I was recently able to sit down with Destin George Bell, the creative mind behind Card.io, a unique mobile app designed to motivate users to engage in cardio exercises and achieve their fitness goals, and I discovered that Destin’s journey into the world of entrepreneurship is as fascinating as his innovative app.
From a young age, Destin displayed an innate business acumen. He shares, “I was very business oriented from a young age… I always knew that I wanted to make money for myself.” Frustrated by the traditional work model, he sought ways to create opportunities on his own terms. This determination paved the way for his future endeavors, including the development of Card.io.
Having resided in Austin for four years, Destin expresses genuine appreciation for the city. He stated, “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. It’s been great for me, personally, fitness/wise, life-wise, business-wise, for sure. I just genuinely love it here.”
Austin’s dynamic environment has provided him with both a supportive community for his startup and a vibrant fitness culture that has influenced his personal journey.
The inspiration behind Card.io was born out of Destin’s struggles with cardio workouts during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I didn’t like running during COVID… I realized that a lot of people also didn’t like to run,” he explains. This realization prompted him to create an app that would transform an unenjoyable exercise into a fun and engaging activity, ultimately benefiting a wide audience.
Destin’s foray into fitness began in high school as a basketball player. Initially, his workout routine was casual but, upon moving to Austin, he became more involved in the local fitness community. “I realized… I actually really enjoy working out… I felt better, I looked better, and just overall, my quality of life improved,” he reflects. This newfound passion for fitness played a crucial role in the development of Card.io.
His recent appearance on the popular television show Shark Tank was another pivotal moment in his career. Interestingly, Destin didn’t seek out the opportunity; instead, he was contacted by a recruiter on LinkedIn. Initially skeptical about the legitimacy of the outreach, he soon dove into a rigorous process that involved negotiations and due diligence. Despite the challenges, he successfully secured investment from renowned entrepreneurs Daymond John and Rashaun Williams, enhancing his credibility in the business world.
Focus on the positives, and get past all the valleys that come before the peaks.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Destin advises resilience and persistence. “Keep moving forward… there’s a lot of doubt that goes into [starting a business]. Focus on the positives, and get past all the valleys that come before the peaks,” he asserts. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence in one’s vision, even amid challenges and skepticism from others.
In addition to developing Card.io, Destin is passionate about giving back to the community. He announced a collaboration with a local nonprofit, The Trail Conservancy, to launch a $1 million fundraiser aimed at revitalizing Austin’s outdoor trails. The initiative, dubbed “1 Million for a $1 Million” encourages the community to cumulatively walk or run a total of one million miles throughout January 2025, with each mile contributing a dollar towards the fundraising goal.
Destin George Bell embodies the spirit of innovation and community engagement. Through Card.io and his philanthropic efforts, he continues to inspire others to embrace fitness while fostering a sense of community in Austin. His journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and the drive to make a positive impact, and we thank him for being a positive force in the city.
Download the Card.io app for Apple devices. It will soon be available for Android devices. Follow the company on Instagram.
