Client Profile: Legion Training Camp
In this client profile, we’ve asked the owner of Legion Training Camp questions of interest to every gym owner. Ross Anderson runs Legion part-time while working full-time as a pharmacist. He manages this feat by investing in good technology and keeping the right mindset on growth and change.
What is Legion Training Camp?
Legion is a lifter’s gym in Clovis, California. It began as a Cross Fit gym in 2012 and continues to evolve as it grows. The center now offers a total of 6,000 square feet of exercise space for its 300 members. Equipment includes free weights, a Strongman area, and Olympic-style platforms. Members range in age from teens to adults, all pushing racks and frequently competing for their next personal best.
What is the toughest part of running a gym while working full time?
Finding employees who share your passion.
What has been a game changer for you?
Providing members 24/7 gym access without having an employee present. Keeping employee costs down allows me to reinvest these funds into the gym. This positive cash flow helps my gym stay relevant by responding to member interests and adapting quickly in the face of competition.
What are your greatest challenges as a gym owner?
Staying relevant and unique. When a similar concept opens nearby, we try to evolve and differentiate ourselves. Members typically choose us for our unique equipment, 24/7 access, barbershop, and friendly atmosphere.
What is your gym’s primary marketing tool and how has it helped growth?
Our only marketing has been word-of-mouth. Starting this fall, we hired a marketing firm to assist us on a website rebuild, social media, and email campaigns.
In your experience as a gym owner, what are the common mistakes you see others make or that you yourself have made?
I see new owners NOT:
- Doing their due diligence and making sure everything is approved with the city and/or county before investing. These include parking, ADA requirements, etc.
- Creating a good business plan.
- Evaluating local competition prior to starting up their gym.
They need to ask themselves:
- Where is there a need for this style gym?
- Is there competition in the area?
- Is the area well populated?
How has using Gym Insight helped you?
The automation and ease-of-use saves me a ton of time. For me that means I spend less time running my business and more time improving the member experience.
What are your goals for the future of Legion Training Camp?
My goal is to continue growing my gym and for my son to inherit it. We are unlikely to build a second gym. Instead, I would rather expand to a larger location.
Gym Insight
Thank you, Ross Anderson, for this insightful and frank discussion of your business success. Our gym management software is designed to help gym owners succeed by automating so many of the everyday tasks that consume our time. We offer intuitive sales software, a free Member’s App, 24/7 digital keytag access, and fully integrated database systems that provide up-to-the minute reports on company sales and memberships. Call us today for a free demo at 855-367-4967 (855-FOR-GYMS).