Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

I was born and raised in the small town of Timmins, Ontario, Canada. Growing up with two siblings, a brother and a younger sister, every day was an adventure for us. We were always exploring and building, which fostered my love for the outdoors and working with my hands. My passion for fitness started at the age of 13 when I found some rusted weights in the shed. I took the time to sand the weights, paint them, and build myself a “mini gym” in our basement. This gym became my new home, especially as my family life was affected negatively by my parents' marriage breaking down. I turned to fitness as a form of escape and therapy, and it eventually became the center of my career. By the time I was 17 years old, I had sculpted my physique and mastered the principles of training. Fitness became such a way of life for me that I had a dream at 15 of becoming a personal trainer. At the age of 20, with no real opportunities, I prayed every night for six months, asking God for purpose and an opportunity. My prayers were answered, and in 2005, I made the crucial move to Vancouver with only two contacts—one for a place to live and one for a place to work. I started working in construction when I moved to Vancouver, and my roommate at the time introduced me to my now mentor, Mike C., who owned Executive Lifestyle Gym. At this pivotal point, my passion for fitness was reignited, and I began to pursue my dream of one day owning my own gym. During my time at Mike’s gym, I quickly learned a lot, started building my own clientele, and learned the business aspects of running a gym inside and out. In 2007, I took myself to the next level and elevated my purpose in life: to educate, heal, and transform as many lives as possible with my knowledge of fitness. That year, Fit in 30 was established, a new 30-minute training format that would revolutionize the personal training industry. My business thrived, and I built a resilient community around me. Flash forward to 2022, I scaled Fit in 30 and rebranded the company to Fit Integrated Wellness, where the new focus is to bridge the gap between fitness and health using the fitness model I created at 22. My passion for fitness as an adolescent has led me on a journey of a lifetime, allowing me to live the most rewarding life purpose I could have dreamed of, achieving higher heights alongside the love of my life.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Fit Integrated Wellness, we are deeply committed to supporting and uplifting our community. We regularly organize community classes that are free by donation. All donations received from these classes are given to local charities, amplifying the impact of our efforts.. Our community shows their support through active participation in our events, positive word-of-mouth referrals, and heartfelt testimonials. The relationships we build with our clients go beyond the gym; they become part of a supportive and encouraging community focused on holistic well-being.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Fit Integrated Wellness deserves to win the Business Impact Award because we are more than just a fitness center; we are a catalyst for positive change in our community. Our holistic approach to wellness, commitment to accessibility, and dedication to community support set us apart. We have a proven track record of transforming lives, promoting health, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Our integrative services, combined with our unwavering passion for health and fitness, have made a significant impact on the well-being of our clients and the community at large. Winning this award would not only recognize our efforts but also inspire us to continue expanding our reach and enhancing our services to better serve our community.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Creating a sustainable and healthy workplace is at the core of our values at Fit Integrated Wellness. We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and respected. Our leadership style is collaborative, and we encourage open communication and feedback from all team members. We provide ongoing professional development opportunities for our staff, ensuring they stay at the forefront of their respective fields. Our facility is designed to be a positive and inspiring space, promoting both physical and mental wellness. We lead by example, demonstrating a balanced approach to health and well-being in our interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, and each other.