» Canadian Forum


Investing Locally Means Big Business


Invest in your community and it will do the same for your business.


BY LAUREN WALKER


It has been in business since 1881 and is family owned and operated. When you come to Port Perry, this is the store to visit for good quality footwear and clothing. There is also a hardware store just


W


up the road. If you need anything fixed, talk to Ray. He has worked there for close to thirty years. These are just two small business-


es that have roots in my community. These places have unique qualities that keep customers coming back. I am also a small business owner


who depends on my local community. Most of our members live within 10 minutes from our fitness club. While there are other chain facilities in town, people say to me, “I’d rather come here because it feels like home.” Our prices are not extravagant and


we cater to everyday people. Many members have been with us for 15 years—that’s a lot of money over time. Our members are investors in our business. Just like Brock’s and the hardware


store, we have to compete with larger chain businesses. Being a little fish in a big pond means setting ourselves apart in order to compete. “There’s only one of us and that’s all


there will ever be.” That’s what I say when I’m asked if we’d consider ex- panding. We want to stay small so our


34 Fitness Business Canada March/April 2017


Lauren Walker manager,


All Fit All Ages Gym Port Perry, Ontario


hen you stroll down Queen Street in Port Perry, Ontario, you’ll notice Brock’s Department Store.


quality of service can remain a top pri- ority. Most people like the fact that, as owners, we are accessible. You can pick up the phone and immediately speak to me or my parents, who are my busi- ness partners. There’s no middle man and no waiting. Investment goes both ways. We in-


vest time and energy participating in our community. For example, I’ve been an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters for six years, and we donate to local charitable causes. We are con- nected and committed to our members both inside and outside of the club. The truth is that strong connections help ensure a long term investment that goes both ways. It can be challenging to set your-


self apart. I look at the large chains in my town and think, “What can we do that’s different?”


For example, we don’t charge added


fees on memberships. We also offer different lengths of memberships so people don’t need to make a long term commitment. Knowing our custom- ers’ values and priorities helps keep our focus. Brock’s Department Store has been


in business for over 100 years. It is the perfect example of success thanks to local investment. You will never find another Brock’s anywhere. Focus on creating a quality product and people will invest with you and stick with you. FBC


Lauren Walker is the manager of All Fit All Ages Gym in Port Perry, Ontario. She regularly contributes to the health and wellness sec- tion of the Scugog Standard. Contact her at www.allfitallagesgym.ca.


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