A Life Without Limits - TrainSmarter

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Finley, Owner of TrainSmarter, located in Birmingham, AL, USA.

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

TrainSmarter is a coaching facility where we help people create a life they love, including teaching nutritious eating habits, alleviating pain, reducing stress, and most importantly, keeping them strong—in body and mind.

Tell us about yourself

I was the kid in school who avoided PE classes every way I could. I grew up with poor eating habits and wasn't interested in any physical activities. After having twins in my early 20's, I went with my best friend (who'd also just had twins) to an exercise class to "get in shape." The change in my energy level astounded me. I quickly learned how critical exercise and healthy living were for living well. Before long, I was asked to start teaching classes. I wanted to be able to share the benefits I'd discovered through my own transformation, so I became certified as a personal trainer in 1990, when the industry was just beginning. In my first job, I made $9 an hour! After several years as an independent contractor in a variety of gyms, I spent 20 years at the Birmingham JCC, where I ultimately became the coordinator of the personal training program that I created. I'd never wanted to own a brick-and-mortar business. When people suggested I open my own place, I'd say, "I don't want to be the person who's responsible when the toilet stops up." But circumstances pushed me forward in 2014 when just the right opportunity opened up, and I took the leap of faith. It was HARD. I had to build out the new space, which was nerve-wracking and expensive. And yes, three months after we opened, the toilet DID stop up! It's still been so worth it. We have helped hundreds of people, many of who thought their knee or hip, or back pain was something they'd just have to learn to live with. That's what I love about what we do. We help people get more out of their lives. It is gratifying to know that the work you do has a lasting impact.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We made it through 2020--it was our best year to date, mostly thanks to the mentorship I got from my business coach. In the eight years we have been open, each year has been better than the year before (in 2017, we moved to double our space.--ANOTHER build-out!); each month this year has beaten the previous month. One thing I accomplished that I never expected to do, was writing a book. I spent my free time in 2020 writing The Smarter Way.

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

It's hard to separate work from personal time. I'm always thinking about programs I want to launch, marketing that needs to be done, financials, managing employees, and keeping in touch with clients.....sometimes I've felt really burnt out. It can be lonely because there's no one else who understands the responsibility and pressures that come with being a business owner.

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

Find a mentor! That was a game-changer for me.
Expect ups and downs, and know that tomorrow can look very different from today. Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster, so don't let the lows get you down.
Celebrate every chance you get. It's a great stress reliever and directs your focus to what's going well when you might be inclined to pay more attention to your struggles.

I never aspired to be a business owner, but it's given me the opportunity to be innovative and creative and reach more people than I otherwise would have been able to help. It's been stressful and so much fun!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://wetrainsmarter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/train.smarter/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/trainsmarter14
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-finley-5763a122/

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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