in Spanish and is happy to assist all of our Spanish speaking customers. Aside from being fluent in Spanish, Juni is also one of our AK platform specialists. Juni has a great appreciation for historical firearms, especially “Combloc”  guns.

Juni works Monday through Friday, which gives him plenty of time to enjoy his favorite activities such as camping, cooking, going to concerts, amateur photography, and spending time reading and writing.

Ben has the distinction of being the first employee of Alpha Dog Firearms. Ben was originally hired in 2017 and made full circle as he came back to Alpha Dog Firearms in 2022. Ben had an opportunity to be the production manager for Armalite and most recently, Black Out Defense, but Alpha Dog Firearms is where Ben feels most at home.

Ben proudly served as Infantry in the US Army for 10 years, 2 of which was spent in Afghanistan combat during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ben works Wednesday thru Saturday and he can be found in “Ben’s Room” otherwise known as the upper end AR parts room, which also has our selection of used guns, Silencer Shop kiosk, and the famous Alpha Dog Firearms stack’em machine.

When Ben is not working, he spends his time working on his dream car, which he recently acquired, a Toyota Supra. He also enjoys golfing with his wife and spending time with his fur babies.

Justin has been with Alpha Dog Firearms since May 2022.

Justin proudly served in the US Navy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Aviation Boatswains Mate Aircraft Handler for 9 years and 2 deployments.

Justin loves anything in a 10 mm platform and is considered the store connoisseur of all things 10mm. Justin does a great job talking about things that go bang, and he is one of our best for all around customer service.

If you don’t see Justin in store, you can find him with his wife and kids at BBQ competitions, out fishing, or drinking a beer while watching NASCAR or football.

Carol has been on the Alpha Dog Firearms staff since March 2022. Carol is one of the most knowledgeable counter staff with a great expertise in Glock, building AR’s, unique firearms, and WWII history on firearms.

Carol has built more firearms for friends and family than she can count, most of them in .300 blackout and 5.56, with a few builds in 6.5 creedmoor.

Carol is part time and usually works a few days a week, as she is working on her marketing business. When time allows, Carol is a fan of all things racing and she likes to work on arts and crafts.

Carol is a great resource for Alpha Dog Firearms as she is always willing to help anyone in need, and has always been willing to step up to the plate when needed.

Ted came to Alpha Dog Firearms in 2022.

Since his arrival, Ted has shown promise as a gun smith apprentice and his knowledge of Glock and Sig has helped many of our customers.

Ted is quickly learning other platforms and manufacturers to work on being a full time gun smith.

Ted has a great appreciation for Benelli shotguns.

Ted likes to play both table top and video games when he’s not learning about firearms, or spending time working on his gun smith craft.

Carlos has been with Alpha Dog Firearms since August 2021, and works part time evenings Monday-Wednesday.

Carlos is a fan favorite as he is known for his many video appearances as “Brown Sugar” and the guy who likes to party.

Carlos brings a vast knowledge of AK’s and AR’s to the staff. Carlos knows his way around the AK and happily discusses and shows new shooters the AK platform.

Carlos spends his time outside of work shooting, gaming, and spending time with his family.

Antonio is one of the newest members to join the Alpha Dog Firearms team. Antonio came to us after being a customer for many years. We sold him his first rifle, a Patriot Ordnance Factory Renegade Plus!

Antonio served in the US Army for 5 years as a Specialist in the 110th Military Police Company, 89th MP Brigade out of Fort Hood.

Antonio brings a great wealth of knowledge when it comes to the AR platform and the Sig P320.

Antonio is a customer favorite with folks who also enjoy camping, shooting craps, and “Jeeping”.

Antonio has 2 dogs, so if you stop by when Antonio is in, there’s a good chance you might make some new friends.