Meet Tony Tran Jr., sales associate at DEGUNS (DEGUNS.net).
Tell us a little about your business. – Discount Enterprises, or DEGUNS, is the largest vendor in the Midwest of several well-known firearms brands, accessories, ammunition, and a whole lot more. Words simply cannot do justice in describing the selection we have available on hand and on order. As a Class 3 NFA Dealer, we aim to provide our customers with the best tools for shooting sports, hunting, or whatever your firearm needs may be. We also have a hundred yard outdoor range, a laser engraver/custom designer, and offer knife-sharpening services. Our spacious location, located in northeast Lincoln just 38 minutes from Omaha, gives us the opportunity to offer our customers thousands of new products, apparel, training classes, chp classes, and the helpful knowledge to further their firearm experience.
How did you get started in the business? – I was a wee lad looking for a new job after I parted ways from working for my father in his business. DEGUNS put out a hiring advertisement, which I quickly took the opportunity to apply for, given I was a young and inexperienced firearms enthusiast wanting to learn more. It was after I was hired that I realized I probably turned this “hobby” into more of a passion.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have four siblings, two younger brothers who are twins, and two older sisters in their mid-20s. I currently live with my father, one twin brother, my stepmom and her son, and our two doggies, Winston and Jersey. Our family consists of Vietnamese and Filipino origins, although 90% of us were born right here in the U.S.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Leaving my sandwich making job after high school and going to work for my father in his business building sheds. Although I left that career, I learned quite a bit about construction/carpentry industry. I also got to spend a lot of time with my father, having him teach me the things he is passionate about and skilled at.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Get a haircut. A haircut really boosts my own confidence and appears more professional to me. As a sales associate, I take any chance I can to maintain a professional image and demeanor.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “If it seats, it yeets.” or “If you ain’t first, you’re last!”
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Fast.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Teleportation.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Having a fantastic memory.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Auto/diesel mechanic work. Growing up, I knew my dad was into auto work and was fairly active in the car/truck scene. I never caught on back then, but today, I recognize the importance of having some auto knowledge to maintain a vehicle that gets you places you need. Especially since I drive an older truck that can get weird once in a while.
What is your favorite TV show? – Peaky Blinders.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – I live in Lincoln but La Poblanita in Omaha is worth the drive!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 875-6500; tonytran@aao.ltd; DEGUNS.net.