Workout Anytime Grayson - March Business Spotlight

Introduction and Background:

Can you provide a brief overview of your business and its history?

We are Scott and Tara Shepherd. Workout Anytime Grayson was opened in 2015, however, we acquired the location in December 2023. We offer a clean, friendly atmosphere with 24/7 access to members. We also offer tanning, hydromassage, infrared sauna, and Thera-body massage guns to our premium members. Ultimately, we are a results-driven facility where you are not just a number or a scan. We have certified personal trainers available to help you reach your fitness goals. We like to say that “we are a coaching gym that sells memberships” because being a member of our gym is more than just purchasing a membership. It’s creating a lifechanging experience with real health and fitness results.

Products/Services:

What products or services does your business offer? We offer 24/7 gym access to members, tanning, hydromassage, infrared sauna, Thera-body massage guns, and personal training.

How do your offerings meet the needs of the community?

We are HVLC model which means high value – low cost. With the premium amenities and memberships under $30/month, the premium membership offers high value and a very affordable solution even for families. Even in times of economic uncertainty, our price point makes it very affordable.

Community Involvement:

How is your business involved in the local community?

We sponsor local school sports and attend/participate in Chamber of Commerce events. Have you been part of any notable community initiatives or events? We really like participating in Loganville days. It gives us an opportunity to meet the community face-to-face.

Success Stories:

Can you share a success story or memorable customer experience?

We have many success stories. Most are experienced with the help of our personal trainers. One member lost over 50 pounds and gained noticeable muscle mass. Another person finally fit into her inspiration outfit. One lady said “my husband told me I was beautiful! He hasn’t said that in years!” Those stories are our “why.” To know that we were instrumental in changing someone’s life is what it’s all about. How have your products or services positively impacted customers? Members feel like they belong and depend on our gym for their place of decompression, relaxation, and recovery after a long day of work. Our friendly staff makes everyone feel welcome and not just another number.

Challenges and Solutions:

What challenges has your business faced, and how have you overcome them?

The area is very saturated with gyms and fitness facilities, so standing out in the crowd has been difficult. When we acquired the gym, we spent the next 18 months completely renovating and re-culturing from management to part-time front desk associates. Then we began the extreme marketing plan through digital advertising and a local magazine. Are there specific strategies that have helped you navigate challenges? The biggest advantage in the gym business is word-of-mouth. With all of the improvements in cleanliness, friendliness, and aesthetics, the reputation of the gym has improved, and members want to talk about “their” gym. We make every marketing strategy around the results you will gain by being a member. We also make every marketing strategy personal to what the needs of most people, which is consistency, proven results, and comfort.

Future Plans:

What are your business' future plans or upcoming projects? Our current plans are to keep improving and building relationships which will lead to more growth. We would like to expand the gym into a larger footprint eventually to allow for more visibility and expanded amenities.

Chamber Benefits:

How has being a chamber member benefited your business? Being a member of the Chamber has helped us build relationships not only with the community but with other businesses. Can you share any successful connections or collaborations through the chamber? Becki Smith invited us to join the Chamber of Commerce. She helped us get connected in the very beginning. She was instrumental in showcasing the new ownership and community goals of our organization.

Advice:

What advice would you give to someone starting a business in our community? Be intentional and communicate well. People want to know your intentions and how you plan to meet their needs. Communicate, advertise, and get connected asap. Be sure to highlight your differentiators and market those immensely. Are there some key lessons you've learned as a business owner? I thought that I needed the gym to be perfect before I started the massive ad campaigns. Looking back, I wouldn’t have waited. I would have started building those relationships earlier and marketing our atmosphere earlier even if the aesthetics weren’t perfect. Perfection isn’t required only diligence with a plan.

Fun Fact:

Share a fun or interesting fact about your business or team.

We LOVE the Georgia Bulldogs and college football season. The competition gets real around the gym Fall.