We were lucky to catch up with Christian Straka recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christian, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What sets Maverick apart is the holistic and tailored approach we bring to the physical therapy and performance specialist community. We’ve built a space that is much more than just a facility with state-of-the-art equipment; it’s a sanctuary for innovation, collaboration, and excellence. We’re committed to elevating the practice of each professional who joins us, setting new standards in physical therapy and performance.

But what truly differentiates us is the multi-faceted role that Michael, my business partner, and I play in our community. We’re not just passive stakeholders; we are active partners. Depending on what our community members need, we wear various hats. Sometimes we act as agents, leveraging our connections and knowledge to negotiate beneficial deals with top-tier companies. At other moments, we become managers, providing business insights and advice to help our community members navigate important decisions.

We also serve as perpetual students, learning from the brilliant professionals around us and using those insights to continuously adapt and evolve our offerings. Moreover, we act as coaches, sharing not only our personal experience but also pooling the collective wisdom within Maverick to offer actionable advice and strategies. This collaborative atmosphere doesn’t just exist; it thrives, fostering a symbiotic community that feeds off each other’s success and insights.

We’re a cohesive force aimed at individual and collective growth, learning, and expansion. In doing so, we offer something that’s missing in the broader industry—a mutually supportive community that innovates together to elevate each other and the field at large.

Christian, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before co-founding Maverick Community with Michael, I spent years as a tennis professional, later transitioning to a coach on the professional tour. My journey evolved even further when I shifted into mindfulness-based mental performance coaching for athletes. Michael, who was initially a long-time client, became a close friend, and together we saw a gap in the industry for professionals like ourselves. We knew many excelled in their field but struggled with the scalability issue—trading time for money.

We wanted to tackle that problem head-on and create a solution that not only helped professionals scale their businesses but also provided them with a supportive team and community. The community itself is an invaluable resource, something that professionals often desperately seek but find difficult to locate—especially a community that offers a dedicated space for in-person business and a network of like-minded individuals. What I’m most proud of, truly, is the remarkable community we’ve built. The people who’ve come together are extraordinary, and I relish every moment I get to spend with them—learning, challenging, and assisting one another. It’s not just about me or Michael; it’s about this collective pursuit of excellence, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how much everyone enjoys being a part of it.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a reputation in the market isn’t a straightforward task, but there are a few key factors that have contributed to our standing. First and foremost, both Michael and I have had successful careers in our respective fields, which lends credibility to Maverick Community. We’re motivated by the idea of helping others who are either at the stage where we are or aiming to get there.

However, it’s not just about us; it’s about the community we are building. We put an enormous amount of time and effort into ensuring that like-minded people join our community. This isn’t a simple sign-up and join process; we engage in due diligence. We get to know who these individuals are, what they stand for, what they’re interested in, and their own reputations in the industry. This attention to detail in our vetting process is something that existing members of our community appreciate deeply. It reassures them that they are a part of a carefully curated network of professionals, all committed to a shared vision of excellence and growth. And in turn, this commitment to quality and community has significantly bolstered our reputation.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

When it comes to staying connected with our community, the term “brand loyalty” doesn’t quite capture the essence of our approach. For me, the brand is ultimately defined by the people who inhabit our space—what they stand for, their activities, and equally important, what they don’t engage in. When like-minded professionals hear about this kind of collaborative community, it resonates, and if it does, we’re here to help.

The way we maintain this connection is predominantly in person. Being a space for in-person businesses means we have the privilege and responsibility of being physically present. We share the space with them, hear their concerns firsthand, celebrate their victories, and learn from their expertise. It’s this organic, day-to-day interaction that forms the backbone of our relationship with our community.

In addition to this, we are also just a text message away, 24/7. This high level of accessibility underscores the personalized nature of Maverick Community. It’s not just about a workspace; it’s about creating a symbiotic relationship with our members. They know they can reach out to us at any time for anything they need, and that level of commitment goes a long way in maintaining what you might call “brand loyalty,” although I see it more as a community allegiance built on mutual respect and shared goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bemav.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bemav.co
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/maverick-community
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/bemav_co
• Other: https://bemav.notion.site/Maverick-Community