Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Vollmer, Owner of Edge Strength and Conditioning, located in Syracuse, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Edge Strength and Conditioning was created to offer people an alternative to big corporate gyms.

Tell us about yourself

I started in this industry working as a personal trainer in a chain gym that only cared about one thing money. I wanted to create a facility where the clients were not just a number on a spreadsheet. My solution was a gym that wouldn't require a contractual obligation because it was the kind of place that people wanted to go to. I decided on the "anti-corporate gym" mantra. To me, an anti-corporate gym means no high-pressure sales, no contracts, and no hidden fees. This environment was the perfect breeding ground for an amazing gym community that was looking for something better.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud of the community that has grown around my business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

"You can't please everyone" - It was a challenging thing to grasp and be okay with. Unfortunately, Edge is not a perfect fit for everyone, and not everyone will be happy here.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Balance - As quickly as possible, learn how to balance work, family, and personal life. If the scale tips too far one way, you may lose one of them.
  2. Stay optimistic - You will face many challenges, negative feedback, and problems. You need to keep your head up and work through each thing, one at a time.
  3. Don't be afraid of work - I have NEVER met a successful person who didn't work hard.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.edgesyracuse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgesyracuse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgesyracuse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/edgesyracuse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-vollmer-71642bb5/


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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