Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Peng.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sentri Institute was started in late 2019 with my significant other at the time Karla Ramirez. The concept of the business started in a conversation with an Uber driver about firearms training. As a result, Sentri Institute Inc. was born. We started off small, with only offering basic firearms training and security certifications. Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) was added to the mix shortly afterward due to the sheer amount of people asking about them.
Today, we not only offer firearms training, but also active shooter training, OC spray, Baton, and situational awareness training to name a few. We work with some non-profits including the Wounded Warrior Project and have partnered with my hometown of Garden Grove to bring no-cost security training and job placement assistance to veterans and at-risk youths in the community. We have been featured twice now in US Veterans Magazine (Fall 2021 and Summer 2022 editions)
We are also slowly expanding into the movie industry by becoming the set armorer and action coordinator.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road AT ALL. As far as struggles, what struggles have I not had? Trying to figure all this out without any sense of direction can and is daunting. The first thing that pops into my head is working countless hours, late into the night for weeks on end, and feeling by the end of it that you are not getting anywhere. I have also had some of what I thought were my closes friends and family belittle me and tell me that I was an idiot for starting a business because I am going to fail at it. Through this journey, I have lost all of my so-called “friends” because of all their negativity. The only ones that stuck by me was actually my significant other at the time.
Learning how to be the CEO (aka Chief Everything Officer).
I ultimately learned to be my own cheerleader. I had to learn to silence the negativity and push on, almost alone just to get where I am today. My motivation for a lot of this is to prove my neigh-Sayers wrong
As you know, we’re big fans of Sentri Institute Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We here at Sentri Institute “Saves Lives Through Training.” We offer a variety of services in the “lifesaving” genre if you will be including but not limited to: Firearms Training, Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW), BSIS Security Certifications (Guard, Baton, Exposed Firearm Permit), Aerosol Projectile (OC Spray) Certification, ALIVE Active Shooter Certification, Situational Awareness Certification, and Introductory Executive Protection Training. We have also slowly expanded into the movie industry by offering set armorer and military advisor services along with renting out prop weapons to movie sets (all airsoft).
What sets our brand apart from the rest? Just look at our website, we avoid the two primary colors of red and black that is used in literally every other firearm-related topic. We approach firearms, firearms training, and firearms safety from a very nurturing, patience, and caring aspect. We talk with our clients and learn together. We empower and elevate.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a pretty normal kid for the most part. I was never really studious as a teenager. I would always sneak out of the house and party with friends. That being said, I was always fascinated with history. I loved learning about the wars and conflicts going all the way back to the time of Alexander the Great.
As far as interests and hobbies, I guess I am just like every other guy out there liking video games. I also enjoy lifting weights and boxing just to get rid of some of the stress that builds up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sentriinstitute.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sentriinstituteinc/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SentriInstituteInc/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sentri-institute-stanton-4
Image Credits
Wounded Warrior Project
Annie Nelson
