‘At Pinnacle, we take the health and
wellbeing of our clients to another level,’
explains owner Ben Stallworthy. ‘We
have a steadfast commitment to help
all our clients reach their goals and
maintain optimal health and fitness for
life.’
‘We’re a community that is always
ready to go the extra mile,’ adds Emma.
‘We provide the platform, tools, and
motivation that deliver the results our
clients strive towards, as well as helping
each other discover the path towards
life-long health, wellbeing and fitness.
Our approach to all our clients is
welcoming, supportive and personally
engaging. We believe these qualities
will allow them respite whilst they’re with
us, and confidence when they’re going
about their day-to-day lives.’
WNIF: What first inspired you to
become gym owners?
BEN: To be honest, it wasn’t the usual
pathway to becoming a gym owner.
What inspired me was the opportunity to
own my own business and the potential I
could see in Pinnacle. Health and fitness
has always been my passion so this was
a bonus, but not the driving force. At
22
the time the business was presented to
me, I was looking for opportunities to
break away from my job and looking
for a chance to lead and grow my own
business. It was by pure luck that the
first opportunity presented to me was
Pinnacle Health Club. My inspiration
changed after acquiring the club.
I’m now inspired by the impact we
are making on so many lives. We live
and breathe our vision of helping our
members, staff and community to truly
discover their potential.
WNIF: What are your thoughts on
franchise options for wannabe
fitness club owners?
BEN: Franchises can be a good option
for someone starting out in business,
as they have done a lot of the hard
work for you. However make sure you
get the right advice before going into
a franchise model and keep in mind,
they often come with a hefty initial and
ongoing price tag. Be sure to do your
due diligence. Find out how successful
the current franchisees are. How flexible
is the model? Does the franchise align
to your own values? And is it sustainable
for your future passion and plans? In
my opinion, regardless of how great
the systems of a franchise are, it’s the
people who manage your club that will
have the biggest impact on the overall
success of the venture.
WNIF: How do you think your young
age has been advantageous and
how has it been challenging during
your journey to business success?
BEN: In the early years of business I
would be lying if I said I didn’t use my
age to wheel and deal the best possible
rates out of suppliers, for things like
renovations, fitness equipment and
upgrades to our clubs! You know, playing
that ‘I’m just a young guy starting out’
card – and it worked!
The biggest challenge with being a
young business owner, was gaining
finance with banks for growth. In the
early years I had to take on some
aggressive pay back loan terms and
high interest rates, just to get started.
WNIF: What has been your greatest
business challenge to date, and how
did you overcome it?
BEN: It had been two years into owning
Pinnacle Health Club when I was
approached by a large developer who
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