Limerick Business Leader: ‘No egos – just a really fun experience’ at new city gym

Tell us a little about Energie Fitness Limerick:

Energie Fitness Limerick is going to be a members’ gym where clients can come in to a friendly environment and workout with highly qualified staff and an electric atmosphere in the city centre. We will be based at Unit One, Abbey River Court in the Island Road. Energie Fitness is all about fitness and fun: sweat and smile. No egos – just a really fun experience. We are built on affordable value and high service. We will be offering two strands of membership – €19.99, and €24.99. Both are available on direct debit, and unlike other gyms, you can cancel when you wish. Opening in late February, we will employ five people.

What does your own role entail?

My own role in Energie Fitness is the club manager. I oversee everything: clients signing up, enquiries and the day-to-day gym management duties. It’s my first time in a role like this, and it’s exciting. I’m blessed to have a great team behind me. We are currently in what we call the pre sale so its very hectic arranging meetings with companies and prospective areas within the city trying to get our brand out there. But it has been a very enjoyable experience so far!

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in Shannon town, but I class myself as a Limerick man, as my father is from here. I guess I’ve followed suit. At present, I live in Shannon with my girlfriend Leah Arthurs. But we are hoping to move into our own place in the city.

What is your educational background?

After completing my Leaving Certificate at St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, I  attended the Limerick College of Further Education for a short stint in music and radio presentation. I had a great time in that college and still chat to friends from my class today.

The fitness journey started with my best friend Ger Raleigh. Myself and himself enrolled into the National Council of Education Fitness at the University of Limerick. To be honest, the course was mental! But I made so many friends and contacts in the fitness industry who I still talk to and trade ideas with today.

After a short stint with Goodlife Fitness in Toronto in Canada, I wanted to continue to educate myself and a couple of my fitness colleagues recommended Setanta College at LIT Thurles. There, I enrolled in the personal training and strength and conditioning course, where I thoroughly enjoyed the lectures. The team there really opened my eyes to the modern trends in fitness and down to earth style of fitness teaching practices.

How did you get to where you are today?

I came from a retail background initially, with Lifestyle Sports in Shannon. I worked day in and day out, and realised I wanted to further my education and work on myself physically.  I was overweight and went for a few personal training sessions but I didn’t like how they went. I felt like there had to be more then just running on a treadmill.

So I studied my own body and what worked for me: I was basically my own case study before I went to college and this helped me immensely. I kind of stumbled into the fitness industry by doing a Job Bridge scheme in a local gym where I worked with some incredible trainers that gave me some great tools and guidance in this industry. From there, I went to Toronto for a short stint before returning home to Ireland to set up my own personal training business before taking the leap to join Energie Fitness.

Why did you decide to join the company?

I am a leader: I always tend to lead by example – your classic Taurus! To be honest I can be hard headed at times so I thought I would be the captain of my own ship for a while. I enjoyed a successful personal training business in Shannon  – I was on our daily evening walk with Leah and this opportunity came up to apply for Energie Fitness and she guided me towards it. I was unsure about taking the step but thankfully she told me to go for it and here I am today!

What are your goals for the next 12 months?

I would like to see Energie Fitness thrive and be successful  in the city. I’d like to be a great manager and a trainer that people are excited to work with and I would like to employ people similar to me. I’d also like to be living full time in the city with my partner and fit in a bit of traveling too.

Who do you admire in business?

Vincent Kennedy McMahon. He is the owner of what people would know as WWE American professional wrestling. He’s also an American Football executive and businessman. I think Vince is the complete business man who has had a product for over 30 years while keeping it relevant and making lots of money!

In business and life, are you guided by any particular motto?

Mike Boyle said if you are the smartest guy in the room, the chances are you are in the wrong room. I liked this a lot it says to me to keep studying keep progressing keep challenging yourself - don’t settle. Always push for more.

Away from work, what are your pastimes and hobbies?

I am a massive sports fan: I play American football with the UL Vikings in Limerick which I love. The coaches Glenn Carr, Wally and Ciaran have been amazing teaching me the game and the love for it! I also enjoy watching the NFL with my brothers and friends, and going to Thomond Park with my father, friends, and girlfriend. On my days off, I love walking with my dog Buster, and my partner’s pups Samson and Freija.