From the December 10, 2004 print edition
Small Business Snapshot
John R. Karman III
Business First staff writer
Rolando Haddad, 40, is the owner and one of the main instructors at Core Modern Training Center, an East End studio that specializes in teaching Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense and combat system. The training center also offers instruction in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and muay thai kickboxing. Haddad, a native of Cuba, started Core earlier this year. He answered the following questions about his business.
How did you get the money to start your own business?
"I actually have another career. I sell construction equipment to Latin America. I'm Latin American sales manager for a small company out of Fort Wayne, Ind. -- Asphalt Drum Mixers. I've been doing that for 10 years. I sell about $10 million a year worth of equipment. We're actually an industry leader in that field."
What is Krav Maga? How did you learn about it, and why did you become certified to teach it?
"The Krav Maga is such a great, no-nonsense system of self-defense that actually works. It's the official system of the Israeli military. It's been used by a lot of federal agencies, so it has that reputation. I researched it. I believe in it. With the Krav Maga, I really feel like (students) are taking home something that literally could keep them safe in a (bad) situation."
What is your background?
"I've been involved in martial arts. I've done some recreational boxing, and I've done some kickboxing. I've done a lot of tournaments in other martial arts. I've always been involved in it."
Your students include police and law enforcement officers and military personnel. Who else do you serve?
"The demographics here are great. We have (University of Louisville) professors who train here. We have physicians. We have lawyers. We have housewives. It runs the entire gamut."
You are located in the Eastpoint Business Center. Is that a good location?
"It doesn't have a lot of retail traffic, but the location is wonderful. It's easy to get to for people who are here in the East End."
What was it like to start your business?
"I have a really nice career (outside of the training center) that earns me a good living. I don't have to make money. Obviously, I run it so that I will make money. But I'm not a slave to the dollar here."
Was it difficult to find your employees?
"I was really blessed in that a couple of people who came to me for instruction ... had quite extensive backgrounds. They trained with me as students. Once I felt they were ready ... they got their certification. Now, I have a cadre of instructors."
What is one of your favorite parts of the job?
"The law enforcement (training) part is really, really rewarding. I have enormous respect for police officers. ... A lot of them really don't have the necessary skills from a fighting perspective. To give them those tools ... that's been very, very rewarding."
What else is rewarding about it?
"A lot of people that come and train here maybe have backgrounds that are very dissimilar from mine, but you get to know them on a personal level. You never would without doing something like this. You're getting to know all kinds of different people and appreciate them for who they really are. It's fulfilling for me."
Core Modern Training Center
Type of business: Training studio specializing in instruction of self-defense, fitness and combat sports
Location: 1920 Stanley Gault Parkway, Suite 200, Eastpoint Business Center
Number of instructors: 9
Number of students: 120
Owner: Rolando Haddad
Web site: http://www.corelouisville.com/
Contact the writer via e-mail at jkarman@bizjournals.com.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.
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