Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Benjamin Kessel, Founder of Priority Fitness, located in Brooklyn, NY, USA.

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

I own a fitness studio and endurance coaching business. My customers are local residents looking to incorporate fitness into their lives, as well as endurance athletes looking for personalized performance coaching.

Tell us about yourself

I started strength coaching at 19 years old. Shortly after graduating from university with an exercise science-based degree, I started my own practice. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to have my job. I help people better themselves, and it's incredibly rewarding to be a part of that process. Every person, regardless of fitness level, has a barrier to break (until they reach the next barrier!), and it's my job to solve the problem of how to get to the other side. No person is alike, and no challenge is the same. My job never gets boring. I push myself through sports and can relate to the adversity required to reach success. We're all in the same boat, and we work together!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is to still have people stick with my business from day one. We started in 2008. I also have people who have taken a break from training for a few years, and they reach back out to us when they're ready to start up again. It's the highest honor we can get. People feel comfortable and safe with us and our environment. This can allow them to be vulnerable and start to make a change. That's what it's all about.

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

Small businesses have tight budgets and unpredictable issues. The business owner is the last line of defense when there's an issue, and it hangs over your head day in and out. It's hard to fully rest, knowing that something can pop up at any moment.

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

  1. Understand and BELIEVE your mission.
  2. Understand, connect, and build relationships with the surrounding community.
  3. Do the math. Make sure your budget works and is realistic. That will allow for healthy growth as you build your operation.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I started my business as a specialist. I was a strength coach, and I wanted to build a business around that. The skills required to build a business and create a healthy community are much different than the skills required to execute the service the business offers. For anyone looking to start their own business, it's helpful to understand what it takes to be a manager, a leader, and a business owner. It's not for everyone, and that's absolutely ok!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.priorityfitnesstraining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriorityFitnessBrooklyn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priorityfitness_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-kessel-28364410/

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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