Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with John Pecchia, Owner of FitME Inc., DBA, Get In Shape for Women, located in Cambridge, MA, USA.

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

We are a small franchise that focuses on Small Group Personal Training for Women. We have a four-component model, including weight training, cardio, nutritional guidance, and accountability. Our mission is to empower women in our studio through fitness and create a body-positive atmosphere.

Tell us about yourself

I started out in the fitness field. I got my B.S. in Exercise Science, MEd in Physical Education and Kinesiology, and have been a certified personal trainer for 15 years. I first started working as a trainer and manager at my current studio. Then I had the opportunity to buy the studio from the previous owner. It was a seamless transition, and now I have been able to put my own personal stamp on how I operate things on a daily basis. I strive to be the best trainer I can be for anyone coming into my studio. I get as much satisfaction from someone losing 50lbs as I do for a new personal best on a lift, coming back from a stroke, or keeping up with the grandkids. Everyone has their own journey, and it is my job to keep them motivated and enjoy the process of getting there.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment thus far has been surviving the pandemic. There have been so many pivots, closures, adjustments, etc., over the past 2.5 years. I have lost count of how many times I have had to restructure things, freeze memberships, and align with local and federal protocols. I feel very fortunate to be in the place that I am with such a supportive community. Conquering this pandemic as a customer-facing business was not an easy task, but we did it.

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

Being both the front line and the last line of defense for the business. If you lose an employee or something happens in the business space, it is on you to get things figured out and taken care of. Especially when the structure of the business is client-facing and requires you to be present to cover a shift, it takes you away from personal life events sometimes.

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

  1. Have a plan of action. You should always know where you want to be going before you start the journey. It is ok to pivot and make adjustments along the way, but it makes it much easier when you know the general goal from the start and is not winging it.
  2. Establish quality of life and balance early and often. The more you let yourself become married to your work, the harder it is to step away.
  3. Know what your strengths are and what you need to delegate to others. Sometimes it is just worth it to hire the right help instead of spending hours getting nowhere.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you are getting into business with something you are sincerely passionate about, then the clientele will notice. Love what you do.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getinshapeforwomen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gisfw.portersquare
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getinshapeforwomen_cambridge/

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.