A new year is just around the corner, so it’s time to write out our resolutions. Maybe you want to start hitting the gym or find ways to give back to your community. A new small business in St. Charles County does both every day. 

Hustle & Heart Sports Performance is located just off Main Street in O’Fallon, Missouri, near Fort Zumwalt High School. Founder Pierre Desir outfitted the facility to train young athletes and help them reach their dreams. Having just opened its doors in July 2023, Pierre’s team already serves more than 70 trainees. 

Considering the man behind the mission, it’s no surprise Hustle & Heart is booming in the St. Charles Community. 

Most people know Pierre as one of the best football players to ever emerge from Francis Howell Central High in Cottleville. He went on to play for Lindenwood University and spent eight years in the NFL. He says the next chapter of his career is all about giving back. 

“I always knew I wanted to come back to this area. I spent so much time away from home over the years and wanted to serve my community,” Pierre said. “When I started looking at properties in 2022, I really only considered Missouri.”

Even during his playing days, Pierre ran camps and coached athletes in the area, usually at Lindenwood. In addition to individual and group training for athletes of all sports, Pierre and his coaching staff also offer adult fitness classes. 

“I wanted to create an inclusive environment for athletes and anyone looking to make progress physically, mentally, and personally. You don’t have to be getting Division I offers to feel at home here. In fact, I just want everyone to reach their potential and equip them with the tools to live a better life,” Pierre said. 

Having achieved success at the highest level, Pierre has all the skills and knowledge to make an impact on clients. He says the real challenge has been navigating red tape and learning to manage a business. 

“There’s a lot to do in terms of paperwork and permits,” Pierre said. “You also become responsible for your employees and need to think intentionally about everything from where you set your prices to managing your overhead costs. You owe it to them and your customers to operate in a way you can sustain for the long haul. It’s a lot of pressure but also very rewarding.”

A true coach at heart, Pierre has advice for other entrepreneurs and anyone thinking about starting a small business.

“Seek out a mentor or somebody in your industry who can share what they wish they would have known. Your path won’t be exactly the same, but it’s good to know what general obstacles you can expect,” Pierre said. 

He also has tips for those of us preparing resolutions for 2024.

“Many people will set a goal, reach it quickly, then revert into bad habits and lose all that progress. I always encourage people to find ways we can make their resolutions stick and plan for making sustainable changes that become routine,” Pierre said. 

From giving back the community to pursuing one’s passion, there’s a lot we can all appreciate about Hustle & Heart Sports Performance. I’m grateful to Pierre for sharing his story and wish him the best of luck as he continues his mission in O’Fallon. It’s another great example of everything Missouri’s Third District has to offer. 

The Made in the 3rd Small Business Spotlight is intended to highlight the diverse field of entrepreneurs throughout Missouri’s Third Congressional District and does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services offered by any individual business.