Our Staff

G. Robert “Bob” Thacker

President and Director

Mr. G. Robert “Bob” Thacker formally joined PGS in 1975. He is the third generation of Thackers to be involved, following in the footsteps of his great uncle and father. He grew up in the school and first became an assistant instructor in 1975 after attending and completing simultaneous studies at Robert Morris University and Pennsylvania Gunsmith School.

Over the years, Bob has held the positions of full-time Instructor, Assistant Director, Acting Director, Vice President and now President and Director. He has unending enthusiasm and dedication to gunsmithing and for the students and graduates of PGS.

He works closely with the Program Advisory Committee, employers and individual Gunsmiths to ensure that the training program meets the occupational demands. He has served has an adjunct instructor at the Central Training Academy, Dept. of Energy, located at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bob is an avid hunter and shooter, and trains in various workout disciplines.

Jamey Wojtaszek

Director of Instruction

Jamey Wojtaszek joined PGS in 2017 as Director of Instruction. A “people person” with excellent interpersonal skills, Jamey brings limitless excitement and enthusiasm for his students, along with a sincere desire to look for ways to improve the delivery of our Gunsmithing education. Jamey is an avid hunter, and loves to spend time with his family.

A 2002 graduate of PGS, he spent 11 years with Gander Mountain as a staff gunsmith, regional gunsmith manager and hardlines manager. Jamey then joined Pittsburgh Cerakote Company as their Director of Operations, and most recently was General Manager of six locations of National Armory, a Pittsburgh-based firearms retail chain.

He helped National Armory increase their profitability substantially by utilizing his retail experience to create a cohesive team and build the company’s unique brand. Jamey brings an understanding of current market trends to PGS, while holding a respect for the traditional aspect of Gunsmithing. He was instrumental in creating the new PGS tagline “Traditional – Modern – Innovative,” which conveys this.

David Crispen

Instructor

Dave came to PGS in 2023 after having served in the U.S Armed Forces for 14 years, leading troops into combat with 3 overseas tours, was the company armorer and field medic. After serving, he took his military armorer skills to several different gun shops. While at those shops he developed a love and a clientele for period correct muzzle-loading rifles. While never letting grass grow under his feet, he wanted to further refine his Gunsmithing skills by attending PGS. Dave decided to accept an instructional position because his desire was to “give back” to the Gunsmithing community. His favorite area of Gunsmithing is high end custom stockmaking, blue-printing stock design and customizing the venerable 1911.

Dennis Morris

Instructor

Dennis came to us in 2023 and has had many years leading individuals in different lines of work and continually looks  to improve processes and procedures. Since coming to PGS, he has quickly increased the ability for students to quickly learn the material and improve the speed and accuracy in the machining process. Early in his career he was a journeyman machinist and later attended PGS. After working in the Gunsmithing industry, he came to us to share his vast knowledge and expertise in the machine course. He loves teaching and instilling a solid work ethic.

Brian Powley

Instructor

Brian Powley came to PGS in 2021 as a part-time instructor specializing in engraving. He is a full-time professional engraving artist and nationally known engraving instructor. He started engraving in 1980 and entered the the GRS Training Center in Emporia, Kansas and has received training from the best engravers in the world and has certifications from 2005, 2006, 2007,2008,2010, 2017 and 2019. Some of his notable instructors were: Glacoma Fausti, Italy; Ken and Marcus Hunt, United Kingdom, Phillippe Griffnee, Belgium, Alaine Lovenberg, Belgium; Mike Dubber, Indiana. In 1999, Brian achieved “Certified Master Engraver” from the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA). Notably, he has become a Colt Master Engraver. Some of his notable commissions were for Ted Nugent, Gary Player, Coach Ara Parseghian, Coach Bill Cowher, Mario Lemieux, Bill Mazeroski and Presidents Bush and Trump. Brian’s work is routinely featured in national gun magazines and many times on the cover.

Peter Warner

Instructor

From the battlefields of the Global War on Terrorism to the masterful artistry of precision Gunsmithing, Peter Warner has forged a legacy of excellence, discipline, and dedication.

With 13 years of service in the United States Army, including three harrowing deployments in defense of freedom, Warner honed not only his combat skills but also the meticulous attention to detail that would later define his career in the world of elite firearms craftsmanship. His experience under fire instilled a deep understanding of reliability, precision, and the undeniable truth that in both war and craftsmanship—perfection is the only acceptable standard.

After his military service, Warner pursued his passion for firearms by attending the prestigious Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, where he graduated with honors. His talent and dedication quickly set him apart, leading him to a career at Cabot Guns, the world-renowned manufacturer of luxury 1911 and 2011 pistols. There, he built some of the finest handguns ever crafted—masterpieces of engineering and aesthetics that push the boundaries of performance and elegance.

Now, as an instructor at the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, Warner brings an unparalleled blend of battlefield experience, mechanical mastery, and relentless passion to the next generation of Gunsmiths. He demands excellence, knowing firsthand that in the world of firearms, lives depend on precision, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to quality.

Peter’s greatest pride lies in his beautiful wife and two adoring daughters—the true light of his life. In their love, he finds the strength to push boundaries, set new standards, and inspire those who have the honor of learning under his guidance.

Carrie Wilson

Assistant Director and Financial Aid Officer

Carrie Wilson joined PGS in 2010 and is the school’s Assistant Director, Financial Aid Administrator, the VA Certifying Official and Director of Institutional Quality. Prior to joining PGS, Carrie was a senior accreditation specialist for the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. She has a keen eye for detail and incredible drive and speed at performing anything necessary to help a student. Carrie has immersed herself in the fabric of the school and is the catalyst of the administrative team. She has brought many new policies and procedures to PGS to streamline the “behind the scenes” operations. Carrie earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has two children. Her son Turner is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Human Resource Management and provides consulting services to PGS in the areas of Human Resources and student record management.  Grown daughter Grace is the apple of her eye and they spend many pleasurable moments together. In Carrie’s spare time, she enjoys running, reading and spending time with her family.

Kelly Goldstrohm

Director of Admissions

Kelly comes to PGS with many years in career school Admissions and has a deep passion to help people achieve their career ambitions. That passion is apparent when all talk to her on the phone and comes through even in emails and text messages. She loves to spend her free time with her family and children and loves to travel.

Maria Bergman

Career Services

Maria Bergman, Director of Career and Employer Services, came to PGS in 2002 after many years working in various business environments. Her past employment provided valuable experience in human resources and other administrative duties. As the link between graduating students and employers, Maria advises students on resume and cover letter preparation, and job search and interviewing techniques. Over the years she has developed many contacts with firearm industry employers and helps to facilitate interviews at PGS, on Skype and at employment sites. She annually attends SHOT Show in Las Vegas to network with current employers and gain new job leads. Maria earned an associates degree in special education at CCAC and completed additional coursework at California University in Pennsylvania. In her spare time, Maria loves to cook Italian food, shoot, and play with her german shepherd!

Employers: If you would like to interview and hire entry-level graduates, please contact Maria Bergman, Career Services Director at PGS, [email protected] or 412.766.1812 and she will work with both you and suitable candidates to partner in filling your positions.

Constance Travis

Procurement Specialist and Administrative Support

Constance Travis is the PGS Purchasing Manager and Administrative Support Specialist and joined the school in February 2016. She has held previous positions in purchasing, accounts payable and payroll, and keeps PGS inventories at a healthy level so that students have the items they need. She maintains over 600 items in the school store and is always on the lookout for bargains to pass on to students. Connie is also responsible for maintaining student accounts, attendance and PGS printed materials, as well as performing many other jobs that make things run smoothly in the background. The above picture shows her receiving shooting tips from our Director of Instruction at a staff in-service day (shooting instruction is not part of the regular student curriculum). Connie’s favorite holiday is Halloween and she enjoys watching science fiction and comics-based television shows and movies.