Today we’d like to introduce you to Damir Okanovic.
Hi Damir, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Austin on my 30th birthday from Upstate NY with an ambition. I wanted to do great things without being held back by someone or something. My first year was the hardest. I didn’t know anyone and the only things I had with me were the ones I could fit into my Honda Element. That was my home for the next seven months. My goal was to be on American Ninja Warrior. I did a story based on my move to Austin and starting new. Next thing you know I’m on the show and made it to National finals my rookie year. After three years of competing and making it to National Finals each year gave me a platform. I started my own personal training business along with my own youth climbing team called the American Dream Team. Rock climbing was the first thing that I got exposed to moving to Austin. That is how I met my first roommate and all of my friends. Along the journey of my six years in Austin, I purchased my home few years ago. I moved my parents to Austin. I started doing commercials as an actor and my recent commercial was for Michelob Ultra that premiered during Super Bowl. I never gave up on the big picture. To keep pushing myself after each success and not stop. I was never satisfied and wanted more, something new. My family and I are first-generation Immigrants from Bosnia. Which gave us need to always want more. I became an entrepreneur at a very young age. I grew up passionate about cars. I used to buy and sell cars along with everything else. In today’s world, I am a collector of many things including vintage games and cards. I plan to keep going and investing in things that will not only bring me success but also bring me joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My first struggle was always doing things alone with no support system. Second living out of my car when I first moved to Austin. Finding what you are really passionate about is hard, you just have to keep trying until you find your thing. That’s how it was with me. I can be passionate about many things but only try to accomplish few.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work a 9-5pm job as a Title Specialist. I process vehicle titles for vehicles that we sell at the auction. When I am not working my job at Peddle, I coach a youth climbing team at Crux Climbing Center. There, I am a Head Coach for our competitive team. I also became a personal trainer through NASM when I first moved to Austin six years ago and have built a clientele. Aside from all of those job, I side hustle with buying and selling goods. Some examples would be Pokémon Cards or vintage items that can be restored. With little time that I have left, I also build climbing walls and convert speed bikes into Fixies. I consider myself an entrepreneur.
What makes you happy?
Staying busy is what makes me happy. I like to distract myself by doing things I love, and that’s either improving someone’s life (as a coach or personal trainer) or building something new. I also love thrifting, that makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: damirokanovic.ninja
