Sandler Training is a sales and sales management training franchise with over 250 franchised centers around the world. Karl Schaphorst is the President and owner of Sandler Sales and Management Training headquartered in Omaha, NE and serving Nebraska and Iowa.

Tell us a little about your business. – Through Sandler Training, I work with businesses that have a vision for growth and recognize that sales is a major factor in achieving that growth.  Few are formally trained in sales and so for many businesses, this is an area of struggle.  Sandler Training can be a great solution.

How did you get started in the business? – For 20 years I sold and managed sales in the HVAC business.  At year 15, Sandler Training came to my company and that was a big time change for me.  I was skeptical going in, but when I saw Sandler, I realized that I was doing sales wrong for all the years prior.  For five years I used Sandler as a manager, saw the results and loved it.  Changing my career path five years ago due to my involvement in the Sandler Training franchise was the perfect move for me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Going from a 20 year career that had a nice income to starting my own business with zero income was scary.  It was a big step of faith for me. So glad I jumped off the cliff.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – January 7th of this year I purchased the Sandler Training franchise for Nebraska/Iowa.  That is when I officially joined the ranks of business owner.

Tell us a little about your family. – I married a beautiful girl, Tracey, from Wisconsin 22 years ago.  Together we have three children, Karlie (19) the swimmer who is a freshman at Mizzou, Drake (17) the tennis player who is a senior at Elkhorn South, and Samuel (13) the baseball player who is in eighth grade at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – My departure from my 20 year HVAC career was not by choice, but it was definitely part of my plan.  I would not be doing what I am doing now without that major crisis in my life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I enjoy being poolside with family and friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love triathlons.  Give me a day that has a nice swim, followed by a long bike ride topped off with a good run and that is a good day.

What are you the most proud of? – I am most proud of my 22 year marriage to my wife Tracey.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Faithful.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Healing.

What is your favorite movie? – Any of the Star Wars or Lord of the Rings movies.

What is your favorite TV show? – Shark Tank.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Jesus.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 616-1098, via email at kschaphorst@sandler.com, or visit www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com.