We were lucky to catch up with Dillon Ivey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dillon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
During the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, my wife and I found ourselves relocated to Jarrell, a small town just outside Austin, Texas, driven by the necessity for more affordable living and the desire for a backyard for our newly adopted dog. This move in December 2019 marked the beginning of a significant shift in our lives. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent closure of public gyms, our passion for bodybuilding led us to assemble a home gym, sparking an unexpected venture.
Initially engaged in various odd jobs and leveraging Craigslist to flip items for income, the pandemic’s impact on the availability and pricing of gym equipment caught my attention. We observed a stark increase in the demand and value of used gym equipment, a trend that presented an unforeseen opportunity. Transitioning from selling car and home audio equipment, I focused on sourcing and selling used gym equipment, capitalizing on this demand.
What began as a makeshift solution to continue our fitness regimen soon evolved into a burgeoning business idea. Our operations quickly outgrew the confines of our garage, necessitating the use of storage units to house our growing inventory. This expansion was the catalyst for a deeper exploration into the gym equipment market, where I discovered a thriving yet niche industry. The potential to establish a significant presence in this market ignited my ambition.
Supported wholeheartedly by my wife, despite the uncertainties and challenges inherent in starting a new business, we embarked on this journey together. Drawing on my previous experience in retail management and our collective work ethic, we aimed to create a business model that stood out in the industry. Our vision was to offer an unparalleled customer experience, reminiscent of the convenience and reliability of Amazon, tailored to the needs of both commercial and home gym owners.
Our unique approach combined a passion for fitness, a proficiency in refurbishing and retail, into a singular focus: to deliver high-quality gym equipment with an emphasis on customer satisfaction. This venture was not just a business endeavor but a fusion of our interests and skills, aimed at filling a gap in the market while catering to the growing trend of home and commercial fitness.
In essence, this journey from a personal need to a professional pursuit exemplifies our adaptability, innovation, and dedication. It’s a narrative of how an unexpected situation led to the creation of a business that seeks to redefine the standards of quality and service in the gym equipment industry.
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?
I’m Dillon Ivey, just a regular guy from the small town of Wimberley, Texas. Growing up on a ranch, I learned the art of fixing things and solving problems hands-on. This down-to-earth upbringing ingrained in me a deep appreciation for practical skills and a knack for innovation.
My journey into the fitness industry started quite unexpectedly. My wife Alejandra and I, having left our jobs at GNC, moved to Jarrell, Texas, dreaming of a big backyard for our dog Talla and a new business venture, though we weren’t quite sure what that would be. Then, as fate would have it, COVID-19 struck. This global shake-up gave us the push we needed to blend our skills with our passion, leading to the birth of CTX Home Gyms.
At CTX, we’re not just another gym equipment retailer. We specialize in offering discount commercial gym equipment that’s accessible to everyone – from home gym enthusiasts to commercial gym owners and wholesalers. Our goal is to make high-quality fitness equipment affordable, helping aspiring fitness entrepreneurs open their gyms and enabling individuals from various economic backgrounds to access their favorite gym-grade gear without breaking the bank.
What truly sets us apart is our team – a group of dedicated individuals united by a shared mission to empower others through fitness. We’re not just selling equipment; we’re fostering a community of health and wellness. At CTX, we pride ourselves on bringing excitement and innovation to the industry, making fitness an accessible and enjoyable part of everyone’s lives.
So, to all potential clients, followers, and fans, know this: CTX is more than just a brand. We are a family committed to supporting your fitness journey, every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned fitness buff, we’ve got your back. Welcome to CTX Home Gyms – where fitness meets affordability, quality, and a whole lot of heart!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When asked about a story that showcases our resilience at CTX Home Gyms, it’s tough to pinpoint just one. However, the initial 18 months of our journey truly encapsulate what resilience means to us. Those days were a whirlwind of long hours and intense work, often stretching to 18-20 hours a day, with barely 4-5 hours of sleep. And picture this happening in the sweltering Texas heat, often soaring to 105°, and we were working in a storage space without any air conditioning!
This period was not just about enduring physical challenges; it was about grappling with the steep learning curve of our industry. We were trying to understand our craft, manage orders, and find our identity. We had a vision, sure, but transforming it from a garage setup to our dream of owning a warehouse was a monumental task. It was an emotional rollercoaster, packed with blood, sweat, and tears.
I often say those two years were a crash course in business learning, compressing a decade’s worth of experiences into a fraction of the time. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It was undoubtedly the most challenging yet growth-intensive period of my life. Every day was a battle in the trenches, but it shaped us into who we are today – resilient, determined, and more committed than ever to our mission of empowering lives through fitness.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Managing a team effectively and keeping morale high is all about finding and nurturing the right people. At CTX Home Gyms, we believe the key is to onboard individuals who not only align with our vision and values but are also passionate about making a difference in the fitness world. This alignment creates a solid foundation for a team that’s driven to cross the finish line together.
Once you have the right team, recognizing their achievements, big or small, becomes crucial. It’s not just about celebrating the wins; it’s about acknowledging the effort and dedication behind each success. We focus on creating an environment that’s both fun and productive, where constructive feedback and positive reinforcement go hand in hand.
Another important aspect is ensuring that the management team is in sync with the company’s goals and values. Regular meetings and open communication channels help ensure that everyone, from top to bottom, is on the same page. This consistency in messaging and approach is vital in trickling down the right spirit and energy throughout the organization.
At CTX, we’ve seen firsthand how fostering a community-oriented and inclusive culture can boost morale. We don’t just build equipment; we build relationships. This approach has been key to our success, helping us create a workspace where every team member feels valued, heard, and an integral part of our journey.
So, my advice? Focus on alignment, recognition, communication, and community. These pillars are essential in creating a high-morale team that’s as passionate about your mission as you are.
Contact Info:
- Website: ctxhomegyms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctxhomegyms
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctxhomegyms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ctx-home-gyms/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC84leGMNrU9ZC8Wo7Iz-dOg