Business Spotlight with Tony Becker from Toned Body Fitness

TRY TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AS MANY OPPORTUNITIES AS POSSIBLE

In this Success Chronicles – Business Spotlight interview, Tony Becker, owner of Toned Body Fitness, shares his personal journey from being an overweight high school student to becoming a fitness professional and business owner. With a degree in exercise and sports science from UW-La Crosse, Tony began his career working with various clients, including professional athletes and military personnel, before launching his own business in Milwaukee six years ago. He emphasizes the unique team approach at Toned Body Fitness, where staff members collaborate rather than having individual clients. The studio offers comprehensive services, including private training, group classes, boot camps, yoga, and nutrition counseling. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony’s business grew, especially through virtual training, showcasing the importance of adaptability.

Tony also reflects on the support systems that have been crucial to his success, particularly his wife, business partner, and mother, who have played significant roles in his personal and business development. He highlights the challenges of expanding his business due to high commercial real estate prices but emphasizes the importance of writing down goals, staying adaptable, and avoiding comparisons on social media. Tony shares his excitement about his new role as a Lululemon ambassador and expresses gratitude to his community and mentors for their ongoing support. Looking ahead, he is optimistic about the future growth of Toned Body Fitness and his continued impact on the fitness industry.

Podcast Transcrip:

Jackie Zach: Hello, everyone. I’m Coach Jackie Zach, and today we have Tony Becker, owner of Toned Body Fitness. Tony grew up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and struggled with weight as a child, reaching 260 pounds in high school. During the summer between his sophomore and junior year, he dropped down to 185 pounds through a strict exercise regimen. This transformation inspired Tony to pursue a career in health and fitness. He graduated from UW-La Crosse with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, with a minor in Nutrition and Strength & Conditioning. His career took him across the United States, working with professional athletes and new fitness clients. Tony has been in the health and wellness field for over 15 years and started Tone Body Fitness nearly six years ago. Outside of work, Tony enjoys traveling with his wife, spending time with their two dogs, swimming, golfing, and reading. Tony is also proud of his smoothie-making skills. Welcome, Tony! By the way, what’s your dog’s name?

Tony Becker: This is Mac. He follows me everywhere, so he’ll be with us today because of his separation anxiety.

Jackie: Oh, I love that! So, Tony, tell us a bit about your personal story.

Tony: As you mentioned, I grew up in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and struggled with weight. I was heavy as a kid but found ways to lose weight and improve my health. That led me to pursue a career in health and wellness. I went to UW-La Crosse, did an internship in Arizona, and worked with a variety of clients, including professional athletes, military personnel, and the general population. Eventually, I ended up in Milwaukee, where I worked my way up in the fitness industry. Almost six years ago, I started Tone Body Fitness, which continues to grow each year.

Jackie: That’s wonderful. So, what’s a funny story your family tells about you?

Tony: I’m kind of a goofball, so there are a lot of stories. One that always gets brought up is how I never crawled forward as a baby. I would always crawl backward, pushing my butt, and then one day, I just stood up and started walking. My family jokes about how I never learned to crawl forward.

Jackie: That’s hilarious! Now, tell us how your business came about, and when did you feel confident you could run your own business?

Tony: While working in the fitness field, I was presented with opportunities to leave it. But a group of clients encouraged me to stay. One of them even had a business plan, and that got me interested. I was already involved in operations, HR, and marketing, so I decided to take the leap and start my own business. It wasn’t about making a lot of money—it was about impacting as many people as possible. Tone Body Fitness allowed me to do that.

Jackie: That’s great. So, what makes Tone Body Fitness unique?

Tony: We’re based in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, and we focus on a team approach. Unlike many fitness studios where trainers work independently, we operate as a team. This benefits both the clients and staff. We offer a variety of services under one roof, including private training, group classes, yoga, and nutritional counseling. It’s a dynamic environment that keeps things interesting.

Jackie: That sounds amazing. Now, can you share a story about someone who inspired you and made you realize you could do it?

Tony: My biggest inspiration was my mom. She raised me as a single parent and worked two jobs to support us. She worked incredibly hard to ensure I never felt left out or inadequate, even though we didn’t have much money. Her dedication and discipline really instilled in me the values I live by today.

Jackie: That’s incredible. Your mom sounds amazing. Now that you’ve been running your business for six years, what was your biggest learning as a business owner?

Tony: The ability to adapt and pivot is crucial. COVID taught us that. We had to quickly implement virtual training, which allowed us to grow and even attract clients from all over the world. Being able to adapt and see opportunities where others might not is key to success.

Jackie: That’s very inspiring. If you had to pick three people who were most important to your business growth, who would they be?

Tony: First, my wife—she’s been my constant support from the beginning. Second, my business partner Kim, who helped me with the financials and business plan. Third, my mom, who instilled in me the discipline and hard work that have been essential to my success.

Jackie: What’s the next big thing for your business?

Tony: I was recently selected as a Lululemon ambassador. This partnership will help us grow and connect more with the community, aligning with our goals of building a healthier, stronger community through fitness and social connection.

Jackie: What do you see as the next big challenge in your business growth?

Tony: Commercial real estate prices are a big challenge right now, especially with expansion plans. Overhead costs can be a killer for small businesses, but challenges like this are part of the growth process.

Jackie: Absolutely. What advice do you have for business owners trying to do it all by themselves?

Tony: Write down your goals, don’t get stuck comparing yourself to others on social media, and be prepared to put in the work. Success takes time, and it’s important to enjoy the journey and not be afraid of challenges.

Jackie: You’ve had so many incredible people help you on your journey. What would you like to say to them?

Tony: Simply, thank you. It’s impossible to do this alone, and I’m grateful for everyone who’s been a part of my journey. I appreciate everyone who helped me get to where I am now.