Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Wittmers, Co-Founder of Adaptive Force Performing Arts, located in Scottsdale, AZ, USA.

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

Adaptive Force Performing Arts is North Scottsdale's Premiere studio for dance education. We offer dance classes to kids ages 3-18, and we welcome beginners to competitive-level dancers.

Tell us about yourself

My Mom owned a dance studio. I grew up with dance and the performing arts. I started teaching at 15. My wife, Amber, was Junior Miss America. She grew up dancing and performing, as well. Even after all these years, we still love teaching and choreographing for kids.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Now that we're starting season 12 of our studio, we're finally seeing students who graduate go on to start careers in dance. Some have moved to LA to pursue a professional career, some have been hired by traveling dance conventions, and others have chosen to stay close and teach for us.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is not letting your work take away from family time. We have a 4 1/2-year-old son, and we've had to miss a few things here and there. He's our only child, so naturally, we want to be there for everything, but sometimes it's just not possible... and that's hard. So, we try to work our schedules around his life as much as we can. It's a challenge, but when we can make it work, we take full advantage!

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

  1. Build trust with your team right away.
  2. Shower your clients with positivity.
  3. Don't be afraid to admit that maybe someone does it better, and it's okay to ask for their help.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We love our dance studio. We've had many families come through our doors, and we know we're changing the lives of children for the better. They may not always recognize it right away, but when we receive emails from students and/or families that have been out of the studio for years, thanking us for all the time and care we put into them or their children... it's all worth it!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://adaptiveforce.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveforce
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveforce/

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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