Candid Manager - Rob Williams, Mixx Co-Fitness Studio
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| Rob Williams | |
| Mixx Co-Fitness Studio & Structure Rehab & Fitness Inc. | |
| Vancouver, B.C. | |
How did you become a fitness company owner?
I began my kinesiology studies with the intent of becoming an athletic therapist for a professional sports team, but when I saw how rewarding it was to change someone’s life through a guided personal training program I knew this was where I would develop my career.
I started my first fitness business as soon as I graduated in 1992, focusing on personal training and active rehabilitation of injuries. I now have four health-related businesses, with most of my energy devoted to my Vancouver training facility where I’ve perfected a new membership model that makes the best personal trainers more accessible to more people. At Mixx Co-Fitness Studio, our clients have a choice between working one-to-one with our private trainers or enjoying unlimited, on-demand access to trainers through our unique co-fitness membership.
To finance my businesses, I’ve had to be creative and to depend on a little bit of everything - from the support of friends and family to small business loans and private investment through innovative lending arrangements. At times I’ve been overwhelmed by how supportive some of my long-term clients have been. I believe this is a strong testament to the importance of building strong client relationships and proving one’s reliability, integrity and professionalism through sound business practices and solid ethics.
What’s the smartest thing you’ve done in your fitness career?
Trusted my instincts about the marketability of a new business model like co-fitness. I knew the concept would work because I was confident in the value to the member; still, there was no shortage of people telling me that I couldn’t make it fly. To be honest, I always welcome people’s attempts to poke holes in my ideas before I move ahead. It’s the best way to iron out any kinks in the business plan.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?
Although I’ve worked hard to develop unique systems and concepts in this industry, at times I wish I’d been more open-minded about new ideas that other people were pioneering. Two examples of this include online training and bootcamp programs. I’m the first to admit that I missed the first wave on these trends. However, I try to focus on my accomplishments and remember that I can’t be a leader in every aspect of this business.
What’s been your biggest challenge as an owner?
My biggest challenge relates to human resources. I follow the business philosophy “From Good to Great” that compares employees within an organization to people on a bus. The idea is that if you are fortunate enough to get the right people on the bus, you should do everything you can to keep them there. If they turn out to be the wrong people, you need to get them off the bus as quickly as possible. Although this seems simplistic, and not every employee is going to work out, I still have a tendency to take it personally when employees or contractors don’t give 100% to their clients or don’t take advantage of opportunities I feel I’ve given them.
What have you discovered to be the key to effective leadership?
I’ve been successful by maintaining open lines of communication and always having the best intentions. During busy times, communication can be compromised or may even break down. But if your people know you do everything with good intentions and integrity, they’ll respect your actions even though they may not agree with them.
What do you like most about this business?
The reason I got into this business is the same reason I’m passionate about being involved today. Each time a client trains with one of my team or works out in my fitness facility, we are contributing to the lasting legacy of improved health and function of that individual. Everywhere I go in Vancouver, I encounter clients who are living a healthier life now than before they worked with us. Talk about job satisfaction!
What’s the best advice you have for new fitness business owners?
I encourage everyone who enters this industry to take it seriously and to do their best to elevate their levels of professionalism and sophistication. The benefits of this are twofold: First, the fitness expert reaps the rewards of being perceived as a reliable and professional service provider; and second, the overall reputation of the fitness industry is enhanced by another positive ambassador.
What plans do you have for the future?
I will be launching a multi-disciplinary posture clinic adjacent to Mixx this fall that will bring together a variety of specialists in fields relating to body alignment. The Performance Posture Group will include chiropractors, podiatrists, kinesiologists, ergonomists and more under one roof. We’ll specialize in the assessment, management and prevention of posture-related conditions in everyone from athletes and students to office workers and the general public. With this facility in development, I am also continuing to research new locations for additional Co-Fitness facilities.
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