Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Luis Centeno, Founder and Owner of Fit Results LLC., located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

Fit Results is a boutique fitness studio that believes everyone deserves second chances. We started from humble beginnings by carrying a suitcase of equipment to the park to having two establishments of premier group fitness and personal training. Our customers range from young professionals to midlife adults. Advance novice fitness levels. We offer a variety of options to those that either simply want to move, maintain or reach ultimate results via classes, semi-private and personal training. We also offer open gym options to others that prefer to do it on their own around their busy schedule.

Tell us about yourself

I enjoyed fitness growing up. As an adult, I made it a hobby as it kept me busy and in shape but also helped with my mental health. Being sentenced to 10 years, losing everything, and finding peace behind a barbed wire fence isn't easy. Fitness was my way out. Upon my release, I decided to give fitness a real shot. Turning my prison hobby into a career. I have always wanted to help others but this time, I'm on a mission to inspire, teach, and change lives. It's now my life's calling.

Each and every day, we all find some kind of hurdles that we need to overcome. My passion for helping others through fitness is what keeps me going strong every day. I think of the $.60/hour I once made and what I make today. It humbles me. It makes me reminisce about when I had nothing, and there isn't anything that will make me go back to where I was before. That I do not wish on anyone, this is why we're a brand that believes in second chances, that anyone can change their lives mentally and physically.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment as an owner is every moment we help others with their struggles, not just in fitness but also in life. It's something that gets me fired up, knowing that the work we do can help change anyone. We really have a sense of being like family members to our clients, and they feel it. Another big accomplishment is being able to help the amazing coaches at Fit Results by providing them with an environment that fosters our mission of giving our community a second chance at fitness and life.

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

Being a business owner is no easy task. There's never any downtime depending on the type of business. As for me, I serve a lot of people on a personal level, from members of our team and the community. You also must wear different hats if you want your business to succeed. Everyone also wants a deal, and if you offer a deal to one, you must offer it to everyone. So there's a thin line between making people happy, helping everyone reach their goals, and running a business profitably. It's especially tough to do all of this while having a work-life balance with my family.

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

Three tips for anyone wanting to start a business:

  1. Do your due diligence in regard to the business you want to start. Be sure there's a market for you.
  2. Location, location, location. It is everything to brick-and-mortar businesses.
  3. It's never a great time to start your own business. You must be ready, especially at the beginning, and have all of your steps lined up. Work early and late, doing some cleaning, some marketing, some basic public relations, etc. (aka getting your hands dirty).

It's well worth it, but everything will work out if you put in the work. Just be mentally prepared to do so.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.fitresults.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FITRESULTS1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louthetrainer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Louthetrainer16
LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/Louthetrainer16

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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