Through the Eyes of a Small Business Owner

Exercise & Fitness

by Jennifer Nastasi Guzelak

The coronavirus pandemic has had dire impacts on the U.S. economy, delivering a devastating blow for hundreds of thousands of restaurants, stores and other small businesses across the country. Many found themselves suddenly cut off from their customers as Americans self-quarantine from the lethal pandemic.

Small businesses have been hit especially hard by the crisis, as they often have fewer resources to draw on during a shut-down. The painful and uncertain impact of the coronavirus on small business owners is staggering and likely to be substantial. These owners, like many others, are being forced to take drastic measures to prepare to re-open, and many are fearful about their futures.

Just a couple of months ago, business at Champions Fitness Center was fantastic. Everything was going according to plan and the future looked bright. Today, just weeks later, owner Christy Callahan finds herself looking out to an empty parking lot without any certainty as to what the future will hold.

Since 1990, Champions Fitness Center has been providing health and wellness services to the Syracuse community. Known for its friendly staff and countless amenities, Champions Fitness Center has many patrons who have been a part of the gym’s “family” for years.

For many, the gym is an escape from the daily grind - the stresses of everyday life. Many people depend on that daily workout to maintain their mental and physical well-being. “Whether it’s a group fitness class with your favorite instructor, a personal training session with one of our highly certified personal trainers, a swim in the pool, or just a great workout on your own in our 26,000 sq. foot facility, we have something to offer everyone, and everyone is welcome,” says Callahan.

Since 1990, Champions Fitness Center has been providing health and wellness services to the Syracuse community.

On March 16th, when Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered all gyms and fitness centers to shut-down, however, everything changed. “Iremember how I felt when I got the news. I was overwhelmed with emotion - anger, fear, anxiety and sadness - to name only a few. Up until that point, I really thought we could stay one step ahead of this,” Ms. Callahan said.

Champions was one of the many local businesses which had made it a point to step up their cleaning protocols in the wake of the breaking news of the Covid-19 pandemic. Keeping the health of the members and the community in the forefront, they had all of the staff closely following the guidelines that were implemented by the CDC, the WHO, local authorities, and physicians. “We were vigilant and adhered respectfully to their recommendations,” says Callahan.

With no other choice, members and staff were notified, and Champions closed their doors at 8 pm that evening for an undetermined amount of time. “I involuntarily laid off our entire team,” says Callahan.

“On the bright side,” she continued, I am completely humbled and in awe at the number of people in our community who have stepped up to do whatever they

could to help. When we initially shut down, one anonymous gym patron purchased Wegmans gift cards to be distributed amongst all of our employees, another built us a new weight rack, and many members requested that we NOT freeze their membership fees, suggesting that we give that money to any employees in need. Due to new social distancing recommendations, I needed several pieces of plexiglass in preparation for our re-opening. Two of our members who used to own a local business not only helped me find what I needed at a reasonable price; they also volunteered their time to help make them to the specifications required. All of these selfless deeds definitely don’t go unnoticed.

Thankfully, federal, state,

and local governments are starting to come to the rescue of small businesses, and some community efforts are helping, too. “We will take it day by day, continue to monitor things closely, and make adjustments as needed based on what we are faced with. My worry is not (my husband) Jeff and I as much as it is my members, my employees, and their families,” Callahan said.

Christy Callahan looking out over an empty parking lot wondering about the future for small business everywhere.

State governors and economic agencies are working with the SBA to provide low-interest loans for small-business owners and private nonprofits financially impacted as a direct result of COVID-19.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will provide working capital loans of up to $2 million. It will help impacted businesses meet financial obligations and operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. These

loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster.

The coronavirus-related stimulus legislation signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020 offers small businesses SBA-backed loans to pay for basic expenses. The owners won’t have to repay portions spent on paying employees, a mortgage, rent or utilities. The banks lending the money will be reimbursed for those portions by the Treasury Department, which is receiving $377 billion to fund the program.

“I am very concerned about the economic impact of COVID-19 and I am still stunned by the magnitude this pandemic has had on our country, our community, and our club,” says Callahan. In Conclusion: The day when restaurants, stores, and other small businesses can re-open is just around the corner. Until then, they will continue to support one another, keep their customers in the forefront, and use their time productively.

“I have customers contacting me daily asking when they will be able to come back. Unfortunately, the only thing I can do to ease their stress is listen to their concerns, freeze membership dues, and send up to date re-opening notices. Believe me, as soon as I hear something it will be passed along to my members.”

“My advice to other small business owners would be to hang in there, and hope that when this is over, people and business will come back stronger than ever. Until then, be thankful for your health, and stay active,” says Callahan.

I have been a personal trainer for over eighteen years and I absolutely love what I do. I honestly feel that I have one of the best jobs out there! The most rewarding part of my profession is helping one of my clients succeed at reaching their personal fitness goals. Making a difference in someone’s life makes it all worthwhile. I am currently certified by the National Sports Conditioning Association, Apex Fitness Group, and the International Sports Science Association.

Christy and her daughter