We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carol Jasunas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carol, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

As business owners, my husband Jay and I started from scratch without any employees and had the task of building our team of coaches, sales associates and general manager.

We interviewed prospective employees for these positions but made a point to look at more than just their backgrounds, experiences and knowledge. Equally important to us was personality. A big part of each interview was spent just conversing and getting to know them each as individuals. We focused on individuals who would be team players and work well with others, as opposed to those who were seeking the spotlight.

Carol, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been interested in fitness personally my entire life starting with high school and college sports. Continuing my interest, I obtained a Master of Science degree in Exercise and Muscle Physiology after college. I have been working in the fitness field for the past 12 years in various capacities including boot camp instructor, business manager for a fitness company and program manager for a health and wellness company. Fitness is what defines me.

While out on a run with my husband, Jay, we saw a Row House in the build-out stages and having never heard of it before decided to do some research. After learning more about the Row House program and business model we decided we wanted to be a part of it. As a lifelong runner who is nursing joint issues from years of pounding the pavement, I love the low impact aspect of the workouts while also feeding my need for high-intensity cardio workouts. Jay has the business expertise that allowed us to pursue this adventure.

The workouts are all-inclusive allowing people of all ages, sizes, and physical limitations to learn to grow and achieve a level of accomplishment that is physically beneficial and personally rewarding. I love the idea of helping people with their fitness goals and doing so in a fun, energetic environment. I love sharing fitness with others!

The unique thing about Row House workouts is that the user controls 100% of the experience. The rowing machine is a resistance-based machine meaning that you get out of it what you put into it. It is this concept that allows a seasoned athlete to row along side a weekend warrior or a retired grandparent and everyone gets a challenging workout. Rowing is a great option for individuals dealing with injuries or limitations caused by past injuries because it is low-impact, yet because it is a full-body workout that uses 85% of your muscles, the benefits are unparalleled.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Our staff (crew) have become like a second family. We genuinely care about each other, in and out of the workplace. Because of the relationships we have forged, working does not feel like ‘work’ and morale has always been positive with no workplace drama. I think much of this can be attributed to the ongoing open communication we have in place. We use a texting app to communicate work needs/updates, member milestones, personal (non-work) achievements, birthdays etc.

We staff mostly part time employees due to the nature of the business, and have retained more than half of the staff almost 3 years since starting the business. Those that have moved on have all been positive moves and the relationships that were created have endured.

I believe the key to achieving and maintaining high morale with any team is mutual respect and good communication.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I think as with most businesses, word of mouth is the most effective tool for growth of our business. At Row House, we celebrate our members’ milestones (accumulated meters rowed) and reward them for achieving those milestones. We share these achievements on our Milestone Wall were we hang pictures of the member after hitting the milestone, as well as on social media, so their friends and family can also see and provide additional encouragement.

Our members feel a sense of accomplishment and pride and are eager to share the experience with others that they know will also enjoy the workout and the experience. An additional benefit of the milestone goals and celebrations is the community that has developed within the studio, where members encourage others to work towards their milestones, help push them, and then celebrate with them when the milestones are achieved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therowhouse.com/location/ken-caryl
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowhousekencaryl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RowHouseKenCaryl
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroljasunas/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/row-house-littleton