Ellis served in the United States Navy and the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller. After retiring he became an Albuquerque Police Reserve Officer and earned an Advanced Firearms Urban Rifle certification. Ellis has been a New Mexico Department of Public Safety Concealed Carry Instructor since 2011as well as an NRA Certified Instructor in Basic Pistol and Personal Protection Inside the Home. Since his childhood, when his Dad gave him his first rifle (a BB gun), he has developed his skill with firearms and has become an accomplished big game hunter. During his free time Ellis participates with a non-profit organization, Better Together, in helping the needy and disadvantaged in the Copper Canyon of central Mexico.