Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rhace Akers, Owner of 9Round Fitness, located in Omaha, NE, USA.

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

9Round Fitness guarantees measurable results in just 30 days, 30 minutes a day, 3x per week. 9Round is a full-body, semi-private, kickboxing-based circuit with no set class times, so you are never late for a class and never have to wait to get started! There's always a 9Round certified trainer to walk you through every step of your workout to ensure proper technique and effort level and to work one-on-one drills with you each and every day!

Our members, also known as "9Rounders," are people from all walks of life and fitness levels. 9Rounders are everyone from first steps into their fitness journey to elite-level athletes, including professional fighters, football players, and baseball players.

Tell us about yourself

My personal 9Round journey started in October of 2013 when I discovered 9Round and joined as a member, fell in love with the system, and quickly started working as a trainer at 9Round. I did so for over five years, learning the tools of the trade and managing two clubs, eventually buying those two clubs in November of 2019, transitioning seamlessly from manager to owner.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date is that I've been able to take over the gyms that I love and continue to run them with integrity and passion through all the ups and downs in the world. We have never compromised our core principles and never will.

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

For me personally, the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is managing the ever-changing schedule of employees across multiple studios. We have a wonderful staff, but it's still an ongoing balancing act.

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

  1. Aggressively pursue any and all opportunities to get your product or service in front of as many people as possible in any way that you can, no matter how obscure it may seem at first.
  2. Never go back on your core beliefs in pursuit of more revenue. You will find more money over the long term by sticking to your beliefs.
  3. Don't be afraid to take advice and listen to the opinions of your staff. The day-to-day employees are the closest to the customer and often know more than they are given credit for.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being in the fitness industry, there are so many options out there, from at-home workouts to gyms, to personal training, but nothing can compete with delivering top-tier customer service. We pride ourselves on that, and it has carried us through everything that has come our way.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.9round.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9round18204WrightStOmahaNE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9r_omaha/

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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