We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Damiani and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anthony, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote, that I tell all my athletes. Is “There’s no growth in comfort, and there’s no comfort in growth!” For me, anytime in life that I have achieved something worth while. I had to push myself outside of my comfort zone to achieve my desired goal. Nothing worth while in life comes easy. If you’re thinking that success comes easy and stress free you’re sadly mistaken. However, once you push yourself past what you thought you could do. And you achieve your goal. The feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction you get when you see the fruits of your labor pay off. Is worth all the stress, pain, and sleepless nights it took to reach your goal.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career technically started back when I was 5 years old doing gymnastics. All the years I spent training as a gymnast from the age of 5-22 helped me on a technical basis to learn how skills should be taught and look. After I turned 18, I started coaching in a gymnastics and cheer gym. I paid close attention to how the managers and owners structured and set up their classes and ran their business. My main goal was to be a gym manager. But obviously with where I was at there wasn’t going to be an opening for a manager position anytime in the foreseeable future. So I decided to open up my own gym. What has set us apart from our competitors. Is our hands on fast pace class structure. Along with our knowledge and proficiency. It wasn’t easy; but I was determined to succeed. My biggest obstacle when I first opened was finding employees that were willing to take the risk with me and stay committed to Dauntless. Had a lot of employee turn over at first. Because with any new business. It has to grow to have more hours available for employees to work. So how I over came that was going to high schools to drum up more teams to work with. Then I opened up more regular tumbling & stunting classes. To be able to offer my employees more hours. I’ve learned that you can’t trust a person by their word. You trust them based off their actions. You never count on any potential new client until they walk through those doors and sign that membership. I guess if I could sum up Dauntless with 3 words it would be “Determined, Motivated, & Fearless!” If you have those three characteristics. There’s absolutely nothing in life you can’t achieve. My business and I wouldn’t be where we are today if we were missing one of those characteristics. In my mind you have to have all 3 to be successful.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I personally love the white mountains. In my mind its a must see place if you visit AZ. I’d say for food. Man there’s so many good choices. I’m personally a steak guy. So I’d have to take him to San Tan Flats for a steak and a nice country relaxed environment. I like the movies so harkens is a nice relaxing place to go on any night.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly would be here if it wasn’t for God blessing me the way he has. He has given me a very supportive wife and family. With out them helping me behind the scenes I probably wouldn’t have made it this far. I’ve been very lucky to have awesome friends and mentors that have supported me from the beginning. Christine Shea, Taya Benton, Amanda Busch, Richard & Mariana Abelson, and Kristina & John Scott. Also my staff has been like a second family. Very supportive and willing to jump in and help out always.
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Image Credits
Credits to Dauntless Athletics