Austin’s Inspiring Innovator: Meet Destin George Bell and Card.io
If you’re in Austin, you’ve probably noticed the buzz surrounding a new app called Card.io. This unique mobile platform is designed to motivate users to tackle their cardio workouts—and the mind behind it all is none other than Destin George Bell. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Destin to chat about his journey into entrepreneurship and the incredible vision he has for his app. Spoiler alert: it’s as fascinating as it is inspiring!
A Business Mind from the Start
Destin has always had a knack for business. “I was very business oriented from a young age… I always knew that I wanted to make money for myself,” he shared. Frustrated by the traditional work model and the 9-to-5 grind, he sought to carve his own path. This determination led him to create opportunities on his own terms, which ultimately paved the way for the birth of Card.io.
Having lived in Austin for four years now, Destin can’t help but express his love for the city. “I love Austin. It’s great. You know? I genuinely believe that this is one of the best cities that I could have moved to to start this company,” he said enthusiastically. The city’s vibrant energy and supportive startup community have not only aided his business efforts but also enriched his personal fitness journey.
The Motivation Behind Card.io
So, how did a basketball player turned entrepreneur end up creating a fitness app? Destin explained that the inspiration for Card.io came during the pandemic when many found themselves struggling to stay active. “I didn’t like running during COVID… I realized that a lot of people also didn’t like to run.” This lightbulb moment led him to envision an app that could make cardio fun and engaging for everyone.
His enthusiasm for fitness really took off after he settled in Austin. “I realized… I actually really enjoy working out… I felt better, I looked better, and just overall, my quality of life improved,” he reflected. This newfound passion played a pivotal role in developing Card.io, and it shows!
The Shark Tank Experience
Destin’s journey took an exciting turn when he made an appearance on the popular show Shark Tank. Surprisingly, he didn’t actively pursue this opportunity; instead, he was contacted via LinkedIn by a recruiter. After a healthy dose of skepticism, he dove into the process, which involved extensive negotiations. The hard work paid off, as he secured investment from prominent entrepreneurs Daymond John and Rashaun Williams. Talk about credibility!
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Destin has a message for budding entrepreneurs: “Focus on the positives, and get past all the valleys that come before the peaks.” He emphasizes resilience and persistence, encouraging others to stay confident in their vision despite challenges and doubts. With a can-do attitude like that, it’s no wonder he’s made such strides in just a short amount of time.
Giving Back to the Community
But Destin’s ambitions extend beyond just building a successful app. He’s also a strong advocate for community engagement. He announced a collaborative initiative with a local nonprofit, The Trail Conservancy, aiming to raise $1 million for Austin’s outdoor trails. The project, “1 Million for a $1 Million,” encourages residents to accumulate a total of one million miles of walking or running in January 2025 to help reach this goal. Each mile translates to a dollar for the fundraiser, fostering community spirit while promoting healthy habits.
Inspiring Others
Destin George Bell is not just creating an app; he’s fostering a community-fueled movement that encourages fitness and friendship. By sharing his journey and passion, he serves as an inspiring example of how vision, hard work, and the drive to make a positive impact can bring forth incredible innovation.
For those looking to join the Card.io community, the app is available for Apple devices and will soon be launching on Android. Follow along on social media to stay updated with Destin and his exciting ventures. Here’s to embracing fitness and community together!
