Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Poul Nielsen, president, and CEO of Nielsen Fitness Premium Personal Training, In-Home & Virtual, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi, I’m Poul Nielsen, and I’m the president and CEO of Nielsen Fitness, a premium personal training business based out of Toronto, Ontario. We care about our clients more than any other organization. We take a great depth of interest in each client’s success, and this begins by hiring and training the most qualified staff. Our trainers have a fundamental understanding of exercise physiology and biomechanics, along with a deep understanding of energy systems, injuries, and preventative exercises for longevity and performance. Along with our highly qualified staff, our signature client experience process is what makes us unique, which we have refined and proved for over 16 years.
While we specialize in helping older adults and those with special needs, we offer our services to anyone who wants to improve their health and fitness. All clients experience challenging, fun, and effective workouts. If you’re looking to make positive changes to your health and fitness, no matter your age, background, or special needs – we’re here for you!
Tell us about yourself
I have been working out ever since my eighth birthday. Having lived in the country with no nearby gym or access to one, I learned very quickly how to be creative with in-home exercises. So, it was a natural leap for me, even as a teenager, to help others how to exercise and how to achieve results based on what they do working out in the gym or at home.
After working at a gym for six years, I took the lead in starting my own business. A strong push factor was that the gym was being sold to a new owner, and I felt that it was my time to take the leap and start Nielsen Fitness in 2006 and the rest, as they say, is history.
I am motivated by wanting to help others improve their health and fitness, seeing how much it’s benefited me. I also want to be a positive role model in the community and to my two children.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be achieving the overall client satisfaction Nielsen Fitness has, which I’m very proud of. I always aim to provide the best quality personal training to clients and regularly check in on each client to ensure we are doing everything we can to ensure their success and satisfaction. Because of this, we’ve had countless satisfied, happy customers, and the over 100 five-star Google reviews Nielsen Fitness now has are proof of that.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say it’s to maintain a good work-life balance. In my endeavor to stay balanced, I have a 4-day work week to keep three days reserved for spending quality, focused time with my family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find something you’re passionate about and something that helps people. If you love your job and find satisfaction in it, you’ll feel excited and motivated to work.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, advice, and counsel. I regularly have a support system I look to for advice and help, including my mentor, who has helped me stay focused and improve my decision-making skills.
- It’s best to be kind. Whether it’s with your clients, employees, workmates, or anyone else, it’s always best to be kind and friendly. Being personable and friendly go a long way and will leave everyone feeling better after interacting with you. It not only feels good to be kind, but it also builds a good reputation for your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://nielsenfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nielsenfitness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsenfitness/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nielsenfitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielsen-fitness-personal-training/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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