This article is part of our effort to showcase one Tulsa area entrepreneur for each day of Global Entrepreneurship Week, be sure to check out the rest!
Everyone wants to be in better shape, and every year people try various things to try to encourage themselves to achieve their goals. Some succeed, many do not. They may try again and again. Surely there has to be a better way?
Elite Training Oklahoma, was formed by Whitney Finch and Ben Wisan in 2013 to provide a better way. Rather than providing a place where people can go and try it on their own, Elite Training provides one-on-one guidance with a personal trainer by appointment only. Instead of signing up as many people as possible, their model is to obtain better results by assessing client goals and working with them individually to meet those goals as affectively as possible. Quality over quantity.
Mr. Finch explains that they “wanted to reach all types of fitness levels and help each person successfully reach their lifestyle goals.” To achieve better results they needed one-on-one commitments with clients, but it only works if they get the best people. “From staff, to clients, to professionals, picking the right people and trusting them to function according to desires and goals has been an ongoing process which we are still perfecting,” he added. Like all growing businesses, the process will always continue to develop and change to best satisfy client needs.
Mr. Finch holds a degree in chemistry, but chased his passion by opening a business focused on fitness. That passion has to be reined in for the sake of his own wellbeing, “I had to learn how to balance my time between my personal life, my family life, and my expanding business. . . .I believe that balance has allowed me to remain successful and organized in each aspect of my life, which has been crucial in my success.” That balance seems to be working out, look for additional Elite Training locations to open throughout Tulsa and surrounding areas.
You can also find them on Facebook giving out health and fitness advise: https://www.facebook.com/elitetrainingtulsa/
When you talk to people, what is their biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur?
Their biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur is that I don’t “work a real job” and that I am always available to do whatever – whenever.
What was the greatest challenge in getting the company off the ground?
The greatest challenge Elite Training Tulsa faced in getting off the ground was or desire to grow and expand without the resources, knowledge, and structure of how to do so most effectively.
What advice would you offer to someone wanting to start their own company?
Spend as much time as possible researching laws and regulations, making plans, meeting with professionals, and getting as much information as possible before starting anything.