Meet Gabriel Cordova | Co-Owner of Shark Sports Tucson

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriel Cordova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When my brother and I first decided to open our facility, our mindset was pretty fast paced. As a gym and training facility we knew there were many routes we could take. I guess in the beginning we were trying to take all of our thoughts and condense them into priorities. We decided to make some core values that we truly stood for. Once we established our core values, we used them when making big decisions. Any big decisions we made had to pass the core value test.

When you first start a business, you have a certain integrity about you. A promise to give your customer the quality they deserve. A promise to not question your integrity for the all-mighty dollar. As you move through the times you MUST adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the business world. As you adapt you can always refer back to those core values. The values you made at the very start with integrity.

So, to finally answer your question our thought process revolved around core values. Once we had a set variable to make decisions, we put together systems that would begin to do the simple things for us. It may seem like a lot on your plate but if you take the time to identify your obstacles you can begin to find ways around them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets us apart? That’s a good question. I think it all boils down to transparency. We work in the fitness industry, and it can be very gimmicky at times. It seems like every corner you turn is someone offering you a discount code or some workout that promises unbelievable results overnight. The reality is in most cases simple nutrition and basic activity can get you where you want to be. Instead of using flashing sales gimmicks we simply give our clients the truth. We sell hard work. If we can’t do something for prospected client, we send them to someone that can be of more help. Transparency and honesty with our customers builds a strong relationship. We want top notch customer service to accompanied with a quality product.

It never easy to take on something like running a business. When you first take on that responsibility it seems like a whole bunch of work. Eventually you get used to this new routine of tasks. If you are progressive and want to continue to grow you will eventually get handed another set of tasks. Like before it may seem like a lot on your plate but if you continue to drive on and get around obstacles they will once again become your everyday routine. Identify your obstacles and brainstorm around them. Continue to this over and over. Alway remember obstacles are not stop signs. They are intended to be maneuvered around not intended to stop you.

If the world associated our brand with one word, I would want that word to be quality. I want our logo to mean more than just fitness and nutrition. In the future I would want our logo to associated with a certain standard. Every time you see a Shark Sports logo on anything it means it comes with a certain stamp of approval. It comes with customer service from the time you sign up to the time you check out. When you use a Shark Sports product it comes with more than a result. It comes with an experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tucson is a very unique city. Being in the military I was able to travel around a good amount. There is something special about Tucson and I felt it every time I came back. Big enough to enjoy a good number of activities but small enough to be away from the hustle and bustle of a big city! I have a broad range of friends that all have different interests. If we are looking for a place to have some drinks, I would take them to “The Still”. This is a small speakeasy bar hidden inside a restaurant here in town. It’s a fun experience to take your friends in to a restaurant and be escorted behind a hidden wall to your table. Again, I’m all about the experiences. When it comes to food it’s hard to pick a favorite. Tucson is filled with some amazing foods of all cultures. If I had to pick my favorite restaurant in terms of culinary experience I would choose “Bata”. This is a more upscale restaurant with a rotating menu so you never really know what you will expect when you return. Never sleep on keeping it simple and hitting some of downtown establishments like an elote pizza from Empire Pizza on Congress!!

You can’t talk about Tucson and not talk about the amazing hikes! Romero pools, Sabino Canyon and of course Tumamoc hill if you want to stay on pavement. Looking to stay cool and beat the heat? Take a quick drive up to Mt. Lemmon and enjoy some amazing views. Don’t forget to stop by the cookie cabin! All of these places are great. Don’t forget to search if there are any festivals or special events during the time you are visiting. There is usually something for you to check out year around!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My brother Art Cordova and I own this business together. However, if I’m writing this as Gabe Cordova the individual, I would recognize him. My brother is the one that handles most of the back-end work. His work ethic and talent are the reason we are where we are. I also cannot forget to shoutout our wonderful mom. Our mother Marissa is the reason we are where we are. From the hardships we saw as kids to the character she instilled in us we owe her more than we can ever give. Thank you and love you both.

Website: sharksportstucson.com

Instagram: Shark Sports Tucson