E457: Building a Brick-and-Mortar Gym with Vishal Amin & Daniel Chappell
Jan 24, 2024
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Vishal Amin and Daniel Chappell, co-founders of UNTIL, a top-tier gym facility, share their journey of building a brick-and-mortar gym from the ground up. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the emergence of hybrid training models. The duo delves into the challenges of balancing business and member satisfaction while fostering a strong company culture. They highlight the importance of strategic growth, maintaining quality amidst expansion, and offer valuable advice for personal trainers eyeing success in the ever-evolving fitness industry.
Dan and Vish highlight the significance of empowering fitness practitioners through a revenue-sharing model that enhances earnings and collaboration.
They discuss the operational hurdles faced while scaling UNTIL, emphasizing adaptability and a solution-oriented mindset in overcoming challenges.
The founders stress the vital role of a strong organizational culture in aligning team values with their vision and ensuring sustained success.
Deep dives
Founding Vision and Market Opportunity
The podcast details how the co-founders, Dan and Vish, identified a gap in the fitness market during 2018. They both came from diverse backgrounds—Dan in sports science and Vish in healthcare and consulting—allowing them to understand both the physical and business aspects of fitness. Their vision was to create a model that would empower practitioners by allowing them to keep a larger share of their earnings compared to traditional gyms. They aimed to establish a brick-and-mortar facility that would enhance the practitioner-client relationship amid shifting consumer preferences post-COVID.
Innovative Business Model
Dan and Vish developed a unique business model focusing on providing a supportive environment for health and fitness practitioners. Instead of the conventional gym structure that takes most of the earnings, they structured it so that practitioners would pay a small monthly fee and keep a higher percentage of their earnings. This model not only attracted talented trainers but also fostered a collaborative community where practitioners could share knowledge and clients. They found that by focusing on the needs of the practitioners, they also enhanced the overall client experience.
Challenges of Scaling and Operations
The discussion addresses various operational challenges they faced while scaling their business, including securing real estate and dealing with unexpected construction issues. For example, a landlord altered their floor plan last minute, resulting in hidden costs and delays that tested their resilience as business partners. The founders emphasized the importance of remaining adaptable and maintaining a focus on solution-oriented thinking during these setbacks. They have learned that navigating these obstacles requires a collective mindset of perseverance and problem-solving.
Evolving Industry Dynamics
Throughout the podcast, the co-founders reflect on how the fitness industry is evolving, particularly through the rise of digital and hybrid models post-COVID. They recognize the significance of balancing in-person services with online components to cater to today's consumer preferences, promoting both physical and mental wellness. As they explore new partnerships and innovative approaches, they aim to offer a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates various health-related services. This multifaceted strategy is designed to ensure long-term growth and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
Cultural and Leadership Insights
The conversation highlights the importance of cultivating a strong organizational culture as they scale. Both Dan and Vish stress the value of clear communication and accountability within their team, understanding that a strong culture can drive success. They discuss the critical nature of aligning their vision with their team's values and the need for emotional commitment to the mission. This cultural foundation is seen as essential for sustaining quality and navigating future growth while ensuring that all team members feel valued and engaged.
Daniel and Vishal discuss the inception and growth of UNTIL, a brick-and-mortar gym facility that focuses on providing a platform for top-quality fitness professionals. They share the challenges they faced in starting the business and the importance of balancing authenticity and business operations in the fitness industry. They also discuss the impact of the digital age on fitness and the evolution of freelance coaching. Additionally, they talk about their vision for the future of UNTIL and how they plan to scale the business while maintaining quality and focus. UNTIL, a multidisciplinary wellness facility has experienced significant growth and success. In this conversation, the founders discuss the virtues that have contributed to their success, the personal growth and changes they have undergone, and the importance of culture in their business. They also explore the dynamics of their business partnership and the lessons they have learned along the way. Additionally, they share advice for personal trainers and discuss their future plans for expansion into North America.
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