Branch Served:
- Army (4 years)
Q: What was your first job after service and what was that experience like?
A: A police officer in Memphis, TN. I had loads of fun and loved the job.
Q: Can you tell me about your company?
A: We are a virtual shooting range and training center. We focus on training new, timid, and kids. We are open to everyone.
Q: What does a normal day on the job look like for you?
A: Hanging out at the business, training people how to shoot, and finding new ways to connect with the community.
Q: How did your family react when you told them you were pursuing service?
A: They were happy.
Q: What do you remember about your first day of business?
A: It was very nerve-racking, but I had a lot of support from friends, family, and the community.
Q: Has your service experience changed your business mindset?
A: Between the military and police, it really strengthened my commitment to serving the community.
About TJ Brown
From Memphis, TN, TJ Brown spent four years in the Army where he served as an Army medic. During that time, he was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center taking care of wounded warriors. After getting out, he moved back to Memphis and became a police officer. After several years, he and his wife Courtney moved to North Dakota where he was a police officer with West Fargo PD for several years.
J and Courtney have been married for 12 years. Together they have two boys and a girl on the way.
“I am passionate about teaching firearms safety, Stop the Bleed, and preparedness skills,” Brown said.
Q: Have you found any specific resources or support networks that have been instrumental in your entrepreneurial journey as a veteran?
A: Top Ranked Networking, which is a Veteran-only networking group, and the Small Business Development Center have both been very helpful.
Q: What was the hardest challenge in opening your business?
A: Money.
Q: What does being a veteran symbolize to you?
A: Service to the community.
Q: What advice do you have for other businesses out there?
A: Build a strong plan, then commit to doing it. Stop putting it off, because there will never be a perfect time. Do not stop networking.
Q: What advice do you have for others considering enlisting?
A:Think about what you want to do after the military before choosing a job. Do not compare your service to anyone else—experiences differ greatly in the military.
Q: Do you have any book recommendations?
A: I recommend “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel.
Support the range:
therange701.com
701-964-8339
265 45th St S, Fargo
