Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ian Krohmer, Owner and Founder of 180 Red Fit, located in Bartlett, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are a class-based group fitness studio focusing on half cardio and half resistance training. We have pre-designed classes that are coached and designed to target the goals of every member, no matter what their fitness levels and goals are. We use light, sound, and top-of-the-line fitness equipment in a state-of-the-art program design with a 180-second finisher at the end to reach your goals. Our customers are really anyone looking to get in shape and get healthy. Our programs are designed with everyone in mind. From the hardcore athlete to someone that is just getting into fitness, we are able to modify the workouts or push clients to their limits.

Tell us about yourself

I have been in the fitness industry for 15 years. I started as a personal trainer and then worked my way to management in a big box gym, but I wanted to look for something else. Started opening group fitness studios under another fitness franchise but always felt that there needed to be something else. It was missing something. I started taking all of the components that I wanted to see in a workout, added in a few new concepts that haven't been seen in fitness, and built it around a community and member-first philosophy.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment for me was being able to realize my dream studio and create a fitness brand with my wife and bring it to life. Seeing the members achieving results and really connecting with the brand has been amazing to see.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Honestly, trying to prioritize everything that needs to be done on a normal day, week, or month. In a fitness studio, there are always a lot of things going on, moving parts, and constant changes to meet the member's needs. Often it becomes difficult to get the important things done if we don't stay organized and prioritize the most important things first, especially when the member interaction is so important.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Stay true to your brand and your dream. Adjustments will happen, but if you believe that you created the right product or brand for your industry, keep on that path. See it through, and keep improving with that original product and goals in mind.
  2. Surround yourself with people that have been there and done that. We would never be where we are today without a network of business owners and experts in their fields helping us along the way.
  3. Be hyper-focused on your clients and their needs. It's important to make sure that you find out what keeps the clients coming back once you have them connected to your brand. You can't grow if you are losing clients as fast as you're gaining them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.180redfit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/180redfit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/180_redfit/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/180-red-fit/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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