When equipping your space, you’re doing so from an operator’s point of view. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find an equipment partner that had that vantage point, as well? Here, Harut Tovmasyan, the co-founder and CEO of EPX Elite Performance, explains how Aktiv Solutions knew exactly what the gym needed when equipping for functional spaces.
CS: How were you introduced to Aktiv Solutions, and why did you decide to partner with them?
HT: We reached out directly to Bryan Green, their CEO and founder. Roy Paras (co-founder/president of EPX) and Bryan are both California State University, Northridge alumni and Aktiv designed the incredible student recreation facility on campus.
Aktiv understood the training space from an operator’s vantage point. We knew what we wanted from an exercise functionality and equipment perspective, but Aktiv showed us how to design the space and bring it to life. It was easy to collaborate in their process and we felt heard. We’re very proud of the facility and it continues to evolve.
CS: What are the benefits to your business as a result of this partnership?
HT: We have a unique training facility in terms of its functionality and look. It’s great to have a strong visual impact on people before they even learned about our program. Everyone that walks into EPX absolutely loves it. We are grateful for the care and expertise we’ve gained from the Aktiv team and they have honestly been available for us every step of the way. They have also helped us further promote our brand with their strong social media presence.
CS: What are the benefits to your members as a result of this partnership?
HT: Ultimately our facility design has allowed us to be the best version of EPX every day. Our staff is energized coming to work, our members feel like they are part of our community, and we get to focus on the training — not a regret on how we could have made the gym even better. We have the ultimate playground here.
CS: Have you been pleasantly surprised by working with Aktiv Solutions in any way?
HT: In building the business from scratch we had so many things to be concerned with. Our space plan and equipment was fortunately not one of them. I think the most pleasant surprise is that after nearly a year’s time, the traffic flow and feel of the facility continue to just work. Bryan’s team exudes professionalism and they definitely shared the same passion and energy we had in helping us bring the vision of EPX to life. We’ve purchased equipment from several of the big manufacturers over time. There’s lots of good products out there, but it’s difficult to find sales reps that truly understand the personal and group training environment and how to design it versus fill it with equipment.
CS: What else can you tell other club owners about the benefits of working with Aktiv Solutions?
HT: They truly understand the importance of gym design, aesthetically and functionally, and how it directly relates to having a successful business. They care. We just felt comfortable from the start and would happily recommend them to anyone. The funny thing is, we never even spent our entire budget. We kept thinking we needed more equipment and they showed us how to actually accommodate more clients with less products. We actually were able to increase our small group training capacity beyond our projections for the size of the space. Overall, just a really good experience and we are already thinking about our next facility.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
