Keith Hansen wanted to do something to leave a legacy and benefit the community for years to come. He was looking for a business to transition into following 25 years in technology sales and 10 years as a Navy pilot. He found a company with a corporate mission very similar to his own, and that business turned out to be United Defense Tactical.
United Defense Tactical’s Atlanta franchise opened its doors in May and started training sessions in June 2026 in EpiCity’s Armour Junction at 415 Plasters Avenue NE, Suite 200. The first of its kind reality-based threat training facility for civilians empowers people to think, move and respond effectively in any threat scenario. The core belief is everyone deserves the confidence to protect what matters most – their families and their own lives.
“The veteran in me strongly relates to the mission of United Defense Tactical,” said Keith. “It is fantastic to work with like-minded people and with a curriculum and business model that fills a niche in the community.”
United Defense Tactical offers combat conditioning, hand-to-hand combatives, and firearms training in simulated real-world environments. Keith is finding that most people are concerned with self-defense. “Two of our first customers are single moms and are concerned about protecting themselves and their children. We provide real-world training and our curriculum is self-paced, so anyone – no matter the skill level – can participate. Our customers are everyone from veterans to people who have never held a firearm,” said Keith.
The instructors are highly qualified former law enforcement or special forces, and all have a military background. One was a firearm advisor on the sets of Ozark and Stranger Things. One was an advisor on The Terminal List. Other background notables include training rookie police officers, SWAT and writing curriculum for the Green Berets.
The Atlanta location is the company’s 11th to open, and the first east of the Mississippi River. There are 70 more locations in the U.S. in various stages of opening. Keith’s home is near Armour Junction, and a real estate search firm helped him find the location. Keith needed a large build-out and a location where he could stay for at least 10 years. EpiCity’s President, Tom Stokes, understood the vision right away and had space suitable to meet Keith’s needs. Convenient to the interstates, Atlanta Beltline, and with plenty of parking, Keith knew he was home. Keith was pleased with the way it all turned out. “The place looks fantastic,” said Keith.
The goal of United Defense Tactical is to help people avoid situations where crime might occur, and if it does, to give them the skills they need for the best outcome.
We at EpiCity are so pleased to welcome Keith and his team at United Defense Tactical to Armour Junction.