Business Spotlight: onlythestrong
WHAT TYPE OF BUSINESS ARE YOU IN?
onlythestrong is a Personal Training & Fitness Education organization with two locations in Toronto and Etobicoke.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
The common saying ‘only the strong’ is generally understood as a reference to physical strength. This could not be further from the truth in our business. We have structured our focus around education of both our clients and our students in order to empower them to continue to grow and evolve in whatever way they choose in the industry.
Our Personal Training programs are designed to focus on the teachables as we believe the key reason why people ‘quit’ is a lack of why. Therefore, we have constructed our programming to give clients educational takeaways about their personal fitness each and every session. In addition, our courses are designed for students to bridge their understanding of fitness education by challenging and improving their depth of knowledge in ways they never considered. Thus, when we reference ‘strength’ at our organization we are speaking about wealth of knowledge. The more you have, the stronger you are and only the strong survive.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
I have been in the industry for over 10 years.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?
My attraction to the fitness industry began as I transitioned from professional sports. I recognized soon after beginning my first job in the industry that there were definite gaps in the way we interacted with clients at a professional level as well as what we taught as core concepts for new Personal Trainers. After earning my way through my first few years I finally opened my own business with the unique design of being client friendly and completely transparent for the new fitness professional. We have seen nothing but growth ever since.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A BUSINESS OWNER/OPERATOR AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
The greatest challenge in our organization is the narrative. Not changing it, challenging it. So much of the fitness industry (as is the same in many others) is created by influence. We are told where to work. We are told what constitutes good work. Told what we should learn and where we should learn it from. All of these things are driven by a narrative constructed by mass marketing or big box agenda.
I strongly believe that if you want any opportunity you can make it happen for yourself regardless of any of the variables presented to you. In fact, I would suggest the conventional way is conventional for a reason and the true value of this industry is doing what you want, not what you are told you should want. At onlythestrong we have created a ‘think tank’ approach that has challenged the narrative by providing Personal Training & Fitness Education that is cost effective and forward thinking so there are no barriers to entry and zero dips in quality. We have created a market in a void formally untouched and because of this our clients and students continue to thrive in their fitness and their careers. As I said the narrative still exists and I like that. What we are doing is showing you that there isn’t only ‘one way’. Consumer choice is paramount.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUR BUYERS ACHIEVE WITHIN YOUR PRODUCT/SERVICE?
I hope that anyone who interacts with onlythestrong is able to see that our organization provides a dynamic revitalization of what it means to be a client. In addition, I hope that our students are able to appreciate the importance of their role as a mentor and recognize the value of their contribution to our industry. Heightened awareness is how we create quality. Regardless of how you interact with onlythestrong, my hope is that we are able to create an environment for you to thrive whether you are a person or a professional.
TELL US YOUR GREATEST MEMORY/HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR CAREER?
The greatest highlight of my career was getting up one day and walking away from a job that was paying me 100k+ with zero plan of action. That moment made me. It allowed me to finally live the way I wanted to and made me realize that everything I created after that point was solely the construction of the universe as I saw it. This allowed me to take who I was as a person and turn it into a product. Obviously it is clear the decision paid off. For anyone else who may have the desire, always remember to bet on yourself. You will never lose.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU ATTENDED CANFITPRO EVENTS?
I’ve been attending canfitpro events for 15 years.
WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF CANADIAN BUSINESS YOU CURRENTLY HAVE?
I currently have 100% of Canadian business.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GROW YOUR CANADIAN BUSINESS IN THE NEXT 12-24 MONTHS?
Getting back to what we do best. Service, service, service. We have survived on service and will continue to make that our focus as Canadians deserve better. We look forward to the future of fitness and welcome all of those looking for a change. Whether it is in-person, online or in-home, our team will be the solution for years to come.
Visit our website, find us on Instagram or email us for more information.