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

Heather, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

My biggest business risk was acquiring my business in the first place. I was in my 40s, savoring the sweet freedom of empty nesting with a leisurely routine of volunteer work, tennis, and good company. Out of the blue, the original owner approached me….I was a Foundation Member and he was looking to sell. Sure, I had some business owner experience, but this was a completely different industry, and the idea of plunging into the unknown was more than a little daunting.

Even scarier was taking over a company that desperately needed a makeover. Would the clients hate me? Would the staff be willing to make changes? Would I be able to lead this group with no experience in this industry? Yikes! But I took the plunge, immersing myself in learning from day one. Fast forward almost two years, and it turns out I made a pretty stellar decision. Revenue has surged by 25% in the last year, and we’re welcoming new members every month. We’ve become known as the most attentive studio in the area by fostering a community of support and inclusivity for every’body’. Taking risks can be terrifying, but the rewards are worth it! I absolutely adore my clients and cherish the daily interactions with this fantastic community.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At 47, I’m a proud wife and mom to two wonderful grown children. I have always been an athlete, but didn’t get serious about working out until after I had kids about 23 years ago (back in my day, female athletes didn’t go in the weightroom). Over the years, I’ve bounced between various gyms and studios, picking up valuable insights from a member’s perspective. I firmly believe that we should deliver top-notch service to our clients every single day. Every business decision I make revolves around enhancing the member experience. My goal? I want every member to look forward to stepping into the studio, excited for what awaits them!

One thing you’ll quickly discover about me? I’m an all-or-nothing kind of person. That has it’s pros and cons, but one thing is for sure: if my name’s on it, I’m all in, and I won’t stop until it’s flawless. While we’re not quite at perfection yet, I’m genuinely proud of the strides we’ve made at F45 Training City Square and the positive ripple effects we’re creating in our community.

We’re not just about workouts; we’re about cultivating healthy habits and offering functional exercises that everyone, no matter their age, can enjoy. Support is at the heart of everything we do. Plus, we prioritize team bonding, both inside the studio and out in the community. From fundraisers and pop-up events to sporting gatherings just for fun, we’re all about connection. I couldn’t be prouder of our studio and the incredible team we’ve built!

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

Honestly, I believe that passion and honesty are the ultimate game-changers. Whenever I’m talking to someone for the first time about our services, it’s easy to talk about because I’m passionate about our product! I genuinely believe we offer the best workouts around, delivering impressive results when done consistently. Sharing what we do and introducing our amazing team is a breeze!

I always encourage newcomers to take advantage of our promo offer for three classes. Once they experience our workouts and vibe in the studio, most of them can’t wait to join! During the initial consultation, we keep it real about what they can expect and set achievable goals together. Our focus is on building healthy habits and a consistent routine from the start. The trust and relationships we cultivate through this honesty are priceless!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Okay, once I forgot to include an extra work day on the payroll – it was an extra “come help clean the studio” day so it wasn’t on my normal radar. I didn’t even realize that I left it off until 2 weeks later. When I messaged my team and apologized, they all said they didn’t even notice – what?!? I felt so bad, but apparently no one was missing it, lol.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://f45training.com/studio/citysquarebatonrouge/
• Instagram: f45_training_citysquarebr
• Facebook: f45.training.citysquarebr
• Linkedin: f45-training-citysquare