Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jim Blair, founder of Forest City Personal Training, located in London, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Forest City Personal Training is goal-oriented with a focus on improving habits, whether it be movement, breathing, water, sleep, mindset, or work/life balance. I'm a fixer. Give me a problem, and I WILL find a solution. FCPT clients are general population individuals looking for solutions to life's everyday aches, pains, and problems. Always upbeat, a great listener, and willing to go the extra mile. Clients feel safe and encouraged with zero judgment.
Tell us about yourself
Working in a factory was not the environment where I wanted to be. To say the least, it was uninspiring, and I was going nowhere. Prior to the pandemic, I made the decision to start coaching clients on something that I had practiced for over 20 years and was quite passionate about - training and nutrition. It was a big step, but I wanted more flexibility with my schedule, both for my daughter and myself. I also wanted to show my daughter it's never too late to find something that inspires you. Training clients led me down an educational rabbit hole. I accumulated an immense number of industry certifications, ultimately steering my focus toward rehabilitation. Teaching clients to move pain-free and the feeling that comes with helping them break through boundaries that have held them back for years was all I needed to spur me forward. It has encouraged me to continue my studies in the world of osteopathy, which will further elevate what I already offer to my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
If I had to name my biggest accomplishment, it would be the fact that despite choosing the worst time to change professions (3 months prior to the first Covid-19 lockdown), I have maintained a high level of client retention (despite all subsequent lockdowns), added online training, customized app programming (strength and conditioning, rehab) and continue to acquire new clients looking to improve their lives.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Success does not come without some level of risk. It's very scary to step away from a "secure" well-paying job to being self-employed with an "unknown" income, especially when raising a daughter. Nothing great ever comes from staying within our comfort zones, and it has been well worth the change!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you're passionate about.
- Do your research.
- Be persistent! You will encounter roadblocks every step of the way. Trust your vision and work tirelessly to pursue it. It will happen!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you're ready to see change, are sick of fad diets disappointing you, and want to instill a lifestyle that is maintainable, look no further. I am here and ready to help support you and your goals no matter where you're at. Coaching is product development with you as the product. If you're ready to invest, don't hesitate; you owe it to yourself and your family.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.forestcitypt.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forestcitypersonaltraining
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestcitypt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blair-jim/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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