We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Deanna Dunlap. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Deanna below.

Deanna, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Our family moved to a small community in FL in May of 2020. Before we moved here, we had lived in the same small town in Ohio for 18 yrs. Our 3 children had all been in the same school system since they were in preschool-we were well known in our tight-knit community and had not thought of moving before all of our kids graduated high school The dreary, gloomy days of central Ohio were started to wear on us more frequently and we absolutely loved visiting Florida, We started spending the summers in Florida a few years before we moved here. Every time summer break was over and it was time to head back to Ohio all of our hearts sunk a bit. We loved all the connections, friends, and comfort of living where we lived, but, Seasonal Affective Disorder was getting more pronounced in our family and we started thinking of moving sooner than we had ever planned. When our youngest daughter, Quincey, was in middle school we started talking to her about her thoughts on possibly moving to FL right before her freshman year of high school. Our oldest kids, Zach and Ally, would already be graduated by then. Quincey was on board!! She was excited about living in Florida and starting a new adventure! So, we did it. No regrets. I will say leaving all you have known for 18 yrs was scary! We were used to all the easy conveniences of living only about 20-30 mins from everything- shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and tons of youth sports options. Our new community in Florida was MUCH smaller and about 2 hours away from all the modern luxuries we were used to. One thing that I could not find an equivalent to was Jazzercise in our small town. I tried a few different fitness classes in town, but they weren’t giving me the same enjoyment and endorphins as Jazzercise had for so many years (I had been a customer for 20+ years in Ohio). I didn’t want to drive 30 min to workout, so I decided to become a Jazzercise Instructor at age 46! I got certified, but that still didn’t solve the problem of wanting to be in a group fitness environment with other Jazzercise devotees because the closest classes were still 30 mins away. So, I became a Jazzercise Franchisee in our small town! This was a BIG risk. I knew no one in our FL town and Jazzercise had not been offered here in 5 years. Oh, and Covid was still lurking around when I began my business in January of 2021. But, I decided to go for it, and 3 years later the business is doing great and I have met some of the best people around-my customers!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Deanna Dunlap and I am a Jazzercise Owner and Instructor. I have been married to Ryan for 28 years and we have 3 children (Zach-23, Ally-21, and Quincey-18). I was previously a Registered Nurse which I loved, but then became a stay-at-home Mom when our kids were born. I became a Jazzercise Instructor 3 years ago, after moving to Florida and missing my Jazzercise endorphins (I tried other group fitness classes, but they just never compared). The closest Jazzercise location was 30 mins away and that wasn’t close enough! So, I decided to become an owner in our small town. I think what sets myself, and Jazzercise, apart from other fitness classes is the true sense of community and actually having fun while getting an amazing full body workout via cardiodance fitness and strength training. We really offer the whole package in a completely non-judgmental and welcoming environment. I truly loved my nursing career and I never thought I could get that same satisfaction of helping others with other professions until I became a Jazzercise Instructor. Providing Jazzercise classes to our community gives the best gift of all-health and wellness!! Many of my customers are in the 60-70 age range (one is 83-I love you Arleen) and seeing them dedicate their time to wanting to keep their bodies moving and healthy is SO inspiring. I am so proud to have a little part in their health and wellness journeys and that they trust me to do so!!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I truly believe the most helpful tip to succeeding as a Jazzercise Franchisee is customer service. I connect with my customers on personal levels. If a customer or potential customer texts or emails me I get back to them within 1 day. If a customer wants to talk to me about an issue about my classes or has a complaint or compliment I take the time to listen and ask how to make things better or personally thank them for kind words.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

CUSTOMER REFERRALS! I tell my customers all the time that I can post on social media, email, text, and advertise but without their referrals I would never have grown. There is simply no better advertising than someone you know telling you about an exemplary experience they had with a business. My customers are also VERY welcoming when someone new comes to class. They introduce themselves and welcome them. It can be scary walking into a group fitness class without knowing anyone or what to really expect. The minute myself, other instructors, or our current customers reach out and say hello that anxiety is extinguished and they can just enjoy themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jazzercise.com/location/southwest-all-star-cheer
• Instagram: Jazzercise (Englewood)
• Facebook: Jazzercise (Englewood)