Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in wellness and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Reid Elam, co-founder, and CEO of Elam Sports O`ahu, located in Kapolei, HI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a private, outpatient physical therapy plus organization. Our customers are our island Ohana. Our name, Elam Sports O'ahu, encompasses all that is dear to us: ELAM = Ohana; we put our family name on our product to deliver extraordinary service, as our reputation is on the line. SPORTS = Kuleana, our passion is promoting active lifestyles, and it's our responsibility to share this with our communities. O'AHU = Home, We love our island home!
Tell us about yourself
I wanted to provide specialty healthcare to previously underserved areas and segments of our population on our home island. We live in a most glorious part of this world with many features to keep people of all ilks engaged with our location, geography, and natural resources to live an active lifestyle. The mission to serve and care for our community, including my immediate Ohana and our work Ohana, motivates me every day to do what I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having been the first to start outpatient physical therapy in Kapolei as a mobile service to the island of O'ahu and remaining in business since 1999. We have also developed a niche in several areas, being the only facility offering aquatic therapy, having unique/single-source modalities/equipment, being the only facility with an outdoor artificial turf field, and being known as an educational organization. We provide a non-profit service of educating student physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, athletic trainers, and student interns of varying fields of study through clinic rotations, preceptorship, residencies, and practicums.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Generally, in the healthcare industry, the more difficult issues are regulations, insurance reimbursements, the cost of insurance for the public, and staying true to our treatment model, which is individualized/one-on-one care. Rising costs (i.e., inflation), recovering from two years of COVID shutdowns, and health service rules/mandates are challenging factors to continue to do business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a mission that is very near and dear to your heart and work to determine how to deliver your service or product along with that mantra.
- Surround yourself with a team of people that you love and respect to help you get to your goals.
- Promotion is of utmost importance, and the best means to do this is to develop rapport with your customers/clients and develop meaningful relationships with them. Word of mouth is the best form of marketing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.elamsportsoahu.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elam-Sports-Oahu-119726178044521/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elam-sports-oahu/
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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