Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in the sports nutrition business, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Stark, co-founder of Endurance Tap Inc., based in Coldwater, Ontario.
What's your business and who are your customers?
Endurance Tap is the best digesting fuel for athletes, naturally. Many athletes enjoy our all-natural Canadian maple syrup-based energy gels, from weekend warriors to professional athletes and Olympians.
Tell us about yourself
I had to take a one-year break from running due to unexpected knee surgery (long story...). During this time, I thought a lot about running. One day, I had the thought, "what about maple syrup as a fuel?"
I researched and discovered that it's perfect, and then got in touch with my co-founder Matt to suggest we start a business. 7 years later, we have the best digesting gel on the market, and the amazing feedback from customers keeps us fired up.
We have many customers who couldn't enjoy their athletic pursuits due to stomach issues; Tap solves them. It's incredible to hear about folks accomplishing their goals by using your product.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Growing Endurance Tap over 6 years as a side hustle to the point where I could jump in full time!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Every decision is yours. You don't have a manager or boss to ask when you're not certain about a decision. This also means you're 100% responsible for every decision you make. But the amazing upside of this is that you get to do things your way. You're not a puppet in someone else's play.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Always bias towards action. Planning is great, but it's easy to get bogged down in details and not even start. Just start. Relentlessly get feedback from customers, whomever they are, be nimble and adapt to their needs whenever possible.
Always provide exceptional customer service. Have faith in yourself and your idea. You may think it's risky to start a business, but what's truly risky is going through life not doing the things that you genuinely want to. Believe that you can do it, and go and do it.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
You will learn more by starting and running a business than you could possibly ever learn in school. Jump in and go for it; even if the business "fails," it's not a failure, you've learned tons, and you're better positioned for your next business adventure.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://endurancetap.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endurancetap
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endurance_tap
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/PatrickStarkDesign
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
