Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Margolin.
Hi Lindsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Miami born and raised, and my path into this world wasn’t predictable at all. I started in fashion and the creative space — building brands, bringing ideas to life, and thriving anywhere vision and execution had to meet. I’ve always admired and had a deep respect for the people who protect others without question — our law enforcement, fire rescue, and military service members. Their courage is one of the reasons this mission matters so much to me. A few years ago, I took my first firearms and defensive training class, and it completely shifted my direction in life. I threw myself into learning everything I could through extensive training in personal protection, firearms, defensive tactics, and emergency medical skills, eventually earning multiple NRA instructor and Red Cross certifications. That training opened my eyes not just to my own capabilities, but to a bigger issue happening in the background. The more I trained, the more I kept hearing the same thing from the people doing this work every day: they weren’t getting access to realistic, modern, pressure-driven training that matched the situations they were actually walking into.
What started as personal growth turned into purpose. I’m built for challenges, I think big, and when something gets my attention, I go all in. That’s how this entire journey began — one insight that sparked a mission, and a mission that became something much bigger than me. Today, I am creating something built on purpose, precision, and real-world needs, and I’m doing it with the same energy that’s driven me my entire life: high standards, relentless work ethic, and the belief that when you’re truly committed to a vision, you trust it and make it happen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth, but the challenges have shaped me more than anything else. Entering a male-dominated industry as a woman comes with an unspoken layer of being underestimated on sight, and the constant feeling of having to prove yourself. I’ve been in many rooms where people didn’t anticipate the depth or direction of my work — and watching that shift in real time has been one of my biggest motivators. That dynamic pushed me to become exceptionally prepared, intentional, and confident in my voice. The other obstacle has been the sheer complexity of what I’m building. Most people spend years mastering one field; I had to learn defensive operations, emergency medical response, immersive technology, AI concepts, nonprofit structure, training psychology, and systems design all at once. There were moments where it felt like I was decoding an entire industry from scratch, but I’ve always thrived under pressure and with a challenge in front of me.
Building something that doesn’t exist yet means there’s no roadmap — you have to create it. Every step demands problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to trust your instincts before anyone else sees the vision. And while it’s been difficult, it’s also been empowering. Each challenge has made me sharper, more capable, and even more committed to raising the standard of readiness in a way that actually makes a difference.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about READIED by FF / Fortified Finest, Inc. ?
READIED by FF and Fortified Finest work together to elevate public safety, readiness, and resilience through innovation, training, and real-world capability. Fortified Finest began as a purpose-driven effort to empower individuals through defensive training, situational awareness, and mindset development — and it quickly grew into a platform rooted in vigilance, capability, and confidence. READIED by FF is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit extension of that mission, created to fill critical gaps in first responder and community training by developing advanced, immersive, technology-supported simulation environments that reflect the realities of real emergencies. Together, the two entities form a unified ecosystem: one focused on community empowerment and individual preparedness, and the other dedicated to large-scale public-safety innovation, R&D, and high-impact readiness programming.
We specialize in immersive scenario development, emergency response training, trauma-response education, and technology-driven preparedness solutions. What sets us apart is our commitment to realism — integrating multi-sensory environments, adaptive scenario design, and performance analytics to deliver training that truly prepares people for the complexity of today’s threats.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the purpose behind our work. READIED and Fortified Finest exist to save lives, support first responders, strengthen communities, and redefine what readiness means in a world where seconds matter.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Right now, I’m in the build phase — developing the foundation, forging partnerships, and assembling a team of experts across public safety, technology, and training to bring this vision to life. READIED is growing from the ground up with intention, precision, and the understanding that what we’re building will reshape how communities and responders prepare for emergencies. It’s ambitious, it’s technical, and it’s driven by purpose — and I’m committed to seeing it through. What I want readers to take away is “readiness” isn’t just about emergencies — it’s an instinctive mindset.
In life, just like in critical moments, hesitation can cost you. Awareness, discipline, and the willingness to act are everything. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that you don’t need permission to build something meaningful. You don’t need a perfect background or the “right” pathway. You just need vision, discipline, and the courage to keep going even when it feels bigger than you.
I’m creating something designed to save lives — but the message behind it applies to anyone: stay sharp, trust your instincts, and never underestimate what you’re capable of when you decide to move with purpose.
Pricing:
- READIED by FF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiative. We don’t sell products — our development is funded through grants, partnerships, and voluntary support dedicated to bringing this training ecosystem to life and expanding access for first responders and communities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @readied_byff @fortifiedfinest
Image Credits
Florida Defensive Training
