Sarah: Please tell me, how you got started and where other kids starting a business and parents can find out more info about you. (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, website)
Hamid: I started my company when I was an athlete growing up. I always enjoyed fitness and was big on convenience. I felt one on one training was the best way to see optimal results. I have a Facebook and twitter page. www.facebook.com/castrofitness and www.twitter.com/castrofitness.
Sarah: Where did you come up with your idea and what investigation did you do to help you know that this would be a great business?
Hamid: Fitness is very competitive; once I began to attract new clients throughout my college years, I knew I could easily expand and grow this business. My concept of “In-Home” personal training without the use of gym equipment was very convenient for people. I designed workouts that require little or no equipment so my trainers are able to bring their own equipment to get the most effective results. People are always trying to lose weight or get in shape but have a lot of excuses. I designed a program that makes it’s almost impossible not to workout. With a trainer coming to an individual’s home it takes away a lot of excuses people normally make when they go to the gym. It’s convenient and effective at the comfort of an individual’s home.
Sarah: What do you think are the most important skills you have that help you in business and that other kids starting a business would need?
Hamid: Patience! Patience and motivation to be persistent. It takes a lot of confidence in what you do and to believe in yourself. It’s easy for kids to lose track of their goals but with the right idea and motivation it can take them to the next level. It is key to have patience, being a kid can be viewed as a disadvantage but having patience will help with trying to build a business.
Sarah: What were the biggest obstacles, problems you had in getting started as a kid in business?
Hamid: Time management is a big obstacle. When you are in school and still growing up it’s hard to find the time to create a 
business. If someone is driven enough then they will be able to create what they believe is worth creating. I believe you can never be too busy; I thrive on keeping myself busy. I use all my energy to my advantage whether it’s good or negative energy I use it to work harder. Kids cannot stay discouraged or disappointed. Having patience and some sort of maturity will help tremendously.
Sarah: How does age affect your business success?
Hamid: Age can affect a kid’s business because people may not take them seriously. Having good communication skills and confidence is a huge factor in proving people wrong and being able to promote your business and yourself.
Sarah: What about college? Are you planning on going? Do you think that college is necessary for kids in business?
Hamid: I graduated from New York University. I think college is very important for kids. At first, it seems like so much work and when you have business problems along with exams it can be extremely stressful. With good time management and patience any goal can be conquered. I was able to develop my company while attending college and graduating with honors. Some kids think if they are making a lot of money they do not need college. However, with college you can obtain so may different skills that can help your business expand. There is no limit when it comes to business and education.
Sarah: What kind of expenses or start-up costs did you have when you started your business and where did you find the money or capital to start? Have you found that there are places to help kids starting a business to find funding?
Hamid: Start up costs were not a big factor in my business because my clients grew through word of mouth. Some kids have a business idea but it requires a lot of money that they are not able to get. I would say start small and save everything you get growing up. If you are passionate about your business you will find ways to make it happen regardless of the cost.
Sarah: What ideas and approaches do you use to market your business and what do you find works best for you in getting the word out about who you are and what you are doing?
Hamid: I think word of mouth is the best way to get new clients. Also, offering clients incentives for referrals is essential. In my business everyone can use a trainer and everyone can use an adjustment in their health, so it’s just the initial meeting with my potential clients and I can have them hooked from there.
Sarah: How do you balance it all?
Hamid: I work very hard and it is very obvious to the people around me. Sometimes I work too hard where it can be overwhelming. Having the right balance is very important. There is no rush in growing up, but that does not mean you can’t create a small business and be an entrepreneur. Hard work always pays off and with the right balance I can find time to still enjoy my youth. I definitely do not have the “average youth life”, but I enjoy what I do and it makes me happy. If you are happy doing what you do at the end of the day then you will have no regrets.
Sarah: What is the best business advice or tips you would like to share with kids who want to be CEO kids?
Hamid: Be confident in anything you do, always work on people skills and constantly exceed people’s expectations. With the right drive and motivation you can be anything you want but it is not easy and if you know that going into it then you will be just fine.
I really enjoyed learning about Hamid’s approach to his business. The most important message here is the fact that success in business does in fact require “hard work” and a commitment to forge forward when it gets tough. Also, feasibility for a business is especially important when considering what business you want to start. Start up costs are a huge consideration as well as costs to sustain your business. This is often an area that gets missed when young people consider what business to start. I love his passion for what he does and the fact that he could do it while also getting his degree! We can’t downplay the importance of a good education even as an entrepreneur. Great job Hamid! Thanks Sarah for sharing.
Thanks so much for stopping by Marie! You are right – Hamid has done a great job growing his business and has worked really hard!! So many young (and old) people can learn valuable lessons from what he shares here!