

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Andras.
Hi David, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
This is a story and one I would love to share! During college, I began working for an environmental sales company. Not long after working with the company, I decided to go full-time and not pursue my college education. I saw the opportunity to learn business, team building, and networking while earning an income. I was then introduced to books like Think and Grow Rich, How to Win Friends & Influence People, and The Power of Positive Thinking. While working with the sales company, a friend (the General Manager for the most extensive sports bar in Cleveland) asked me to help manage the restaurant for him on the weekends. I did, and then he left the company several months later. The owners saw what I was capable of and asked me to be their General Manager. I saw more opportunities to learn a different industry and help grow the business, so I took advantage of the situation. I continued to work over 100 hours per week over the next couple of years and saw a decline in my physical health.
Around this point, a patron suggested I apply for a food and beverage management position at the hotel he was working at. Another opportunity came my way; this time, it was at one of Cleveland’s most prominent hotels, holding events for up to 1,000 people, and I took a hold of it! I continued to develop my management, communication, and sales skills, and although it was going great for a couple of years, I wanted to return to being healthy. I decided to take control of what I ate, drank, how I exercised, and I became certified as a personal trainer. The more I learned, the more I lost weight and gained muscle, and because I was excited about my change, I wanted to help others do the same. I then started as a part-time personal trainer with the nation’s largest fitness chain. Once there, the corporate supervisors learned of my management background and offered me a position with the company as a manager. Eagerly, I accepted, and I quickly advanced into regional corporate management. After 6 years with the company, I realized that to continue my growth, I would have to succumb to corporate politics. I began looking at owning my own company, and in 2006, I acquired 2 cafes in the heart of downtown Cleveland. 2 years later, I opened another closer to home and became partners in a local sports bar. As much as I love the food and beverage industry, I didn’t love returning to an unhealthy lifestyle. Another full circle of life, and I am back at taking control of my health, fitness, and nutrition. I left the food and beverage industry and went back into fitness, consulting for club owners.
Around 2012, I was brought into a club that was part of a global franchise. Long story short, I bought out the owner of that club, purchased 2 others, and then rebranded to The Ohio Gym. As a small business owner, I have always had an open-door policy. I always enjoy talking with my staff and members. At the same time, I had responsibilities on the back end of my business: payroll, HR, expenses, accounting, data entry, etc. It got harder and harder to accomplish my work for the day, even in my office. At that point, I realized I had to remove myself from the gym office to complete more work and relocate my office to my home. I love my house, my wife, my kids, and my dogs; however, way too many distractions. I continually thought about having my own private office. The idea was born. Having a space where people can share the bills, network, be around motivated individuals, and get work done! Northern Ohio Business Center came to fruition, and not only 1 but 2 NOBCs opened within 6 months of each other.
One day, I sat down with the owner of Arabica Coffee House (over 100+ locations worldwide), and he asked me why not have a globally recognized, gourmet coffee to serve to your members. Not only that, but you work it as a ghost kitchen that allows online orders and services to deliver your coffee and smoothies. And the start of Arabica Express began! I put one in the gym and one in a coworking center, and we are now licensing Arabica Express for others. In addition, I was able to co-author a book with Adam Torres, who owns Mission Matters (a world-renowned multi-media company), and continue to be a podcast host on one of his networks. I have recently co-founded a coaching company called LifeSync Coaches. As I said, it is a long story, but I have been so blessed and grateful for being aware of the opportunities that unfolded for me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lol. I am amazed if any entrepreneur can say it has been a smooth road. Owning businesses will take you to the highest of highs and sometimes the lowest of lows. It took me years to understand that what some people call failure is nothing more than an opportunity to learn from. I have learned to have blind faith, self-motivation to keep my desire strong, and an unwavering willingness to keep pushing forward. My story of how I got to where I am today is long, but the struggles are even longer, and here are some of the questions I have asked myself many times over the years:
- How do I grow my business?
- How do I stay in business?
- Is it all worth it?
- How much more do I have to sacrifice?
- Where am I going to come up with the money?
- I can’t take much more stress, What am I going to do?
There have been times when I have felt hopeless, depressed, scared, nervous, disappointed, lost. There have been times when I broke down in tears. As time has passed, I find myself dwelling less on these questions and feelings.
Here are some of the things that helped me through the hard times:
- I thank my God for blessing me with favor and opportunities.
- I keep in mind that it is only a matter of time until “this too shall pass.”
- I find quiet time to meditate and recalibrate.
- I Take Action, keep moving forward, and avoid the fear of confronting the situation.
- I truly believe that things happen for a reason, and that reason is for the better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sure! Here are a few key items that I now look at when starting a business:
- Understand the Market: Knowing your target audience and competitors is crucial. Market research helps identify opportunities and challenges.
- Business Plan: A solid business plan outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. It’s your roadmap to success.
- Finance and Funding: Whether it’s bootstrapping, seeking investors, or securing loans, understanding your funding options is essential for growth.
- Marketing and Sales: Effective marketing strategies and strong sales techniques are vital to attracting and retaining customers.
- Innovation and Adaptability: Staying ahead in business means being open to innovation and adapting to changing market conditions.
- Networking: Building relationships with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships.
- Legal and Compliance: Ensuring your business adheres to all legal requirements and regulations is fundamental to avoid any legal issues.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Here are a few principles that I have come to know.
- Have a burning Desire.
Have something that wakes you up in the morning and gets you out of bed. That desire that you can not subdue, you can feel, taste, smell, hear. This desire is what you are meant for. - Have Unconditional Faith
Know that without a shadow of a doubt, you will achieve your desire. There will be obstacles after obstacles, but no matter how big, small, or long it may take, you must know you will overcome them. - Take Action
You have to be motivated to get up and work towards your goals! No one wants it more than you, so go get it! Push hard and move forward; that includes self-educating yourself on becoming better as a person, communicator, listener, and at your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidandras.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dandras/