Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Arana.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Like many other college freshmen, I had no idea what I wanted to major in when I started my studies. Being the active teenager that I was, I think I picked physical therapy because it had the word “physical” in it. During my second year of college, my destiny changed with one decision. A graduate student in the FIU physical therapy program informed me that I should switch my major to exercise physiology if I wanted a better understanding of how the body works. Shortly after, I became obsessed with studying the science of exercise and experimenting with the ideas I was reading about.
Up until then, I had worked as a martial arts instructor teaching Krav Maga, the Israeli self-defense system. I became certified as a personal trainer at the age of 20 and have never looked back. I began working in membership gyms and quickly realized that they struggled to find qualified trainers who provide a professional service. I decided that I could, and would, do a much better job if I started my own organization. Using only my life savings and without any prior business education, I opened my first personal training studio, B-Fit Training Center, at the age of 25. Along with my brother, Victor, we ran this studio as if the members were part of our extended family.
During the hectic start-up phase of B-Fit, I decided to expand my knowledge by getting a Master’s of Science in exercise physiology and strength & conditioning at the University of Miami. My time at UM gave me the opportunity to learn from some brilliant people and challenged me to perform at a much higher level than ever before. I met my current business partners, Scott Johnson and Samuel Simpson, in that graduate program. These guys shared my vision for creating an organization unlike any of its kind and had the work ethic to make it happen. Together, we opened a second fitness studio, B-Fit Biscayne, in 2015. It’s been a challenging journey, but both studios have succeeded in transforming lives, consistently providing top notch service to our members, and creating communities of amazing people who do much more than sweat together.
On a personal note, I’m a pretty introverted guy who enjoys spending time alone and with my amazing girlfriend, Karina. When I’m not working, I’m usually reading nonfiction, listening to podcasts and lectures I find interesting, or practicing my hobby of photography. My personal philosophy is that humans thrive when we focus on growing and making an impact on the world starts with developing ourselves on an individual level.
Has it been a smooth road?
From a business standpoint, we’ve made every mistake in the book. Running out of start-up capital, delaying building permits for months, hiring sketchy marketing companies, improper bookkeeping; the list goes on and on. Since neither of us had any previous business experience, my business partners and I had to learn everything by bumping our heads against the wall. Our salary was a joke for the first year B-Fit Biscayne was in business. We did all the work ourselves: from cleaning the bathrooms to teaching every class and handling all administrative roles. We were working 6-7 days per week and putting in 12-15 hours each day, without the reward of a paycheck at the end of the month. We made all these sacrifices because we knew that building something special takes time, and struggle is a necessary part of the process.
Additionally, I had what I would describe as an existential crisis two years ago; one that led me to drop everything and travel for almost a year. I drove 13,000 miles around the U.S., backpacked through eight countries in Southeast Asia, slept on couches of strangers who later became friends, and even had a mystical experience. My journey completely changed my perspective on life and made me realized that I belonged back in Miami, growing the organizations I had put so much energy into. Ever since my return, the businesses are doing better than ever before and I finally have the feeling that I’m exactly where I need to be.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
People hear the term “personal trainer” and associate it with exercise, healthy eating, and someone who motivates people to reach their fitness goals. In reality, personal training goes much deeper than that. Human beings are complex. We may be composed of the same parts, but we’re each vastly different. In order to break through to people and help them build sustainable, positive habits, a good personal trainer has to take a unique approach with each client. Having knowledge of anatomy, exercise physiology, and nutrition are just the foundation. Understanding human nature and psychology is just as important.
At B-Fit, we teach our trainers to be excellent listeners in order to understand what each client truly needs. We teach them to be constantly learning and not holding on to biased methods just because they’ve worked on previous clients. We encourage them to go the extra mile and overdeliver for people. We develop relationships with our clients. Although we keep it professional (most times), our trainers and clients cultivate deep bonds that resemble those of a good friendship. This is how we earn people’s trust and get them to stick with us for an impressively long time due to the results they’re seeing.
Most importantly, our philosophy is backed up by some pretty humbling results. Our studios have nothing but 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and ClassPass. We have some of the most impressive before/after client photos in the industry. My partners and I have launched four successful ventures and currently run programming for over 45 gyms in the U.S. I attribute our success to having a deep “why” behind our work and practicing only the methods we believe to be absolutely true.
I pride myself on having created a seed that grew into something that genuinely adds value in the lives of others. I may have planted the seed, but it’s our trainers, clients, partners, and everyone else who’s come into contact with our organization who made B-Fit what it is today.
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
The fitness industry is in a constant state of flux, and I think it’ll always remain that way. Companies are always trying to capitalize on the latest trend, whether it’s the keto diet or data-tracking gadgets. Consumers are constantly seeking novel solutions to their problems, so the possibilities for new methods for getting fit are endless.
That being said, I think integrating technology and building a community are two key components that will fuel fitness businesses in the future. The younger generation is willing to spend money on experiences rather than commodities, so the rise of specialized boutique studios will most likely continue, especially in growing cities. Regardless of the trends that may arise in the future, the businesses that have long-term success will always be those that are driven by passion and the relentless desire to provide an excellent service.
Contact Info:
- Address: B-Fit Miami Lakes
17650 NW 78th Ave, Suite 103
Hialeah, Fl 33015B-Fit Biscayne
5080 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1-B
Miami, Fl 33137 - Website: www.wearebfit.com
- Phone: 786-564-4763
- Email: julian@wearebfit.com
- Instagram: @bfitbyj
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearebfit
Image Credit:
Anthony Susino, Jamie Johnson
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
