Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Greg Harvey, owner of Fit 'N' Well Personal Training, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.

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

Since 1998 I have been working with seniors, helping them to maintain their strength, mobility, and balance so they can maintain their independence. I also help people lose weight.

Tell us about yourself

My father died of heart disease when I was 25 years old. I was overweight at the time. I lost 40 pounds and then went to school to become a personal trainer. In my 20s I was much more concerned with aesthetics while still encouraging people to lead healthy lifestyles. Now that I am over 50, my focus is more on longevity and leading healthy lifestyles so that we can do more for more years and keep our independence longer. Working with people who are in their 80's and 90's is interesting. It also reminds me to think with the end in mind and think about how healthy I want to be in my 90's so I am independent and am able to continue doing the things that I love doing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I would say "breaking trail" I didn't do what everyone else in my industry did. I didn't set up a personal training studio, my business plan since 1988 was to go to help people with their fitness in the comfort of their homes. This approach has helped me weather the various storms, including COVID, over the past 22 years.

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

The hours. I work 6a..m. to 8 p.m. most days. After 8p.m. I work on my computer until bedtime. My half-day is an eight-hour day on Saturdays. On Sunday I work for my safari company. Most people don't understand what it is like to only get a paycheque that is earned based on how many appointments I have and not have the luxury of a guaranteed salary and guaranteed employment. I have worked this way for so many years, it is just a lifestyle now, and I wouldn't know what it is like to work 9-5 any more than I would know what it is like to eat whatever I want either. I have to live a life of health. It isn't just a lifestyle. It is my job. So it's a little different.

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

  1. Work 12-16 hours a day, at least five days a week, even if you don't have the clientele to support those hours. If you work those hours, whether it be educating yourself or working on your social media presence or website and advertising and marketing and some volunteering in your industry, the clientele will come.
  2. Constantly try new things. You can't wait for business; if it isn't showing up and the phone isn't ringing, you have to proactively go get business.
  3. Only start a business if you value what you are selling, and you fully believe in it. If you can't get excited about your product or service, how do you expect others to believe in your product or service? I am always reading the latest journals on nutrition and studying information on longevity. I study daily while I am eating my lunch.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Make sure that you love what you do. It is easy to go to a 9-5 job and tolerate those hours. When I work 14 to 16 hours a day, I do it because the work is varied, and I am passionate about it. My second business is taking people on photo safaris. I go from working on one company for a few hours to the other throughout the day. I do what I love; my day is never quiet or dull.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://fitnwell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hwsafaris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hw_photo_and_safaris/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hwphotosafari
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-harvey-90034035/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.