We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erick Arevalo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erick below.
Erick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Quality control is a challenge almost every entrepreneur has had to focus on when growing – any advice, stories or insight around how to best ensure quality is maintained as your business scales?
As our company grew, maintaining quality became a top priority for us. We understood that in order to meet customer expectations, we needed to implement effective quality controls. One key aspect was hiring dependable staff who were dedicated to delivering high-quality services.
To ensure consistency and avoid letting our boxing classes become stale or repetitive, we developed a system for regularly updating and refreshing our class programs. We encouraged our instructors to incorporate new techniques, workouts, and challenges to keep our clients engaged and motivated. This was essential as our class numbers grew bigger, as we wanted to maintain the same level of enthusiasm and excitement.
Additionally, we recognized the importance of maintaining a clean and organized facility as we expanded. We hired dedicated cleaning staff who diligently ensured that our facility was always spotless. Regular inspections and checklists were implemented to ensure that high cleanliness standards were met and upheld.
The implementation of these quality controls has proven to be extremely effective in maintaining our standards and customer satisfaction. Clients appreciated the attention to detail and the effort we put into continuously improving our services. We received positive feedback on the dynamic and engaging boxing classes, which helped us retain and attract new customers.
Based on our experience, I would advise companies concerned about quality control as they grow to prioritize two main factors. First, hiring dependable staff who are passionate and committed to upholding high-quality standards is crucial. Ensuring that they understand and align with the company’s values is essential for consistent quality delivery.
Secondly, having a well-defined business model that is easy to follow and implement is vital. This includes establishing quality control processes, regular inspections, and clear guidelines for maintaining cleanliness and keeping services updated and interesting.
By focusing on these aspects and continuously seeking feedback from customers, companies can evolve and grow while ensuring that quality remains at the forefront of everything they do.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Certainly! I have been in the fitness industry since I was 17 years old. I started my journey by working at the front desk of a gym and gradually moved up the ladder, gaining experience in sales, assistant management, and eventually becoming a general manager and regional manager. Throughout my career, I have always had a passion for boxing, which I have been involved in since a young age. My initial goal was to bring boxing to a wider audience and showcase its benefits not only as a combat sport but also as a fitness workout.
Starting with a modest 1,800 square foot facility, I aimed to create a space where people could experience boxing as a truly beneficial and enjoyable form of exercise. As the demand grew, we realized that many of our members were also looking to incorporate weight training into their fitness routines. Consequently, we decided to expand our facility to a larger 9,000 square foot space, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, in order to provide the best of both worlds.
What sets us apart from the competition is the diverse range of amenities we offer. We have a dedicated 4,500 square foot boxing gym and an additional 5,000 square foot weight training and cardio gym, all under one roof. This one-stop-shop approach enables our clients to access a comprehensive fitness experience, combining the benefits of boxing with a fully equipped weight room.
We take pride in having a highly knowledgeable staff who are passionate about what they do. They strive to deliver exceptional customer service and ensure that our clients receive the best guidance and support throughout their fitness journey. Additionally, community involvement is a core part of our brand. We actively engage with the community and participate in amateur boxing competitions, allowing us to not only connect with our clients but also showcase our commitment to the sport.
In summary, our brand revolves around the concept of providing boxing and a top-of-the-line weight room, all in one place. We aim to make fitness accessible, enjoyable, and effective for our clients, offering a unique and comprehensive experience that sets us apart from others in the industry. We are proud of the growth we have achieved and the positive impact we have made on our clients’ fitness journeys
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
The best advice I can give for managing a team and maintaining high morale is to choose your team members wisely and foster a positive work environment. Avoid negative or problematic individuals who can disrupt the team dynamic. Encourage open communication, provide clear expectations, and address any issues promptly. Recognize and appreciate your team’s efforts, celebrate milestones, and offer incentives. Invest in their professional development and provide opportunities for growth. Lead by example, promoting inclusivity, fairness, and teamwork. Lastly, create a sense of community among your staff members, as it is crucial for maintaining high morale
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Certainly, I can share a story from my journey that illustrates my resilience. When I first started my business, I was essentially a one-man show, handling all aspects of the operation from teaching classes to answering calls, marketing, and cleaning. Additionally, I had a full-time job working the graveyard shift for seven days a week. During this time, I barely slept, often getting a maximum of four hours of rest.
I firmly believe that achieving success requires hard work and dedication, and opening a business alone does not guarantee instant riches. The initial years were incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. However, I persevered and remained committed to making my business successful.
Despite the difficulties and sacrifices I faced during that period, I continued to push forward. I constantly sought ways to improve our services, engage with customers, and expand our reach. It was through my relentless efforts and resilience that I was able to navigate the challenges and gradually witness the growth of my business.
This experience taught me the value of hard work, determination, and resilience. It reinforced my belief that success comes from putting in the necessary effort and commitment, even during the toughest of times. I have carried these lessons forward, using them as a foundation to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals in both personal and professional aspects of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: proboxingfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/proboxingfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/proboxingfitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pro-boxing-fitness-elgin
Image Credits
photo credit Emmy Hui Photography