Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Judi Pavon, Owner of CrossFit Bearden, located in Knoxville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the owner of CrossFit Bearden. We have members of all ages and skill levels. We welcome everyone, regardless of their fitness background, to our community. We have members from their early twenties to late 50s.
Tell us about yourself
I got hooked on CrossFit almost 6 years ago, just before my 50th birthday, while working at the University of Tennessee as the women's golf coach. Shortly after retiring from UT, the coaches at CFB decided to sell the business, and I jumped a the opportunity to purchase it. I've been the owner for 8 months and just love it! We kept almost all our members and have had many new people come through the doors. It's awesome to watch everyone come in and work hard every day and to meet and get to know people I would have never known otherwise.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I consider every day a success! I love doing anything I can to improve the facility and to help our members improve their fitness. CrossFit has given so much to me, and I'm eager to have everyone else benefit from it like I have.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The only real challenge I have faced is traveling! I have to lean on other people so much to coach the classes that I normally do, so it requires a lot of people to adjust their schedules which I appreciate so much!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I was so lucky to just step into this business without having to start from scratch. But for someone starting a business, I would say try to immerse yourself in that environment for quite some time to know the ins and outs and what you like and what you would do differently. Next, be prepared to work hard and take care of the details. For a business with customers like I have, the main focus is on having a great faculty to come into and feel welcomed every time they come through the door. A motto of CrossFit is "the best hour of your day," and we strive to give that to our members; I think that would carry over into any business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This is my second career, but both jobs I've held have been my passion - golf and CrossFit; I'm very lucky in that way, but it also makes life and work very enjoyable. Strive to find and make something you love into your career.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crossfitbearden.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitBearden/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitbearden/
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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