Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daniel Baram, Co-Owner of Amoskeag Fitness Co., located in Bedford, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a fitness facility. We follow the CrossFit methodology paired with one-on-one training and proper nutrition to teach people how to lead a healthy lifestyle. Our mission is to redefine what you, and the people around you, consider fitness. We're more than a gym. We're a fitness community.
Tell us about yourself
I started as a personal trainer and then progressed to managing a fitness department of 15+ trainers. After 10 years, I went back to school to become a Physical Therapist Assistant so I could understand more about the human body. After graduating, I treated people in a clinic for over 5 years. During this time, I found CrossFit and eventually became a member at CrossFit Amoskeag. For years I hunted for the answer to the question, "How do I become the biggest, fastest, strongest version of myself?" CrossFit eloquently answered this question with the phrase "constantly varied functional movements done at a high intensity." Also, it was fun, really fun. So after some coercion from the owners of CrossFit Amoskeag, who I had befriended, I combined all the skills I had acquired over the past 15 years, purchased a stake in the company, and became its first General Manager. Now I have been running CFA for 4+ years, and we have a second location in Concord, NH.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner was the first time a member gave me a hug and told me I was running a gym that saved his life and continues to do so every day. The cool part is that I get to relive that accomplishment almost daily.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The absolute hardest thing to do as a business owner is to take a break from the business. CrossFit is my life; I eat, sleep, and breathe it. My wife does CrossFit; my friends do CrossFit. I do CrossFit for fun and for my job. Figuring out how to take a break from it all and focus on the more important things like being present while on vacation with my family is challenging but needed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a partner with an opposing skill set to yours.
- Get a mentor to teach you the best practices.
- Don't let the fear of failure affect your decision-making.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crossfitamoskeag.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossfitamoskeag/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amoskeagfitco/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfamoskeag
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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