Meet The Viking Academy: Mt Vernon Patch Small Business Spotlight

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Patch has an intermittent series featuring local businesses that gives us a chance to meet newcomers and check out established businesses we're not familiar with. Today we are shining a spotlight on The Viking Academy, a new small business that found a niche to fill in the city and has already scored a championship.

Business: The Viking Academy
Owners: Steven Williams, Larry Perna, Mike Stewart
Website: www.thevikingacademy.com
Address: 115 S Macquesten Pkwy, Mt Vernon, NY 10550

1. When did your business open? We opened in August 2018
2. How did you come up with the name? My business partner, Larry came up with the name. He’s always studied and been a fan of the Viking Folklore and the history that goes with it.
3. Why start a business in this town? Initially it was just circumstance. Mount Vernon Barbell were interested in expanding their operations beyond being a “weight lifting gym.” They wanted to start pushing into the Martial Arts market so it was a great business opportunity for both sides. After a short time I realized how under-served Mount Vernon is when it comes to positive role models in the Martial Arts space. There really aren’t many places where a kid or adult can come and train. It was clear there was a giant opening in the market.
4. What business are you in? The Martial Arts/Fitness industry.
5. What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced starting a new business? I would say just word of mouth marketing. As you know, nothing beats word of mouth. Unfortunately when first starting it takes a bit to generate momentum. It’s definitely moving along though.
6. What’s one highlight you've had since opening? We’ve managed to go undefeated in MMA with 2 title wins and score a BJJ World Championship. Not bad for such a small group.
7. How does your business give back to the community? Teaching people accountability, hard work, and respect. This is not the kind of environment that will allow disrespect. Each student respects the teachers and each other. We want to continue to spread out across the city and really tap into the more impoverished parts of Mount Vernon. They need us more than anyone.

Would you like to have your business featured on Mount Vernon Patch? Simply email your answer to those questions, plus a photo, to lanning.taliaferro@patch.com