Inspiring Conversations with Rashad Tucker of 9Round Downtown KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Tucker.

Hi Rashad, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I attended Ottawa University, and Kansas State University where I played D1 football and achieved my Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Once graduating I moved from job to job, knowing in the back of my mind that I always wanted to open up my own business, I just didn’t know what type of business.

My wife, then time girlfriend, was a member at a 9Round location and she had me try it out, I fell in love with the concept and also became a member. The owner at the 9Round location we were a part of was selling and I started asking questions in the possibility of purchasing the business from her.

In my research process about 9Round, I did a lot of thinking and just decided to start fresh and open my own 9Round, in what better area than Downtown KC!

Little did I know that I would be a first time small business owner opening my business during a pandemic. With lots of trials and tribulations, I officially opened 9Round Downtown KC, on June 1st, 2020.

While reflecting back this year of being open, I definitely can say it wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t of had it any other way. I have learned so much in the short year of being a small business owner. And I am grateful to be able to be a part of an amazing community and bring out the best in people, one round at a time!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Not necessarily, my biggest struggle was opening during the pandemic and not knowing what to expect. My opening date got pushed back several times and of course, gaining members wasn’t the easiest as we were in a lockdown for quite some time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
9Round Downtown KC is a specialized fitness center for people who want a unique, fun, and proven workout. 9Round offers a kickboxing themed fitness program that incorporates a functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The workout is only 30mins, the average member burns 500 calories. The first workout is FREE. We love working with our members and the community showing them a fun effective way to workout, motivating them, growing stronger physically and mentally.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I loved all sports, my top sports played were basketball, football and baseball. My father was a professional boxer here in Kansas City, so growing up, I was always in the gym working out and training with him. Growing up, I looked forward to sports events, being around my friends/teammates, coaches and family. I love to motivate people, bringing the best out of them. Things like this bring the best out of me. I played football at Bishop Miege, college football at Kansas State and also Ottawa University.

Pricing:

• $98 for year membership
• $118 for 6 month membership
• $138 for month to month membership
• $299 for 8 week program
• $399 for 12 week program

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.9round.com/locations/mo/kansas-city/washington-st#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9rounddowntownkcmo/