Craig Culkin
Born: Jersey
Uni: Liverpool John Moores University, studied Sports & Exercise Science
First Job: First Job – Apprentice Professional Footballer at Celtic F.C
Car: Nissan Pathfinder
Music: Love a bit of Rhi Rhi (Rhianna!!)
Film: The Social Network
Gadget: Anything Mac
Last Holiday: Mexico
Enjoys: White Sand, blue water and sunbathing
Ryan Hodson
Born: Jersey
Uni:Didn’t go
First Job: First Job – Paper Round
Car: BMW X5
Music: Music – One direction and Taylor Swift (anything but Craig’s CD!)
Film: Big Daddy
Gadget: iPhone
Last Holiday: Tunisia in August
Enjoys: Just about everything
So, tell us what inspired you to get this off the ground?
As personal trainers working on a one-to-one basis we wanted to engage the wider Community to a healthier and fitter lifestyle. We wanted to influence and affect people’s lives for the better and were inspired by Bedros Keuilian Fit Body Bootcamp’s unstoppable fitness formula. We travelled to California first to learn about the franchise and the way it completely transforms people’s lives. We then took the plunge and action to bring the world’s fastest growing fitness bootcamp to Jersey. Being part of the world’s fastest growing (still growing) indoor bootcamp is truly amazing. The results we are seeing across the board, in people’s weight, body shape and overall fitness is remarkable. Helping people get results is really all we needed to inspire us.
What did you do prior to starting this business?
Ryan was a personal trainer at Fitness First for about 2 years training predominantly one-to-one clients in 45minute sessions. Craig owned and directed Culks Sports & Soccer Skools for 8 years before moving into the personal training business and now Fit Body Bootcamp.
Did that teach you any lessons that helped you succeed?
The model of most successful businesses are similar so the transition into the Health & Fitness industry was a smooth one. The biggest lesson we have learnt is to focus on the 5% of the business that really matters. There is a very fine balance between working in your business and working on your business. We’ve definitely learned to outsource the 95% of trivial things that someone else can mange to let you focus on the important 5%. Ryan learnt many valuable lessons during his time at fitness first including providing the best possible service, being reliable and time efficient. Ryan also nurtured his skills and knowledge to continue to improve as a personal trainer.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learnt since starting the business?
The hardest lesson we’ve learnt, which is ongoing, is the administration side of things. We are both trainers and that’s our passion however we do have to keep on top of the paperwork too. Craig’s experience with the soccer schools has helped with that, and we’re definitely getting better with the admin side of things.
Any funny stories that you have about the business starting out ?
Quite a few but probably best not print them! Every day we have many funny things on our camps with the great camaraderie that has formed amongst everyone.
What are your plans for
the future?
We would love to expand in the future, but at the moment we’re concentrating on offering the best possible service in the workout structure we’ve set out for 2012/13.
What advice would you give to would-be entrepreneurs ?
I have learned that business, like life, is an ongoing process. We have to continually roll with changes and be at the forefront of lifestyle trends and knowledge. Get your client to know, like and trust you by exceeding their expectations. Business can sometimes be a lonely place so speak to other business and franchise owners if you need to bounce something off somebody. If you believe in your product and it works so will the business, you just have to put the time and effort into it.
