Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Robert Stapf, Franchise Owner of British Swim School - Hudson Waterfront, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We teach swim and water safety lessons to children and adults. Our customers are everyone who wants to learn how to swim. Or their parents.

Tell us about yourself

I worked in corporate America for 16 years and was looking to do something with more meaning and purpose. That's when I came across British Swim School. Saving lives is a pretty good mission.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Rapidly growing the company and then bringing it back to life after the Covid-19 shutdown, I had to lay off all staff.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Covid-19 shut down, where I laid off 78 employees in one day without knowing if we'd ever be back.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Work ON the business, not in the industry: Find good employees to do the day-to-day work so you can focus on growing the business. Don't spend your time doing something that someone else can do for you with a bit of training. Do what only you can do.
  2. Don't give up easily. There will be heartbreaking failures and mistakes along the way. Accept that it is part of the process. Embrace it.
  3. Hire the right people. Find good leaders that can carry a positive culture

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure you and your kids are water-safe! The numbers are staggering - drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for young children, and swim lessons reduce the risk by 88%. It's the #1 thing to do to protect your family.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://britishswimschool.com/hudson-waterfront/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BSSHudsonWaterfront/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britishswimschoolhudsonwf_nj/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertstapf/

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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