How I Became a Chandler’s Employee

Hi All, Jamie here – First, I have to admit this is my very first blog post – So forgive me if it isn’t the best one ever! I often get asked by students, “How did you end up at Chandler’s?” Well, here’s the story:

Back in 2012, I was living alone in an apartment (ground floor) in Sauk Rapids, MN. I had an ex-boyfriend that used to like to show up at my door after bar close and well lets just say, “make a scene.” He never did anything violent, but being alone, I knew that I needed away to protect myself.  Not to mention there were a few of my neighbors that made me wonder….(I think you know what I mean!)
So, I put a post out on Facebook to see if any of my friends had taken a permit to carry course, and low and behold some of them had! And they all took a class from Chandler’s. So I jumped on the website https://www.carrypermit.net and checked the company out. After reading about the instructors and the FAQ’s section I was sold and signed up for a class.
Chris Chandler (the president of the company) was my instructor for the day, along with Don (his brother) who was completing his instructor training. Class was FANTASTIC, we learned a TON, made jokes, laughed and everyone was very interested in what they had to teach us. Needless to say on my way out, I grabbed a stack of business cards and told everyone that would listen to me how much this class improved the way I think about protecting myself, and not just while I am carrying.  I immediately friended the Chandler’s Facebook page to stay up to date on things they would share and a few days after class I got a “friend request” on Facebook from Chris – which I accepted.

Now fast forward a few years.  I wanted my Ma to take the course, and contacted Chris to set one up in my area again.  He was more than happy to do so and asked if I would help run fliers for the class, (since I was from there and knew the area), I told him, “no problem.”  The class was a hit and we had over 40 people show up!  After this class, my Ma, Chris, myself and another friend went out to get dinner and a few adult beverages – we all had a great time.   A few days later Chris asked me out on an “official date” and I always joke that from there, “the rest is history.” We began dating, and seeing each other every weekend (as we were living 100+ miles apart).  He convinced me to move to Hastings and run the company office for him.  That was my first job with Chandler’s Conceal & Carry, answering the phone.  From there I started to book classes for the instructors (there were only 3 at that time) and take reservations via phone calls.  I have now completed my own NRA Instructor Training, (I teach the women’s only classes) and I am now the Operations Manager for the company.  Oh and did I mention that Chris and I are now engaged to me married!!!

I can honestly say that I LOVE my job.  I have heard the phrase many times, “Find something that you love and you will never work another day in your life.” After coming to work for this company, that phrase finally has meaning to me.  We are an ever growing company, currently 10 instructors!  We now offer Personal Pistol Skills courses for beginners, and the advanced shooter, and are on the verge of launching a training program for “active shooters” along with continuing to teach the permit to carry courses all over the state of Minnesota and into western Wisconsin.  We are not just a company with “employees” we are a family here – all of us.  Every instructor that works here is my family, and I think that is what truly sets us apart from others.  When you take our class, you too become part of the “Chandler’s Family.”  I tell my ladies in my women’s only classes that they are now, “my girls” all the time.  Questions that they may have next week, next month or next year, they can always turn to us, because they are family too!  If you call the office with questions, or to register for a class there is a 99% chance that you are going to get to talk to me, (I still answer the phone for the company)!

I hope you have all enjoyed reading how I became a Chandler’s employee and why I love my job so much.
“Carry On” and stay safe!!

2 replies
  1. healthier living
    healthier living says:

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this subject here on your site.

    Reply

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