How Marc Shoshan Is Building Community Through the Magen Society By South Florida Community Voice
As the general contractor who built Founders Shooting Club in both Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, Marc Shoshan had a unique perspective. Once the clubs opened, he watched something unexpected happen. What began as a place centered around shooting naturally evolved into a place where people gathered, built friendships, supported one another, and developed a genuine sense of community.
Fundraisers for Israeli soldiers, community events, and casual conversations between strangers often turned into lasting friendships, business relationships, and a growing sense of belonging. Watching that transformation inspired a new idea.
“I realized this was about far more than shooting,” Shoshan said. “It was about confidence, belonging, and creating a place where our community could come together.”
Like many in the Jewish community, Shoshan watched with growing concern as antisemitism increased around the world and the conflict in the Middle East left many people feeling unsettled. Rather than respond with fear, he wanted to create something positive—a place where people could come together, build confidence, strengthen friendships, learn practical skills, and develop a deeper sense of belonging.
“I felt our community needed more than another organization,” he said. “We needed a place. A place where people feel welcome, where they can meet, practice, socialize, support one another, and leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.”
That realization became the inspiration behind the Magen Society, a private membership community hosted at Founders Shooting Club. With the support of Founders owner Victor Grillo, Shoshan developed the initiative specifically for South Florida’s Jewish community—a place where members can connect, build relationships, practice shooting if they choose, learn self-defense and first aid, attend events, support charitable causes, and simply enjoy spending time together.
A Different Kind of Club
Walking into Founders Shooting Club feels more like entering a private social club than a traditional shooting range. Comfortable lounges, large-screen televisions, workspaces, a cigar lounge, and premium amenities create an atmosphere where members can work, meet friends, relax, or spend an evening together.
“We wanted people to have a place they actually enjoy spending time,” Grillo explained. “Whether someone comes to practice, watch a game, smoke a cigar, meet clients, or simply unwind, this should feel like their club.”
“You can finish dinner or an event and say, “Let’s go to the club,” Shoshan said. “Sit together, have a conversation, enjoy the atmosphere, and leave feeling better than when you arrived.”
Building Confidence and Belonging
Although firearms training is available, Shoshan emphasizes that it is only one part of a much larger vision.
“Our goal isn’t to make everyone a shooter,” he said. “Our goal is to help people become more confident—whether that is through learning a new skill, meeting supportive people, or simply feeling they belong somewhere.”
“What impressed me most was watching Founders build a membership that truly feels like a family,” Shoshan said. “People know one another, they help one another, and they genuinely enjoy being together. I felt our community needed a place that creates those same kinds of relationships.”
The name Magen, the Hebrew word for “shield,” reflects that philosophy—not only protection, but a community that supports, strengthens, and stands beside one another.
Networking That Happens Naturally
“The networking happens naturally,” Shoshan said. “People start talking, discover common interests, and before long they have made a new friend or found someone they can help—or someone who can help them.”
Giving Back
The organization has committed to allocating 10 percent of its proceeds to charitable organizations serving the community, supporting different causes throughout the year.
A Vision for South Florida
For Shoshan, success will not be measured simply by memberships. “If someone walks through our doors feeling uncertain and leaves with greater confidence, new friendships, stronger connections, or simply the feeling that they have found a place where they belong, then we have achieved exactly what the Magen Society was created to do.”
An introductory event for the community will take place on August 9, giving prospective members an opportunity to tour the new facility, meet the leadership team, and learn more about the Magen Society’s vision for strengthening South Florida’s Jewish community.
