For my next spotlight feature, meet Seth Birky. At age 24, he runs his own Taekwondo studio in Elkhart Indiana, Star Taekwondo. I met him on a shoot recently and thought he would make a great addition to the series. Pictured behind him are all the medals and trophies he has won in the past seven years. [tweetmeme source=”callielipkin” only_single=false]
What kind of business are you in?
SB: I run a taekwondo-based martial arts school for children and families that trains over 300 students from the ages of 2 to 70. We specialize in training kids with ADHD and behavioral struggles to be successful in school as well as in taekwondo classes; we also special in high-competition for students who strive to be State, National, and World Champions.
How long have you been in business?
SB: I've been a key employee at this location for eight years, but have owned the business for three and a half.
Where are you from - where did you grow up?
SB: I grew up in Goshen, IN- just about 8 miles from Elkhart where my studio is located.
Where did you go to college?
SB: I went to Goshen college where I studied Developmental Psychology and Elementary Education. I've also
taken specialized training for the physical and business aspects of running a Taekwondo school through the ATA (American Taekwondo Association)
since I was sixteen. Training is always ongoing and continuing education courses are a required part of certification.
What is your favorite thing about working for yourself?
SB: Setting your own rules and goals.
And your least favorite?
SB: Enforcing those rules and meeting those goals.