Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steve Vicera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Steve, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I was born and raised in Philippines. We move to the United States in 2003. Starting from scratch at the age of 37 yrs. old. In 2006 my family and I decided to open a Personal Fitness Training and Pilates Studio. We applied for an SBA loan for $700,00.00 and was approved. We put 15% downpayment and put our home as collateral. At that time I don’t know Pilates. I just started the Pilates Instructor Training Program. But I researched and saw the trend where the Pilates Industry was headed. We opened the studio during the 2007-2008 financial crash. We weathered the storm. Currently ,we have been in operations for over 15 yrs. We are 6 yrs. away from fully paying off our loan. We own both the commercial space and the business. “Living with fear stops us from taking risk, and if you don’t go out on the branch you’re never going to get the best fruit.”

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

For over 20 years, I have been helping people reach their goals for better function, greater fitness, and an overall sense of well being. My philosophy is concentrating on core strength and stabilization. This integrated training approach complements the body, making it more functional and improving its appearance.

My Pilates story begins after externally reaping the fruits of intense bodybuilding and power lifting. I was a champion in body building in 1989, earning titles in the “Super Body Fitness” and “Mr. Philippines” competitions in the 1990’s. However, internally my body was straining to keep up with me. One of my spinal vertebrae finally gave out and acquired a condition called Spondylolisthesis. It was the injury that made me realize I’m going the wrong path.

This was my moment of clarity. I began to search for other methods of training that will not be detrimental to my health. I did my research and discovered Pilates and began doing rehab on my back. It was the perfect choice for me. I realize that Pilates was filling the gap of years of strength training and bodybuilding that had left the main gap of core strength and spinal stabilization. I learned that Pilates integrates one’s entire body as one. I went through the 500 hours of the STOTT PILATES® Instructor Training Program, including other various training certifications.

I founded Sommet Fitness in 2007 and my mission now is helping people who are suffering from back pain. I used the Pilates methodology as an alternative from pain medications and surgery.

Presently, I am a STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor and Pain-Free Movement Specialist. I specialized in spinal stabilization and corrective exercise. My main emphasis is on safety and function, with a specialization on back pain.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

One thing that help me build my reputation is #1. Focus on my Niche (Therapeutic Pilates) A niche is a specialised segment of the market. I focus my training on post rehab, pre-surgery, chronic injuries, people who want to get out of pain etc. I network with medical professionals and physical therapy clinics to create business to business relationships. The message and content we put out in our social media speaks to the potential clients we want to acquire. All our testimonials of our satisfied clients are on Google reviews. My story of how I overcame back pain without surgery and medications I constantly put out there on social media Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Linkdin,) Better Business Bureaus, , podcast, local magazines, local events, charity etc.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients is still the old fashioned way of building trust with our clients. From my experience it takes at least 3 years to gain their trust to open their rolodex of people they know to. refer to us. People will work with people they Like, Know,and Trust. When they started referring their friends and family and start inviting you to their social gatherings like parties, weddings, and special occasions. That’s a good sign you have their trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sommetfitness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommetfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/svicera/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vicera-7154929/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sommetfitness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIIryVK5jWny5r0gb38_LDg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sommet-fitness-scottsdale

Image Credits
Credit to Marc Angel Photography