Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nick White, owner of Tremont Athletic Club, located in Cleveland, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tremont Athletic Club is a collection of full-service fitness centers in Cleveland, Ohio. Our members are a group of individuals who emphasize quality, cleanliness, and community as they seek to improve their health and fitness. We have thousands of members, and our average member uses our facility more than three times per week - several times the national average.
Tell us about yourself
I was an attorney for a large law firm for nine years. I represented banks during the 2008 financial crisis. After that, I decided I had had enough. I didn't know what I wanted to do, except that it would have a net-positive effect on society. I finally settled on opening a gym in the neighborhood I was living in. I came up with a business plan and raised capital, and we opened our first location in 2014. Each day since, I am motivated by the idea that success in the fitness business - like fitness itself - is not a stationary goal but an unending exercise in persistence.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I am most proud that we survived the pandemic with our core team intact. Few industries suffered more financial hardship than the fitness industry. Our team worked together to not only get through the pandemic but did so while never losing sight of our long-term goals for improving and growing the company.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
With regard to the "big picture," the hardest thing is the anxiety of operating without a net. Day to day, my biggest challenge is pivoting between being responsible for everything and allowing my team to work independently. I struggle to avoid micromanagement, and I try to maintain a culture where my team can put me in my place.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- There are three groups of people that are sources of potential issues that require your attention - investors, customers, and employees. Focus all of your attention on keeping your employees motivated and satisfied, and the other two groups won't require any attention.
- Avoid toxic positivity. Belief in fate, inevitable success, or that "everything happens for a reason" is tragically stupid. Most new businesses fail, and everything happens because you caused it to happen or allowed it to happen, with very few exceptions.
- Find good friends and avoid "coaches." Make friends who own (or are starting) new businesses and who want you to succeed. Changing my social surroundings both gave me the courage to make the leap and gave me immeasurable help with problems and pitfalls as we've grown.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Owning your own business is not for most people - some people do not want the insecurity, and others do not have the capability. Throughout your journey, be honest with yourself and remember that you chose this path with the goal of being happy and finding fulfillment.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://tremontathletic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tremontathletic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tremontathletic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tremontathletic
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.