Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Balko, General Manager of Sinai Sports, located in Erie, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the general manager of Sinai Sports, a multi-sport facility in Erie, Pennsylvania. We serve customers in the Erie area six days a week across a variety of different areas, including Ninja Warrior Curriculum Classes, Gymnastics Classes, Top-Notch Fitness Classes, Parkour Classes, and much more! We want you to Elevate Your Game!
Tell us about yourself
I come from a background in retail and sports management, so naturally, getting to work in a facility as beautiful and accommodating as ours was a huge attraction! Upon arriving, I realized the genuine love and comradery that the staff and members share with one another, and that, I'd say, is what inspires me to come to Sinai Sports with a smile on my face every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I'm not the owner of our facility, but I have still seen plenty to be proud of! We are starting to grow so quickly and see lots of new and repeat customers! One of my biggest accomplishments as the general manager of the facility, however, is the steady increase of new clients and new activity options! Whether it's 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, baseball clinics, or drop-in cornhole, we are happy to offer a little bit of something for everyone- regardless of your age or skill level.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Once again, I'm not the owner of the business, but from the General Manager's perspective, one of the hardest things has to be putting in a lot of time and effort into a particular project, and it is not reaching its full potential. Convincing people to buy into what you're trying to offer them is the hard part, but it's important to have confidence in the product you provide to ensure satisfaction when the customer finally gives you a shot!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Here are three pieces of advice I'd not only give to business owners but to anyone in general...
- Surround yourself with a great support system.
- Be willing to listen to new and exciting ideas, even if they don't always work out the first time.
- Trust that God has a plan for you and treat your business/life as a way to honor him and give back to the community.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.sinaisportserie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sinaisports/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinai_sports/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SinaiSports
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.