For many entrepreneurs, taking a leap of faith on a new
business venture is a rite of passage. Power couple Robert Button and Toni Tong
left the corporate world to become the successful co-owners of three 30 Minute
Hit franchises. But neither of them began their professional careers with the
intention of making their mark as fitness entrepreneurs. Tong was working in
administration while Button’s background was in IT.
Tong, who is originally from Vancouver, moved to Montreal
where Button was living at the time. With Tong feeling homesick after several
years in Montreal, it was Button’s turn to make the move for a new family life
in Vancouver. After seeing a television commercial for 30 Minute Hit, Tong was immediately
intrigued by the efficiency of an intense 30-minute circuit training with
boxing, kickboxing and self-defence aspects, and became a member. Tong
admittingly suffers from anxiety, shyness and lack of coordination, but the
feeling of empowerment after a HIT workout afforded her the ability to maintain
a career, a healthy lifestyle and a family life.
With some unpredictable life
circumstances thrown their way, the couple eventually moved back to Montreal
with their then eight-year-old daughter. Leaving their jobs and life in
Vancouver behind, they talked about the idea of opening their own 30 Minute Hit
location. There was just one problem; no one on this side of the country had
ever heard of 30 Minute Hit or the concept of a high-intensity, women’s only
kick-boxing circuit. Though the franchise had been successful in Western Canada
where it originated with co-founders Jackson and Deanna Loychuck in 2004, Tong
and Button wondered if there would be a positive response here.
“There were so many considerations
and challenges when it came to bringing the Hit to Quebec,” says Button. “Not
only had no one ever heard of it over here, but none of the material or
franchise information was available in French.” Undeterred, the couple
collaborated with the Loychucks and a legal team here in Quebec, opening their
first location in the West Island in 2013.
Within a couple of months, the
couple had their answer; not only was 30 Minute Hit getting a positive
response, but they began to see a need in other large areas around Montreal.
“Within about nine months, we were ready to have our second HIT baby,” says
Tong. In February 2015, 30 Minute Hit Laval opened its doors. Tong and Button
credit the success of their first two locations with the welcoming and
motivating atmosphere created by their team, who are supportive trainers to the
members as they move through their circuit. “Our trainers are optimistic,
happy, fit and they have empathy,” says Button.
Button says members really enjoy the
community-building aspect of the workout as well. “We’ve become the go-to place
for getting fit and reducing stress,” he says. Operating a business that is for
women only, Button says he never feels out of place. “I’ve got the best job in
the world!” he laughs. Endearingly nicknamed by their team as ‘Papa and Mama
Boss Bear’, the couple are now celebrating the opening of their third location
in Vimont.
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