Meet MEGAN MCCRACKEN, President and CEO of Get Crackin, Inc.
Tell us about you?
I have a line of fitness products for seniors. Currently, I have a DVD called Box Balance and Lift, which comes with weights, and a power walk CD that comes with a pedometer, water bottle, and waist pack.These are a perfect gift. The gift of health! So my target is largely to people that may be buying it for their Mom or Dad.
I am developing a television show, and am in pre-production for Super Seniors volume 2 DVD which is a resistance band workout and a dance theme for cardio. All of my workouts are challenging, and empowering, and may be done from a seated or standing position.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
I love having my own business, because it brings out the best in me creatively, and challenges me daily in the technical aspects. I love the people that are on my team, and each day I get the opportunity to be amazed at their own talents and ideas.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My greatest influence in my business, and my life was my friend, my manager, and mentor, Bill Aucoin whom we lost to cancer this year.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
My greatest professional accomplishment with this new business is finding the resources to bring this product to market. Factories, art, freight agents, fulfillment houses, and distribution as well as internet sales. I honestly did not know what I was getting into when I began, and now I feel so proud that I was able to aquire this knowledge as I needed it. I continue to learn every day, and am blessed with people that are kind and patient with me as I grow and learn.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
A very wise woman in business Ava Seavey who owns Avalanche Productions, said to me that I must walk into meetings “all business” command respect, and not to be afraid about being clear about my opinions. She said, “Think Martha Stewart”
Because I tend to be a people pleaser, and my on camera persona is very sweet and nice, it is a challenge for me to be that other person. She also told me, before discussing any new ideas, to have people in the meeting sign a non disclosure statement, so people won’t walk off with your idea, and make it theirs.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
I am in the process of working with Wendi Blum, a motivational speaker and life coach for my business. She has guided me to many different resources to gain exposure for my business, and is to me, priceless.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Resourcefulness and focus. There is always a way and we just have to find it.
Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business? My Business coach http:// www.wendiblum.com
Do you have any new projects coming up? If so, please tell us about it.
My latest project is very exciting. I have a new tv show that I just shot the pilot for involving Senior sports. We (my crew and I) went up to the Senior Softball Spring Nationals last week for four days, and shot and interviewed amazing senior athletes from ages 55-80 out there playing incredible softball. They have such energy and passion, and despite little physical challenges, still love the game and play hard.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I am a cyclist, and ride with two teams on the road here in Florida. I also have a touring bike which I ride and travel on with my daughter Bryn who rode her bicycle across the USA this summer. We carry everything on our bikes, and camp out, cook out, and just have the best time. I am so glad to have the health and strength to do these rides with her.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
I plan to develop my business into a large company,and one of my goals is to have it be one of the top companies to work for. I want my employees to love it as much as I do, and no matter how big it gets, to keep the team feeling.
Ultimately there are many products and areas I want to develop, but it is too soon to talk about them.
I want to write a book on Senior Health and fitness in mind and body. I wish to redefine the word Senior and make it the wonderful amazing thing it was when we were seniors in high school and college!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
Please join my facebook page, Megan McCrackens Super Seniors, or twitter supermcc. I am on Linkden as Megan McCracken, Get Crackin’ Inc and website is http://www.mysuperseniors.com
