Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar Castillo.
Hi Edgar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all randomly started. I was working out pretty hard at the time and was liking the gym scene. I Didn’t think much of it, i just started buying machines without even having a location yet. I had a storage and would put the machines there while i looked for a place. When i finally found one, I had to learn how to do a lot of stuff as in fix dry wall, add tiles and plenty more things. The location was in really bad shape so i had just just youtube things and learn on my own. When it was finally ready, I began moving the machines there and buying more off of auctions and Facebook market. There was no planning going into this nor if it would be successful or not. i just really liked working out and thought it would be easy. starting off, the location was about 2,300 square ft. but the gym started to get packed with members so after 2 years i decided that i had to expand to be able to fit everybody. So i knocked down the wall and made it into a 5,300 Square ft Gym. 5 Years at the location and i decided it was time for a change. So here we are now. Deep in the heart of Oakcliff. Same name, same gym, Different location.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasnt always been a smooth rode. I remember having a hard time getting permits for the location. It was hard because i have a full time and the city works on their schedule. so i had to take days off to be there and go to the city and sit for hours to see somebody. Picking up machines was also always very hard. Machines were really heavy so at times i would have to take them apart and rebuild them at the gym.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Im a full time business owner and also have a full time job. I work my job in the mornings and after work straight to the gym. Its not easy but i have the best trainers that keep the gym moving smoothly when im not there and help me a lot. What sets me a part from other small gym is that my gym is a warehouse gym. A lot of people love the warehouse grimy style gym. Gym where you can go into slam weights, scream and turn your music up on the speaker as loud as you want. I think im most proud of being open for this long and being able to move to a different location. when i first started i didnt know what would happen or if it would even be successful. But here we are now 5 years later still running strong. the other thing im proud of is all the support i have behind me. It feels good when your out in a public place and you see somebody wearing your gym hoodie or shirts.
What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully in the future ill be able to buy my own building so i wont have to rent anymore.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Oakcliffmusclefactory
- Other: @edgarcm28
