Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dave Morrow, Founder of Dave Morrow Personal Training, located in Dorval, QC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are an online fitness and health company with the audacious goal of helping 100k military veterans lose 2 million pounds.
Tell us about yourself
My mission since I started my business has been to positively change the fitness and health culture for veterans. As a veteran myself, I came home injured and alone. My body became fat, and pain riddled. I didn't know what to do, and my mental health suffered. Until I hit rock bottom, unable to move without excruciating pain in my back, then I decide to take my health very seriously.
I built a recovery protocol with my coach and have since been able to complete the Ironman and live the majority of my days pain-free. This is the message I convey to every veteran that comes to me looking for a better life.
Fundamentally, I believe our years of warfighting weren't for nothing. Our creativity and resourcefulness need to be unleashed, but it can’t be done if we’re in pain and suffering in our own personal hell. I want the best science and practical approaches unleashed on the veteran community. My motivation is to help create healthier, harder-to-kill veterans that are able to be a force for good at home, in their communities, and countries.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We established the A.T.H.E.N.A. Program. The first national, online, fully subsidized veteran fitness program with the help of Veterans Affairs Canada that currently helps over 40 female veterans every year get fitter, healthier, and harder to kill.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's the constant struggle of battling imposter syndrome. When I started, I was starting from scratch. I was an "Army guy" and school teacher. Nobody knew me as a fitness trainer. Even when clients would say how much they loved my coaching and how much weight they lost, I still felt like I wasn't worthy of the praise.
Therefore, the only thing that matters when starting out is making sure you have a rock-solid mindset. I've always had coaches to help me along with this. No matter how much success comes your way, it's easy to focus on the negative aspect of your mistakes. You need to be able to move along and accept the mistakes and push forward.
The hard truth is that you'll likely fail at this. That's ok. Most never even try. Keep at it. Find a way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Without a doubt, you need to network your @ss off. This is my strong point and has helped me grow from nothing to where I am now in relatively short order.
- Get good at telling your story and give tons of value upfront for a very long time. Build your audience and nurture them well. You won't see it pay off for years, but you just have to trust and be patient that it will. Imagine it like planting a massive field with seeds and waiting for the harvest of raving fans.
- Be laser-focused on your numbers and how you're making money. If making money makes you uncomfortable, then business isn't for you, yet. In my opinion, your offer is king, and if you can craft a good offer, you'll be in the elite tier of businesses.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I believe most of our problems can be solved using the entrepreneurial spirit. We are essentially problem solvers willing to risk money and time to make our community better, and I think that's one of the noblest things a person can do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://davemorrow.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daveyboy.smith2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davemorrowpt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveBMorrowPT
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemorrow81/
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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