We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rodney & Veronica. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rodney & Veronica below.
Rodney & Veronica, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
We have definitely not had a smooth road, but neither have we struggled to the point of considering giving up. One of our struggles in the beginning was trying to buy some of the equipment in the beginning because we started off with a small amount of members and we did not have enough money to buy more equipment. Our members definitely believed in us and did not give up on us and continue to come and support us. Our second struggle was making sure that the pandemic in 2020 would not shut us down. We were a bit nervous at first because the pandemic happened in the beginning of 2020 and we had just received the keys to our new gym location in January 2020. We were afraid we were not going to make it out just like other small businesses. Thanks to our loyal members, we made it and are now stronger!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Alpha Uno Athletics originated in our home garage with only one barbell and a few plates in 2018. We wanted to help members who wanted to change or simply wanted to use this lifestyle as a hobby. We were helping so many people accomplish their goals and they loved the experience we were giving them from our home garage that word of mouth was spreading very quickly. Our number of members grew so quickly that we went from giving one on one private to four members to 1 instruction (Rodney) in a tiny hot room. By the end of 2019, we outgrew our garage gym that it was time that Rodney and I (Veronica) started looking for an actual location so that we can all be able to fit comfortably and receive new incoming members.
In January of 2020, we found our gym location in the city of Inglewood. All of our members were excited to see our gym location and were excited to see how much we have grown. When we opened our doors to our location in Inglewood, we had more possible members inquiring about our services and memberships. Here we attracted people of all ages from toddlers to the elderly and people of all backgrounds. We were meant to have this location because the city of Inglewood needed a change, needed a gym in the community that would bring everyone together! Sad to say that shortly after opening our doors, we had to postpone our Grand Opening (that yet has still to occur) because of COVID-19.
Despite the pandemic, our members were still very dedicated and motivated that they followed us and wanted to do the virtual workouts via Zoom. We were teaching different classes such as our Alpha Pups class which is for kids, Olympic Weightlifting using house accessories, HIIT and Sports Performance all virtual. Thanks to all of our members, we were able to keep our doors open during and after this pandemic. Now that we are open again, our members are going all in again and giving it their all. We have now become even more of a family than just a community. We are a “Strong Alphamilia!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Treat your members like family and close friends. Remember everyone that comes in the gym might be going through something. We are all human and go through daily struggles in life so making sure you give them that support, confidence and love to do not just great during their workouts but outside the gym and being showing you are more than just a coach but you care more about than just PRs and workouts but how they are doing, their family, etc.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Try to stay consistent with your posting. Keep interacting with those who may comment, like or share. Post things that are informative, funny, hard truths and motivational. Stay true to your craft and keep your goal and mission in line, for us that’s to help people either stay encouraged to take care of their health or bring them back on track. Post on multiple platforms to reach different audiences to keep your message across and again regardless on how well or not your post performances is, stay consistent!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alphaunoathletics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphaunoathletics/?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AlphaUnoAthletics/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alpha_Uno_Ath/status/1638591341629440000
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC05kjviNJnnxGOjHkuscrZg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alpha-uno-athletics-inglewood-2
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alpha.uno.athletics
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@alphaunoathletics
Image Credits
Jesus Nieto @laserfocusphotography