Peekskill Business Spotlight: Building Children's Confidence and Control

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Adam McCauley.

Business: Go No Sen Karate
Owners: Adam McCauley
Website: www.kidslovekarate.com
Address: A & P Shopping Center, Welcher Ave, Peekskill, NY

How did you come up with the name?
I thought it would be silly to have an Irish name (McCauley’s Karate) for a Japanese style, so I came up with Go No Sen as it means “to create an opening”

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
It was a perfect fit for parking, shopping and space. Over the 20 years in business, I have expanded 3 times in the same center.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Changing lives through building confidence and control in children

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
Designing a business and making it successful with no business knowledge. Learning as I go. 20 years and going strong!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
When I started the business, I was working full time at the cable company. For 4 years I built my side business while working 40 hours totalling over 70 hrs. This was a safety net with a paying job until I was fired after a cable truck accident and I then pushed full time into my business.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Every day that moment happens. I feel most proud when my students sweat, smile and learn. Growing up with little confidence and being bullied gave me the purpose to become SOMEONE. My teacher 28 years ago gave me the skills to believe in myself. I am grateful to pass those skills and ideas to others.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Working together and implementing meetings to better run the business

How do you deal with difficult customers?
Talk with them about their needs, wants, desires and what we can do to better assist them. Try to come from a point of understanding first and then discuss with them our viewpoint and ways to correct the challenge.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
We do Fundraisers for Childrens charities such as Make a wish, and walk-a-thon sponsership as well as given thousands in-house scholarships for people in need. Additionally we donate gifts certificates for community events.