“The number one thing you can do when you start something is to make sure you’re building it in a way that it works without you.” – Anne Mahlum

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This podcast originated as a video that you can find on the Founders and Startups YouTube Channel along with two highlight videos:

Create a Business That Can Operate Without You

Founding [solidcore] Has Been an Honor

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Anne Mahlum is an entrepreneur who creates and builds with purpose. She is Founder, Owner and CEO of [solidcore], a rapidly-growing fitness company. Starting with one D.C. location in 2013, there are now 66 [solidcore] studios with many more coming soon!

Anne is driven to help people create the strongest version of themselves and says that founding [solidcore] has been an honor.

Anne’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 when she created Back on My Feet, a non-profit that uses the power of running to change the way those experiencing homelessness see themselves. Back on My Feet helps individuals in thirteen cities and 97% of participants report taking a more positive attitude towards themselves.

Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, Anne currently lives in Washington, D.C. She loves to combine travel and adventure and has completed 12 marathons, one on every continent!

Anne’s plans and activities were suddenly altered on Memorial Day weekend in 2019 when she was hit by a jet ski causing a compound femur fracture. Her recovery has included seven surgeries, four blood transfusions, and lots of rehab in [solidcore] studios.

Determined to resume her running and regain her athleticism, Anne registered for the D.C. Rock n’ Roll Marathon taking place on March 28, 2020 and challenged others to run with her. 600 people are now committed to Team [stronger] together and will run together in March.

During our discussion, Anne shared key moments from her life as well as some of her guiding principles. Listen to the podcast, watch the full-length video or highlight videos on YouTube for key takeaways:

Describing yourself when someone asks “What do you do?”
What is a [solidcore] workout?
The [solidcore] branding backstory
A question that helps to build the [solidcore] community: How many classes have you taken?
The Dash for Democracy in Philadelphia to “give your voice legs” was a precursor to Back on My Feet (BoMF)
Anne’s journey to find meaning and purpose led her to create BoMF
The first BoMF run, growing and exiting the organization
Creating an authentic brand voice and using that platform to share inclusive principles
The importance of personal and professional development. Anne has participated in Tony Robbins’ Date with Destiny and sent [solidcore] employees to similar experiences.
Anne’s superpower…convincing people to support her mission without being annoying
Anne’s revelation that she is a creator
The importance of delegating and promoting key staff so that the business operates smoothly without you
Anne recently promoted Bryan Myers from [solidcore] Chief Operating Officer (COO) to President & COO
The first [solidcore] hires and working out of Anne’s apartment during the first few years
Financing the business from an initial personal investment where Anne went “all in” to a relationship with Peterson Partners to help fuel growth
The immediate impact of Anne’s jet ski accident and her recovery
Think through the reasons that you want to do something and have a good answer. If it’s important enough, you’ll get it into the world.

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If you love a challenging workout, find a [solidcore] studio in your area and schedule your first class!

Go to Anne Mahlum’s website to watch her TEDx videos, learn about her keynote programs, and more!

Follow on Instagram: Anne Mahlum | [solidcore]