Meet Anthony Damiani of Dauntless Athletics in East Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Damiani.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Anthony. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a gymnast from the ages of 5-23. I was an All American gymnast on the ASU Men’s gymnastics team. After my career on the ASU Men’s team, I decided to go back to my old gym and train with my old coach. In the process of training, I sustained a career-ending shoulder injury. That’s when it all started for me. After I had to retire from my Gymnastics career, due to that stupid, terrible, yet beautiful injury! Since I was unable to compete as a gymnast anymore. I figured I’d start helping kids do, what I was unable to do anymore.

So for years, that’s exactly what I did. I coached full time teaching Gymnastics, Cheer and Tumbling at my old gymnastics facility. After almost a decade of working there. I decided I wanted something more out of life. So I decided I was going to open my own gym. So I told my boss that I really had wanted to open my own gym. He understood and actually kept me around for a little while after I had told him I was going to open a gym. However, as all good things go. Seven months before my building was done I, unfortunately, had to go my separate way!

So now I had no job, no gym, and a wife and two kids to feed. I was definitely scared at times. Everyday I’d load mats & air tracks up in my truck and drives around the valley. Setting my equipment up in people’s backyards and coaching Tumbling for high school Cheer teams kept my head above water during that scary time.

I was so relieved when my gym was finally done! Once it was completed, then the stress was. Please God don’t fail, will people like my facility, how long will it take for me to break even, when will I profit! All the common stresses that every new business owner gets. I had to train myself to think about attacking one day at a time and one task at a time. So I started with what I knew how to do best. That was coaching! The more of my heart and effort I poured into my coaching the more kids signed up. By the end of our first month in business, we had over 120 members enrolled in classes.

By the end of the 2nd month, we had 175 members enrolled in classes. Now we have been open for 2.5 years and we have close to 800 members enrolled in classes!

We have been so blessed! Without the support, I had from my wife, family, and close family friends. I’d never of been able to push through and make this dream a reality! I thank God every day for giving me the courage to take that leap of faith and pursue my dreams!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle is finding the right employees that fit the business. The ones who want to learn, want to teach kids with the same passion I have for the sport.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Dauntless Athletics – what should we know?
We specialize in, Tumbling, Stunting, Gymnastics, and Pre School gymnastics. We are known for our for our abilities to help athletes achieve their skills quickly and efficiently! We pride ourselves on our ability to spot and instill confidence in the athletes. Our positivity sets us apart! We are very positive and encouraging to these kids.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As cliche as it sounds. God, my wife and kids, my family, the Abelson’s, my staff, my friends: Rudy, Taya, Christine, Kristina and John, and Amanda.

They help support me mentally, promoted my business, recommended others, one gave me a personal loan to buy more equipment, they had my back when I was down.

Without their support, I’d of failed long ago.

Pricing:

• 1 hour a week $75 per month
• 1.5 hours a week $100 per month
• 2 hours a week $120 per month
• 30 minute private $30
• 1 hour private $60

Contact Info:

• Address: 1501 E Baseline Rd Bldg 5 suite #106 Gilbert Az 85233
• Website: dauntlessathletics.com
• Phone: 480-214-3908
• Email: info@dauntlessathletics.com
• Instagram: Dauntless_athletics
• Facebook: Facebook.com/dauntlessathletics/
• Yelp: Dauntless Athletics

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