Live Your Dream, Naples SCORE Can Help



Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck (left), President of
Nordic Pole Walking USA, LLC.

Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck
Nordic Pole Walking USA, LLC
www.nordicpolewalkingusa.com
Promoting the world’s fastest growing health sport

Meet Dr. Klaus Schwanbeck, President of Nordic Pole Walking USA, LLC (NPWUSA). Klaus, a native of Berlin, Germany, has been a part-time resident of Naples since 1995. In 2005 he decided to introduce his new concept of Nordic Pole Walking in the United States. The sport was originally developed in Finland for cross country ski athletes as a form of summer training and quickly spread all over Europe because of its great fitness and health benefits. The benefits include the burning of up to 46% more calories compared to walking without poles. Also, it strengthens the heart and cardiovascular systems, develops proper body posture and is great for stress management.

The business consists of designing, importing and distributing Nordic Walking Poles and various accessories throughout the United States. Additionally, NPWUSA certifies instructors in the proper technique to achieve maximum benefit from the exercise. Independent instructors conduct classes for a fee and are instructed by NPWUSA how to market their services. Classes are offered through various retail outlets, including fitness centers, private health clubs, the YMCA and, just recently, a contract with a national athletic shoe franchise.

Dr. Schwanbeck has a doctorate degree in both Sport Sciences and Sport Management from the University of Bayreuth and Berlin Technical University. He was also a Professional National Coach for the German Track & Field Federation and Director of the Berlin Sports Academy from 1980 – 1990.

While his credentials as an expert in health and fitness are impressive, Klaus soon found that starting a business in a foreign country is a serious undertaking. He quickly came to understand that some of our business customs and attitudes are quite different from those of our European neighbors.

At a meeting of the German-American Business Chamber (GABC), he met Ekkehard Grampp, also a native German and Chairman of the Naples Chapter of SCORE. Thereupon began a business relationship and friendship that continues to this day. Together they designed a business plan that includes cash management, sales goals and marketing strategy. As the business began to develop, Ekkehard enlisted the assistance of co-counselors Gray Poehler, Bob Anderson and Dennis Holland. All have various sales and marketing experience in the running of their respective businesses.

Today, NPWUSA is well on its way down the road to success. Well recognized in Southwest Florida, the young company now distributes its Nordic Poles and conducts instructor certification seminars in thirteen states in the U.S. Klaus Schwanbeck attributes much of his success to the guidance and helping hands extended by the volunteers of the Naples SCORE Chapter 573.

SCORE's counseling services are all at no cost. SCORE offers counseling sessions on a one-on-one basis as well as workshops. E-mail counseling is offered as well to those who are out of the area, or prefer cyber-meetings. SCORE is a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration with over 10,500 members and 389 chapters nationwide.

The Naples chapter ran 14 workshops last year with a total of 351 business people in attendance. Additionally, the chapter counseled 920 clients in face-to-face sessions and another 902 via email.

We can be reached by e-mail at score@scorenaples.org or by phone at 239-430-0081. Our Web site is www.scorenaples.org

Naples/Collier SCORE Chairman Ekkehard Grampp