Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Cole.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Matt. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2002 I started working for all3sports.com the leading triathlon retailer in the U.S. I was the Manager and head bike fitter. After working at all3 for 6 years and graduating from the Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University I founded Podium Multisport, in Druid Hills in 2010.
We are a full-service triathlon store that focuses on fit first. A concept that I developed at all3 as their manager and brought as the focus for Podium. We do an interview and use a 3d dynamic fit bike to choose the perfect bike for our clients. It saves all the hassle and takes the guess work out of the traditional ways of buying a bike. We also use that technology in our running and swimming department as well and sets Podium and all3sports.com apart from our competition. We are known for being the experts in the field of Swim, Bike, Run and Training.
In 2016 almost exactly 14 years later I had the opportunity to acquire all3sports.com and combine the two best multisport names in the business. Today we are the leading multisport retailer East of the Mississippi and South of the Canadian Border. We also have our first franchise store located just North in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Our struggle is the same with most small businesses and retailers. We are fighting the Amazon’s surge and our own vendors selling directly to consumers. This has been tough but we have focused on our expertise and excellent client services that we offer our clients. We do a good job at teaching and telling a story that clients so far have been compelled to listen too. Our involvement is the triathlon/cycling community also sets us apart from online retailers. Amazon does one thing well and that’s ship inventory quickly. So all3sports.com has raised the bar to target clients that are within a 1 or 2-day shipping radius so we aren’t’ at a disadvantage, as we can easily compete on price. Our overhead and margin are much better than Amazon at year end. They are lucky to see a 1 % profit. So our small business is much more flexible to make decisions that can put us in a good position to stay competitive. At the end of the day, expert advice isn’t free and its something our clients’ demand and both our companies understand that well. So are challenge is hiring people who show the passion and dedication to serving clients as knowledge leaders. We should always win on client service and knowledge.
The second is time. No matter how well we plan or execute we always run out of time. I think I’ll be trying to figure that one out for a long time. No pun tended. 🙂
Podium Multisport and all3sports.com – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Both Podium and all3sports www.podiumms.com and all3sports.com specialize in multisport. We sell road, gravel, triathlon, and mountain bikes for athletes who look to get the most out of their machines. They typically race road races such as 5k to 26.2 or compete in Ironman triathlon around the globe. We are the tested and trusted shop for all their training needs and racing endeavors. Most of our clients we know personally as we have trained with them in the pool, on the road or trails. We are where they buy their products, such as Garmins, clothing, swim goggles, or bikes that range in price from 1,000 to 25,000.
The main reason we are leading in our category is the vast inventory that we carry online and inside our retail locations. If we don’t have it there is a good reason or the product may be out of stock at the vendors. We do a good job of knowing the latest gadgets before it hits the market since all our employees are avid sportsman that feel as passionate about top quality products. We all decide on every product before bringing it to sell on our floors. As we want to make sure we represent the best for our clients’ needs. It doesn’t do us any good to sell an inferior good and lose our clients trust. It’s in our best interest to go the extra mile and test the product to make sure its a Podium winner.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
This is a tough one. I’m a bit old school as I don’t pay that close attention to success as a dollar figure. I don’t see the bottom line as something that is a top priority. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and the process of building something from a napkin to the market is what makes something a success. I didn’t take a paycheck from Podium for 5 years. To me, it’s about making sure my image and my vision is carried out. Show how Multisport shaped my life by surrounding myself with people who put fitness goals first. It allowed me to see sport as the top priority in life. Sport defines who I am and Ironman racing is very similar to everyday life or owning a business. In order to be successful, one must have endurance and work when nobody else is watching.
Burning the midnight oil as my mentor used to say. So how well I paint that picture to my clients and employees is a big part of how I gauge my personally success. Leading by example. What makes me smile inside and keep working 6 days a week is knowing I’m spreading the word of a healthy lifestyle through my businesses. Introducing and seeing successful clients living the lifestyle is the main mission. It’s truly an amazing sport that leads people to achieve what they never thought was possible. How I know this is working for our brand is we are growing each year and gaining more clients that feel the same way. When I can no longer offer that or feel we are providing that service, I’ll move on to other things. Dream Big Dream Fast is our mojo at all3sports and I strive to live by that. Reaching new Podium’s is what is in our companies mission statement.
Contact Info:
- Address: Podium Multisport, 1167 Zonolite Place, Suite A2,ATL, GA 30306
all3sports.com, 8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 420, ATL, GA 30350 - Website: podiumms.com or all3sports.com
- Phone: 404.892.3400 or 770.587.9994
- Email: info@teampodium.com
- Instagram: podium multisport or all3sports
- Facebook: podium multisport or all3sports
- Twitter: team podium all3sports
Image Credit:
Anthony Malone on the one with a wheel in my hand.
