Community Provides Success

RENAUD BEAUDRY, COO OF ÉCONOFITNESS, SHARES HOW HIS COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES HAS SHAPED ITS SUCCESS

COMPANY PROFILE

Number of years in business: 8 years

Head Quarter location: Blainville, Quebec

Current membership: 250,000

Number of locations in Canada: 70

To what do you attribute your success?

The success of Éconofitness stands on the community: Members and Employees. This community is strong and united.

What is your company’s mission?

With four core values: Simplicity, Respect, Fun and Cooperation, Éconofitness’ mission is to make fitness accessible. How do we do that? With super nice gyms at an incredibly low price - the majority are open 24/7. We have a platinum zone including hydromassage, massage chairs, and tanning beds. We also offer online classes and group fitness classes.

Why are you in this type of business?

My father started his first gym in 1985 in St. Jerome, Quebec. At a very young age, I was following him in the gym and in regular contact with members and employees. I started to work in the gym industry officially when I was 15. Since then, I have never stopped and I have had much experience in many areas of the business: HR, Operations, and Marketing.

Where do you see your business over the next one to five years?

After two years of the pandemic, Éconofitness is back on its growth plan realisation. We have opened three clubs this past fall in Gatineau, Quebec City, and Trois-Rivières. Our goal is to reach 100 clubs and 500,000 members.

Do you currently compete or plan to compete in the global market place?

Our mission is to service the Quebecois and we plan to focus on La Belle Province. This is where we are from and the people we are committed to making fitness accessible to.

How has your business leveraged technology / innovative solutions to conduct and drive for results?

Our business is based on automation and technology. Most of the amenities in our gyms are RFID activated, from massage chairs to showers and afterhours access. We also offer digital training services (fitness classes, how to, WOD) through our YouTube channel.

How have you surrounded yourself with mentors/coaches during your career journey?

My dad is my coach, mentor, and advisor. I trust his experience and he always showed me how to make the best decisions. I also work with a business coach who helps me to set goals and plan to achieve them. Finally, I can count on a great network with plenty of seasoned individuals with broad experience in the fitness industry. So many good conversations that make me grow daily. I try to surround myself with clever people to make sure I do not stall.

What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneurs in the industry?

Surround yourself with the best people. Be ready to learn and grow, daily. Be humble and work hard. Smile and have fun, always.

What has been your greatest success and how has it shaped your business?

What makes me proud is the team that Elyse Perron, Vice President of Éconofitness, and I, have put together. We have the best team to make fitness accessible and members happy. We care about the people and this is what makes the business successful.

What makes your company different from the competition?

What makes us different is the community. People love Éconofitness because it is friendly, fun, cheap, and accessible. It is just what people want: an affordable no-judgement gym.

What is your contribution to the Canadian Fitness Industry?

During the pandemic, I worked closely with the Quebec coalition of Fitness Industry Canada to develop and maintain government and industry relations.

How has canfitpro impacted your pursuit in the Fitness Industry?

canfitpro conferences have always been helpful in making relations with industry leaders and learning from them.