Secret of My Success: Joseph Englander, PTI

As we approach the end of another year, there are two things we can count on: the perennial New Year’s resolutions and an uptick in people who vow to get in shape.

For the latter, certainly options abound. Selecting the right place to jump start a fitness regiment or to continue one already in motion depends on what you’re looking for. You can go major chains or you can work with a team of exercise physiologists, registered dietitians, a personal trainer and nutritionist like at PTI, the . Joseph Englander is the owner of PTI on North Avenue, a franchise he has owned since June of 2010.

“On my 40th birthday I joined a gym, on my 41st I bought one,” said Englander.

With an MBA from Columbia Business School, this married father of three boys left a career in financial services to pursue an entrepreneurial dream. PTI offers one-to-one personal training and nutrition to men and women of all ages.

During a time when the American economy is struggling, many people have still answered the call to entrepreneurship, and Englandler is one who heeded the call. Recently, Patch had the opportunity to pose some questions to the recharged—and fit—Mr. Englander:

Why did you choose this as your business?
On my 40th birthday, while still employed in financial services, I decided to finally take control of my health and joined a gym. I was fortunate that the owner took an interest in me, helped me move beyond walking on the treadmills and asked me every day what I had for breakfast. Then I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with a personal trainer for several months. When I was introduced to PTI, I immediately understood that the core concept of one-to-one fitness and nutrition was a formula for success.

How did you get started in your business?
I had always wanted to own my own business. After losing my job in November of 2009, I sharpened my focus on this dream. The PTI franchise in New Rochelle was for sale, and after looking at several other businesses, I decided this would be a good way to get started on an entrepreneurial path. It was also a great way to continue getting in shape. Most people need a lot of motivation to go exercise. I needed so much motivation I had to buy a gym.

What was your toughest challenge to overcome?
Getting the word out to people who might not consider personal training, thinking it is too expensive or exclusive. Many people belong to a gym. A lot of them don't go. Of the people who do go, a lot of them don't know what they are doing. Of the people who know what they are doing, many can't push themselves hard enough to make a difference. We get you to come, you don't need to know what you are doing, and we push you hard enough to get results.

What's the thing you like most about your business?
I love hearing clients tell me how they feel better, look better and can do things they never imagined they would be able to do. That they ran a mile for the first time, that they lost two dress sizes, that they tell their friends about PTI. I also love working with the great people I am fortunate to have been able to hire.

What's the thing you dislike the most about your business?
That I have to charge for our service. Exercise and nutrition are critical to looking and feeling your best. I wish we could provide it for free. Even so, I believe what people get for their money at PTI is more than they can get anyplace else.

What makes you different from your competition?
We know that most people join a gym with the best of intentions. They'll make their monthly donation, walk on the treadmills, maybe try some machines. They will go every day in January. Every other day in February. A few times in March. Well, you know the rest.

At PTI, we have a different approach. Our affordable combination of Personal Training and Nutrition Counseling gives our clients the results and motivation to come all year long.

What suggestions would you have for someone who wants to go into business today?
Do your homework but know that there will be surprises. It's not easy finding great employees and getting clients is not as simple as putting an ad in the newspaper.

What is the secret to your success?
Results. Our clients come, they get results, their friends notice, and they tell them about PTI. PTI is big enough to have everything a client needs to get in shape but is small enough to not be intimidating. We are totally focused on our clients and every workout is with a personal trainer. We don't have classes, we don't put you on a team in a contest environment, we don't give you five minutes of instruction and let you go figure out the rest. We want you to come because the people who come get results and tell their friends. I want to be the Cheers of gyms. A gym where everybody knows your name.

Personal Training Institute
1293 North Ave., New Rochelle
914-740-4118

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article had an incorrect spelling of Joseph Englander's last name. Patch regrets the error.