Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Cioffi, founder of CanTune - Canadian Tuning, located in Milton, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CanTune is a performance/recreational watercraft business based out of the GTA. Founded in 2020, we are focused on delivering an unprecedented customer experience when shopping for seadoo performance upgrades and modifications.
Our main focus continues to be engaging with like-minded entrepreneurs and businesses in the recreational sector and collaborating on product offerings for our customers that span coast to coast throughout Canada and our far-reaching international customer base in England, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Poland, Greece, France, Italy, Portugal and back into the United States. "Our customers are happy to have access to the greatest tunes on the market and our Canadian-made products to compliment, We're happy to bring some life back to the sport at an affordable price and send the North."
Tell us about yourself
I, the CEO of Canadian Tuning (aka CanTune), saw a huge opportunity in Canada where customers lacked some of the most reputable and sought-after products at a fair price. International exchange rates, duties, brokerage, shipping times, and costs are increasing for Canadians. These well-priced and designed products from the United States became harder to come by at an affordable price. From door to door, the price nearly doubled in comparison to market value pricing set by the US businesses to no fault of the business or buyer north of the border. "As a fellow enthusiast, rider, and business owner, I needed to focus on what was within my control to bring our unprecedented customer experience to Canada, even if that meant forfeiting some profits,"
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is truly investing time in the watercraft performance community groups, building relationships, and remaining humble. I often remind myself what it's like to be a customer and work on providing the best possible experience for my customers.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Today, managing expectations, with global shortages and supply chain challenges, keeping active and ahead of trends is probably the area of entrepreneurship that requires the most energy. As a business owner, my name is my promise. I never want to be stuck over-promising and under-delivering... be honest and human.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Listen to what your customers are saying, compete with yourself each day and strive to be a better version of yourself. Don't be afraid to make mistakes entrepreneurship requires diligence and commitment - keep moving forward. Always.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.canadiantuning.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadiantuning/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/can_tune/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.