Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Steenrod.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I owned a gym in Chicago called Rebell Strength & Conditioning and our members comprised mostly small group training. Along with teach people how to get strong and healthy in our group training, we put an emphasis on teaching people how to improve their mobility and overall movement. By doing this people had greater capabilities in their life, eliminated pain and overall were just happier people.
Many of our members worked desk jobs and would say “this is great what we’re doing here, but what about at work – is there anything I can do to feel better?” The lightbulb went off that there is a real gap that needs to be filled within the workplace. With all these ergonomics companies teaching people how to sit better, why aren’t we teaching people how to move better within the workplace? That’s what it’s all about, we know that moving your body and joints the way they were designed is the Holy Grail for pain relief, functioning, energy, posture and more. The key here though is QUALITY movement.
So my fiancé Missy Bunch and I started a company to do just that – move their sedentary world. Death of the Desk isn’t about saying you can’t sit down, it’s a metaphor to move more. Prioritize frequent mini-breaks called “2-minute drills” and move your body the way it was designed.
Has it been a smooth road?
If anyone has said their endeavor was smooth, I’d like to meet that person haha. There are always challenges and there will always be challenges that come up. If it was smooth, I don’t think it’d be fun. Any business is really just problem solving right?
In order for a startup to solve problems efficiently, it’s important to pivot as the needs change. What WE think the customer wants is usually far off from what the customer actually wants and needs. We’ve had to become better listeners and adapt as those answers come out.
One challenge we’ve faced is defining exactly what people want and how they want it. We started off with a kind of “if you build it, they will come” mentality but we’ve pivoted from that to a putting a focus on reminding and teaching. Some people search for what they want but for the majority it’s that they need reminders to move their body and nurtured to learn this at their own pace.
Another challenge we faced which is just a change in mindset is that people don’t need more complex. We thought initially we may have to go deep into the neurology piece of movement but really, teaching very simple movement drills has been gold for the majority of people. I mean life-changing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Death of the Desk – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Death of the Desk is really unique because it’s not ergonomics and it’s not fitness classes. We can do all that and we do to some degree if people want and need it but DOTD is a movement-based education company. We meet people where they are and teach them how to feel amazing, plain and simple.
We specialized in teaching people how to regain their ability to move their bodies the way they were designed. The way we do it is through:
1) Onsite workshops and lectures – We go into the workplace and present on simple strategies to bring awareness, teach and empower people to take care of their bodies for instant results. We also do onsite evaluations and movement classes.
2) Our next level of service is our Membership website WWW.DEATHOFTHEDESK.COM which is just an extension of our in-person services. We offer movement courses specific to people’s needs. We offer programs for general movement and mobility, special cases like carpal tunnel, sciatica and plantar fasciitis as well as valuable resources to keep people current on the best way to care for themselves.
3) Lastly, we offer virtual training and classes. We are capable of working with people all over the world through the power of technology and webinar services.
What sets us apart is our ability to connect with people and make instant changes. We are so proud of the work we are doing because it is literally changing people’s lives. We’ve seen chronic pain disappear, relationships improve, business culture and energy boost and ultimately allowing people to live happier, more fulfilling lives.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Sunshine and activity. The weather is almost always amazing and people are so active. There is always something to do to encourage being healthy.
The way people drive is what I like least about San Diego. I suppose it’s not just here though. People either drive way too fast or really slow which makes for traveling pretty dangerous.
Pricing:
- Death of the Desk membership site is $29/ month for access to our coaching and programs.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2859 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104 - Website: www.deathofthedesk.com
- Email: info@deathofthedesk.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deathofthedesk
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/deathofthedesk
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/deathofthedesk
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
