Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rose Serpico, owner of Tri It Multisport and RNR Events, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Tri It Multisport, along with our sister business RnR Events, is a triathlon, swim, bike, run, yoga lifestyle retail store that caters to all levels of athletes.

Our goal over the last 16 years in business is to introduce everyone who comes to us either through our retail store, our bike, and yoga classes or through our events to a lifestyle of health and wellness through sport. It doesn't matter if you are new to sports or an elite athlete. We are here to make it your best experience ever.

Tell us about yourself

I started triathlon almost 20 years ago. I had run many running races and ten marathons before I found my love of triathlon. In 2005 I competed in my first Ironman and loved every minute of it. The idea that I could race and participate and compete in an Ironman seemed surreal. A woman in her 40s and a mother of 3. Me!

When I came down that last 200 meters after swimming 3.8km, biking 180 km, and running 42.2 km and crossed the finish line and heard the words "you are an Ironman" I knew right then I wanted everyone to have the opportunity to chase this dream no matter what age or gender, they too could reach this goal. I knew I wanted to be a part of that journey in some way.

The store was born from that desire to help. I started Tri It Multisport 16 yrs ago with my business partner Richelle. Our goal was to create a welcoming environment for everyone that walks through our doors and to know that we are the perfect resource to help them reach their ultimate fitness goal. Whatever that to them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Gosh, managing to stay in business as a small retail store for 16 years has been something I am very proud of. We have made it through floods, recessions, and now the pandemic. Most of the other triathlon stores that were around when we started sadly did not last.

We are the only female-owned triathlon store in North America that we are aware of, and that is something we are proud of. The other thing I am so proud of is that we have been and continue to be a part of thousands of people's life-changing journeys. Whether that is getting on their first start line of a triathlon, losing 100 pounds and achieving the dream of becoming an athlete or overcoming one of life's many challenges through sport and community.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

After 16 yrs there continues to be many challenges, especially in these unique times. All businesses that are surviving through in 2021 and going forward have had to adapt. We pride ourselves on learning to diversify as things evolve and change.

We teach Bike and Yoga classes virtually to athletes all over North America and Europe. Our races cater from little three-year-olds and their families all the way through to professional athletes. You have to take calculated risks and hope that it will fill a need and that it will be enough.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Love what you do, no matter what it is. You will be more likely to dedicate your heart and time and do what it takes to survive if you love what you do. It makes quitting not an option.
  2. Be flexible. Things change and evolve quickly. There will always be an Amazon that will be on your heels, bypassing retailers aggressively. So you have to be creative, create community, and don't wait for opportunities - go get them!
  3. Think big picture and long term. Things take time. Growth takes time, and if you build a good reputation, people will support you for a long time. Give back, and the rest comes back in tenfold.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Support other local businesses. Everyone is trying to create something special for their town or their community. There is enough to go around. Whether that be other retailers, coaches, or events. There is strength in numbers, and it's so much more fun if we are all successful together.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.tri-it.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tristore/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triitmultisport/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TriItMultisport


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.