Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Matthew Lucas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Matthew, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I think I’ve taken many risks as it relates to my business. I moved from the city to the suburbs and decided to make a change from part-time to full-time. The pandemic certainly altered the industry and I also added virtual training (still a significant portion of my business). I also finished my beautiful home gym. All of these were risks I took, but I have persevered and grown my business substantially. I’m thankful for all my clients that have trusted me with their health and allowed me to do something I love in the process.
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 originally worked part-time at a local YMCA in member services. Shortly after my hire, my manager asked if he could join me for my workout. I was happy to have him join, and after a couple of months, he and the fitness manager asked if I would be interested in becoming a certified personal trainer. I had a background working with kids and sports, loved to workout and help others, so I said sure, and shortly thereafter, studied and passed the exam in 2005. I worked part-time at both the YMCA and a local community center, in addition to my full-time job.
In 2010, a friend and I started the business, part-time, and really started to learn the ins & outs of running a business. I became the sole owner a couple of years later when he moved out of state. I continued to train part-time until I got married in 2018 and decided to train full-time. We finished the basement of our home into a beautiful gym in March 2022. In addition to 1-1 training, I offer small group and virtual (of which, about 1/3 of my clients are virtual) and soft tissue services.
I have had incredible growth since moving to a new city despite the pandemic. I’m really happy and proud I’m able to help so many people, specifically parents, move and feel better.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Communication and being genuine. This is what people are looking for and what I deliver. I am honest with clients and want to build a relationship. I don’t want this to be a transaction. If clients know, like and trust me, they will work hard for me. In turn, I want clients who want to be healthy and want to work hard. It’s so much more enjoyable to work with people I enjoy and one of the reasons I’ve made so many wonderful friendships from training.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Moving to a new city where I didn’t know anyone was a bit daunting, especially since I was going to train full-time. I was also newly married and about to start a family. I joined a networking group and business coaching community and they had immeasurable benefits for me, both as a business and business owner. Then 2020 happened and that turned everything upside down. I was thankful and able to pivot to offer virtual training and that helped me be a better communicator and trainer. I had to familiarize myself with different technology and learn to train while not in the same physical space. While these were all challenges, I carved out a unique business model and my business has taken off since. I still have about 1/3 of my sessions virtual and it has allowed me to reach people who live further away and help as many people as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corefitnesscamps.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corefitnesscamps
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnlucas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwl8iucI0V-wX2V_2KzsgQA
Image Credits
Tracy Caffrey Photography