Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Bower.
Hi Mollie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been passionate about Health and Fitness for most of my adult life, but didn’t decide to take the leap and completely change careers until I was over 40 and had been working in the Corporate world for years, Personal training on the side. I had always wanted to own a business, and when the opportunity was presented to own C4 Fitness I took the scariest step of my life and went for it. I kept my Corporate job for the first two years to make sure it was the right move and my family has supported me 100% since day one.
Within the first 18 months of ownership, membership grew over 300%, we tripled our staff, and we finally started to make a name in our local community. We take pride in our community presence and our welcoming atmosphere, and I am proud to say I know every single member by face and name. We are a family and have a reputation for taking care of each other, welcoming new members on day one to make them feel comfortable. We survived two state-mandated COVID19 closures because of the loyalty of our members and our ability to think quickly and pivot our business virtually. We also have won “Best Gym in Apple Valley” awards for the past 4 years in a row and we hope to continue that trend!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes and no. We were on track to have our best year yet in 2020 when COVID derailed us, with two mandated closures within the same year. However, we (myself and my staff) acted quickly and began offering virtual classes from our homes, not knowing how or if the members would respond. I also loaned out all of the gym equipment to any members who wanted it, to encourage them to participate from home, at no cost. Within 3 days the gym was completely empty because all of the equipment had been rented out for the virtual workouts and we were hosting up to 4 classes per day, 7 days per week, which continued for over 15 months. I have been told countless times that our virtual classes saved many of our members’ sanity during quarantine, and it did the same for me.
Once we were allowed to reopen, the mask requirement was challenging and slowed our recovery, but once that was lifted we gradually started to get our mojo back. We are still recovering, but we are healthy and growing and determined to get back to pre-COVID levels within the next 6 to 12 months.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been in Leadership/Management roles since graduating from college. I managed a Staffing Firm for several years, after which I ran a college campus for over 10 years, during which I bought C4 Fitness. I believe I am known for having great relationships with my employees and members, and for being very approachable yet direct. I deal with issues head on but tactfully and with great care for those involved.
As the owner of C4 Fitness, I handle all aspects of hiring, training staff, managing memberships and all back-office tasks that come with running a business, from purchasing supplies to cleaning the bathroom. I also teach classes at the gym 6 days per week and try to also attend classes when I can to stay connected with the members. I am very proud of the growth and reputation our gym has earned, and even more proud of the relationships I have with the members and trainers. They all know me and know they can come to me with any concerns or suggestions and they will be heard and treated respectfully. They are all an extension of my own family.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Pay attention to the small details but don’t dwell on them, and try to remember that some ideas will fail, some plans will fall through, and some members/clients will leave. It is impossible to please everyone. Stay engaged. Your customers and staff will recognize it quickly if you are not. Most importantly, make sure you are having fun because life is short and time should be spent doing things you love!
I wish I had known that it was ok to just slow down and breathe once in a while. That has never been a strong suit of mine and it is a constant development area. Breathe, find the positives in every day and every situation, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to handle everything yourself. Lean on others. Let them share in the success!
Contact Info:
- Email: mollie@c-4fitness.com
- Website: www.c-4fitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c4fitness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c4fitness
