Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Douglas Sheppard, Owner of J and D Fitness Personal Training Studio, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own and operate J & D Fitness Personal Training studio in Las Vegas. Our goal is to provide expert coaching in a fun and safe environment. Working out does not have to be a terrible experience. We provide both private and semi-private personal training. With 31 years of experience in fitness, I'm proud to share that you will not find a better team of coaches to work with within the valley. We focus on adjusting to the needs of each person that walks through our door.
Tell us about yourself
I have been helping people reach their fitness goals since 1991. I am currently a certified personal trainer with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Council of Exercise (ACE), and certified with distinction with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). I am accredited as a certified instructor with:
• The Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC)
• The TRX Suspension system
• Dynamic Resistance Training (DVRT)
• Precision Nutrition
• Functional Movement Screen (FMS)
• Functional Range Conditioning (FRC)
The International Dance and Exercise Association (IDEA) awarded me the distinction of "Master Trainer" in 2005. In 2015, I was selected from hundreds of trainers nationally and awarded 3rd place in the Men's Health Next Top Trainer competition. As a competitive bodybuilder, I reached a pinnacle in his amateur career when he won the 1998 Junior National Championships as a light-heavyweight. I served as the State/ Provincial director in Nevada for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) from 2014- 2019. I have been lucky to work with professionals in the NFL, USTA, and PGA. I live by the mantra that as a coach, it's not what you can do but what you can teach.
In 2015, I fulfilled one of my dreams and opened J and D Fitness Personal Training studio. The studio provides me with a platform to mentor other coaches.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I get the chance to change people's lives every day. Guiding and inspiring people to make healthy lifestyle changes is very rewarding. One of my biggest accomplishments as an owner and leader in the strength and conditioning industry is the impact I can have on the careers of the young coaches I get to work with and mentor.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Training is a service-based business. It requires early morning and late nights. I tell new trainers all the time you will not work banker hours as a personal trainer.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't try to be a service for everyone. Find your niche (in my industry, ex.-fat loss, youth fitness, working with seniors, etc.) and go a mile deep.
- To be a successful owner, unless you're Netflix or Walmart, you don't need a million customers. Find your thousand fans and focus on serving them.
- To be a successful owner, you must learn to be skilled in all facets of the business (marketing, finances, operations, sales, and employee development). Each part is vital to your success.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
There are not any overnight sensations. To master anything, it's going to take time. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and get a little better every day!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.janddfitness.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janddfitness/
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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