Candid Manager - Helen Vanderburg, Heavens Fitness, Calgary, Alberta
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| Helen Vanderburg | |
| Heavens Fitness | |
| Calgary | |
| www.heavensfitness.com | |
1. How did you become a fitness club owner?
I began my fitness journey in the world of athletics as a past world champion synchronized swimmer. After completing my degree in physical education from the University of Calgary, I began working as a fitness director for a private club. This gave me the opportunity to explore ideas for programs and fitness classes, and the success of these programs gave me the confidence to start my own business. In 1982 I opened the doors to Heavens Fitness. It started as an aerobic studio in 2,000 square feet and has evolved into a full-facility club with 20,000 square feet.
Realizing that I didn’t have enough money to start my business with my own personal savings, I turned to family and friends for help. My total initial financial investment was $30,000, of which $25,000 was from the bank…but only with a guarantee from my father-in-law. Then friends and family renovated the space, printed brochures, delivered flyers and put countless hours of manpower into the project. The business was an immediate success, and within the first six months the bank loan was paid off.
2. What’s the smartest thing you’ve done regarding your club?
The smartest thing I’ve done is to stay true to my vision and philosophy of business. It is easy to be tempted to change based on competitors in the marketplace. For example, my business philosophy is to have set membership prices and to not discount membership prices or have sales. Instead we offer flexible memberships with short-term options and annual memberships that can be customized for the user. The industry in general works on a sales structure of discounted memberships and memberships that are locked in for a period of time with strict contracts. There have been times when I have been tempted to offer the same type of pricing boost sales (when a competitor moves into the marketplace, for example) but I have always stuck to my beliefs, and it has worked out extremely well.
3. What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?
One of the biggest business mistakes I have made is not listening to my gut instincts. I now know that if my gut is saying something doesn’t feel right, I need to listen. I have numerous examples of this, but a common error I see with owners and directors of clubs is that when we know someone on our staff doesn’t fit our corporate environment, we are not always brave enough to make the change. I have had group exercise instructors on my team who are very talented and popular among the members, however they do not function well as part of a team. For example, they start classes late, don’t teach to the format and never attend meetings. This type of instructor can break down the entire team as others feel that this individual is being favoured. My advice is to listen to your instincts, and be brave enough to make the necessary change.
4. What’s been your biggest challenge as an owner?
My biggest challenge is keeping my energy level high so I can be positive and supportive for my staff and members. Balance is something of which I am in continual pursuit. I am juggling raising two young children, spending time with my husband, working full time as an owner and speaking at conventions around the globe. My biggest challenge is that I love doing it all – but in doing it all, it can completely drain my energy. My saving grace is having a positive attitude as I continue my pursuit of balance.
5. What have you discovered to be the key to effective leadership?
I believe that great leaders exemplify many traits, but if I can sum it up into one word it would be that leaders care. In my 25 years of management, I have found that the most important thing for people is to feel recognized and respected. Find out what matters to people, and take care of their needs.
6. What do you like most about owning a fitness club?
I love the community you can build within a club. Making a positive impact in people’s lives inspires me.
7. What advice you have for aspiring club owners?
Do your research, listen to advice, have a plan, think through every step of your plan, crunch the numbers and take care of people along the way. And don’t forget to take care of yourself because you’ll need a ton of energy to make your dreams a reality.
8. What plans do you have for the future for your clubs?
My plan is to not open another facility. My new direction is in consulting to other clubs and assisting them with the management of their group exercise and personal training programs.
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