​Author: Jordan Chaves, BSU student

​I had the pleasure of speaking with David P. Violette, D.D.S., who runs a successful, self-titled, dental practice in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He has been practicing in this location for the past twenty-eight years.

Dr. Violette grew up in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. At the young age of eleven, he decided he wanted to be a dentist after being inspired by his orthodontist. After graduating from Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School in 1981, he attended Stonehill College in South Easton, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree in 1985. He then moved to Richmond, Virginia and studied dentistry for four years at the Medical College of Virginia. He graduated with a Doctorate in Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree in 1989.

After moving back to Massachusetts right after graduation, Dr. Violette began working at the dental office of Drs. Cohen and Cavicchi in Whitman. He was employed there for two years and then worked for a short time at Dental Horizons in Swansea. He realized that he wanted to have his own dental practice, so he began his search for a local, older dentist who was nearing retirement. In 1992, he found the office of Dr. Richard Guidoboni in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Dr. Guidoboni offered to rent office space to Dr. Violette and allowed him the use of his equipment. It was two separate practices in the same building. Dr. Violette was able to start building his patient base. While it was slow going at first, through word of mouth from existing patients, Dr. Violette eventually built his practice to the point where he could buy out Dr. Guidoboni and become a sole practitioner. Dr. Guidoboni agreed to sell the dental practice to Dr. Violette in the spring of 1998.

Dr. Violette wanted to start his own business with a passion towards leadership, decision-making and a sense of ownership. Dr. Violette’s philosophy as a business owner includes having his staff be able to enjoy the financial and professional success that comes with their dedicated, and passionate, hard work. The quality of Dr. Violette’s dental practice is top of the line, between the care that is given to all his patients, and the personal relationships that he maintains with them. 

A variety of services are offered, including routine dental cleanings, dental fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures and also dental implants. As a business owner, accommodating his patients and keeping them comfortable are two of his main priorities. As a result of the excellent care his gives his patients, he has been able to build on his practice’s impressive reputation. Through those patient referrals, Dr. Violette has been able to serve a large number of patients, far and wide.
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It is fair to say that it is difficult for many different businesses to thrive in the current, post-Covid-19 environment. Being unable to see patients for three months during the shutdown has been very difficult for Dr. Violette. As a result of the pandemic, Dr. Violette has seen a reduction in the bottom line. The cost of personal, protective equipment and the new protocols of limiting the number of patients in the office at the same time has had an overall, negative impact on the dental practice. A year from now, Dr. Violette would like to see his practice at a more productive and staffed level. Although Dr. Violette is satisfied where his practice is today, he has hopes of it one day expanding into a multi-doctor practice. In doing so, it would increase the patient base even more and more advanced technology could be used as a marketing tool. Anyone who gives Dr. David Violette’s dental practice a chance would be highly satisfied.

Dr. David P. Violette, D.D.S., P.C. is located at 34 North Main Street, West Bridgewater, MA.
 
You can contact the office via:
Phone: (508) 583-5338
Email: davidviolettedds@gmail.com
Website: davidviolette.com

​Author: Justin Borba, BSU student

​I am thankful Dr. Gould had the time to answer a few questions during this pandemic even though he is very busy with his practice.
 
So, let’s start with are you from this area?
I have been is Brockton since 1973. I grew up in northern New York. I came to Brockton because I had professional connections through family.
 
Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
I have a solo dental practice specializing in pediatrics. I always wanted to do something in the health profession with children, and after having seen a close friend losing a child to cancer, I did not want to do medicine and pediatric dentistry was an alternative.
 
When did it start? What year?
I studied dental school in 1967 and made my choice to pursue my specialty in 1971, the year I graduated, I did a pediatric residency at children’s hospital of Pittsburgh; and finished in 1973. I came to Brockton in July 1973.
 
What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
Not having had any business background, the toughest thing was how to run the business side of my office. Seeing patients calling and getting referrals from general dentists and pediatricians was what kept me going.
 
If you had to start over from day one what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
I would have taken some business classes in college, and perhaps when I got started, I would have associated with an established practice to see how to run my practice.

What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
This is easy to answer, bills keep coming in, and with Covid-19, the ability to meet expenses is the most difficult part. When the government puts restrictions on practices, they also restrict income, but not the outgoing.
 
What is the number one way you currently bring in new customers?
Patient referrals are the greatest source of new customers, however new websites and patient comments are a significant factor.
 
Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
Absolutely, technology gets faster results, feedback, and referrals.
 
Increase or decrease, step away and be more of a manager, passive owner, etc.?
With today’s economy, and with advanced technology, and having done this for nearly 50 years, I would like to be a passive owner, allowing young blood to do all the hard work, and soliciting new business through marketing, knowing now how to bring in new patients.
 
We did have a nice conversation on how technology will and has helped his business. With the way other media platforms are growing, there are more ways of getting referrals from customers with other social media platforms other than Facebook. He wants to start diving into Twitter and Instagram, which are two of the biggest platforms. This will definitely help get the business more exposure and customers. One thing about the interview that sticks with me is the way he talks about his employees. Dr. Gould wants everyone to be comfortable and  feel like a family; and you can really see how close they are right as you step in.

​Dr. David S. Gould, DDS has two locations in the South Shore area. 
​

Email: frontdesk@davidsgoulddds.com
Facebook: David S. Gould, DDS

​Author: Ashley Pires, BSU student

Premier Gymnastics is located in Stoughton, Massachusetts and focuses on providing programs for young gymnasts. The gym is owned by Perry Treon and Rustam Vakhitov. Both owners have many years of experience in coaching and competing in gymnastics. Together, they focus on helping kids reach their fullest potential as gymnasts.
​
Premier Gymnastics was opened back in the fall of 2016. Rustam reached out to Perry, whom is also a real-estate agent, in hopes of finding a new location for his gym. The two had known each other through previous coaching jobs. What began as a real estate deal turned into a partnership, as the two decided it would be best to open a gymnasium together.  Perry and Rustam ended up buying a preexisting gym through a mutual friend. When they first bought the gym it wasn’t in the greatest shape.  They knew that in order to bring in more business, they’d have to revamp and rebrand the already existing business. They felt that this was the toughest part about opening. Their main focus was on renovating the gyms appearance and layout to better suit their needs. To attract more clientele, they modified prices and expanded their class selections. Revamping the gym wasn’t an easy task, nevertheless they persevered. The love that they had for the sport and children inspired them to keep going as they were getting the business off the ground.  Within a few short months of opening the gym, they added over a hundred new members.  

While conducting the interview, I asked Perry what he felt differentiated his business from other businesses just like it and he answered, “the coaches“. The coaches hired at their gym are all well experienced and motivated. Rustam has 10 years of experience in coaching competitive gymnastics. He also worked for twelve years as a circus performer for the Golden Circus in Europe. Apart from competing as a gymnast for 10 years, Perry also coached recreational gymnastics for 10 years prior to opening his own gym. Adri is another coach at the gym. She has twelve years of experience in coaching competitive gymnastics and was on the Albania National team for six years. All coaches at Premier Gymnastics have years of experience and are all safety certified. While most gyms in the area hire young inexperienced teens to teach smaller children gymnastics, Perry felt that it was best to hire coaches with years of experience in coaching because he wanted to provide quality service.

The gym attracts in new customers through online marketing. They primarily advertise on Google and Facebook. Modern technology has contributed greatly in the growth of their business and thus allowing them to be very successful. Social networking has allowed them to earn greater profits by enabling more people to know about the services they offer. It has also allowed them to compete with other gymnasiums for clients. They are effectively using and taking advantage in using technology to further the growth of their business. Perry and Rustam are hoping to expand their business by opening up a second location. In branching out, Premier Gymnastics will be able to cater to a different demographic. They would like to open up a location in an area where there is not already a gymnasium. They are hoping to provide a more affordable service and opportunity to children in a less fortunate communities.
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My sophomore year in college I had the privilege of working at Premier Gymnastics. I worked there as a receptionist. Throughout my employment there, I witnessed the love and dedication that the owners and coaches put in to their jobs. They truly motivate their gymnasts and help them to reach their full potential. I also had the opportunity of helping them coordinate some events like birthday parties and summer camps. Those types of additional services that they offer are available to members and the public. These services help keep kids busy all while learning new skills and having fun. I have no doubt in my mind that this business will continue to excel and continue to be profitable. 

Visit Premier Gymnastics at 471 Page Street in Stoughton, MA

Contact them via:
Phone: 781-341-4160
Website: https://www.premiergymnasticsstoughton.com/
Facebook: @PremierGymnasticsStoughton

​Author: Amy Guinen, BSU student

Top Notch Nutrition, located at 2307 State Rd, Plymouth MA, is serving up the tastiest protein shakes and mega teas you will ever have. Delicious and nutritious are key components to the family run shake business.

Lindsey Ward, owner and coach at Top Notch Nutrition, has been a resident of Plymouth her entire life. In high school, Lindsey found a love for health and fitness after her mother decided to transform her life and become healthier. She learned how to take care of her body and wanted to help others achieve their goals. It became a passion. Lindsey knew that she wanted to give people a quick healthy option and with that passion, Top Notch Nutrition was created.

Before starting Top Notch Nutrition, Lindsey and her mother had clients around town that they would help in their healthy journey. One of their biggest obstacles when starting to get the business together was the idea of not knowing how. Owning and operating a business was something new to them and not knowing what they needed to get it up and running was difficult. They also needed to learn about the financial aspect, as well as marketing to new clients. In the interview, Lindsey stated that her clients and many people around town were giving them support and encouragement to get the business going. People were depending on the business to open, and she knew that they couldn’t give up. The support of the clients and community inspired Lindsey and her mother while getting the business off the ground. On April 28th, 2017 Top Notch Nutrition was officially opened.
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Lindsey stated that if she was able to go back to day one and change anything, she wouldn’t. She stated that everything they went through was how she learned to run her business and what got them to where they are now, three years later. 

There is always changing factors when owning a business and new problems to overcome. This year proved no different for Lindsey. In March of 2020 Lindsey became full owner of Top Notch Nutrition after she bought the remaining business from her mother. This was the same day that Governor Baker announced that the state of Massachusetts was going into quarantine. Not only did Lindsey need to navigate the differences in being the sole owner, she needed to navigate the changes and rules set forth due to the current pandemic. Lindsey also already had plans to start a renovation of the club they were in. While all this was happening at once, she said a “calm panic” had taken over. Since the pandemic and navigating through the new regulations, they were able to stay open the whole time by offering curbside pickup and text ahead ordering.

Technology offers a big part in the growth of business. Lindsey stated that technology is one of the biggest ways they are bringing new clients. They are primarily found on Facebook. There you can find their up-to-date hours, as well as specials they are having and any info about giveaways. They also use Instagram to show off their delicious and healthy shake options as well as conduct polls of the products they offer.
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While talking to Lindsey you could tell her sense of pride for her business and her love of her customers. Lindsey stated that she values every single one of her customers. She wants her customers to be the number one priority. She also stated that her goal isn’t just to sell her products but to be able to provide something nutritious for her customers and to instill some positivity into each of their days. Lindsey and her employees always make a priority to make sure her customers know they are appreciated. Whether they are telling each and every one of them to have an amazing day or doing multiple customer appreciation days, they just want their customers to feel valued. 

Visit Top Notch Nutrition at 2307 State Rd, in Plymouth MA.
​
Contact them via:
Phone: (774) 338-5598
Email: healthylindseyward@gmail.com
Facebook: @topnotchnutrition
Instagram: @top.notch.nutrition

​Author: Keila Diaz, BSU student

I decided to do my interview with Michele Wein-Crelly, the owner of Michele’s Massage Studio, because she is an amazing massage therapist and deserves the attention. Michele has been a massage therapist since 2006 and she is great at what she does. I know this because I am one of her clients. Michele’s Massage Studio is located in a very quiet and chic room in Brockton, MA. She offers many different types of services such as Swedish massage, Deep tissue, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Body Polish, etc.
 
Q: Tell me about your business and why did you choose this line of business?
 
A: I’m a massage therapist and I like instant gratification, like being able to help people. So that was kind of the end result of it. Before that, I was doing manicures and pedicures and it evolved into massage. And then I started learning Reiki and Reflexology and it just turned into Massage Therapy which seemed like the perfect fit for me.
 
Q: When did it start and what year?
 
A: I became a manicurist in 1994. That’s pretty much when it started. I did that for several years. Then I moved up here from Florida. I worked in a couple of salons, then I got sick. I started learning reflexology and it helped. And that’s when the instant gratification started. And then I realized that this stuff helps people and people need to know about this. So I did reflexology for about 8 years and Reiki before I became a Massage therapist. I became a massage therapist in 2006.
 
Q: What was it that made you start this business?
A: I was working with Chiropractors doing reflexology and they kept on telling me that I need to become a massage therapist. So finally I said you’re right this is what I need to do.
 
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
A: I think the toughest thing was having the confidence to say I can do this.
 
Q: What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: I think the people appreciated what I was doing and it was helping them and it just kept
growing and I kept meeting people and working with people and of course getting massages.
 
Q: If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
A: I think I would’ve invited more people in. It would’ve been nice to have more of a team, it’s
nice working alone but it would’ve been nice having other people working with me.
 
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: There’s a lot of competition out there. You just have to have a niche and you just have to keep on plugging away and don’t be disappointed about the down days because you’re going to have up days and that’s going to make up for the down days.
 
Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it, why would you suggest they at least give you a try first? 
A: I’ve been in business for many years and I’ve learned all types of different techniques and when they call me they’re going to get me. They’re not going to get different people like at other places. 

Q: What makes you stand out?
A: I’m happy. I like what I do. When people come here they’re going to have a good laugh. I like people to be relaxed. I realized that in order to get a massage you have to learn how to relax. And sometimes laughing is a good thing.
 
Q: What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
A: I have a lot of referrals. So because I’ve been in business since 2006, a lot of people refer people. I have Facebook and Google, I also do a lot of internet things and some networking. Sometimes I pass out business cards wherever I go.
 
Q: Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
A: Oh absolutely! Yes, from ordering cards online to websites and social media.
 
Q: Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the
right tools?
A: I think I can probably do better with using more social media like Twitter and Instagram but sometimes I feel like I’m busy enough.
 
Q: On a regular day how many clients do you see?
A: Probably 3 or 4. 
 
Q: What’s your busiest season?
A: It’s hard to say because sometimes it’s right around tax season, sometimes around Valentine’s Day, but sometimes it’s November or December, people buying gift certificates, but I feel like I’ve stayed pretty steady during the year. I feel fortunate for that.
 
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
A: Pretty steady. Meeting more people and keeping the people I have.
 
Q: Are you happy the way the business is now?
A: Yes. I feel like it’s comfortable. I would love to have another person come in and work so I can do a little bit less. I’m getting older so I figure at some point I’m going to retire. So it would be nice having another person in here.
 
Q: Do you feel like you’re overworked or underworked?
A: I don’t feel overworked right now because I had an injury so I’ve been pacing myself. This is a very physical job so you do have to pace yourself even when you’re at your peak. You really have to be considerate of your health, your sleep and how you eat. When you have an injury, you realize how important it is to have all those factors in place.

Visit  Michele’s Massage Studio at: 244 Liberty Street Brockton, MA
 
Contact her via:
Email: solegood01@yahoo.com
Phone: 781-504-3443
Website: www.michelesmassagestudio.com
Facebook page: @michelesmassagestudioma
Twitter: @michelesmassage

​Author: Alexandra Powers, BSU student

​Q: Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business? 
A: I run a children’s gym where we teach beginner level gymnastics, as well as offer birthday parties, open gym times, vacation camp programs and a monthly movie night.  I was a competitive gymnast and coach when I was young and have always had a great love for both the sport and for kids.  
 
Q: Are you from this local area? 
A: I am originally from Long Island, NY. I have lived in Bridgewater, MA for 23 years where I raised my daughter with my husband.  
 
Q: When did you start your business? 
A: I opened Stardust Gym in October, 2008.
 
Q: What was it that made you want to start this business?  
A: I walked away from my love for gymnastics to pursue a professional career as a real estate paralegal.  I had always wanted to open my own gym and when my daughter was a teenager, I decided it was time to take the leap and do this for myself.  It was scary but the best career decision I ever made!
 
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
A: Self-doubt was the toughest thing I went through. I didn’t know if people would come. I stuck to my beliefs of what kids and parents would want in a children’s gym and did extensive marketing in the beginning. The grand opening was a huge success and the parties took off right from the beginning but the gymnastics enrollment took a few years of perseverance and building a reputation. 
 
Q: What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: The positive feedback from parents and smiling faces from the children kept me going.  
 
Q: If you had to start over from day one what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge? 
A: I don’t think I would have done anything different. The mistakes I made were only minor and made me a better business owner.
 
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020? 
A: I think the toughest part about having a business in 2020 is continuing to grow the customer base to cover the constant rising costs and maintaining quality staff. Also keeping up to date with the latest marketing trends thru social media.  
 

​Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and three others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first?  What makes you stand out? 
A: We specialize on beginner level gymnastics and the size of the gym isn’t overwhelming for children. It’s easy for parents to see their child at all times and the gym is clean and safe. The parties are memorable for the children and easy for the parents. The staff is well trained and love working with the children. We get a lot of positive feedback about the gym and the staff and great reviews can be found on the internet.
 
Q: What is the number one way you currently bring in new customers? 
A: Word of mouth has always been our number one marketing tool. But we also have a good social media presence on Facebook and Instagram as well as an informative website and newsletter.
  
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be? 
A: I would like to see it continue to grow as is has in the past. I have no plans for any major changes in the business model because of my age as I plan to retire in 4 years.
 
Q: Would you increase or decrease the amount you personally tend to within the business? 
A: I have gradually decreased my hours at the gym recently doing just the behind the scenes work like marketing, accounting, supplies and payroll. I currently have a great staff to run the gymnastics program and only work a few hours during the week with most of my hours over the weekend. Most of my hours are now from home.  
 
Q: Finally, what is the best way for the readers to connect with your business and to take advantage of what your company has to offer? 
A: They can see what we have to offer and get a good feel for our business on our website, Facebook and Instagram. They can also sign up to receive our newsletters by email to keep up to date on what’s going on at our gym.  

​Visit Stardust Gym at:
​612 Plymouth St., Unit 3R, East Bridgewater, MA
 
Phone: 508-378-2223
Email: info@stardustgym.com
Website: www.stardustgym.com
Facebook:  @StardustGym
Instagram: @stardustgym1 

​Author: Matthew McGovern, BSU student

Q: So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
A: I am from Sharon, but I have lived in Bridgewater since 2010.
 
Q: Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
A: So I started in PT, but I wanted to be able to help patients after rehab gain their full confidence and athletic ability back, so I felt restricted in a sense. I went online and got my first personal training certification. From there I just wanted to acquire as much information as possible, so that lead me down the road of earning many more certifications. I fell in love with training and loved the ability to put a smile on other people’s faces as they got in shape. For me it was a way to do what I loved. So I went back to school at SNHU to earn myself a marketing degree so I could one day own my own business, and do what I loved each and every day.
 
Q: When did it start?  What Year?
A: November of 2018. I also did have a small training studio in Manchester, NH while I went back to school up there in 2015.
 
Q: What was it that made you want to start this business?
A:  I’ve always loved fitness/nutrition and turning that into a job was a dream come true, as I already mentioned. It’s something I have loved from a very young age and to take that knowledge and have the ability to share that knowledge was a real dream come true.
 
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
A: Having enough confidence behind my marketing degree to open up for business. Using the right marketing tactics for growth, and keeping my business in a position that it is constantly growing, progressing, and moving forward.
 
 Q: What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: My clients. Every single day I have clients feeling better from working out with me, it’s the community that feels like home for my clients. The atmosphere of the constant positive energy is what inspires me to keep going.

Q: If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge? 
A: I would definitely put in more time leading up to the opening of the business. There would have been more focus and time for build up and hype before opening. I felt like maybe we rushed into things a little too quick without the proper marketing first installed.
 
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: Finding a bigger space. We are looking to move into a bigger studio, it does include more costs. Our challenge is to continue to have a sound business while upgrading in facilities.
 
Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first?  What makes you stand out?
A: Atmosphere, close-knit community. Family orientated, small group exercise setting, so you get the one on one personal feel
 
Q: What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
A: Word of our mouth, referrals
 
Q: Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
A: Absolutely. Lots of advertising online and our platform off of zenplanner for automation. Social media pulls everything together like the glue or reissuance after word of mouth
 
Q: Do you feel that Internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the right tools?
A: I do. Automation. Used to email clients individual, now uses automations software to help make that more efficient.
 
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
A: New bigger location, offering new programs that we don’t offer yet. Open a new bar for snacks, and have a full time sports massage.
 
Q: Increase or decrease, step away and be more a manager, passive owner etc? Why? 
A: Reason for success is familiar faces. Comfort of knowing your name and face, while it is still in it’s small gym stages. As it becomes self-stainable in the future, I would like to step away a little more to work on marketing and management from a further point of view.

Visit Get Fit Gym at: 50 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA

Contact them via:
Phone: 508-659-5234
Website: thegetfitgym.com
Facebook: @getfitgymbridgewater
Instagram: @thegetfitgym

​Author: Jack Lovely, BSU student

​The Maha Yoga Center in Bridgewater MA Is the perfect place to go for anyone looking to relax and unwind, physically and mentally. The owner, Diane Lagadec, has been operating the Yoga Center since 1993, Diane built the first Studio herself alongside her husband, but since then the Yoga Center has relocated to an area a bit farther away from the hustle, bustle, and traffic found near the center of Bridgewater. I interviewed Diane about her business, and when I asked her what inspired her to start the business, she said “I just really wanted to share what we knew, because I know people are stressed, as a retired school teacher I know how important it is to share knowledge for the benefit of everyone”. I also asked Diane why she chose this line of business, and she said “I had been teaching yoga for years, and my husband and I realized we had friends that had skills like yoga, meditation, massage therapy, and tai chi, so we wanted to bring them all together to one spot”. Diane has made the Maha Yoga Center a staple in the Bridgewater community through her active community service and involvement, she has commited herself to the people of Bridgewater. Clearly the creation and upbringing of the Maha Yoga Center took a lot of willpower and hands on work, when I asked Diane what the toughest thing she went through while opening was, and what inspired her to persevere, she said “the hardest thing I experienced while getting started was a lack of help, I thought more people would join me when I started but It didn’t work out that way, also we have barely any money when we got started, we had to build the first studio ourselves”, Diane is truly a self-made and motivated business owner, and its apparent that a lack of money and support wasn’t enough to stop her from creating the successful business she has today. I asked Diane if there is anything she would change from day one knowing what she knows now, and she said “when you consider the fact that small businesses don’t usually last long, I’d say that I’m happy we are still standing and doing so well, there isn’t much id do differently because I’m so happy about the way everything worked out”, if Diane had made many missteps when she began creating her business, it probably wouldn’t be standing today, therefore, there isn’t much she would change from the beginning. I also asked Diane what the hardest part of having a business in 2020 is, and according to her  “The hardest part about owning a business in 2020 is the taxes, it seems like we work awfully hard and still have to give a lot away, but we have a great community and we have overcome many challenges”, Diane has found that small business owners encounter a large amount of taxes to go with their success, but she has been able to overcome this challenge with the support of the community. 

​The Maha Yoga Center separates itself from similar businesses through price and diversity of services offered, while surrounding yoga studios have single class prices ranging from $13 to $20, the Maha Yoga Center offers a more reasonable rate. When I asked Diane what separates her business from its competitors, she said “because we are very reasonable, our single class drop in rate is $10”, and absolutely no long term commitment is required, the management of the Maha Yoga Center wants to ensure that no one gets trapped in an inconvenient financial situation, a testament to its integrity as a small business. There is also a 10 class-card option for only $80, and private restorative yoga sessions for $55, one of Maha Yoga Centers’ best attributes is it commitment to affordability, because the people who work there don’t want to exclude anyone from what they have to offer.

When I asked Diane what the number one way she brings in new customers is, she said, “Word of mouth works the best, a business person once told me that advertising is essentially like throwing money out the front door, word of mouth and being active in the community is key, everyone who works here has to be an active part of the Bridgewater community and complete community service”, by having all Maha Yoga employees engage in community activities and service, Diane is making a statement, that to be a part of the Maha Yoga Center, is to be a part of the surrounding communities, and those community relationships helps her bring in new business. I also asked Diane if internet marketing has played a big part in the growth and development of the Maha Yoga Center, to which Diane replied, “The internet is a good tool, we have a web page and I send out a weekly information message to everyone who works here, it’s great for communication during snow storms, but in terms of marketing, I prefer word of mouth, not technology” Diane has found that her connection with the community has proven sufficient in terms of the marketing and growth of The Maha Yoga Center, and besides communication with employees and use of the Maha Centers web page, technology does not play a big part in her success. In response to her point of view on technology, I asked her if she believed that technology could play a bigger part in her business if she had the right tools, and she replied “No, I don’t think so, maybe if I was more technologically savvy I could make better posters, but that’s all I would do” Diane has successfully run the business the same way for a long time, and she currently sees no way that an increase in the amount of technology that she uses to run her business would benefit her, she finds that a strong relationship with the Bridgewater community is enough.

Diane’s response to my question about the role that technology will play in the future of her company, prompted me to ask where she sees her business going in the next six months to a year, and she replied, “I’d like to see the business still standing, I don’t feel the need to expand because I like our location, and I’ve seen many businesses expand too much and then collapse, also there is basically no traffic near our current location which is a huge advantage”, Diane doesn’t need to expand her business to be satisfied with the direction its heading in, as far as she is concerned, as long as the business is still standing and engaging with the community of Bridgewater, she is satisfied. Since Diane wants the business to continue on its current path for years to come, I asked her if over time she would like to increase or decrease her involvement with the business and become more of a passive owner, and she said, “I’d like to continue my current work level, I’m the one who does all the checks and handles the various aspects of the businesses so I’d like to do it until I can’t”, Diane currently has no intention of slowing down her involvement with her business, she would like to continue leading by example and handling as much of the workload as she can, for as long as she can.

​The Maha Yoga Center also offers an impressive amount of additional services, including a yoga teacher certification class, mediation classes, massage and bodywork treatments, concerts, and counselling sessions.  The Yoga teacher certification class includes 200 hours of information and training based around the anatomy, physiology, psychology and philosophy of yoga. The meditation classes include a meditative healing sound bath, which surrounds you with deep immersive and relaxing sounds. The massage and bodywork services include aromatherapy, reflexology, core stone massage therapy, and several other treatments focused on the ears, muscles, and spirit. Some upcoming concerts includes a solo acoustic guitar performer as well as a flute and poetry reading night, although varying musicians are brought in to perform different sets. The various types of counseling available includes individual, family, and couples counseling, as well as hypnosis, health, and wellness coaching. The well trained and fully licensed staff of the Maha Yoga Center share a passion for health and wellness, and they wish to share that passion with both the Bridgewater community, and anyone else who is willing to take a chance and walk through their front door. 

Visit Maha Yoga Center at 992 Bedford Street #5 in Bridgewater, MA, because as the owner says, “The best way for people to experience what we have to offer, would be to walk through the front door”.
 
Contact them via:
Telephone: 508-697-3273
Website: www.mahayogacenter.com
Facebook: @MahaYogaCenter

Author: Curtis Blake, BSU student

​Are you from the South Shore?
Yes, I grew up in Whitman, Massachusetts.
 
Why did you choose fitness as your business?
This building was a previous business before and later became his partner in the business. Then split the partnership and that is how Hanover Fitness was born. Kept the current building that is now Hanover Fitness.
 

​
How did you come up with the name Hanover Fitness?
I thought long and hard about it but, it kind of just was just we are in Hanover we are promoting fitness, bang. Hanover Fitness.
 
What year did you first open Hanover Fitness?
September 2010 or September of 2011.
 
What was the toughest thing you went through when first starting Hanover Fitness?
Running the business end of the business, it is not my area of expertise, I like to train people, I like to get fit, I like to talk about nutrition. Sometimes the bills come into the bin and the light company comes calling and says that you haven't paid your bill, that wasn't that high on my priority, not that the money didn't exist but the actual function of running the business. I took a backseat in the beginning and then I realized that if I didn't do that, I would not have a business. All of a sudden I am on my own and I have to decide do I listen to Comcast or Fios or try to get my bill down or make sure I pay the bill on time or should I have water bottles or have a flow water bubbler. All of those business decisions I had never handled before. I was a trainer, so that was the difficult part of starting. Now that it has been 9 or 10 years it is pretty seamless. I got in under control. 

What is the toughest part of having a business in 2020?
I think business, in general, is always the toughest part, bringing in new customers there is always going to be attrition. It has been proven over the years, my membership, not training, my membership has always remained almost constant, but I am willing to bet that from the beginning that 10% of the original people are even here. The revenue has remained the same because for every customer I add I get another customer that says I don't want to be a member here anymore. Keeping the membership and training is kind of a sales business where people come and go if you don't have someone to train or you don't have someone who comes to do a workout you are out of business. I have been very lucky with my personal training clients over the years they are very consistent. I haven't had to try and mine for new business. Occasionally, I will have a client refer them to me and that is how it has kind of always been. Looking for new people, in general, is what the biggest problem is.
 
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
Referrals, very few people walk in off of the street. Many people are a friend of a friend or someone I train lost 40 pounds and ask what the heck have you been doing? I see Leo at Hanover Fitness, and they come in. The vast business of my business is referrals. Most of my new business is college-aged kids and they tell their friends they come to Hanover Fitness. We are the anti YMCA. We don't have a pool, or a spa, no babysitting no sauna, no steam. So, when people want to come to lift weights their friends say come to Hanover Fitness, we can press the code at any time and lift whenever we want.
 
Has a website or social media played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
The website didn't work out because I didn't maintain it. It would have an outdated Zumba schedule. I decided after I hit the 3-year domain to stop using the website. I have a personal Facebook page that I will put anything on there. There is a Hanover Fitness Facebook page, but it is run by another trainer, I rarely post on the Hanover Fitness Facebook page. I am kind of a dinosaur when it comes to social media. It would probably be very beneficial but in this business, if I had a bunch of memberships here, I have to keep a balance. Student membership is $25 a month and I want to strike a fine line between the number of memberships I give out versus the number of personal training clients I have. Depending on who the trainer is it ranges from $40-50 per hour. We have a couple of powerlifters here and I thinking of having a separate area for them so they can be able to use chalk and have their area to lift.
 
If you were to look 6 months to a year into the future where do you see your business?
Probably exactly where it has been for the last 9 years, this business is very cyclical because with personal training people have to physically be here. If you are collecting memberships on the 15th of each month. Planet Fitness' model lets sign them up for $10 a month and pray they never come. With personal training, if they don't come, we don't get paid. With school vacations and holidays, personal training drops off. It is a bell curve above the line and a bell curve below the line. Over the year, it gets to the line. 

Visit Hanover Fitness at 33 Rockland Street #4 in Hanover, MA
 
Contact via:
Telephone: 781-829-0088
Email: LeoStrangis@Gmail.com
Facebook:  Hanover Fitness and Training Center