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  • NRA Certified Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer
  • Passionate Participant in Outdoor and Competitive Sports Activities

Chris Mangel

Staff Instructor

An experienced hospitality professional with 20+ years in luxury hotels and casinos, I’m passionate about sports, including combat sports and shooting. An NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and RSO, Chris focuses on helping others develop firearm confidence and safety skills, alongside a deep appreciation for Utah’s outdoors.

Chris was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, in a close-knit family, which shaped his values of family, freedom, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. After competing as a D3 swimmer in college, he graduated with honors in Hospitality Management and spent 20 years in the industry, working for luxury brands like Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental, across locations such as Key Largo, Maui, the Big Island, and Las Vegas.

Sports have always been a passion, from baseball and box lacrosse to competitive Outrigger Canoe Paddling in Hawaii, where Chris competed for 13 years. Later, he turned his focus to road cycling and combat sports, including boxing, Muay Thai, and Jiu Jitsu, before developing a deep passion for shooting.

Chris is now an NRA-certified Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer (RSO), with a mission to help others become confident, responsible firearm users.

Relocating to Utah has given Chris a greater appreciation for the outdoors and the state's pro-gun culture, and he is excited to continue his work in firearm training, assisting others in building their skills safely and effectively. Chris is also proud to be a father of six, with two Cane Corso dogs and two cats completing our family, alongside the recent joy of becoming a grandfather.

“Engage your brain before you engage your weapon.” ‑General James Mattis

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