For the sixth installment of our Non-Traditional AT Series we introduce, Vander Castillo, AT & Owner of VSix Industrial Athletic Training. Read his story below on how stepping outside his comfort zone and watching Shark Tank led him to open his own business servicing “non-traditional” populations.
Q: What personal experiences or life events sparked your unique practice of athletic training? What professional experiences led you to this place?
A: Like most people straight out of college and in the mix of job hunting and finding out how tough it can be, you hear and see stuff in the NATA about other avenues in athletic training, but I was never exposed to that in school. Networking with other athletic trainers working per diem events led me to my first non-traditional setting working as an athletic trainer at the Disneyland Resort. That role opened the gateway for me to work at Anheuser Busch and Coca-Cola, as their Industrial Athletic Trainer. Creating my own business came from a lot of episodes of Shark Tank and that entrepreneur mentality.
Q: What space do you currently fill in the AT profession?
A: My company VSix Industrial Athletic Training currently fills the voids for Restaurants, Grocery Stores, and Bakeries to have their own Industrial Athletic Trainer on location to help with their injury prevention initiatives in the South Bay.
Q: What is your WHY? What keeps you going when things get hard?
A: People are my WHY, the values that my parents instilled in me and the belief they have in me that I can help a lot of people keeps me going. I owe it to the potential people my business can help and why I do what I do is because my patients need me to keep working safely and pain-free in order to put food on their table and support their respective families.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to prospective ATs looking to influence or evolve the AT profession?
A: Like my favorite brand’s slogan would say; Just Do It. Take pride in being a Certified Athletic Trainer. Go into every opportunity with a green mindset, because “When your green, you grow. When your ripe, you rot.” As my business of Industrial Athletic Training evolves, I’ve come to realize my space could be technically called “Commercial Athletic Training” because of the clients I serve.
Q: Has your view on the AT industry evolved since pursuing a non-traditional avenue? If so, how?
A: Yes, while I respect all the hardworking ATC’s in traditional settings and miss the grind and action sometimes, however being able to come on home at a decent hour and spend time with my friends and family is something that I really value as I got older. I am still proud to be an ATC, and I never knew in college how much I can help other people besides my athletes.
Q: What gave you the confidence to go against the grain and take an innovative approach to serving the AT profession?
A: Going to graduate school gave me the confidence to be honest. It taught me how to market myself, the value of innovation, networking tips and tactics as well as what it means to be a professional.
Q: If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
A: Nothing. Live with no regrets, take chances, be a good person and be open to learning something from anyone anytime.
Rapid Fire:
Q: What are 1-3 books that have greatly influenced your personal and/or professional life?
A: The Hearts Playlist by Vander Castillo, Blink by Malcolm Gladwell, and First, Break All The Rules by Marcus Buckingham
Q: What is one the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve made that has positively impacted your life?
A: Volunteer Coaching Basketball for past 8 Years, Great way to mentor kids and give back to the community
Q: What is one habit or behavior that has most improved your life?
A: Writing daily TO-DO lists
Q: Favorite App to help keep you organized?
A: Notes App
Q: Favorite quote to keep you motivated?
A: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” —Mark Twain.
Q: Favorite activity to spark creativity and ideas?
A: Walking on the boardwalk at the beach
If you would like to get in touch with Vander, feel free to contact him at [email protected]
