Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Thomas.
Jim, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I first started as a sales person in the gym business, I was terrible. Every Monday when the sales standings would come out for the 4 clubs, I was dead last. I was so uncomfortable in the sales process; my mouth would actually get so dry that I could barely get any words out.
It’s amazing that I was not fired, but as long as I was still there, I wanted to get better. I was talking to a “seasoned” salesperson and he gave me a 2 inch thick 3-ring binder and told me to go memorize it and I would be fine. I said fine, I’ll memorize it.
So, every moment that I had, I stood in front of my mirror at home withe recorder on and recited every script and scenario until I knew it perfectly. The results were astounding. Not only did my sales go up, but I became the sales manager of that very gym in 6 months and then at age 23, I opened my first of 6 gyms.
I started the consulting firm in 1989 to become the arm for independent gyms and fitness centers to help them compete with the major chains. We specialize in sales training, new gym startups, gym rescues (turnarounds), and we offer a broker service as well as an online training product.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I first started out as an owner I had previous success in sales and sales management, but no experience in finance, marketing, construction, lease negotiation and the like, so I was learning as I went, but my passion, drive and determination got me through it and I received high level education as a result.
Fitness Management & Consulting – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a consulting firm, what sets us apart is my background as an owner, I know what it’s like to sit in the “hot seat.” As a result, we find ways to help gym owners grow their business with the assets they already have and not just look for ways to spend more money. In addition, a result of me being so poor when I first started, I can relate and readily help those that are fearful or struggling in sales.
We specialize in sales training, gym turnarounds, new gym startups, gym brokerage, on-demand training online.
The most satisfying part of the job is helping someone save their business and all that goes with that (saving their home, marriage, etc.), helping people realize their dream of starting their own business, helping salespeople in gym reach quota and make money – lots of good things.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
The building blocks for success that we look for are a winning attitude, strong work ethic and always being coach-able and having a willingness to step out of our comfort zone…success is usually the last thing that happens after a lot of things have been done right.
Contact Info:
- Address: Fitness Management & Consulting
2221 Justin Road #119-147
Flower Mound, Texas 75028 - Website: www.fmconsulting.net
- Phone: 800-929-2898
- Email: jthomas@fmconsulting.net
- Instagram: www.linkedin.com/in/jimthomasconsulting
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gymconsultant
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/gymconsultant
- Yelp: www.fmconsulting.net/gymsforsale
- Other: www.jimthomasondemand.com
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