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

Kaitlyn , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Svelte Performance is a space that provides a strong community not only the people that come here but the environment to lift heavy at your own standard and capability. The support system is unlike any other. Our classes are considered small group personal training – small class size, no more than 12 in a class. We do this so our coaches can properly educate and give modifications when necessary. This creates a more inclusive space so no one leaves timid of a barbell. Since we consider ourselves a strength and conditioning gym, we have the philosophy that if you have a body, you are an athlete ( Bill Bowerman). You do not have the be the strongest or most advanced athlete to come here, we want you here to grow and have a environment that supports your efforts in being the best version of yourself. If you have no clue where to start, we have some great personal trainers to get you going.

Kaitlyn , 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 an extensive background with my education and experience in this field. I received my Masters in Exercise Science from Texas State University and I have always been a well rounded student. I was a college soccer player but due to knee surgeries I ended my career after my Junior year. My first job after school was working at Baylor Tom Landry Fitness Center and this is where my story starts. I fell in love with the clinical side of personal training and it was the forefront of my career now. I worked my way up to being a Exercise Physiologist for Medical Fitness Programs and worked at the Cardiac Rehabilitation center. Fast forward to opening my gym and my experience in a more medical setting, I primarily work with chronic clients and run our Clinical Fitness Program. This program allows chronic management clients to use our services and we bill insurance for the time. This gives an affordable option for those who need it the most. Svelte Performance is the space where you realize you can reach your maximal potential and be the strongest version of you, but at your own pace. We really have all back grounds here and I am most proud of the community we have here.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

It is important to always have working capital. This will set you up to be available to do the repairs, or buy new things or if a business comes on the market you have the funds to be quick. Initially I asked for funds just to get going and have 6 months of rent paid for. I allowed the gym to pay off debt and grow naturally from there. When offered small working capital, I took it. I paid it off quickly but it allowed me to fix or buy new things as our client base grew without impacting my bank account. I did not buy anything that would bankrupt me or put me in a position to not pay bills. I considered what the trainers and members wanted and made sure I had the space and equipment for them to grow.

I had a solid business plan and because I was a trainer that had already established my client base, I knew exactly what I needed to grow my own business. So when presenting business plans I had a very simple and direct model that allowed a clear understanding of where funds were going.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Nothing suffice happens quick. You do not need to respond quick. You do not need to think quick. You do not need to decide quick. Nothing good every comes out of emotional decisions. Be logical and trust yourself. Do not tell anyone what you are doing, show them. Too many opinions that can effect how your run your business will never be something you are proud of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://svelteperformance.co/
• Instagram: svelte.performance
• Other: Instagram – kaitlyndtx

Image Credits
Aly Hartley – CrossletPhotography