Get Fit Gym in Bridgewater, MA – An Interview with Owner Ashley Coffey

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

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