In alignment…
2014… 2015
We have evolved… It was not abrupt or disruptive
CrossFit…
It’s in our name, but what it means to us is not the norm…
Strength & Conditioning…
- -it’s not testing every day
- -it’s not us making you suffer or survive
- -it’s not random
- -it’s not a power trip
Our approach has been a smooth evolution… a simple transition back to the true principles of Strength & Conditioning… leaving the fanatical, win at all costs, “go as fast as you can go” mentality in the rearview mirror… but those of us in the driver’s seat know when it’s time to use the blinker and make a safe turn down the road of testing, implementing speed and infusing intensity.
2008 – 2015
RedShed has been around for a very long time (in relative “CrossFit” terms). From the time we started in that tiny garage until now, more than 100 CrossFit gyms opened in our “area”… and several of which are no longer in business. More and more are opening each month, but the trend is very different now. In the past year, I have witnessed new athletes coming to us in high numbers, excited to start learning and training… now they come to us in a trickle, very intimidated, worried about getting injured or looking for the cheapest "deal". A scary trend for a business owner… gets me thinking…
Why are we still in business??, and the other question is how the hell can so many CrossFits survive in one area? Well, I like to look at it like a row of car dealerships along the highway. You may have a Honda dealership, next to Toyota, which is next to Subaru, which is next to Chevrolet, and then finally Mercedes Benz… but the Mercedes dealer is on the corner or at the end of the row… strategic??
Most people who drive a certain car are going to stay loyal to that brand… but what if your loyal Honda dealership treats you poorly or no longer continues to provide you with a quality product? Well then you can just go next door and buy a Toyota, or a Subaru or Chevy… you get my drift. Those dealerships don’t care if you don’t buy a car from them because they know someone else is going to walk in after you and buy one. CrossFit gyms “now” are very much like this… price wars, gimmicks and groupons, and “free” instructional classes… none of which are in alignment with a customer who is looking for improved health & wellness. To me, it seems like that alignment doesn’t matter… all that matters is getting people in the door and taking their money… and the customers just want the fastest, cheapest deal.
Back to the dealerships… (car dealership or fitness dealership?)
The one dealership at the end of the row… Mercedes Benz… that’s the one people drive past for a lot of reasons. It’s too expensive, the perception of snobby ownership, just not ready for that kind of commitment, etc. But why and how do they stay in business? You see a lot more Chevys and Toyotas than you do Mercedes Benzes! I believe it’s because of a simple concept… one that should be at the forefront of any Strength & Conditioning Facility (CrossFit Gym). Mercedes is in complete alignment with their customers… and they create customers for life!
- Superior product knowledge
- Confidence in their product and how it is manufactured
- Exceptional customer service and appreciation
- Understanding their place and position in the market
- Honest communication with no hidden agendas
Value vs. Valuable
Apply this simple concept to CrossFit Gyms in the area…
Now think of yourself, fitness, health & wellness and create the analogy…
… are you looking to get a great lease deal every month… or are you finally ready to commit to a lifetime of awesomeness? Are you a Honda, or a Mercedes Benz?
RedShed. We are what we are… (I don’t need to finish this sentence… I think you see where I am going with this!)
Call me crazy… I don’t care! And I don’t care what other gyms do, what they charge or don’t charge, or how they program or claim to put icing on your cakes.
I believe in my gut that being in alignment is what separates us from the rest… and it’s why we are the best.
Apply that to all aspects of your life and watch as balance is created, happiness is manufactured and appreciation for your blessings becomes obvious and apparent to you every day.
Nice words CPJ! So very true.
Michael and I are truly grateful that we found you guys. I can’t articulate enough how much the Shed has taught us to be kind to ourselves: in body and mind…and spirit. I am so thankful that we have our health and that Cuz is throwing everything in his arsenal so that sickness will never return. You have played integral part in God’s plan in rebuilding a man.
Thank you.
Though, I must say I prefer Jaguars over Benzs.