Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sports and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trish Alexander, Director of Skate IA, located in Seattle, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run Skate Instructors Association which certifies inline and quad skaters to teach basic through advanced skills, skate park, and slalom. It is also a membership organization that supports the members in building businesses, obtaining insurance, networking, and expanding what is possible for their community of skaters.
Tell us about yourself
I had a full career as a Trial Paralegal & private detective for 17 years, and then started my skate school (Skate Journeys Skate School), which is the largest in the USA, in 2000. I have been the Exec Director since 1999 of the school and took over Skate IA in 2009 and expanded it to include roller and skate boarding. Skate IA is a natural fit with the skate school. I was a competitive ice figure skater in my youth and came back to skating in 1994, and there is just something about rolling on wheels outside that has me feel like an angel with wings. The skaters, the members, and the students find such joy and passion in what they do that I delight in what I am fortunate to do! I get to run two skate companies!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I started a 3rd company called Sports-Preneur because I saw a need to assist skaters and other athletes in creating a legacy of what they love. So the accomplishment is really that I've stayed in this fun game of skating for so long that I can see the needs and create them!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's a lot of work to start the companies, and you do everything, even if you are not good at it. And I'm great with that, but I've found that building the business from a few-person to a team is a whole different mindset and requires delegation and really communicating with the team. It's so hard to go from one person to multi!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Charge more than you think you should.
- Progress, not perfection.
- Take a business course that allows you to bounce ideas off other like-minded individuals like sports-preneur.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website:
https://skateia.org/
https://www.sports-preneur.org/
https://skatejourneys.org/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SkateIA
https://www.facebook.com/groups/173228224464372
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/skateia_/
https://www.instagram.com/sports_preneur/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skate-instructors-association-inc/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.