Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Christian Straka, Co-Founder of Maverick Community, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.

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

Maverick Community is a platform designed to set successful personal trainers up for a lifetime of sustainable growth. Our business focuses on providing high-end gym facilities, a community of exclusive talent, business admin tools, and opportunities to scale. Our primary customers are personal trainers who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human performance and well-being.

Co-founded by Michael Fishman, Steve LePore, Marcellus Wiley, and me, Maverick Community aims to help fitness coaches grow their businesses by offering everything they need to earn more income and enjoy freedom in their careers.

Our facilities provide beautiful training spaces, top-of-the-line equipment from brands like Proteus, Keiser, Reaxing, Exerfly, NeuFit, and more, and a community of like-minded individuals for learning and growth. In addition, our pay-per-use costs are lower than the competition, ensuring trainers can access the best equipment while maximizing their earnings.

As part of our commitment to being a purpose-driven company, we've established a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Maverick Forward, which runs alongside our for-profit business, Maverick Community. Maverick Forward offers no-cost mentorship, training, and certifications for aspiring fitness coaches. Through our innovative approach and commitment to supporting personal trainers, we're changing the landscape of the fitness industry for the better.

Tell us about yourself

As a former tennis professional and coach, my passion for sports and human performance has always been a driving force in my life. My coaching journey led me to become the Global Mindset Coach for Adidas and a faculty member at USC, where I teach mindfulness. This background has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the power of fitness and mindset coaching in transforming lives.

I began coaching Michael Fishman 10 years ago, and when he sold his business, we decided to join forces and create something new to support a group of people who have been mostly without assistance – personal trainers. We wanted to develop a scalable concept that could help not only those already doing well but also individuals in underserved communities.

My love for learning, teaching, creating new things, and helping others has always been at the core of who I am. I thoroughly enjoy meeting authentic, interesting individuals and deepening relationships. Maverick Community allows me to combine my passions by providing personal trainers with the support and resources they need to thrive.

Our nonprofit organization, Maverick Forward, is another source of pride for me, as it aims to offer mentorship, training, and certifications for aspiring fitness coaches in underserved communities. Witnessing the impact our platform has on trainers and their clients is incredibly fulfilling and inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the fitness industry every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is twofold. First, in my earlier coaching career, I had the privilege of coaching players who went on to win Grand Slams and world championships. Witnessing their success and knowing that I played a part in their journey is something I'll always cherish.

Second, since launching our first Maverick Community facility, we've helped over 100 personal trainers elevate their careers, with some of them increasing their income to as much as $1,000 per hour. Seeing the tangible impact our platform has had on their lives and businesses fills me with a great sense of accomplishment and reinforces the importance of our mission to support and empower personal trainers. The success of Maverick Community is a testament to our commitment to creating a scalable concept that truly benefits those we serve.

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

One of the most challenging aspects of being a business owner is dealing with uncertainty and the constant need to solve problems throughout the day. As a business owner, you're continually faced with decisions that can significantly impact the direction and success of your company.

Finding the right balance between trusting one's instincts and experiences, and being open to advice or opinions from others, can be quite difficult. It's essential to be confident in your abilities and decisions while also recognizing that you don't have all the answers and that others may bring valuable insights to the table.

Another challenge is the ability to switch between tasks and fully immerse yourself in them without getting distracted by what you worked on an hour ago or what you need to do in 20 minutes. Effective time management, prioritization, and focus are critical skills for any business owner, as is the ability to delegate tasks and build a strong team. Additionally, managing various responsibilities, from overseeing daily operations to strategizing long-term growth, can be demanding and requires a high level of adaptability.

Ultimately, embracing these challenges and learning from them is what helps business owners grow personally and professionally, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

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

  1. Develop a clear vision and mission: Before starting a business, it's crucial to have a clear understanding of your vision and mission. Define what you want to achieve, who your target audience is, and how your product or service will provide value to your customers. This clarity will serve as a guiding force throughout your entrepreneurial journey, helping you make decisions and stay on track.
  2. Be adaptable and open to learning: The business world is constantly evolving, and your ability to adapt to changes and new information is essential. Embrace a growth mindset and be open to learning from your experiences, both successes and failures. Stay informed about industry trends and continually seek ways to improve and innovate. This will not only help you grow your business but also set you apart from the competition.
  3. Build a strong network and support system: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and can offer valuable insights, advice, and support. Networking with other entrepreneurs, joining industry associations, and attending conferences can help you make valuable connections and learn from others' experiences. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek professional advice from mentors, coaches, or consultants to guide you through challenging situations and help you make informed decisions.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://bemav.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemav.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-straka/

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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