We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jalen Sanders. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jalen below.
Jalen, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Purpose, for me, wasn’t something I had to search for—it found me. It’s always been centered around helping others, and I’ve realized that whether it’s through my inspection company, Sentinel NC, or my youth sports organization, Who Got Game CLT, my purpose is to equip and inspire people to be their best.
With Sentinel NC, I’m helping people during one of the biggest moments of their lives: buying a home. I take that responsibility to heart, knowing that the information I provide is pivotal in their decision-making process. I’ve always felt like this is more than just a job. I’m empowering my clients with the knowledge they need to make informed choices, giving them confidence and peace of mind. Being able to serve in that way, making sure people feel secure and supported in such a major financial decision—that’s where I feel my purpose the strongest.
And then there’s Who Got Game CLT. Working with kids, I see the same calling. It’s not just about teaching them the fundamentals of sports, but helping them grow into the best versions of themselves, both on and off the courts and fields. It’s about instilling life lessons—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and many more—that will stay with them long after their playing days are over. Watching these young athletes grow and knowing I’ve had a part in shaping their future, that’s where I feel my purpose come to life again.
In both areas of my life, I’ve found that my greatest fulfillment comes from empowering others. Whether it’s a homebuyer or a young athlete, giving people the tools they need to succeed has become my driving force. That’s how I know this is what I’m meant to do—because helping others is where I feel most at home.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Jalen, and professionally I wear two hats—both of which allow me to fulfill my purpose of helping others.
First, I run Sentinel NC, a home inspection company dedicated to using the latest technology to conduct in-depth property inspections. My goal is to empower homebuyers with the information they need to make informed decisions. I see my role as more than just inspecting houses; it’s about providing my clients with confidence and peace of mind during one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Sentinel NC is committed to delivering thorough, reliable service. Originally based in the DMV area, where we still cover DC, Maryland, and Virginia, we expanded our reach and launched Sentinel NC to serve the Carolinas.
In addition to Sentinel NC, I run a youth sports organization called Who Got Game CLT. We focus on helping young athletes not only enhance their skills but also develop into the best versions of themselves outside of sports. I believe that sports serve as a powerful tool for teaching life lessons, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling. Witnessing the growth of these kids, both athletically and personally, is incredibly rewarding. We’re continuously expanding our programs to offer more resources and opportunities that help these young athletes thrive.
Whether it’s through helping homebuyers feel secure or guiding young athletes toward success, my work is centered on making a lasting impact. I’m excited about where both Sentinel NC and Who Got Game CLT are headed, and I’m always looking for new ways to better serve my clients and my community
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say that the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been confidence, consistency, and hard work.
Confidence has been crucial in both of my ventures. Believing in myself and my abilities has allowed me to take risks and seize opportunities. For those early in their journey, I recommend seeking experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. Celebrate your small victories to build your self-assurance gradually. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you.
Consistency is key to success in any field. Establishing a routine and sticking to it has helped me maintain focus and make steady progress. For anyone starting out, I advise setting clear, achievable goals and developing a plan to reach them. Stay committed, even when motivation wanes, as consistent efforts often lead to significant results over time.
Hard work is non-negotiable. The willingness to put in the effort, learn from setbacks, and push through challenges has shaped my journey. To cultivate this quality, embrace a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities for learning, and don’t shy away from putting in the extra hours when needed. Remember, dedication to your craft will set you apart.
By developing these three qualities, anyone can navigate their journey more effectively and achieve their goals. Stay focused, keep learning, and don’t underestimate the power of persistence.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was simply believing in me. Their unwavering support and encouragement instilled a sense of confidence that has carried me through many challenges. They always made it clear that they trusted my abilities and decisions, which inspired me to pursue my passions and dreams without fear of failure.
Knowing that I had their backing allowed me to take risks, whether in academics, sports, or my career. It taught me the value of resilience and hard work, as I felt empowered to strive for my goals, no matter how ambitious they seemed. Their belief in me laid the foundation for my own self-belief, and I carry that with me as I navigate my journey today. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to uplift and support those around us, especially the younger generation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SentinelNC.Com
- Instagram: @InspectorJalen
- Other: WhoGotGameCLT.Com
IG: @WhoGotGameCLT
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