I applied online after asking at the store and got a quick callback from Vermont for some questions. Nothing about fishing. I signed up for a 101 class to see how they go about their societal interaction. The class was cancelled due to a bit of rain, so I went out to fly fish and returned later in the afternoon for a "group" informational gathering. It had a bit of info and the man who gave it seemed like the only attentive employee at the store compared to the others I've seen, but I was the "only" person to attend the group. The online store is a much more pleasurable experience than the woodlands store. I called the store in The Woodlands and asked about the status of my application and got an email from Vermont saying the store manager decided to go with other applicants. Great products/online store though. Would love a mirage reel with those carbon and steel discs, Helios 2 with titanium ferrules, etc, great equipment. Sadly, a no go.