Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dan Kachtik, owner of King William District CrossFit, located in San Antonio, TX, USA.

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

I own King William District CrossFit. It is a local community gym for the whole family. My members are of all ages and come from all walks of life. What they all have in common is the willingness to work very hard and push their limits.

Tell us about yourself

I always knew I wanted to have my own gym. I love helping people become more fit and live fuller, more active lives both in the gym and in their day-to-day life. I became certified with CrossFit in 2008 and opened my own gym in 2012. Every day I get a little bit better at giving people the best hour of their day. They come to the gym to see their friends, challenge themselves, and become more capable of handling whatever life throws at them.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We were kicked out of our first location because the landlord got a better offer from a bank that wanted the space. I raised money and purchased land from Union Pacific Railroad that wasn't even for sale at the time. Once we got the land, I acted as a general contractor, and using family, friends, and gym members, we built our building from the ground up. Now we have a permanent location that has greatly increased in value and provided my family with the security we would have never had otherwise.

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

You have to have a large tolerance for risk. No matter how successful you are as a small business owner, it can all go away in an instant. There is no safety net. But there is also no ceiling. The only limit you have is yourself. You can never get comfortable as a business owner. You have to have a little voice in your head telling you to work harder and be creative.

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

First, humble yourself. I clean the bathrooms daily. No matter how established you may become, you have to never forget that you serve your customers.

Second, never become complacent. Stay ahead in your industry. Use whatever data you get from your business and analyze it constantly to help you see what works and what doesn't.

Third, control your schedule. By the time Monday rolls around, every hour of your next week should be accounted for. There are always changes, so you have to be flexible but to maximize your productivity, you have to plan ahead and control your days, not let them control you.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner is good only if you LOVE what you do. Because to be successful, it must consume you. This is not a way to work less. You will work harder than you ever will working for another company. There is freedom, but there is also no downtime. Your business needs constant attention to grow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://kingwilliamdistrictcrossfit.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingwilliamdistrictcrossfit/

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.