Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Doug Riccio, Founder of dr pilates, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
dr pilates is a beautiful Los Angeles boutique pilates studio located in the heart of Larchmont Village. We pride ourselves on having the best-certified instructors in LA, an available and friendly staff, and classes on the hour, every hour, 7 days per week, to fit into the hustle and bustle of LA life. The mission of dr pilates is to assist all levels of clients in finding the best balance of strength, stretch, and control. This balance of mind and body will allow clients to perform their passion through a transformational physical and personal journey.
One of the most special and unique parts of the dr pilates experience is the sense of community you'll find and end up becoming a part of. We have seen so many friendships grow and blossom out of the mutual support and camaraderie that comes with showing up for the same pilates practice each week or even so much as every day. You'll find groups of people hanging out front beyond the end of their class, catching up and supporting each other not only with their practice but in their lives.
Tell us about yourself
My background has always been in client services. I was 16 when I got my first job at a clothing store. Fast forward to 2014, when my life and work experience led me to open a Pilates studio. I realized there wasn't always a natural or direct correlation between client services and fitness. That was something I knew must be one of the primary focuses of my new business. I created dr pilates, first and foremost, not only to have really amazing certified pilates instructors and staff but also to maintain a superior client service aspect of the business. With a background in retail, creating a clean, organized, and inviting atmosphere have become a huge piece of what we are all about at dr pilates.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner to date has been that dr pilates was able to successfully emerge from the COVID-19 shutdown in Los Angeles. My two locations were forced to shut down. Unfortunately, only one re-opened post-pandemic. However, we were able to keep an amazing staff, not only surviving but thriving, by changing the business model to meet the needs of the public quickly and effectively. There were many days when I did not know if the business would survive. Through it all, I made a commitment to myself and my employees that this was something that we would be able to push through.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner, among the many, is knowing when to make hard changes. Those initially difficult changes that end up being smart moves in the long run. I may see things one way while my employees and/or clients give feedback that makes me feel differently. While I want to stay true to my original vision, there are times I've needed to be flexible and adapt to the changing environment. It was never truer than during the part of the COVID-19 Pandemic when my stream of income came to a startling halt while business expenses hadn't. It was THE hardest 24 months of my business life.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The top three things I advise a new business owner to consider are: Firstly, hire right the first time. It takes so much time, money, and energy to hire. Getting it wrong is costly. So, take your time hiring. Second, keep your staff motivated. Once you hire a great team, you need to give consistent feedback and keep them engaged. Give feedback even if it's not good. This keeps them growing. Third, the saying "The client is always right" rings true in the fitness world- always, even when they are not right, listen to the client and consider their point of view. Fitness is a "people" business, and client service should always be the top priority. I do have the fourth tip to throw in - be adaptable to your circumstances.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://drpilatesla.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drpilates
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpilates/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-riccio/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.