Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Leivers.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love of running actually began back in middle school with the “long-distance running club.” It was me and my best friend, and that was it. Two people! But I enjoyed it and decided to join the cross country team when I got to high school. From there I competed on the track and cross country teams at Colorado College.
After graduation I moved to Atlanta and began coaching the men’s cross country and distance track runners at Emory University.
After 8 years at Emory, I wanted a change that would allow me more flexibility in my schedule and more time with my family so I decided to leave the world of collegiate athletics and start private coaching. It’s been three years now, and I’ve loved every minute of it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Thanks to a very supportive family and a great support network of people here in Atlanta it’s always been a FUN road, even if it hasn’t always been smooth.
From a business standpoint it took a while to find my “niche” and to get people to understand the value of having a running coach. It’s funny, people don’t think twice about working with a golf pro or a tennis pro, but they often think they can figure out running on their own. As the awareness of what a running coach can do to help you has grown, my business has grown along with it.
Coach Carl – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In the simplest sense, I help people enjoy their running more. Whether that means helping them stay injury-free, helping them run faster, or helping them work running around the rest of their life. I create custom training plans, do running form analysis, and host group workouts along with other services to help make sure I’m giving each person what it is that they need to enjoy running and get what they want out of it.
I would say overall, I’m known for having a reasonable, responsible approach to training and to running that works for busy adults. I often tell my clients “we’re not here to make the Olympics, we’re not here to be professional runners, so let’s figure out something that is fun, that is sustainable, and that reduces the stress in your life rather than causing more!”
I suppose that’s what is in line with what I am most proud of as well — that I work hard to find the unique solution to my clients’ unique problems.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I measure success with my business in two ways:
1) From a client standpoint — Is the person I’m working with making progress towards their goals while still enjoying the process? If so, then I’m on the right track.
2) From a business standpoint — am I managing the business in a way that makes it profitable and allows me the time I want for my family and other pursuits.
Pricing:
- Running Form Analysis (90 min) = $180
- Group Track Workouts = $50/month
Contact Info:
- Website: runningcoachcarl.com
- Email: carl@runningcoachcarl.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/runningcoachcarl
- Twitter: twitter.com/RunCoachCarl
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