Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and fitness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brent Bishop, Founder of Think Fitness Studios, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a national on-air fitness expert, celebrity trainer, published author, lifestyle influencer, and entrepreneur. In addition, I am the founder of Think Fitness Studios, a performance-inspired, personalized fitness centre in Toronto. My customers consist of an online international following and online personal training clients, in addition to in-person personal training clients in Toronto through my team and my facility, Think Fitness Studios, and in the US.
Tell us about yourself
I've always been fascinated by and passionate about how the human body operates. I pursued my BSc. of Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University and soon after entered the personal training world, running a boutique personal training studio in Vancouver, and then I was transferred to California to open one there. After a little over 1 year, I ended up moving to Toronto to start my own business. I've always had a passion for helping people achieve their goals through health and fitness, and I wanted to expand my reach. I took my love for fitness and coaching to create a team, open 3 different studios, create events and retreats, and expand my reach through TV media and social platforms. My mission is to inspire an active lifestyle through fitness, adventure, and media. What motivates me is to see others change their lives and be inspired by what I can offer them to become their best.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments is to have built a successful boutique personal training business alongside a personal brand that impacts thousands of people to be active and achieve their health and fitness goals.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is staying consistent and diligent with your path to success. There will always be ups and downs (COVID was a big hit), and your ability to adapt to current environments and foresee potential opportunities and areas where you need to pivot quickly is key. Building a strong team takes more work than you think, and maintaining a strong team is constant work.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Create a sound business plan and get feedback from someone experienced in running successful businesses. Do your homework and research to ensure your business idea not only aligns with your passion but is also feasible and possesses longevity.
- Numbers matter; ensure you are on top of your financials OR have someone you can rely on.
- Know your market and demographic. When it comes to marketing, test the market, get to know your demographic well then be laser-focused on that market segment to generate growth and momentum before expanding or diversifying your product/service to different market segments.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website (Personal): https://iambishop.com/
Website (Think Fitness): https://www.thinkfitnessstudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambrentbishop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambishop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/I_AmBishop
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iambishop/
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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