Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matt Arrington, CEO of Arrington Training & Development, located in Rockville, MD, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer soccer coaching and training to athletes of all levels. That can range from our staff coaching teams to training players individually, as well as providing strength and conditioning and sports medicine services. We have worked with World Cup winners, professional soccer players, college athletes, and youth athletes alike.
Tell us about yourself
Once my playing career ended, I felt that I needed to stay around the sport of soccer as it was my passion in life. I started by coaching a couple of rec teams in the area, which then led to more coaching opportunities, and then organically into the creation of my business. Twelve years later, my work has led me to working with some of the top athletes and highest levels in our sport, yet I am still motivated by the relationships I've developed over the years and my continued desire to keep learning and improve my craft.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to continue paying my staff and having my business survive the covid shutdown has been my biggest accomplishment as a business owner. We came very close to closing our doors, but through some creative ideas from our staff to keep generating revenue and not drawing a salary for myself for almost a year, we survived and came out ok.
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 finding and retaining good people. In the industry that we're in, there's always a bigger club or organization looking to draw your top talent. My priority is always to continue developing each one of our staff members so that when these opportunities arrive, they are prepared and can fulfill their dream of moving to coach or work at higher levels of soccer. It is difficult for me, as a business owner, to let these employees progress to their new opportunities and have to find their replacement, but I know it is the right thing to do.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Pursue your passion - but don't allow your passion to be muddled by it becoming work.
- Put people first - and that often means your people, not always the customer.
- Be honest and genuine - good things will come back your way, and people will recognize this and share it with others.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://atdsoccer.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arringtontd/
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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