Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corey Van Dorn, Founder of Van Dorn Nutrition, located in Tampa, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is manufacturing and distributing sports performance and health supplements/vitamins through online retail as well as wholesaling to retail stores. My customers are hardworking individuals looking to improve themselves in and outside the gym.
Tell us about yourself
I am a former NCAA collegiate wrestler and Certified Nutritionist. I studied for and received my bachelor of science in exercise science. I chose this major because I had a passion for sports performance and fitness. I had a clothing brand in college and a couple of years after college, so I became familiar with networking, marketing, and online retail. I eventually ended up doing a collaboration with an acquaintance of mine who owned a supplement company. I began selling more and more supplements and slowly found that my niche was more fitness-based instead of clothing/fashion base. I began to transition into buying wholesale and selling retail with supplements. After a while, it developed and grew into an entire company, and we even began to manufacture our own products. I also now have a full load of one-on-one clients I train virtually. I also sell e-books and have my own personal training app. All of this ties together, and all of the business that I do is to help individuals become the absolute best versions of themselves.
The main thing that motivates me each day is that I love what I’m doing, and there are not a ton of people that can say that. It doesn’t even feel like I am ever actually working since I am able to do what I love. I aspire to help as many individuals as possible become the best versions of themselves. I want to make an impact in the fitness industry and in the world.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is finally manufacturing and creating my own supplements. As of right now, the 1 product we have created from scratch is our TRANSCENDENCE Pre-Workout. We have into flavors: peach rings and sour gummy.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is the management of employees. You have to be a master of the craft in every single aspect of your business in order to put out fires and in order to teach new employees how to do specific things.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You really have to be passionate about building your brand. You cannot just be doing it to make money. It is a long-term investment. You will have to put a lot back into the business if you truly want to see it grow.
- Know that there will always be ups and downs on the road. You cannot just beat yourself up every time something goes wrong or every time you have a slow day/week/month/quarter/year. That’s just how business and the economy work.
- Do not be afraid of what other people think and the judgment around you. I see it happen all the time, and I have experienced it firsthand. People will tell you to be realistic, or they will think that you are crazy, or they will just judge you in general for trying to start a business or a brand. Just because they can’t see your vision doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Always chase your goals and your passion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://vandornnutrition.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corey.vandorn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coreyvandorn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cvandorn22
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-van-dorn-6b5769a5/
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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