Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karlton Meadows, Founder of Majestic Balance 4 Fitness, located in Augusta, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I created the Q-Fit system to empower affluent men over 40 who are ashamed and frustrated with their bodies to burn fat, build muscle and boost hormones without starving and spending hours in the gym.
Tell us about yourself
In the early 1970s, I had a clubfoot and outgrew the braces on my feet, only to become a sickly, scrawny, last-picked, bench-riding kid. Although I had a ton of athletic ambition and desired to be a champion, I had zero natural athleticism. Despite my childhood struggles and adult driving history of totaling three vehicles before my 33rd birthday, I persevered to become a champion athlete, fitness model, international fitness authority, and creator of the Q-Fit System.
I "cut my teeth" as the first fitness instructor for Sailors preparing for direct support to the Navy SEALs Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen Program in 1994 and continued my contribution to the Navy's Remedial Fitness Enhancement Program, where I created an average success rate of 90% for participating Sailors. As a global competitor, I emerged as a 2002 Light Heavyweight Body Building Champion in Sicily after being honored as the 2001 Male Athlete of the Year (AOY) Nominee. Billy Blanks was on hand to present the award at the AOY ceremony in Rota, Spain. And in 2007, I finished in the top 10 during my Strongman Competition debut in Qatar.
As one of America's Top Fitness Professionals, my credentials include a congratulatory appreciation letter from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and endorsements from the Department of the Navy and United States Special Operations Command. Consistently sought for my professional acumen, I was invited as a delegate on three international People to People Citizen Ambassador Programs: Sports Medicine Delegation to China in 2009, Sports Medicine Delegation to India in 2010 & Exercise Medicine Delegation to Russia in 2011. I expanded my professional experience as a corporate fitness expert for Johnson & Johnson, New York Life, Met Life, and Bristol Myers Squibb. As an industrial sports medicine professional, I served Costco and Georgia Pacific.
I became America's 1st & only 20-year Navy Combat veteran with service-connected disabilities to make a historic collegiate track debut as a walk-on to the University of Tampa Team at age 45. I went on at age 46 to win a USA Track & Field Silver Medal in the 800m. In 2016, as a lifelong learner, I added a master's degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science to my numerous certifications and bachelor's degree. I am a 2018 official certified member of the Men's Health Fitness Council and a 2018 spokesperson for the National Fitness Hall of Fame. I was also showcased as an Olympic hopeful by NBC in February 2020. And in 2021, I was a keynote speaker for the Pan American Dragon Boat Association, the United States Dragon Boat Federation, and Raymond James.
My wife LeTrease and I have been married for 34 years; our son Terrell and his wife Sarah gave us the Grandparent title with their daughter Alina in 2017 while Fit Gramps was earning his second master's degree. I became a grandpa for the 2nd time in 2021 while earning my 3rd master's degree. Fit Gramps loves sharing lessons from my life's adversities and adventures with those looking to harness and unleash their resilient inner champion.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment to date is connected to a couple of pivotal firsts: The first time I sold and delivered $30,000 of in-home fitness service to one client and The first time I made a private 4-session retreat for $4,000.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Getting clarity on how to connect and communicate with my target audience of affluent males over 40, knowing how to articulate their pain points and how to juxtapose them with the solutions I provide.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know that you have intrinsic value - Your self-confidence is closely tied to this.
- Pursue something for which you are both proficient and passionate.
- Learn to pivot because difficulties, obstacles, adversities, challenges, failures, and adventures all await you as a start-up and ongoing entrepreneur.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://pro.ideafit.com/profile/karlton-meadows
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karlton.meadows/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefitgramps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarltonMeadows
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldmeadows/
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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