​Author: Shelby Crosby, BSU student

​I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Gleason, who is a personal trainer for his own business TRG Performance Training. Tim’s business is located in the U at Starland in Hanover, MA, where he helps his clients reach their goals towards fitness and health. At TRG Performance Training, Tim offers a 1300+ foot studio, as well as use of the turf and the cage during training sessions. TRG offers other services, such as group training with a max of 8 people, private one on one training sessions, and recovery and rehab programs. In our interview, I learned a lot about Tim’s business as well as his personal life.
 
So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
Yes, I grew up in the South Shore area and went to Bridgewater State University.
 
Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
Growing up I always loved sports and fitness and pursued that interest through college. I fell in love with Dr. Robinson, who teaches physical education and health science at BSU. My passion for health science grew, as well as my interest in learning about the human body, and I ended up getting my masters in this field. As far as how my business started, I have always wanted my own. I started as a trainer at the Kingsbury Club training college athletes and wanted to go out on my own.
 
When did you start your business?
I started my business 10 years ago in 2010.

​What was it that made you want to start this business?
I have always loved helping people reach their fitness goals or become a better athlete. I used to work at a gym as a trainer and loved it so much that I decided to pursue my passion for it and create my own business.
 
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?
One of my biggest obstacles was when I opened this one location in Marshfield. I put a lot of money and work into rebuilding the floor and area to make it great quality, and out of nowhere they told me that they sold the building and I needed to leave. I ended up having to find a new location, and it actually turned out to be better. I relocated to the U at Starland, which brought in more clients and other athletes. I have an amazing wife and family that have always inspired me to keep going when I started and still to this day.
 
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
If I could change anything, I would have hired more consistent trainers to train with. Many clients would like to work with me, as it is my own business, and it can be difficult to attend to all clients by myself.
 
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
At first, the toughest part was the unknown because gyms were closed due to COVID-19, and even when they opened it wasn’t until the 3rd phase. This actually attracted even more business because people were home and gyms weren’t open, leading to more clients trying to do virtual training. I ended up doing virtual training from home and I felt like I didn’t have enough time in the day. I had to change my business model from clients coming to me at my gym to going to their homes and doing it that way.
 
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?
The truth- I take the approach to my clients with the knowledge that everyone is different. No one is treated the same. I take what my clients need to work on or improve and specialize it to that specific person. I use their body type and other factors to figure out what isn’t working and make it more personal. I listen attentively to how my clients are feeling and use it to my advantage so that I am able to help them.
 
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
I attract new clients through word of mouth and referrals from current clients. I am also next door to a physical therapist, so I refer clients to him and he does the same for me. Working in the U at Starland brings in business as well.
 
Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
To be honest, social media has not had a huge impact on growing my business. Word of mouth is key for my business and the way I operate it. I could do more online but I am not tech savvy and my business is always growing. I now sell apparel and it sells quick.
 
Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the right tools?
I think internet technology could play a bigger role in any business. Social media platforms definitely play a huge part in helping businesses bring in new clients; however, where my business is small, word of mouth is how I would like to continue growing the business. I think if I were to expand I would definitely look into utilizing internet technology to help bring business in.
 
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
I have been looking to expand and get other trainers as well as group training. I would also like to incorporate a rehab cardio section and offer some classes, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, etc.
 
If you could, would you increase or decrease your workload, step away and be more a manager, passive owner? Why?
I would say that overall, yes, I do feel overworked. I am currently happier than I have ever been because I am to spend more time with my family. I train a lot of students after school and usually do late clinics, but since sports in school are not an option right now, I get to go home and spend time with my kids. It is nice to be able to put them to bed instead of coming home late. I don’t get many breaks and haven’t since I started my business 10 years ago, but now I am able to make my own schedule. This has also helped a few other trainers that can rent my space while I’m not there.
 
 Is there anything else that you would like to add or share with potential new clients?
I have a business alliance with Peak Physical Therapy, where new clients at TRG will receive a 30 minute injury prevention evaluation to screen for potential issues that may hinder their training. Additionally, if a TRG athlete encounters a potential injury during their training Peak Physical Therapy will perform free injury screenings to determine the issue and initiate therapy if needed. I think that this is a helpful tool that all new clients should take advantage of.

Visit TRG Performance Training at:
645 Washington Street, Unit C in Hanover, MA.
 
Contact them via:
Phone: 781-974-5242
Email: timothy.gleason@gmail.com
Website: www.trgperformancetraining.com
Facebook: @TRGPerformanceTraining

​Author: Patrick Callanan, BSU student

​I interviewed the manager Tim Flaherty at Pilgrim Skating Arena (PSA). The owner of the company is Tim’s brother, and Tim was kind enough to answer the questions in his brother’s absence. It is also worth mentioning that Tim and his brother did not start this business. It was founded in 1974. The current management has taken it over in recent years and the rink is running more smoothly and professional than ever before.
 
 I began by asking why he chose this line of business. He instantly points out that he did not choose this line of work; he is helping his brother by providing his management expertise. According to Tim, “This organization was set up as a nonprofit to give the youth in the area a place to play hockey”.
 
As I mentioned in the preface, the company was founded in 1974, but recently taken under new management. He then goes on to discuss the problems the company has endured while operating during 2020. He attributes the difficulties to the restrictive guidelines, which limits the amount of people in the building at a time, and the added cleaning efforts. 

I then asked why a customer would choose this skating rink over any of the competitors. Tim said that there are two main reasons why a customer would choose Pilgrim Skating Arena. The first is the location, because it is located directly off the highway and next to the Derby Street Shops in Hingham. The second is the product, which the arena provides ice rentals, skate sharpening, and select items in the pro shop. Many customers will come to Pilgrim Skating Arena to check for the products they are looking for before driving to a shop that is further away. The number one way the skating arena brings in new customers is word of mouth. I then asked Tim about the influence that technology has on the business, and he admitted that currently, the arena does not capitalize on the potential of social media. Going forward he discussed the potential of doing ice rental booking online, rather than over the phone. I finished the interview by asking Tim where he saw the business in 6 months and he gave me an answer that rang true to most people reading this article, “Operating without any COVID-19 restrictions”. 

Visit Pilgrim Skating Arena at 75 Recreation Park Drive in Hingham, MA.

Contact them via:
Phone: 781-749-6660
Email: info@skatepilgrim.com
Website: www.skatepilgrim.com
Instagram: @pilgrimskatingarena
Facebook: @pilgrimarenainc

​Author: Kloe Joseph, BSU student

In a time where “almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction,”[1] but only 10% of these people with a substance abuse disorder seek professional help, the need for a shift in the therapeutic industry proves dire. There is no denying the intrinsic link between mental health and the presence of a person with a substance disorder as many as “20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder” are also afflicted by a substance abuse disorder. Yleis Engerman, a licensed mental health counselor and alcohol and drug counselor, is fully aware of these statistics and the real-world repercussions they pose. Engerman began her journey with mental health at the age of sixteen after the passing of her childhood best friend, seeking therapy as a means to cope. Now in her adulthood, armed with an education and years of experience, Engerman is establishing herself as a facet of change slowly revolutionizing the idea of therapy within the scope of addiction and what it means to seek help. 
 
Engerman is the private practice owner of My Self Oath (www.myselfoath.org) located in Brockton, Massachusetts. During the height of the pandemic she, like most others, found herself with a large amount of free time. However, like many Americans during this time, she was worried about her job security, so she took the initiative to not only create a contingency plan but to do so with an issue that she is truly passionate about. Making no waste of this new free time, she began work on creating her business. In its nascency, Engerman had expected the business to amass a small number of clients, hoping for around five of them. Her expectations were met and surpassed by threefold, when she started off with more than fifteen clients. While the prospect of having many clients interested in her service was a positive, it also proved to be one of the toughest challenges as well. This is due to her innate desire to help others through her practice, which can be difficult as she is only able to see a certain number of clients at any given time, while others make their way onto a waiting list. Though Engerman does utilize methods of advertisement such as social media and her website, the main contributor to her success has been word of mouth, a testament to her ability to connect with clients and provide a truly enjoyable therapy experience.

[1]  “Addiction Statistics - Facts on Drug and Alcohol Use.” Addiction Center, 18 Sept. 2020, www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics/.

​My Self Oath stands out amongst other therapy private practices because of Engerman’s unique approach with her clients. Breaking free from the common experience of simply telling a therapist “how you feel” at any given moment, Engerman strives to foster a personal connection with her clients through her personable demeanor. After reflecting on the journey of creating her business, one of the only things Engerman would want to do differently would be choosing to create her website herself, rather than contracting someone to do it for her. Looking towards the future of her practice, she hopes to make her business sustainable as well as profitable within the next year. Finally, for those who wish to follow a similar path as Engerman, she offers the following advice: “stay focused, stay consistent, and don’t take everybody’s word as absolute.”
​

​My Self Oath is located at 33 Dover Street, Suite 317, in Brockton, MA.
 
Contact them via:
Phone 508-521-9044
Email: admin@myselfoath.org
Website: www.myselfoath.org
Facebook: @MySelfOath

​Author:  Molly Farrell, BSU student

​Have you ever wanted to find a local place to walk in and truly feel like family? REVD Indoor Cycling strives on their mission to help you achieve your best self, both mentally and physically. REVD provides many different opportunities including their 45 minute ride that focuses around the rhythm of the music.
 
Co-owner Meaghan St. Marc grew up in Connecticut and received her undergrad degree at Northeastern University in broadcasting. Although St. Marc did not play college athletics, she enjoyed working out and getting involved around campus. Cycling has always been a passion of St Marc’s. After getting used to the Monday through Friday nine-to-five routine, St. Marc noticed she enjoyed her time in the gym the most. St. Marc was reconnected with a mutual friend, Clyde Simms, former player on the New England Revolution, when they decided it was time to go forward with their dream. Fast forward over six years later and REVD Indoor Cycling now has six locations one located in Hingham, MA in the Derby Street Shoppes.
 
REVD Indoor Cycling was founded in 2014 in Dedham, MA. St. Marc and Simms decided on a boutique spin class that went off the rhythm of the music. Simms has a background in music allowing for them to really connect and understand how the beat of the music matches with the movement on the bike. With the dark lights and loud music, their studios allow you to forget what is going on outside of the class and truly take time for yourself to unwind and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. It is an immersive experience that allows the riders to connect with the rhythm, while simultaneously working on their fitness levels. 

​They operate as one of most popular boutique spin studios in Massachusetts. REVD is an inclusive environment allowing individuals to create the best version of themselves. The studio is comfortable, encouraging, and forms a community. The experience that one endures at REVD is unlike any other, which explains why it is a popular scene for individuals seeking physical activity in a unique and enjoyable delivery.
 
One of the hardest parts of opening the studio for St. Marc was understanding and realizing that she was taking a leap with quitting her full time job to follow her dreams.
 
Six years later and just all small businesses, REVD is battling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners and staff have done a tremendous job of finding ways to still provide their service to the community in all ways possible. Since the studios have closed, REVD has rented out bikes to the community and have provided different forms of rides for people to ride at home. REVD has also formed “REVD training camp” a high intensity group training program.
 
REVD stands out over other cycling studios because it is formatted to be athletically challenging. REVD allows people to challenge yourself in a safe way and allows the rider will get lost in the rhythm. While REVD offers a physically challenging class, their classes are open to all cycling abilities. All instructors go through a developmental program and each instructor is all taught how to create this welcoming environment. This welcoming environment is what helps them bring in new riders. It is no wonder why their business has been so successful; they welcome new riders with open arms and create a community that encourages individuals to improve in both a physical and mental aspect. By word of mouth and their friendly atmosphere, new riders are always coming to try out REVD Indoor Cycling. REVD also has different forms of social media that allows them to create a platform of displaying their product.
 
So next time you are in the South Shore area, make sure you stop by REVD Indoor Cycling and allow yourself to get lost in the music. 
​

Rev’d is located at 94 Derby Street, Suite 235 Hingham, MA.
 
Contact them via:
E-Mail: hingham@revdindoorcycling.com
Phone: 781-556-5757
Website: revdindoorcycling.com
Facebook: @RevdCycling
Instagram: @RevdCycling

​Author: Lindsey Shone, BSU student

Over the past decade, Alyse Baker-Boncaldo, founder and owner of one of the most popular spas in the Quincy area – The Spa at Boncaldo’s, has been reinventing the Spa experience for both women and men!
 
It all started roughly 10 years ago, when Philip Boncaldo (founder and owner of Boncaldo’s Gentleman’s Barbershop and loving husband to Alyse), came home after a long day’s work at the Barbershop. As they were reflecting amongst themselves how each of their days went, Philip voiced how a lot of his clients were frustrated that they could not have the “Day in the Spa” experience (as most Spas are marketed toward females only, not gender neutral). From that conversation, Alyse had a vision. A vision to create a neighborly, fair priced, experience for both men and women. And it has been all history from there.
 
I met with Alyse to learn more about her story and the evolution of The Spa at Boncaldo’s.
 
So tell me about the evolution of your career and business. Specifically, how did you choose Aesthetics?
I started my career at Harvard Pilgrim working in Sales for roughly 25 years. Although, I loved working in Sales, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to stay in this profession forever. My husband owns a Barbershop in Quincy – Boncaldo’s Gentleman’s Barbershop, which is the main reason for choosing this line of business. After talking and listening to a lot of my husband’s clients – I felt there was a market for a Gender-Neutral Day Spas – hence, my vision was born.  My vision was to start a spa that would accommodate both men and women. A vision of creating a business where customers feel comfortable, welcome, relaxed, regardless of gender.
 
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?
By far, the biggest obstacle I faced when opening The Spa at Boncaldo was getting a Building and Business Permit. As the building is 110 years old, there were a lot of renovations/ housekeeping that needed to take place in order to get everything up to code. It was challenging, but we overcame those challenges. What kept me going was my dream – The Spa at Boncaldo. I believed in my vision, and I was not going to let a few bumps in the road get in the way of that.  

​What is the toughest part about having a business during 2020 (The Coronavirus Pandemic)?
The toughest part about having a business in 2020 is the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Due of COVID-19, we had to close our doors for a few months. However, we recently reopened on June 23. Business has slowed down due of Covid-19 because we had to change treatment protocols. Though, we are hopeful that things will slowly get back to normal once people feel comfortable returning to their regular daily schedules prior to the pandemic.
 
I had the opportunity to personally speak with one of Alyse clients, Debra Meade. Debra said that her experience at the Spa was excellent! She highly recommends The Spa at Boncaldo’s to anyone looking for a relaxing Spa day. When I ask Debra how her experience went, she mentioned Boncaldo’s having excellent service!
Debra Meade: “Alyse was an excellent host/owner. Totally focused on the customer experience. She made sure I was happy and relaxed. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.”
 
I know I am not speaking only for myself when I say I cannot wait to go to The Spa at Boncaldo’s for a day at the Spa. 
​

​The Spa at Boncaldo’s is located at 76 Beale Street in Quincy, MA.
 
You can contact them via:
Phone: 617-471-9515
Email: spaboncaldos@gmail.com
Website: www.boncaldos.com
Facebook @spa.boncaldos

​Author: Kayla Hodge, BSU student

Mold Spotters owner, Dave Jensen, is one of the most reliable and knowledgeable people in the mold inspection business. Mold Spotters is an independent, unbiased mold inspection and testing company that will help determine if your home or business had an indoor mold problem. Dave goes to the customer's households and gives them a full inspection to identify if there’s any mold, the severity, and where the customer should go from there. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dave about his business and was amazed by his dedication to his company.

Dave used to only do mold inspection as a side job. However, he grew to have more interest, and liked the work more, in the mold inspection industry than the profession he was in at the time. Dave decided to start his own mold inspection business in 2015 as he was extremely knowledgeable in the field and wanted to focus on something he enjoyed. He said the only real struggles faced when starting his business was trying to find customers and make his business known. He had no contacts to get referrals from and there were no reviews of his business which may make someone skeptical when looking for a company to go to.
​
The mold inspecting industry is one people typically only go to if they come across mold or a weird odor that they are concerned about so the company’s website has definitely played a big part in the company’s growth. When someone has a mold problem, they usually will go to google and search for a mold inspection company as people who have never had problems with mold would not know of a company to help. Now you know if you have a problem with mold you can call Mold Spotters and they will be happy to help!

Mold Spotters stands out from the other companies in their industry as they are not involved in mold remediation. They will come to your house to give you a full inspection and will tell you if you have a problem and if they recommend remediation or not. If they do, they will give you suggestions for mold remediation companies in your area. This means that Mold Spotters do not gain from telling an individual that they have an issue as they do not do any work that may follow after the inspection. There have been incidents where companies would be dishonest to the customers and tell them they had a mold problem just to make them go the further step and get the remediation as they would be getting paid for it. You can feel confident if you go to Mold Spotters that their recommendations will be accurate, honest, and unbiased.
​
Dave is working now on achieving his goal of expanding the country nationwide so there will be inspectors in every major city in every state. He would like to have more people start delegating different areas of his business so he can focus on expansion. If you are going to need an inspection I would make sure you call Mold Spotters. You will not be disappointed!

Mold Spotters is based in Braintree, MA. You can contact them via:
Phone: 781-664-9511
Website: www.moldtestinspections.com
Facebook: @moldspotters

​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.
​
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.
​
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.
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Contact them via:
Phone: (774) 338-5598
Email: healthylindseyward@gmail.com
Facebook: @topnotchnutrition
Instagram: @top.notch.nutrition