GROUND FLOOR: New Prime Fitness owner learns from others

CEDAR RAPIDS - Katie O'Dwyer believes that fitness isn't just about looking good; it's also about feeling good and being healthy.

That philosophy forms the foundation of O'Dwyer's new Cedar Rapids business, Prime Fitness.

'I'm in business to educate people,” she said. 'My goal is for my clients to be fit, active and mobile for as long as possible.”

Although Prime Fitness is new, O'Dwyer has prior experience as a small business owner. She previously ran a small interior painting and cleaning business for about 10 years.

After becoming a single mom of three, she decided it was time to do something different.

'I weighed the pros and cons of working for myself versus working for someone else,” she said. 'I wanted to be able to determine my own schedule and have flexibility.”

Because she always had been interested in health and fitness, O'Dwyer decided to pursue certification as a personal trainer. She became certified with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Turbulence Training, a program that is based on short exercise sessions that combine strength and interval training as well as nutritional guidance.

After receiving her certifications, O'Dwyer held Turbulence Training classes for small groups at a church. In March 2014, she attended a fitness business summit in California.

She said the networking event for fitness and health professionals jump started her own fitness career.

'Anyone who is thinking about starting their own business should seek out mentors in the same field to help them gain insight,” O'Dwyer recommended.

O'Dwyer also sought the advice of professionals in other disciplines. Her attorney suggested she consider space in the Cherry Building for the Prime Fitness studio, while her banker referred her to SCORE, a nonprofit organization that provides free business mentoring services to entrepreneurs.

'SCORE is a fantastic resource,” O'Dwyer said. 'They helped with my business plan, which was a huge key in helping me figure out which way I wanted to go.”

O'Dwyer leased a 915-square-foot space in the Cherry Building and launched Prime Fitness with a soft opening in August and a grand opening in November.

O'Dwyer admits that marketing her new business has presented the biggest challenge. She spent time and money for a booth at a wedding show only to find that the brides were more interested in dresses and flowers than personal training.

She is focused on promoting her small group training sessions, like '28 Day Flat Belly,” which starts on April 13, and obtaining a Precision Nutrition certification.

'I love challenges,” O'Dwyer said. 'This business is pushing me to constantly grow and learn.”

At a Glance

Owner: Katie O'Dwyer

Business: Prime Fitness

Address: 329 10th Ave. SE‚ Suite 318, Cedar Rapids

Phone: (319) 491-0532

Website: www.primefitnesscr.com

Know a company or manager who has been in business for less than a year that would be ideal for 'Ground Floor”? Contact George Ford at george.ford@thegazette.com.