Three Minutes Across the Counter with Dana Cavalea

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today we chat with Dana Cavalea, the former director of strength and conditioning for the New York Yankees, who recently opened ML Strength at 273 Main Street in Port Washington. The company also has locations in Huntington and White Plains.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Dana Cavalea: Got my first start in business as a kid cutting lawns, shoveling driveways, and cleaning peoples yards during a spring clean up! After that, I started training kids after college at my high school football field and realized this was a viable business opportunity.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

Dana Cavalea: My parents were both teachers. My father has been a hard worker his whole life growing up without a father and supporting his family. I was taught to work hard, work diligently, outwork others, and challenge yourself.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Dana Cavalea: I have lived on Long Island my whole life outside of the 4 years I was away at college down in Florida. While I was working with the Yankees I had spent some time in Westchester and 3 months a year in Tampa, FL.

Patch What’s your favorite thing about living here?

Dana Cavalea: My favorite part of living here is definitely the proximity to the beach, mountains, and airports!

Patch: What’s a business mistake you’ve made that later you were glad you did?

Dana Cavalea: A business mistake I made early was thinking that all new hires were going to be a great fit for the Company. I later realized the importance of the right person- a person that believes in you, your mission, your goals, and most importantly has a commitment to service.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don’t know.

Dana Cavalea: Most neighbors don’t know that I was the youngest strength and conditioning coach in professional sports. They also don’t know I have a passion for music and spent most of my day listening to it!

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Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Dana Cavalea: The best business advice I ever received was from my father - it was really geared towards life- he always would say, “Don’t tell me, show me”. He would always say people in life love to talk about what they are going to do, are thinking of doing, or the things they really have not accomplished but want to take credit for. I have committed myself to doing, putting my head down and working hard without looking for credit. I take that advice and am building a lifetime of work and achievement.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Dana Cavalea: Thing big, be fearless, but always be calculated. Most people will tell you why you can’t- or thats a dumb idea- but if you have passion you have everything you need to win.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Dana Cavalea: Passion and somebody that is not selfish. I look for givers. I look for people that aren’t looking to take the guy next to them out. I look for guys that want to do something great.

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