MEET TEAM REDWATCH
MEET THE CEO
DAVE SWARTS - CEO
David Swarts is a retired Navy SEAL with a distinguished 20-year career marked by multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Europe, Africa, and South America. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, David enlisted in the Navy at 19 and went on to serve with honor and valor, earning numerous awards for his leadership and battlefield performance. Known for his relentless work ethic and dedication, David has continued his mission of service beyond the military—earning a degree in Supply Chain Management from Norwich University and completing executive education at Harvard Business School. He is also the founder of the Trident Table Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting Navy SEAL and Gold Star families through culinary education and community connection. A devoted father and outdoorsman, David brings a rare combination of tactical expertise, real-world experience, and heart to his role at Redwatch.
Tim Speer - COO
Tim Speer is a Navy SEAL veteran with over a decade of elite military experience, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, and Africa. Serving as a Special Operations Combat Medic, he mastered a wide range of roles—jump master, dive master, drone pilot, radioman, instructor, and master trainer—earning multiple awards for service and bravery. Now based in San Diego, Tim brings his deep operational knowledge and leadership to REDWATCH as Chief Operating Officer. A dedicated father of three and lifelong mentor, he’s committed to empowering others through world-class training, mission-driven focus, and real-world expertise.
Johnny Collins - CTO
Johnny Collins is a former Navy SEAL and the Chief Training Officer at REDWATCH, bringing over 15 years of tactical expertise and leadership to the training space. With 12 years of distinguished service, Johnny operated in multiple high-impact roles including sniper, breacher, and multipurpose canine handler and instructor. His experience spans complex missions across the globe, where he specialized in mission planning, close-quarters combat, and specialized team instruction. Throughout his career, Johnny has built and led advanced firearms and tactical training programs for military units, law enforcement agencies, and civilian clients—earning a reputation for clear instruction, high standards, and real-world application. His approach to training is rooted in accountability, resilience, and performance under pressure—core principles that define both his career and the REDWATCH ethos.
Mario Wilson - CBDO
Mario Wilson is a former Navy SEAL with 13 years of service, where he led elite teams through combat and advisory missions across Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe. Throughout his career, Mario served as a Sniper, Reconnaissance Team Leader, and Assault Team Leader, earning a reputation for tactical precision, adaptability, and calm leadership in the most demanding environments. His operational experience spans both direct action missions and joint force advisory roles, where he was instrumental in training and developing partner forces under high-stakes conditions. Now based in San Diego, Mario leads Business Development at REDWATCH, where he blends his battlefield-tested mindset with a strategic vision for growth. His deep understanding of mission planning, team dynamics, and performance under pressure directly informs the high-impact training experiences REDWATCH is known for. Mario is committed to maintaining the highest standard of professionalism, discipline, and effectiveness in every course and client interaction.
Derek Janisch -Director of Brand & Strategic Marketing
Derek Janisch is a former Navy SEAL and REDWATCH Operator/Instructor, serving as the Director of Brand & Strategic Marketing. He brings over 13 years of active-duty service and operational experience to the REDWATCH team, with multiple combat deployments across Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia.
A qualified NSW Sniper and Military Freefall Jumpmaster, Derek operated in high-risk environments requiring precision, adaptability, and disciplined execution. His background includes extensive experience in mission planning, combat operations, and combatives, with a deep commitment to mastering and teaching proven tactics.
At REDWATCH, Derek applies an operational mindset to brand development and strategic communication—ensuring the company’s messaging accurately reflects its capability, culture, and standards. Based in San Diego, he is a proud husband and father of three, and continues to lead with purpose, integrity, and excellence.
CONTACT US
Ready to train with the best? Whether you’re looking to schedule individual instruction or group training, Red Watch offers custom-tailored courses to meet your needs. Fill out the form to connect with our team—let us know your goals, group size, and preferred training focus, and we’ll get back to you promptly to build a personalized experience rooted in real-world expertise.
LOCATION
San Diego, California
CONTACT
admin@theredwatch.com
Redwatch is a veteran owned, training organization dedicated to delivering combat-proven tactics and critical skill sets to elite operators. We provide high-tier instruction designed for and by military, federal, law enforcement, special operations units and US citizens.
