128 : Duality of the Modern Athlete w/ Marco Dapkey

Heads 'N Tales Podcast - Talking Sports Injury Rehab, Prevention, Perseverance, Concussions & Athlete Transition

This week's guest might look familiar to you if you have been following the show for a while, or even just a week... Marco Dapkey should look familiar to you because his story of overcoming acute lymphoblastic leukemia was featured in episode 73 and 74 almost exactly a year ago. Last week, in episode 127 the focus of our conversation surrounded the idea of "EARNING YOUR INTENSITY." A lot has happened in the last year including Marco's first individual CrossFit Regionals appearance where he finished 28/40! He also opened his own gym (CrossFit MFP) in that last year, which we discuss in depth in this week's episode. I can't take credit for the title of this episode. Paul Rabil, who is arguably the best lacrosse player in the world, coined the term "Duality of the Modern Athlete" on his own podcast, which is called "Suiting Up." Suiting up is a show that explores the psychology, playbook of tools, and strategies of the most influential people in sports, entertainment and business. A topic that Paul frequently covers is the trend in elite level athletes having endeavors, passions and pursuits outside of their sports. If you enjoy my podcast you, will love Paul's too. He has had some incredible guests on his show including Bill Belichick, Drew Brees, Gary Vaynerchuk and Tiki Barber, just to name a few. In this episode of the podcast, Marco and I do our own version of the Suiting Up podcast. Is it possible to be an elite competitor on an off the field? I'd say yes after learning about how Marco was able to qualify for the 2018 CrossFit Regionals, which is the second year in a row he has accomplished this feat, AND start his own business at the same time! Below is a list of other talking points we cover during the interview:

• This episode was recorded in the gym that was barely even an idea last year.
• Marco didn’t think business when is came to having his own gym
• How it all started at “Dap’s Gym.”
• Why sales experience in other gyms turned him off to that business style.
• How Marco learned from always observing from a business perspective wherever he was.
• The limitations of being an employee.
• Mom always told him that he needs to do what makes him happy.
• How an internship at Villanova University sparked his entrepreneur on fire.
• How Marco's experience with overcoming cancer gave hims the courage to chase his dreams.

“I LOOK AT GETTING SICK AS AN OPPORTUNITY.”

• The process of creating the business plan for the gym.
• Working at lululemon and the importance they placed on goal setting for their employees.
• The role of relationships when starting a business.
• Having a plan A B and C.
• Asking people for advice who have already done what you want to achieve.
• Coming up with a name and logo.

“WHAT IF IT FAILS?”

• Why people close to him fear for him.
• Marco’s weaknesses as an entrepreneur and how he accounts for those weaknesses.
• Why you have to earn your intensity in business too!
• Finding balance while competing at the highest level of your sport and owing a business – quality over quantity.
• The culture Marco wants to create in his gym.

“POSITIVE VIBES ONLY.” WHERE CAN YOU CONNECT WITH MARCO? WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK Download Episode 128 : iTunes | Stitcher