ABOUT SEAN
Sean Solon lives in Langley, BC and has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years. "Fitness is our life" He described, stating that fitness is a huge part of his family, work and a huge passion of his.
Sean got his start in the fitness industry as a strength and conditioning / athlete development coach, after his junior football career. "That’s where my passion for fitness really blossomed." he said, also noting that he worked with a variety of clients from youth to professional athletes.
Following training these individuals he noticed a trend, many clients were expressing interest in having a gym in their home. Sean quickly developed a love for designing fitness areas. He would source fitness equipment that best suited his clients, focusing on what would be best for them in terms of functionality and space. This led to Sean working in the role as Regional Sales Manager for Matrix Fitness in Western Canada.
Sean is excited to join Fitness Experience in the role of Director of Commercial Sales, bringing clients a complete offering from the fitness industries leading brands.
FITNESS BACKGROUND APPLIED TO COMMERCIAL SALES
Sean's diverse background in the fitness industry helps him serve his clients with extra insight. Sean mentioned that he realized there are a lot of different types of equipment to serve different areas and sometimes not what he naturally has a bias to. “This is important to consider, because when you're choosing equipment for a facility it's hard not to be drawn to certain pieces that you like personally, but understanding the different demographic needs is crucial in facility design” says Sean.
"When I consult with facility coordinators for recreation centers or corporate wellness centers, I have a lot of insight I can lend from the business side. I can provide information to support their business case of why they would want to purchase this equipment. In addition, being able to discuss the type of business model to use moving forward, after the facility is created, in order to create return on the investment for the facility." - Sean Solon
MARKET SPECIALIZATION
When asked about markets that he feels he strives in, Sean says "When I consult with facility coordinators for recreation centers or corporate wellness centers, I have a lot of insight I can lend from the business side. I can provide information to support their business case of why they would want to purchase this equipment. In addition, being able to discuss the type of business model to use moving forward, after the facility is created, in order to create return on the investment for the facility."
PRODUCTS THAT EXCITE SEAN
The performance plus treadmill is at the top of my list! Being about to see it, touch it, try it makes me want to get as many of my clients as possible on it so they can experience the same thing. It’s like running on clouds, there are so many features and benefits for this product that excite me, it’s a really amazing treadmill and I just want to shout it from the rooftops.
"The new virtual training cycle is another product I’m really excited about. It will be a connected indoor cycle for the commercial market that’s head and toes above everyone else, as well as the connective solution. That’s where that industry is going from a connective stand point and this is a really great product to put in facilitates."
IS THERE SOMETHING THAT CLIENTS OFTEN OVERLOOK WHEN PLANNING A FACILITY?
One factor that is often overlooked would be the maintenance and preparing for challenges that may come up operationally. Once the equipment is installed, is there a plan in place for seeking support when equipment needs maintenance? There are so many things involved in running their business on top of the type of equipment they will use. I try to prepare them for what kind of maintenance they may need, serviceability and what they may encounter down the road. But also looking at the equipment as a tool in their overall business case.
There are two main things when opening a facility, one is passion: saying “hey I love fitness and I want everyone to train at the best facility” so that’s the emotional side and then there’s the business logic: you’re taking on a lease, you’ll be responsible for business improvements, so remove the emotion of loving fitness and what is your business plan? I try to prepare them for all the areas that this equipment can increase their revenue, engagement, and retention of their members.
CHANGES IN FACILITY DESIGN REGARDING COVID-19
The main factors that now require more consideration would be spacing, cleanliness, hygiene and more attention to the types of cleaning products we’re using.
I’m optimistic that people will come back quite fast. We have to take this as an opportunity to consider how we look at the industry as a whole and ask ourselves if we can think differently. How can we change the traditional rows of cardio and encourage more engagement? I think inclusiveness is going to change, with more people desiring that connection with people at their facility.
