Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Reggie Bradshaw, founder of Rize Fitness, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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

Rize Fitness is an integrated fitness and wellness company built by a team of elite strength and conditioning coaches and health practitioners. Our mission statement is "To optimize human performance in mind and body."

Our clientele has a very wide range from your everyday person just wanting to feel better about themselves all the way to the professional athlete. At Rize, we pride ourselves on catering to each individual's needs and creating a plan for them to get the most optimal results as fast and safely as possible. When you come to Rize, you quickly become part of our family, and you will feel this every time you walk through the door.

Tell us about yourself

I am an Elite Strength Coach/Master Trainer based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. As a former professional athlete (and a 2008 CFL draft pick), I decided to focus my efforts on personal training and building the Rize Fitness brand – today, I am one of the most sought-after personal trainers in the lower mainland. With my extensive knowledge and passion for health and fitness, I developed a training system that has attracted a clientele that ranges from professional athletes to the stars of everyone's favorite TV shows and movies.

I invest my time in making sure that my clients have the best of what I have to offer by constantly upgrading my certifications, ensuring that I have the most effective skill set to get whoever I am training in the best shape as fast and as safely as possible.

I am constantly motivated by seeing all the progress every time I walk through the doors at Rize. Everyone on all sides is constantly striving to better themselves. Clients are trying to better themselves, and coaches/practitioners are doing their best to help them reach the desired goal.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is opening such an amazing place. It has allowed me to attract some of the best coaches/practitioners in the industry. We all have a similar mindset. Our goals of providing the best experience possible are echoed throughout our entire team.

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

Finding balance. It's hard to both work in the business and on the business at the same time, and it requires a delicate touch.

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

  1. Focus on building a reputation in the community both in-person and online.
  2. Provide consistent, measurable results that can be repeated time and time again.
  3. Get a very solid business plan together. Get advice from 3 people you have a lot of respect for. Someone in your industry, someone in finance, and someone who will give it to you straight. Do not just accept advice that is closed-ended with no solution. It is important that you don't let others' fear of failure project on to you. Stay true to your vision. If there is a flaw in your plan, you must figure out how to solve it. Ask for help!
  4. Build a strong culture where everyone is willing to invest emotionally and physically into the business. You are only as strong as your weakest link. Surround yourself with people who will hold you up when you feel like you can no longer stand. Having people who believe in you is just as important as believing in yourself. You can only go so far on your own.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Opening a business is hard work. No one said it was going to be easy, but I can promise you that it will be worth it. Every day has its own unique challenges. To be successful in business, you have to learn how to be adaptable. There is no such thing as stress, all that matters is how you handle the situation. If you have ever wanted to start a business, do it! I once heard a saying that an entrepreneur jumps first and then figures out how to build the wings on the way down. Trust in yourself!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rizefitness.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reggie.bradshaw.3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reggiebradshaw_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggie-bradshaw-48b40190/

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.