We recently connected with Jason Coontz and have shared our conversation below.
Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
After years of working in the oilfield industry and making a comfortable salary of roughly 100k a year, I made the bold decision to leave it all behind in pursuit of a passion that only promised a fraction of that income.
The passion I was chasing was to open my own gym. I had always been deeply passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, and I knew that running my own gym was where my heart truly belonged. So, despite the financial risks and uncertainty that lay ahead, I made the leap and left my high-paying job to make my dream a reality.
The transition was not easy. I had to sell my house and downsize drastically, ultimately living in a van for a year to cut costs and save money for my gym venture. The days were long and the nights were cold, but I was fueled by my determination to see my dream come to fruition.
Finally, after a year of hard work and sacrifice, I was able to open the doors to my gym. The early days were tough, as I struggled to attract clients and make ends meet with the limited funds I had. But I poured my heart and soul into my business, and slowly but surely, word began to spread about the quality of my gym and the results my clients were achieving.
As time went on, my gym began to thrive. I was able to build a loyal client base, expand my services, and ultimately turn my passion into a successful business. While the financial rewards were not as immediate or substantial as they had been in my oilfield job, the fulfillment and satisfaction I gained from running my own gym far outweighed any monetary gains.
Taking that risk to leave my stable job and pursue my passion was the best decision I ever made. It taught me the value of following my heart, taking chances, and never settling for anything less than what truly makes me happy. And in the end, it all paid off – not just in financial success, but in personal growth, fulfillment, and a life lived on my own terms.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
At Fitness Unplugged, our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals to push themselves to new limits and achieve their fitness goals. Our journey into the fitness industry was born out of a desire to create a gym environment that prioritizes individualized care, holistic wellness, and a sense of community.
We believe that fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or mental abilities. That’s why we have made it a priority to work with individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, ensuring that each person who walks through our doors feels welcomed and supported on their fitness journey. We take pride in our ability to cater to those who may not feel comfortable or included in traditional gym settings, and we are committed to helping each client navigate their unique challenges and reach their full potential.
One of the key aspects that sets us apart from other gyms is our approach to training. We do not rely on machines to dictate our workouts; instead, we prioritize natural movement patterns and functional exercises that help our clients become more in tune with their bodies. By focusing on bodyweight exercises, free weights, and functional movements, we empower our clients to become the machine, enhancing their strength, agility, and overall fitness levels in a way that feels natural and sustainable.
What I am most proud of is the sense of community and support that we have cultivated at Fitness Unplugged. Our clients are not just members; they are part of a family that encourages and uplifts one another through every workout and every milestone reached. Seeing the transformation and growth of our clients, both physically and mentally, is truly a rewarding experience that drives us to continue providing the best possible care and support.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that at Fitness Unplugged, you are not just a number on a machine. You are a unique individual with unique needs and goals, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or looking to take your training to the next level, we are here to support you, challenge you, and empower you to become the best version of yourself. Join us at Fitness Unplugged and experience the difference of a gym that truly cares about your well-being and success.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When we secured our first building for our gym, we were thrilled to have a physical space to call our own and start building our fitness community. However, our excitement quickly turned to frustration and disappointment when we discovered that we were being charged double the rent of a location that was actually situated on the more desirable side of town.
Realizing that we were being taken advantage of and paying far more than we should have been, we knew that we had to pivot and make a difficult decision. We made the tough choice to exit our lease agreement, even though it meant forfeiting our $8,000 deposit due to the landlord coming up with arbitrary charges to keep the money.
This unexpected setback forced us to quickly come up with a new deposit and find a new location for our gym. It was a stressful and challenging time as we had to navigate the logistics of moving our equipment, notifying our clients, and starting fresh in a new space. However, we saw this as an opportunity to pivot and make a positive change for our business.
After finding a new location and settling in, we were able to turn this challenging experience into a valuable lesson in business negotiations and tenant rights. We learned the importance of thoroughly researching lease agreements, understanding our rights as tenants, and standing up for ourselves in the face of unfair practices.
Ultimately, this pivot allowed us to find a better location for our gym, negotiate a more favorable lease agreement, and continue to grow and thrive in our new space. It was a challenging experience, but it taught us resilience, adaptability, and the importance of standing up for what is right in business and in life.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building our social media audience was a gradual process that involved consistent posting, engagement with followers, and strategic partnerships. We focused on posting regularly across multiple platforms, sharing diverse and engaging content that resonated with our audience. Responding to comments and messages promptly helped us build a sense of community and trust with our followers. Collaborating with influencers, partnering with businesses, and running targeted ad campaigns also played a key role in expanding our reach. For those starting out, my advice is to prioritize consistency, authenticity, and engagement, and to be open to experimenting with different types of content and strategies to grow your social media presence effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fitunplugged661.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitness_unplugged_?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087785347139&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-coontz-47405171?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
