Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Rountree, Owner of Bolt Fitness, located in Chicago, IL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bolt Fitness is a state-of-the-art facility with group training, personal training, and open gym concepts that provide the tools to improve strength endurance and quality of life through training systems that are sustainable and appeal to all. We pride ourselves in welcoming clients of all backgrounds. Whether it is your first time walking in a gym or your 100th time, we take care of everyone.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in the fitness industry for 10 years now! As an athlete in high school and college, I found myself fascinated and in love with the training required in sports. After becoming certified, graduating with a Master's degree in Exercise Science, and working my way up the professional ladder, a light bulb went off in my head that I was ready to pursue my own brand.
My years working in the fitness industry shed light on the lack of female gym owners in the city (and worldwide). I've made it a mission of mine to become a successful, credible, and dependable leader in this industry. I want other women to see that when you believe in your abilities, nothing is impossible. Additionally, my mission for the community is to showcase how life-changing quality fitness training can be: physically and mentally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment so far as a business owner is the community of Bolt Fitness. The friendships, additional time spent at the gym, and activities outside the gym cannot be planned! A community happens organically when you set up a business with genuine intentions, and that is exactly what has occurred at Bolt Fitness.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Dealing with how expensive it is to have a business in Chicago! Rent, property tax, payroll, utilities, etc. There is a lot of thinking outside the box and coming up with ways to bring in different revenue streams and marketing the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Trust your gut. If there are ever second thoughts about anything regarding your business (partnerships, financials, deadlines, etc.), take a step back and review the details again before going through with anything.
- Get ready to work your ass off. Your business is essentially your baby, and it is going to require hours and hours of your life to nurture and grow it. You will have to make sacrifices with your time and money.
- Never be satisfied. There is always work to be done when running a small business. Make sure you are organized with your thoughts, and once you check something off your list, there should immediately be something else to be done :)
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.boltfitnesschicago.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boltchicago/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bolt-fitness-chicago/
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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