Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Matthew Bahntge, Owner of FightFit Personal Trainers, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We help our clients build confidence, change their dream body, and reach their fitness goals by learning to fight and defend themselves. Our company is called FightFit because our specialty is in Fight Fitness, teaching boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and more. Our ideal customers come from all different backgrounds, experience levels, and fitness goals, but the main thing they have in common is that they're busy professionals who want a fun way to get in shape and overcome fitness plateaus that fit into their schedules. We match them with a trainer who is most qualified to help them achieve their specific goals and meet them on their schedule either at their home or at a park near their home, work, or school. We develop customized routines for each individual to achieve and break through their fitness goals.
Tell us about yourself
For me, FightFit is the culmination of decades of teaching, training, and competing in MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and submission grappling. I started my life in martial arts at six years old and moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles, where I garnered a combined MMA record of 12 wins and four losses, alongside multiple championships and tournament victories. I've trained with some of MMA's greatest fighters, including Lyoto Machida, Rickson Gracie, Urijah Faber, Pedro Monhoz, Vladamir Matyushenko, and Frank Trigg, amongst others.
I've spent thousands of hours instructing everyone from first-timers to professional athletes, celebrities, and law enforcement. I've implemented training curricula and nutrition programs for individuals, businesses, and the UFC's Performance Institute in Las Vegas. Drawing on this experience, I created FightFit Personal Trainers in 2014 to bring high-quality, competition-tested training directly to Los Angeles.
I absolutely love what I do. I love seeing my clients be blown away by what they're able to do... and how great they're able to look and feel after just a few sessions. It's an honor for me to be part of my clients' fitness journeys, and I value the opportunity to work with any person who is dedicated to their own personal growth.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is when my clients text me saying they can't wait to come back for their next session. When they show up for their next session energized and excited to get back into it. Many people come to me burnt out and bored by their fitness routines. I love to re-spark that excitement for exercise through this medium of sports combat. I think the most important part of reaching your fitness goals is to ENJOY doing the work. If you enjoy it, there's nothing you can't do.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing relationships with a large number of people. It's also the most rewarding thing that comes with being a business owner. Each client matters. Each relationship is unique. Every person who signs up to work with us takes time and attention on our part to make sure they're being treated right. As we grow, that takes an increasing amount of personal effort and organization. It's also what separates our business from many of our competitors.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It's all about relationships. Really get to know your clients or ideal clients. Invest in building relationships with them. Understand why they come to you. What they really want out of it. What your role is in their transformative journey. My top three tips are:
- Ask questions
- Listen intently
- Follow up and communicate clearly while overdelivering on your promises.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
People like doing business with those who they know, like, and trust. Your interpersonal skills will make or break your business. Double down on that, and really focus on overdelivering for your clients. There's no way you can lose like that.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.fightfitpersonaltrainers.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fightfitpersonaltrainers/
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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