Somers Business Spotlight: Helping Clients Get in Shape

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Carla Braca.

Business: Westchester Adventure Boot Camp
Owners: Carla Braca
Website: http://www.westchesterbootcamp.com
Address: 82 Primrose St, Katonah (May thru October). 245 Route 100, Somers (November thru April)

How did you come up with the name?
Nothing creative here....boot camp classes in Westchester. :) The name just made sense.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
I was a Somers resident, and personal trainer at New York Sports Club in Somers. I wanted to have a bigger impact on the health of my community.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Health & Fitness

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
I am responsible for every aspect of my business, but I think the hardest part would be figuring out retirement and healthcare. As small business owners, we have to plan for these things on our own. Healthcare is expensive, and we don’t have company-matched 401k’s.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
Pretty much same as above, as I think that’s the biggest issue.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Hearing the ladies I train tell me I have changed their lives. There’s nothing better.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Maybe an idea or two has come up on ways to change the work out, but I don’t really have employees, and I’m the one to come up with the ideas for the work outs.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
Make them do burpees. :)

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
I’m always looking for ways to give back. I often donate month of boot camp for raffle or auction. Sometimes I’m asked to lead a group in a warm up for a walk-a-thon or something as well.