Lifejourney of Pedro Simao: Gymrat to Global Tycoon
Exploring the Visionary Path of Pedro Simao, the Pioneer Behind Fitness Factory - Altering Lifestyles Across Gyms Nationwide
We kicked off the discussion by asking, "Tell us your background and the story behind your company."
Pedro Simao shared his inspiring journey, "**I got my start in fitness management back in '99, taking up a gig at a small hotel gym. I've got a Bachelor's in Physical Education and a post-grad in Gymnasiums Management under my belt. In '05, I opened my first gym in my humble hometown, followed by Group Balance Company's debut in 2007. This bad boy was the first Balance Club in the town of Caldas da Rainha, a quaint spot boasting 25k residents and 60km north of Lisbon.
In 2015, I launch Fitness Factory, the first Smart Cost gym in Portugal, right in the same town. Currently, I'm heading up the Fitness Factory's international expansion, while still serving as the CEO of Balance Company. This past year saw the necessity for a virtual class platform phenomenon, VEO. It eventually grew to become our first fully online gym.
The Fitness Factory's expansion journey happens through the Franchising model, and 2023 marked our big international leap, kicking off with the inauguration of our first gym in India (Chennai). That same year, the company gobbled up 100% of Vivafit (Gym Ladies Only) and Personal 20 in Portugal (electro-stimulation). Today, we're present in 3 continents, 5 countries, and are operating an impressive 62 units.**
When it comes to what I stand for, one word that sums it up best is Trust.
The Goalkeeper: Pedro Simao's Ambitions
When asked about goals, He said, "Back in the day, I wanted to open a handful of gyms in the area. In 2015, after opening the Fitness Factory and embracing franchising, I seized the opportunity to scale, with the idea of conquest always staying within the borders of Portugal. However, from 2023 onwards, I changed my perspective with the opening of our first India gym. That step forced me to rethink the concept of objectives!
My vision now is to build gyms under our five brands – Fitness Factory, Vivafit, Balance Club, FT30, and P20 – in as many locations as possible. We aim to create an impact by setting gyms up in underserved areas and making fitness accessible to all.**"
Pitstops and Pushups: Overcoming Leadership Obstacles
We asked, "What were the biggest challenges you faced during your leadership journey?" and Pedro replied, " Navigating the closing of our gyms during the pandemic was a nerve-wracking experience, especially since it coincided with the last few weeks of my youngest daughter's pregnancy. Managing a surging network of franchisees who were relying on us to keep their gyms afloat was an additional challenge. It was a tough, stressful time, but it taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptability."
Fitness Function: How Fitness Factory Stands Apart
When probed about Fitness Factory's strengths, Pedro emphasized, "Our trials! It's due to the processes we've developed that we are able to create resilient teams and operate profitably in low-population cities. Add to that our adaptability and resource management prowess, and you've got a brand capable of crushing it anywhere and anytime."
From Zero to Infinity: Pedro's Life-Changing Journey
To learn about how Pedro began Fitness Factory, we asked, "What led you to start Fitness Factory?" He responded, "** I noticed a gap in the market in my hometown: there were no gyms with affordable prices and quality facilities. With Fitness Factory, I filled that void, letting customers choose their desired add-ons on top of the basic gym membership."
Steering the Ship: Riding the Waves of Leadership
"What key values help you navigate challenges?" we posed, to which Pedro responded, " Credibility, Efficiency, Security, Transparency, and Agility are the values at the heart of everything we do. One particularly unforgettable experience that demonstrated these values was my decision to close all our clubs two days before the government enforced the first lockdown due to Covid-19. It was a lonely decision, but one that aligned with our values."
Magic in the Making: Pedro Simao's Vision for Fitness Factory's Future
When we inquired about the future, Pedro shared, "Our transformation has only just begun! In the next two years, we'll see the company grow domestically and internationally, necessitating a redefinition of roles and the implementation of processes to manage the ensuing complexity. My role will be about understanding the shifting landscape and empowering my team leaders to thrive."
Changing Lives: Pedro Simao's Invitation to Fitness and Beyond
In the end, we asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to share with our audience?" Pedro exclaimed, "Fitness Factory is already shaping the world! We're going from stronghold to stronghold, from town to town. If you've got a Fitness Factory near you, don't hesitate to give it a shot. If there's none, reach out and let us know you want to be more active, healthier, and happier – we'll make it happen!"
Connect with Pedro Simao on LinkedinDiscover Fitness Factory more at www.fitnessfactory.pt
Read more exclusive interviews with Dr. Sonakshi Ruhela and Dr. Usama Shaharyar on our site!
- Pedro Simao's background includes a Bachelor's in Physical Education and a post-grad in Gymnasiums Management, starting in fitness management at a small hotel gym in '99.
- Pedro Simao's company, Fitness Factory, is a Smart Cost gym that incorporates technology, aiming to make fitness accessible and affordable to all.
- In sports, Pedro Simao's vision is to build gyms under five brands in as many locations as possible, creating an impact by setting gyms up in underserved areas.
- In business, Pedro Simao's leadership obstacles included navigating the closure of gyms during the pandemic and managing a surging network of franchisees.
- Pedro Simao's values in leadership are credibility, efficiency, security, transparency, and agility, which led him to make tough decisions like closing all clubs before the Covid-19 lockdown.