Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Darren Hansen, owner of Hansen Athletics, located in Pocatello, ID, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
HansenAthletics is a full-service strength and conditioning company that works primarily with youth athletes on-site and remotely. We help athletes develop strength, speed, and the ability to perform at a high level physically and mentally. We foster a positive culture focused on a growth mindset to help the youth develop the ability to operate at a high level during and after sports careers have ended. We also work remotely with adults, athletes, and teams across the state and country.
Tell us about yourself
Started into strength and conditioning after having multiple injuries as a college-aged athlete. Received my degree in exercise science and assisted in the collegiate weight room while starting a program for the University for club sports and the general college population. During that time, I competed nationally in Olympic Weightlifting and coached a USAW-sanctioned weightlifting team, and climbed the ranks to a national coach. I had the opportunity to then move to Salt Lake City and help at the University of Utah while also coaching and facilitating a private facility. During that time, I amassed multiple strength and conditioning certifications and had the opportunity to stay a month at the Olympic Training Center and work with youth weightlifting athletes.
My motivation comes from the opportunity to help the youth develop confidence, strength, and belief in themselves during a very formative time in their life. I feel the trajectory of someone's life can change drastically while a teenager, and we have the opportunity to be a positive influence and role model in their lives.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
We moved facilities five times in 5 years, growing from a garage to a 10,000-square-foot facility with plans to expand even further. We are a prominent facility for athletes and youth to train and provide outstanding results to our members. We help coaches all over the state facilitate their strength and conditioning remotely and consult other gyms across the country. Our growth is a testament to our hard work, values, and willingness to help and provide information to others.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Managing the different aspects of the business. Providing world-class coaching while also putting enough energy into marketing, business planning, finances, staff, accounting, etc., the life of an entrepreneur is glorified, but you'd do well to remember it will require THE MOST work and continual grit to be successful.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start small and build as your customer base grows. Don't go too big too fast, and focus on providing the best experience possible. Crunch the numbers and have a business plan. Going for the dream without a plan is reckless, and you need to make sure you are charging enough for your services to expand and not burn out. Focus on culture. Establish the energy you want to promote and then hire based on an individual's ability to fit into that vision.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://hansenathletics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HansenAthletics
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/coachdhansen/
https://www.instagram.com/hansenathletics/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwillhans/
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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