Her Story
About Natalie
Natalie Bishop is a Supervisor and Key Holder at 5.11 Tactical in the Houston, Texas area, bringing approximately 13 years of experience in firearms retail, tactical gear, customer relations, and retail operations. She began developing experience in the industry as a teenager and has progressed through customer-facing, logistics, and supervisory roles. In her current position, she supports daily store operations, opening and closing procedures, customer service, online order fulfillment, and team supervision. Her professional approach centers on building genuine relationships with customers and creating positive experiences that encourage trust and retention. Before joining 5.11 Tactical, Natalie served as a Supervisor at Saddle River Range, where she oversaw receiving and retail operations, created weekly employee schedules, supported customer retention, and assisted customers with product selection. Her earlier experience as a Logistics Specialist at Wrigley Mechanical involved coordinating piping supplies, managing materials, and conducting inventory counts and adjustments. She also worked as a Legal Associate with TX Law Shield, where she presented legal aid programs, enrolled prospective clients, scheduled appointments, processed payments, and traveled throughout Southeast Texas for industry events. Alongside her professional experience, Natalie is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Criminology at Columbia Southern University, with expected completion in August 2027. Natalie is particularly motivated by her family, education, community involvement, and long-term goal of serving others through law and advocacy. She plans to pursue law school following completion of her bachelor's degree, with the goal of becoming a district attorney and advocating for victims of crime. Her interest in this path was shaped by a deeply personal experience involving her daughter and the support her family received from an assistant district attorney. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Natalie has volunteered with Spirit Acres Equine Rescue in Montgomery, Texas, since 2007. Her commitment to family, integrity, honor, authenticity, responsibility, service, and perseverance is reflected in her personal goal of being “someone worth being.”
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my children and to the mentors who have helped shape the person and professional I have become. My family is a major source of motivation for me, while the guidance I have received from mentors has reinforced the importance of character, integrity, and perseverance. I also credit my ability to build genuine connections with people. Throughout my customer-service career, I have focused on creating personal relationships rather than treating customers as transactions. I believe authentic relationships build trust, strengthen customer retention, and contribute to strong professional results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most important lesson I have taken from my career is to recognize my own potential and remain open to opportunities beyond the role I currently hold. Starting in the industry as a teenager and progressing into supervisory positions has taught me the value of taking responsibility, developing strong relationships, and continuing to grow. My decision to pursue higher education and transition toward a future career in law has also reinforced my belief that a career does not have to remain limited to one industry or one path. Education, experience, and personal growth can open the door to a larger purpose.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to know their value, build genuine relationships, and continue investing in their education. Do not allow a male-dominated environment or limited advancement opportunities to determine the boundaries of your career. Develop confidence in your abilities, take opportunities to learn and grow, and do not be afraid to pursue goals that may take you beyond your current position. My own experience has shown me that women can develop expertise in an industry, take on leadership responsibilities, pursue higher education, and continue setting increasingly ambitious goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the challenges I see in my current field is limited opportunities for advancement, particularly within a male-dominated industry and in locations where store budgets can restrict the number of available positions. At the same time, I see education and continued career development as opportunities to expand my professional path. My studies in psychology and criminology have strengthened my interest in pursuing law, with the long-term goal of becoming a district attorney and advocating for victims of crime. I am also interested in potentially pursuing opportunities in national public service in the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family, integrity, honor, authenticity, responsibility, service, and perseverance are the values that are most important to me. I believe in being genuine in my interactions with others, taking responsibility for my actions, and remaining committed to the principles I believe in. One phrase that particularly captures my personal philosophy is my desire to be “someone worth being.” I want my children and the people around me to see someone who lives with integrity, follows through on her principles, and continues working toward becoming a better person.
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