Kibby Dalton: Easton Fit4Life

Located on North Aurora Street in Easton, Easton Fit4Life is owned and operated by husband and wife team Kibby and Steve Dalton. Opening its doors last summer, Easton Fit4Life is a private gym, working with private trainers who offer a diverse and specialized array of training regimens for people of all ages and physical abilities. Co-owner Kibby Dalton was kind enough to take time out of her schedule to answer questions about the challenges and rewards of starting Easton Fit4Life.

How did you get started?

I worked as a Personal Trainer for 8 years under the mentoring of Mike Duvall at Total Fitness, Personal Training Gym. In March of 2011, I purchased the Gym from Mike and Beth Duvall.

Is this your first business? If not, what were the others, and what happened to them?

Yes, this is my first business.

  How did you finance your business and what was the process like?

We obtained a loan, quite amazing in such a fragile economy.

 

  How many employees do you have? Full- or part-time?

I have none. We are a consortium of Personal Trainers who are self-  employed, independent contractors who rent our gym space for Training purposes.

   What is an average workday like for you?

Well, I still work with clients 5 days a week, so I am usually in by 9 training,  then taking care of business around the gym, and usually out of there by 3 or 4.

  Who are your customers?

Our clients are young kids, aspiring athletes, stay at home Moms, working Moms and Dads, businessmen and women, Grandmas, retired folks, empty nesters, 20 something’s, 30’s something and holding, 40 & 50 year olds, you name it, we probably have now or have in the past catered to that client.

What are the most crucial things you have done to grow your business?

I strive for excellence in customer service & southern hospitality (being from Texas originally), and excellence in our delivery. We are a results oriented business. Our job is to help you reach your health and fitness goals, if you don’t get there, then we haven’t done our job very well, either in our exercise prescriptions or our ability to motivate/encourage you. There are 2 very important components in Personal Training, you and the Trainer. There has to be a level of trust there, and respect, and open communication, for the job to get done. You have a huge part to play in your health & fitness, hard work, commitment, and making the right choices everyday to get to your goals. I have the plan, and you work it, you have the goals, and I keep you heading for the target.

What outsiders have been most important to your business success?

I would have to say 100% our clients, and our Team of Trainers. They all always inspiring me, and without them, we wouldn’t have a business. What has been your most effective marketing tactic or technique? Well, we have been on a learning curve with this one. We have tried print & radio, and that didn’t fare well. Our best advertising is word of mouth through our clients.

What’s the worst business advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t do it”, but I did it anyway, and it’s working. What three pieces of advice would you offer entrepreneurs starting out today? Never underestimate the power of a “dream”. If you can dream it, you can have it. Work hard, treat people like you want to be treated, be kind & generous, and surround yourself with great people, and set goals. If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time.
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