From Personal Trainer to Gym Owner/Operator

With a fitness background and passion for the industry, Port Macquarie local Greg Gleeson loves getting up for work every day since establishing his own business.

Mr Gleeson and business partner Kerrie originally started their careers running a Health and Wellbeing program for Year 11 and 12 students at the local Newman College.

“We decided to follow our passion and go out on our own. So we got some education through the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) Program (now known as the Self-Employment Assistance program as of 1 July 2022) and away we went to establish Organic Fitness,” Mr Gleeson said.

Greg and Kerry started to build a clientele base but found out they had to move from their existing premises due to a redevelopment.

“So we moved to a new bigger premises in Karungi Circuit – which was a bit scary at first because rent was more expensive and upfront costs were around $20,000,” he said.

“We also didn’t have the same set up, so a few changes had to be made, but we evolved from that. We had a model that we knew worked, so we just had to fit it into this new place – which has all worked out great in the end. Now we can run classes every day, we can fit double the amount of people and we have a fantastic customer base.”

Six years after first establishing, Organic Fitness has grown to a business that not only provides fitness training but organic meats and produce, an infrared sauna, kinesiology and massage.

“We try to help our clients holistically and individually – because what works for some might not work for others. Using our services we can determine what the issue is and then help to fix it,” he said.

Mr Gleeson said it was important to really believe in what you do in order to be effective in business.

“It’s also important to trust your own instincts and back yourself. I think it’s good to have that confidence to be able to do what you believe in. Also be genuine to your customers/clients,” he said.

When questioned about what the secret was to a healthy life Mr Gleeson said sleep was the most important part, followed by drinking enough clean water, eating clean food, less stress and physical exercise.

Mr Gleeson attributes his business success to the support he initially received from the NEIS program.

“NEIS was fantastic – it came at the right time for me. I never really had any experience in how to set up a business. It was great to just sit down and set my goals, think about how I was going to run the business, what equipment I needed, what my costs would be etc. The financials was also really helpful for me and the formulas they give you. The mentoring was great too – to have someone I could call with any questions or concerns I had – the constant support was great. ETC have been really helpful,” he said.