We were lucky to catch up with Marco Rubio recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marco , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

I remember right out of high school I was 18yr olds and my friend and I walked in to a gym in my hometown called LA Boxing. They had just open and where still moving stuff in but we were able to meet with the owner.

We told him how we were local boxers looking for jobs as trainers. He told us to come back later that day with our sparring gear. What followed was the most fun job interview in my life. He had my friend and I pretty much fight for a job. Needless to say, we were both hired on the spot!

At this point of my life I had never trained anyone in boxing. While I had years of boxing experience, teaching was something completely different. At the moment, I felt a switch. I felt the joy and satisfaction of teaching. I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Teach the art of boxing that gave me so much to as many people as possible. I didn’t know it then but walking into that gym changed my life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Marco Rubio and I’m the owner of 512 Boxing. I am a boxing fitness coach in Austin, Texas and have trained over 100 clients in-person and small group classes. I have over 15 years of experience and I love what I do. I provide in-person boxing training for all levels, from beginners all the way to professionals. I create personalized workout programs that will teach you the art of boxing whether it be for self defense, weight-loss or just a way to stay fit. I offer to train people in the comfort of their own home. No need to travel to any gym or feel intimidated. I eliminate those factors for you. Don’t have equipment? I provide all the equipment you will need. Don’t have the space available in your home? I got you covered with a fully loaded gym located in South Austin with everything we need to have a great workout!

I have found that for a lot of people accessibility and accountability can be the biggest obstacles in reaching their fitness goals. 512 Boxing helps eliminate these issues and gives you the tools you need to hit your goals. It won’t come easy but nothing worth having ever does and I am there supporting you along the way. I want to motivate and teach as many people as possible. Give back what the art of boxing has given to me, confidence, work ethic and opportunities to conquer any obstacles life can throw at you. To evade any punch thrown your way and counter. And if life knocks you down, to give you the strength to get back up and keep fighting. That’s how I want to impact and what I want to leave with every person I help. The strength and confidence to take on the world.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

You know, this question has crossed my mind a couple of times. As mentioned before, I found the love of teaching boxing at an early age but that was not my initial career path I chose. I always thought and was told that I needed to get a degree in order to be successful. So, I ended up going to Texas State University (Eat’em Up Cats!) and received my degree in Criminal Justice. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my time at Texas State. I have great memories and made life-long friends. But even after graduating and securing a job in my field, I felt stuck and unfulfilled. Truth is, I realized that I missed teaching and missed being around boxing. It was scary to think about leaving my secure job in the field that I studied, but after some time and consideration I decided to make the jump and start this business. I remember being scared and nervous but at the same time I was excited and confident about this new challenge.

So back to the question, all in all I wouldn’t change my path. Every single choice and moment has lead me to where I am a today. I am a big believer everything happens for a reason!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think any small business owner can relate to this. There is a lot of uncertainty when it comes to starting your own business. People questions you and your decisions. You start questioning yourself. Did I make the right decision? Am I taking the right steps? Not to mention, the financial instability. Will I have enough money for rent this month? I wanted to quit so many times. I thought about giving up so may times. It was difficult but I knew I couldn’t go back. I knew that I would rather take the chance of failing at something that I love than succeeding in something that I didn’t. I knew I had to make this work.

Over the years, I have worked towards my vision even when others could not see the complete picture. I have grown my clientele by providing honest and effective training and coaching. I have built strong relationships with my clients. When they work with me, they know Im fully committed to them and their best interest. I want to see them succeed just as much as I want to see myself succeed.

As a small business owner, you have to be resilient and not let the negativity stray you away from your goals.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @CoachMarco512Boxing