Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Charlie Graves, CEO of Athletic Republic, located in Park City, UT, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Athletic Republic is the world's premier destination for individualized, sport-specific training. With technologically advanced equipment, Athletic Republic tracks and showcases the improvements an athlete experiences through their training regimen. The brand is the nation's leading sports performance franchisor, with over 80 training centers and over two million athletes trained in the program. It is the top-tier place for data-backed training for athletes of all ages and abilities who seek to improve their speed, power, agility, and stamina. For more information, visit www.athleticrepublic.com.
Tell us about yourself
I was a world-ranked swimmer and successful professional triathlete before turning to a career in sports management, sports television, event production, and sports equipment manufacturing. I saw an amazing opportunity to be part of a brand I have long admired called, at the time, Frappier Acceleration. I have been the CEO of Athletic Republic since 2007, when I acquired and rebranded the company, introducing new franchising, operations, business, and marketing systems now in use in a worldwide network of franchises. Every day I'm inspired by the passion of our Franchise owners and operators who change the lives of our athletes.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Since acquiring Athletic Republic, we have grown the network to over 80 locations worldwide, and seeing our training centers across the world in countries like Australia, Korea, Japan, and Canada and continuing to expand in the US is my greatest accomplishment. Knowing that athletes every day are accomplishing their athletic performance goals brings me great joy as a "retired" professional athlete myself.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest but most fulfilling parts of being a business owner is how personal it is. Our Athletic Republic Franchisees are entrusting us with their future and their families, allowing us to support them in starting small businesses and helping them contribute to their communities. It's deeply personal and must be navigated with care.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with great, talented people.
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes but learn from them and pivot quickly.
- Do something you love and are passionate about, and the work will match that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.athleticrepublic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleticRepublic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleticrepublic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthRepublic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbgraves/
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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