Colby Oller, Durant, says he doesn’t remember a time when he did not want to be an entrepreneur. He took a few detours over the years, but he never gave up on his vision and dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur operating a business that would positively impact lives. That dream came true. Oller is owner and operator of CrossFit Durant, a unique fitness program suitable for all ages, located at 2912 Enterprise Blvd., Suite A 2, Durant.
Oller made a wise decision when he chose to check out all of the local resources available to him and he found them to be quite ample. He began by enrolling in the Choctaw Asset Building Program, a matched savings program to encourage investment in assets such as entrepreneurship, education or a home. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma referred Oller to the Native American Business Resource Center of REI Oklahoma where he received assistance with his business plan and training opportunities through REI Women’s Business Center and access to affordable commercial space. Soon after, the entrepreneur’s next step was a visit with REI’s Business Lending division for financial assistance to purchase needed equipment.
“Without all the resources right here in our community, this would never have happened,” Oller said. “There’s no way I could be doing this without the help from Choctaw Nation and REI Oklahoma. I encourage all businesses to take advantage of the outstanding resources available to them right here at home.”
Oller first tested his entrepreneurial spirit in college when he needed cash for a truck and living expenses. He went to work for a construction company but he needed a little more cash so he started a car detailing business and mowed lawns too. It was quite a load for a college student trying to maintain his grades while holding down so many jobs but it was probably the pivotal point when he vowed that one day he would be working for himself. “When I was working for a company, how far I could go depended on someone else no matter how hard I worked. I wanted to determine my own success through hard work and commitment. CrossFit Durant lets me do that and at the same time I get the joy of seeing people of all ages and body types become happy, healthy and fit.”
CrossFit Durant has 25 clients ranging in age from 14 to 56 years. The program delivers fitness that is, by design, broad, general and inclusive making it the perfect application for any committed individual, regardless of age. In January 2013, Oller will be offering an after school program, CrossFit Kids, for youngsters age 3 to 18 years, and this expanded service will eventually create two jobs.
“It was great to partner with Choctaw Nation to help Colby progress to the next level of business ownership,” said Juli Herrington, Business Development Facilities Coordinator. “And, we always like seeing a client take advantage of all that REI Oklahoma has to offer, like Colby did. We encourage all entrepreneurs to dust off their business plans and visit with us about their dreams.”
REI Oklahoma and the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a Ribbon Cutting with reception on today at 4 p.m. The community is invited for a firsthand look at this distinct and elite fitness program. Also visit CrossFit Durant on Facebook for more information.
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