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Lauren, Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC: Advize Career Interview
A Sacramento State liberal studies graduate, the gym owner of Tricks Sacramento LLC, built a thriving business through proactive networking and strong leadership skills honed during college internships and classroom experiences.
The journey involved developing impactful lesson plans and fostering teamwork, translating directly into a multifaceted role managing daily operations, HR, and safety compliance.
Success required mastering direct communication, prioritizing staff and client needs, and cultivating a supportive work environment.
Despite the challenges of work-life balance, the owner finds immense fulfillment in mentoring young staff, witnessing children's growth, and collaborating within a supportive industry.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn invaluable lessons from this journey, including the importance of building external support networks, navigating "friend vs. manager" dynamics, and the power of self-belief and hard work in overcoming initial fears.
The path to success in the gymnastics industry, or any field, involves strategic networking, active engagement, and embracing the rewarding nature of mentorship and impactful leadership.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Wright
Gym Owner
Tricks Sacramento LLC
Sacramento State University
N/A
Ethnic & Related Studies
Sports
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
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Career Path Of A Teacher At Sacramento State
Sac State's large liberal studies program and credentialing opportunities provided Lauren with valuable networking and career pathways, although the smaller school size required proactive effort to build relationships; the experience fostered meaningful connections with professors who invested in their students' success beyond graduation, demonstrated by Lauren's continued contact with them post-college.
Main Responsibilities of a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC
Lauren's career path began with a liberal studies degree from Sacramento State, where internships and classroom experience working with children of various ages provided a strong foundation. The development of lesson plans and teamwork fostered "a strong sense of leadership," skills crucial for their current role as a gym owner, where collaboration is key to success.
A Day In The Life Of A Gym Owner At Tricks Sacramento
As both manager and owner of Tricks Sacramento LLC, Lauren prioritizes "leading by example" and fostering a supportive environment where staff have autonomy. This includes hands-on coaching and involvement in daily operations, allowing Lauren to make informed decisions and create a positive work culture.
Most Important Skills for a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC
Lauren, a gym owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC, describes a day in her life as "never off," requiring constant attention to both immediate issues and behind-the-scenes tasks like payroll and policy compliance. This crucial behind-the-scenes work, which includes collaborating with HR and safety partners, ensures the smooth functioning of the gym's front-of-house operations, highlighting the multifaceted nature of gym ownership beyond coaching and management.
Most Important Skills of Being a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC
Lauren, a gym owner, emphasizes the crucial skill of addressing difficult conversations directly and truthfully while actively listening, stating that "having that balance of those things, of talking and also listening, is one of the most important skills". Equally important is prioritizing the needs of staff and clients above personal preferences, a necessity for successful business ownership that Lauren learned early in their career.
Biggest Rewards Faced By A Gym Owner At Tricks Sacramento LLC
Lauren, Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento LLC, loves her job because it is "fun, challenging, and rewarding," allowing her to make a difference daily in children's lives and witness the growth of young staff members, many experiencing their first job. The role's purpose and alignment with Lauren's passions make it feel less like work and more like "the best job in the world."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Fitness Industry As A Gym Owner
Lauren's biggest challenge as a 12-year gym owner is achieving work-life balance, a struggle stemming from a history of prioritizing "giving a lot to [the] job." This success, however, necessitates conscious effort to cultivate personal well-being through hobbies and relationships, ensuring a healthier "50/50" balance instead of a previous "90/10" imbalance.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Gymnastics Industry, According To A Gym Owner At Tricks Sacramento LLC
Lauren, a gymnastics gym owner, thrives in her industry's collaborative spirit, stating, "if one of us succeeds, we all succeed," finding value in the shared growth and technological advancements that have modernized the business, all while embracing continuous improvement in coaching and business practices.
What a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Gymnastics Industry
Tricks Sacramento LLC thrives by employing active individuals who enjoy a fast-paced environment and can adapt quickly, someone who understands the bigger picture of "teaching these kids how to live in the world," beyond just gymnastics. The ideal candidate embraces a fun, energetic atmosphere, is comfortable with active work and "not afraid to be silly."
Entry-level positions for aspiring Managers
Lauren, a gym owner who transitioned from staff member to manager, emphasizes the difficulty of establishing "friend versus manager" boundaries. The biggest lesson learned was the necessity of delivering both positive and negative feedback, even to close friends, while maintaining mutual respect to avoid larger problems later.
Significant Career Lesson From A Gym Owner At Tricks Sacramento
Tricks Sacramento LLC offers entry-level coaching positions ideal for undergraduates pursuing careers like teaching or speech pathology, providing experience in "developing lesson plans," communicating with parents, and handling administrative tasks. The gym owner also highlights the value of transferable skills gained from internships or entry-level roles in other fields, emphasizing that "just because you want a job doing this specific thing, it doesn't mean that an internship...might not prepare you."
College Lessons That Helped a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento Succeed
Lauren, a gym owner, learned the crucial lesson of building a support network outside of family and friends— "people that are maybe not even in your same industry"— to navigate the unique challenges of business ownership. This external mentorship, particularly from other gym and business owners, provided invaluable perspectives and significantly aided Lauren's growth during their first year.
How Identity Has Influenced a Gym Owner at Tricks Sacramento's Career
Lauren's success as a gym owner stems from strong networking, cultivated through a sorority and academic connections, emphasizing the importance of "meeting people and making connections." Further, overcoming initial fear to actively engage with professors and advisors, asking questions and fostering relationships, proved invaluable in developing collaborative leadership skills essential to their current role.
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