Today we’d like to introduce you to Dane Krager
Hi Dane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It is probable that my entrepreneurship story started as an adolescent while watching my parents own and operate their own small businesses. My dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a boutique hairdresser, both were very hard workers that added value to their clients lives. I experienced the positive feedback they would get for their work and I was very proud of them. This ubiquitous experience was drawing for me, I felt that there was a deep sense of care and honor involved in their work. I loved witnessing that.
After college, I had a cup of tea with the NFL for 2 years, settled in with the AFL for 4 years, then began to travel as much as possible. The traveling, particularly, helped me understand people in a greater capacity; what they were interested in, capable of, and how to speak to an audience more confidently – This was intentional, as I planned to start a business when I returned home.
In 2010 I opened Dane’s Body Shop and bootstrapped it, wholly. I rented my house out for a little extra income before needing to sell. I moved into the Shop with my dog, Cede, for 4 months before gaining enough funds to rent a 300 square foot place a few blocks away. I dug in and continued to build the business from there. It wasn’t perfect, or a necessarily ideal method, but it was all mine – and all up to me to make it succeed.
Today, I live with my wife, our 4 children and our dog, Emmy, in east Austin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Financially, there were hiccups (My football dreams hadn’t filled the bank as I had hoped – Ha!). I had to slowly acquire equipment for the Shop over time as the membership grew. It made sense to spend when it made sense to spend, of course.. I couldn’t afford to run the business any other way.
Then, I lost friends.
In early 2015 I lost almost all of my coaching staff (9 out of 11 coaches), mainly from my own mismanagement and inexperience. I had hired management hastily and it ate the business down to its roots, quite literally. Overnight, I went from coaching a couple classes per week to coaching 28 classes per week, as well as running all operations. It was absolutely the hardest thing I had ever experienced emotionally. But it taught me valuable lessons I use today in how I approach business and life. We are a healthier, sturdier business because of it.
We’ve been impressed with Dane’s Body Shop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dane’s Body Shop is class-based fitness company with two locations in the Austin area. With locations on Manor Rd. and in the Hyde Park area.
Our coach-led classes incorporate strength and conditioning, mobility and longevity with a passion. We offer fun events and community hang outs, as well Recovery: Cold plunge and Sauna at our Hyde Park location.
We pride ourselves on the strength of our community. Our coaches AND members stick around for a long time, so you grow to know the people you workout with. We don’t check in and check out here. We are all-in on our member’s goals and needs in fitness and health.
We are a safe and reliable way to stay fit and get stronger with a group of people you can grow to love. We try to stay light hearted and approachable for all levels of fitness experience.
We also throw these hysterically fun fitness events we call Mini-Meets 4 times per year for our members and their friends.
I believe the Dane’s Body Shop brand has become recognizable and strong in Austin.
Pricing:
- Unlimited membership: $199/month
- 8 sessions/month: $148
- 10 drop ins: $250
- Single drop in: $30
- https://danesbodyshop.com/pricing/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://danesbodyshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danesbodyshop?igsh=MXI5dDE2M2M0djc0dg==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/danesbodyshopatx
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/danes-body-shop-austin
