Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Sherman, Owner of National Personal Training Institute Florida, located in Orlando, FL, USA.

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

NPTI Florida is a Veteran owned and operated Personal Training school for over 21 years. Owner and Navy veteran Patrick Sherman has been helping the veteran communities for over 30 years. NPTI Florida introduces our transitioning veterans to civilian employment with exciting careers in the fitness industry, as well as continuing education opportunities. So if you are one of the 250,000 service members transitioning out of the military in 2022/2023, or if you have already transitioned out and are still looking for a career change or help, NPTI can help.

Tell us about yourself

I'm a native New Yorker born and raised in The Bronx. I started working in a German restaurant at the age of 12. I then continued to hustle various jobs until joining the Navy at the age of 17. Prior to getting out of the military, I had the opportunity to become a defense contractor during Desert Storm and Desert shield. This was an exciting, grueling commitment and typically had me working 80-90 hours a week over the course of many years and multiple countries.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is to continue changing the Fitness industry with Next Generation Personal Training Education. NPTI Florida (Orlando/Tampa) is the only ACCSC Accredited educational facility in the US, offering up to 1,200 hours of Live classroom education with 218 hours of hands-on Personal Training in a real fitness center.

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

Being a perfectionist and hiring great talent is always a challenge. In order to be the best, you must outwork everyone else in the Fitness education arena each and every day.

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

The best advice I would give is to plan on working extremely long hours every day, 7 days a week, and expect the unexpected from time to time. Most importantly, find "Work-Life Balance" and time to get away and plan for the next attack.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I would like to remind everyone to thank our Veterans and service members of this country. Their bravery, sacrifice, and strength should never go unnoticed! This allows us to run our business each and every day. Thanks for your time, bravery, and sacrifice for this country.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nptiflorida.edu/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/npti.orlando.fl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nptiflorida/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nptiorlando
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3IDzwzu

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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