Meet Sky Canine | Owner and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sky Canine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sky, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started my own business because I recognized my transformative impact on people’s lives as a personal trainer and coach. However, I felt constrained by the limitations of the existing industry structure, which restricted my reach and ability to serve more individuals. To fulfill my maximum potential, I knew I had to create something new and innovative. So, with the help of many others, we did.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m proud to introduce my three ventures: a health club consulting company, Active Life Fitness Center, and Core-22, a weight loss company. These ventures stem from my extensive experience as a personal trainer and coach spanning over 25 years. What sets me apart is not just the services I offer, but the ethical foundation upon which I’ve built my businesses. My proudest achievement lies in bringing the technology of ethics to tens of thousands of individuals seeking to improve their lives through my ventures. However, the journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. I’ve learned that when I aligned my actions with ethical principles and followed what I interpret as divine guidance, the path was clear and obstacles seemed to dissolve effortlessly. Conversely, when ego clouded my judgment, challenges appeared insurmountable. Learning to discern between the two was perhaps the most profound lesson of my entrepreneurial journey.
Business, I’ve discovered, is a series of about ten thousand choices over time. By adhering to the principle of the greatest good for the greatest number of people, navigating these choices becomes simpler. Through my experiences, I’ve realized that ethical decision-making isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also the most practical approach to business success.
The genesis of my entrepreneurial journey began in my role as a personal trainer. Despite offering sound advice and meticulously crafted plans, my early clients struggled to achieve desired outcomes. It was a pivotal moment during a consultation with a client that I uncovered a fundamental truth: the gap between sessions, where clients were accountable to themselves, was where success was won or lost. This realization spurred me on a quest to understand human nature and the driving forces behind decision-making.
Enter Elisa, a client whose insights and guidance were instrumental in shaping my understanding of ethics, choice, and responsibility. Through her mentorship, I began to grasp the profound impact of these concepts on personal transformation. What started as a simple assignment to define these words turned into a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. I learned that ethics is not just about right or wrong; it’s about aligning actions with one’s deepest convictions. Choice is the power to shape our destiny, while responsibility empowers us to act independently and decisively.
My businesses are not just about offering services; they’re about empowering individuals to take control of their lives and make lasting changes. Whether it’s achieving fitness goals, losing weight, or mastering personal development, the ethos of ethics, choice, and responsibility underpins every aspect of my work. Through my ventures, I aim to inspire others to embrace these principles and unlock their full potential.
In summary, my entrepreneurial journey has been a testament to the transformative power of ethical decision-making. While the road has been fraught with challenges, each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. My hope is that through my story and my ventures, I can inspire others to embrace ethics as a guiding force in their own lives and businesses.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For an unforgettable week-long trip, we’d first head to Lexington, VA, to my family’s farm. Here’s a glimpse into our itinerary: Day 1-2: Lexington Farm Life
Arrive at the family farm, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lexington, VA.
They would spend time with me, my wife, three kids, my brother Orion, and his wonderful family.
We would enjoy the rustic charm of farm life, with opportunities to interact with the animals and immerse ourselves in some good old clean living.
We would make a home-cooked meal from our local farms, including T-Bone Steaks on the Grill and maybe a bourbon to catch the sunset over the mountains in the backyard.

Day 3-7: Fishing Adventure
Embark on a week-long fishing expedition to some of the region’s most scenic spots along the Shenandoah, James, and Maury Rivers.
Spend days casting lines and bonding over the shared love of trout and smallmouth bass fishing.

Special Evening: Ragged Branch Distillery
Unwind with a visit to Ragged Branch Distillery, a favorite getaway spot renowned for its bourbon.
Savor the rich flavors of Ragged Branch’s signature Maple Bourbon in a classic Old Fashioned cocktail, crafted to perfection.
Toast to friendship and adventure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brian Caruthers. A close friend of mine went after his dreams and modeled the example of what is possible when you keep your word to yourself and those counting on you. This is not always easy when you have friends, family, and teams of people all pulling you in different directions for seemingly ethical reasons. It was extremely meaningful for me to witness his success after weathering storms that took many of us out. I needed the example.

Website: core-22.com and https://www.activelifefitnesscenter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sky.canine/ and https://www.facebook.com/ActiveLifeFitnessCenter/

Image Credits
Sky