(Newswire.net — September 8, 2014) Vancouver, Wa — The Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce announced today that Victor Fitness (Personal Fitness in Vancouver, Wa) has been nominated as one of the “5 new start-ups to watch” for its annual best in class awards, held at the Vancouver Hilton, Sep 9th, 2014.
The nomination, announced yearly to the 5 businesses that have demonstrated a number of both objective and subjective criteria joins nominations for several other best in class awards that also includes Statesman of the Year Award, and finally, an individual Community Champion Award. All finalists will be featured at the Chamber’s Annual “Officer Installation and Awards Event.” where the award recipients in each category will be revealed.
For Victor Fitness Systems Inc. president, Bill Victor, the nomination represents how much has changed since he began his business out of a 10 x 10ft room in downtown Ridgefield, WA – a town whose only major intersection is still governed by one stop light. “I feel extremely honored to be in the company of so many successful and benevolent organizations who have also been nominated for this award” he said.
Victor’s business has seen its share of challenges as it has grown from the early days 10 years ago when it was a one-trainer shop called “A Higher Bound.” It still remains as he says a “daily battle” to take his company to the next level. Victor was quick to point out that in a world where timing plays a key role in many outcomes, his had much to be desired. “When the corporate world from which I came, was no longer a viable option to me, I decided to put my M.S. in Exercise Sciences to work. Unfortunately, there was no way to anticipate that I was at the front edge of an economy that began to free-fall within a month of opening my business.”
His journey initially began, working at what he describes as a “big box” gym, where he was able to see aspects of the fitness business that he liked, and others that he made a note he would change if given the chance. One thing noticeably absent from his upscale, 3,500 s.f. facility are the mirrors seen in many fitness centers. “I have arrived at the conclusion that people use mirrors to either celebrate themselves for how good they look, or beat themselves down for not looking as good as they want to. Both of these mindsets are something we try to get away from” he said. “In the end, our goal is to provide an environment that fosters positive encouragement, belief that wellness goals can be achieved and that ultimately, a person’s life can be changed as well.”
While getting the business started was a one-man-show, Victor takes pride in his staff that he credits for the companies increasing appeal. “My staff is the heart-beat of our business, and one that I am very proud of. I am frequently approached by our clients about the positive interactions they have with our team members.” Additionally, he stated that there is no subset of the population that his staff is incapable to work with. “We work with an incredibly diverse population. This includes top-notch scholastic athletes, those with functional disabilities, weight-loss, and seniors. Our greatest strength is that we also know our limitations, and refer those clients to other medical professionals including surgeons, physical therapists and other medical specialists.”
The philosophy at Victor Fitness is built around community – something that has always been a part of Victor’s vision. “I wanted to open up a fitness training facility where people could not only see improvements in their health but also where they could network and meet other professionals or vendors whose services would be beneficial.”
Despite the changes in national economy and poor timing, Victor didn’t hesitate to point out how much he has enjoyed the ride. “For 22 years there was never I day that I enjoyed my work.
Since opening our fitness program, there hasn’t been a day that I don’t enjoy my work.”
For this trainer and his team, the journey has been a radical departure, from the days working in a shoe-box sized room, in a one-stoplight town.
About Victor Fitness
Victor Fitness changes people’s lives through motivation, education and inspiration with an emphasis on helping all those whom we work to minimize or eliminate physical barriers they once considered insurmountable.