Since the very first day I wandered into the East Village, the retail space being promoted on the main floors of both the First and Evolution buildings caught my eye! Now that I am finally back to Calgary for good (and had enough of jet-setting life) I have been seriously thinking about opening up another small specialty studio here in the city. This is something that I have done before (and also consulted other businesses on the process) but was inspired by what I've been learning about the East Village to seriously look into the opportunity and determine whether or not it would be the right time for me.

I am currently the Assistant Coach for the 403 Selects U18 girls volleyball team (an elite volleyball club here in the city) and also act as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the club. The goal of the 403 Selects (at the U17/U18 level) is to provide athletes with the tools to play volleyball at a post-secondary level. As a part of that strategy, I provide guidance for at-home training in addition to team training and conditioning throughout the preseason and during the club season.

In addition, this topic has come up in a handful of conversations the last few weeks with other fitness professionals and instructors who are looking to branch out on their own and have a place to build their dedicated clientele but have been challenged with the upfront capital (or lack of business training or marketing experience) to take the leap into the "entrepreneurial unknown".

As I've been thinking about this more and more and started to outline a preliminary business plan, I figured it was time to enlist in the help of my very good friends, Jamie Atlas (owner of Bonza Bodies Fitness in Denver, CO) and Pharoah Kafele (personal trainer extraordinaire from Pura Vida Fitness and Spa , also in Denver) to discuss this on our weekly podcast, Fitness Insight. This idea is still in its very early stages (and more not come to fruition) but this is the perfect time to share my thoughts and ideas and start a conversation.

As much as I don't want to admit it, the three of us have over 50 years (GULP!) of experience in all areas of the business and have also been an integral part in the development and success of some of the world's most recognized clubs, equipment and education providers and fitness brands.

To check out this week's episode of the Fitness Insight podcast (New Neighbourhood ... New Studio?) you can find us on TodaysFitnessTrainer.com (my authority website) or iTunes . If you are interested in the fitness business (the good, the bad and the ugly), or just like listening to an Aussie, CanAsian and Texan banter and talk "shop" you can check out the entire Fitness Insight podcast library!

Regardless, stay tuned and I'll share insights into the retail opportunities in the area and progress along the way!

(This post was originally published on www.sixfootcanasian.com on June 25, 2015)