Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Kestenbaum.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My life followed a pretty typical path after college. I got married, had two beautiful children, worked as a teacher and seemed to have it all. However, in reality things weren’t going so well. Like many, there were a few bumps in the road along the way that put a strain on my marriage and our bank account. In 2010, my family made a big life change and moved from Atlanta, GA to Sandwich, MA. At the time, I knew very little about CrossFit, but it certainly intrigued me. I had tried it once while living in Atlanta, thought it was interesting, but the timing just wasn’t right. As I attempted to adjust to my new life on Cape Cod, I found a local CrossFit and decided it was time to do something for myself. The time was right.
When I started CrossFit, I had no idea how big of an impact it would have on my life. I didn’t know I was looking for something, but I was. As I continued to struggle in my personal life, I found my strength in CrossFit. Not only had I found a sport that introduced me to new, positive challenges, but also a community of people that supported me both in my fitness goals and in life in general.
I ultimately found myself dealing with the death of someone very special to me, then divorced and moving into a new home, sharing custody of my children and trying to earn a living. I have always been employed and worked hard, sometimes juggling more than one job at a time. I knew I could earn a living, that I could make it work, but that it would be hard. And it was.
In late 2012, I had obtained my L1 CrossFit Certification, which made me eligible to coach CrossFit classes. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to coach at the CrossFit where I was a member and then another opportunity came up and I began coaching at Upper Cape CrossFit in the summer of 2013. I have been here ever since and recently celebrated my 3 year anniversary as the co-owner!
It has been an interesting journey, to say the least. As a single mom trying to make ends meet, I decided to take a big risk and invest all the money I had while also taking out a loan to buy out one of the owners. I had no idea what I was doing, I have never owned a business, nor do I have a business background. What I did and do have is a passion for CrossFit and understanding of the positive impact it can have on people’s lives. I have experienced this for myself and wanted to share it with others.
During my CrossFit journey, I have become a more optimistic person. I have found that I am a much more capable person than I thought. CrossFit has opened so many doors for me and brought me to a place I never imagined. I consider myself to be very fortunate. Over the past few years I have obtained the following certifications: CrossFit Level 1 and 2 Trainer; CrossFit Kids; CrossFit Mobility; CrossFit Endurance; CrossFit Powerlifting; CrossFit Judges Course; CrossFit Scaling Course. I have attended Ben Bergeron’s Business of Excellence Seminar and Immersion Program. I have had several CrossFit games athletes train at Upper Cape CrossFit, including the Fittest Woman on Earth 2015 and 2016, Katrin Davidsdottir, along with her Coach Ben Bergeron. I have competed in many CrossFit competitions and made it to the CrossFit Master’s Qualifier three times. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll make it to the CrossFit Games myself?
Regardless of what happens, I know I’m in the right place, doing the right thing. I get to help people help themselves every day. I have the honor of being a part of so many people’s lives as they try new things, as they find out they can do things they never thought possible. I get to be a positive role model for my children. I get to wake up every morning feeling excited about going to work. Life is pretty good!
Has it been a smooth road?
This has definitely been a challenging journey. A lot of the challenges have been in my personal life, but there have been professional ones as well. The lines can get blurred between the two, as well. I have made a few mistakes and will probably make some more, but have really tried to learn from them. Being the people pleaser that I am, I thought I could make everyone happy. This is pretty much impossible. As a business owner, you have to learn to not take things personally and to be able to separate the two, which can be difficult at times in an industry where you are offering such an individualized service to each member.
I have learned how to differentiate the two and how to be a better business owner by listening. Listen to the advice you get from others, listen to your customers. Really listen. People want to be heard. You don’t have to do everything they ask of you, but you can at least take it into consideration.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Upper Cape CrossFit story. Tell us more about the business.
I am the Co-owner of Upper Cape CrossFit, along with my business partner Ken Crane. I handle the business and logistics side of things and coach classes every day. According to CrossFit.com, “CrossFit is constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. These are the core movements of life.” CrossFit workouts are offered in a group setting and movements can be scaled (modified), so all members can do the same workout together.
What sets us apart from other gyms is that Upper Cape CrossFit offers more than just a workout, we offer you a community. We have an amazing group of people that are full-time members. Being on Cape Cod, our community grows quite a bit during the summer, as we welcome back summer members year after year. We also have drop-ins from all over the world year round. No matter what time of year it is, we want everyone to feel welcome. We greet people with a smile, we work hard to learn everyone’s name, where they are coming from, and we encourage everyone to get to know each other.
We try very hard to acknowledge people’s accomplishments. We have people write their goals and successes on a large whiteboard, we have a PR (personal record) bell for members to ring, we recognize members as Athlete of the Month on our website, post pictures of members doing something for the first time, and so much more. We genuinely care about our members and do our best to show it.
I also have a highly qualified team of coaches that helps make all this happen. We communicate daily and meet on a regular basis to make sure things are running smoothly. While collectively we strive to offer a particular product to our members, everyone is encouraged to be themselves and apply their own unique coaching style. All our coaches truly have a passion for what they do.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
There are particular life experiences that have really molded who I am. I was adopted as an infant, then my mom passed away from cancer when I was 18 years old, only 2 weeks before I graduated from high school. She was a hardworking, strong woman, who like most moms, made a lot of sacrifices for her kids. She provided us with a good life, instilled in me a compassion for others, and a love for adventure and travel before she died. I have always felt like she is watching over me and I want to make her proud. I believe that no matter what I am doing, as long as it is something I love, that makes me really happy, then I have succeeded in doing just that.
During the years that I struggled in my adult life, I found my biological mom. This process has answered a lot of questions for me and helped me understand more about myself. Jane, my biological mom, has become a very big part of my life and gives me an even strong drive to be successful. I now have another mom to make proud.
Contact Info:
- Address: Upper Cape CrossFit
10 Millennium Drive
Cataumet, MA 02534 - Website: www.uppercapecrossfit.com
- Phone: 508-296-8223
- Email: amy@uppercapecrossfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uppercapecrossfit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UpperCapeCrossfit/
Image Credit:
Jumping Over Barbell – Lacey Fogg
Black and White – Venita Bell Shaw – VBS Photography
Iron Spider – Brandon Mui – Rx Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
