The Old Skool Team

Meet the owners

Darren & Chandra

Darren

Darren is a retired law enforcement officer who served with the Richmond Police Department, retiring as a Lieutenant in 2015. His passion for strength began early—he started training at 15 and entered his first powerlifting meet in 1986. Four decades later, he still competes.

Over the course of his career, Darren has earned more than 20 first‑place titles in powerlifting, including setting a USPA world‑record bench press in 2016 at age 52. Beyond powerlifting, he has competed multiple times in the Scottish Games Heavy Events throughout California.

In 2011, Darren founded the first Old Skool Iron gym in Vacaville, CA. His vision grew into a five‑gym franchise before the COVID era forced the closure of four locations in 2020. Darren kept the Vacaville gym alive, and in 2022 he and Chandra relocated to Placerville. On November 1st, 2025, they purchased what is now Old Skool Iron Placerville, continuing the legacy of hardcore, community‑driven strength training.

Chandra

Chandra spent her early career managing well‑known tattoo studios before pursuing college studies in wildlife biology. Her academic path led to a career with the Federal government, where she remains employed today.

Athletics have always been part of her life. After completing several marathons, she transitioned into powerlifting, competing in her first meet in June 2015. Since then, she has earned more than 18 first‑place titles, won the USPA World’s Best Lifter award in 2017, and claimed the 2019 North American Championships at ages 45 and 47. She remains recognized as one of the strongest women to compete in the sport. Chandra has also competed in the Scottish Games Heavy Events, earning multiple first‑place finishes.

Together

Darren and Chandra are active referees and meet directors for the United States Powerlifting Association. They travel throughout Northern California directing events, supporting lifters, and helping grow the sport they love. Old Skool Iron Placerville reflects their shared mission: to build a community driven, no nonsense training environment where athletes of all levels can grow stronger — physically and mentally.