Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris & Jordan Fischer, Founders of WALK-i-TASK, located in Kitchener, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
WALK-i-TASK is an adjustable height desk for home treadmills. Our desk gives people a resource to help them accomplish tasks that they would ordinarily do while seated…while on the move. Our customers are individuals or corporations who value health and wellness. Many of our customers also work from home and love having a resource that helps them move more throughout the day to prevent the negative mental and physical impacts of sitting all day. If you are someone who sits all day and struggles to find time to exercise, we are perfect for you!
Tell us about yourself
Three years ago (pre-pandemic), we started working from home. We were beginning to feel the negative impacts of sitting too much throughout the day. It was not just the weight gain. It was the negative impact that prolonged sitting was starting to have on our mental health that was really bringing us down. While working in a sales role, we were always checking emails or on calls and wondered if we could accomplish these tasks while moving. We took a shelf off of our wall and placed it on our treadmill, and began working while walking! We quickly realized how easy it was to do but also realized that treadmill handrails are typically waist high and that caused you to hunch over. This would create more harm than good by causing neck and back strain. We decided that we needed to create something that was height adjustable that would fit the majority of treadmills available to the public. This is what drove us to design and develop WALK-i-TASK!
Each day we wake up motivated to help others that are looking to move more and sit less throughout the day. We are inspired by positively impacting those who truly value health and wellness.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner would be gaining the support of someone who was willing to invest financially in order to back my dream. There is no greater feeling than having someone believe in you. It is one thing to have an idea, but it’s another thing to go out and “wear your heart on your sleeve” and pitch those ideas to folks knowing that some people will not believe in your dream the way that you do. Being told “no” can be hard…but it only takes that one “yes” to change your entire life.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner, you are always wearing different hats and are constantly having to problem solve. In a single workday, you can be driving marketing initiatives, solving logistics issues, reviewing finances, handling customer service, etc. You must have a “solutions” mindset to figure out how you can overcome challenges vs. give up. Being able to multitask is essential. Being able to multitask while staying organized is truly important in order to accomplish your business goals.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start: so many of us have million-dollar business ideas, but the difference between those that chase after their goals and those that don’t is simply starting. As the saying goes, “you can’t score a goal if you don’t shoot.”
- Consistency: there are going to be days when you don’t want to do anything. You start out being motivated, but that will come and go in waves. You must have the discipline to stay consistent and continue working on your craft every single day. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.
- Networking: you cannot do it alone, and that’s not a bad thing. You can achieve a lot more, a lot faster when you utilize your network. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to ask for help. It is better to spend time on what you are good at rather than to spend countless hours and energy trying to figure it out on your own. We live in a world where connecting with professionals is easier than ever. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t educate yourself in areas that are new to you but take time to reflect and ask yourself if this is the best use of your time.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.walkitask.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkitask
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkitask/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/walkitask
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walkitask/
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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