Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Showalter.
Hi Kelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I worked in Oil & Gas for over 30 years! I held a variety of both technical and management positions over these many years.
I retired in 2018 and decided to join a gym about 6 months prior. I had not been consistent in gym memberships or disciplined in working out. I was a bit overweight and wanted to get in shape for “retirement”.
I became a member of Iron Tribe Fitness in 2017 about a year after the gym opened in Cinco Ranch, Katy, Texas. I fell in love with the coaches, the classes, the community and everything about it. I lost about 20 pounds and got in the best shape of my life.
My husband and I are avid hikers, so the healthier lifestyle suited us well with our hobbies.
After COVID, I learned that the original owner of the gym was planning to close it down. I approached his business partner over coffee in late 2020. Over coffee and a coffee-stained napkin, we developed our first draft business plan.
In early 2021, he and I became the new owners of the gym.
It was rough going in the early years, but we stuck with it and slowly but surely we grew the gym. There are about 30 Iron Tribe locations in the U.S. When we bought the gym we were ranked 26th…we’re now in the top 10 (edging into the top 5)!
It has been an amazing journey of reinventing myself – and definitely a good Comeback story!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth at all! I am not a gym person. The heaviest weight I ever lifted was a Calculus book!
It’s taken me awhile to learn all the Operating systems as well as being the Owner/Operator.
I’ve learned a lot about myself, about people, about owning a small business and about ‘relentless hospitality’. It’s been both rewarding and life changing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Educational background is Finance, Chemistry and an MBA…all earned while working full time! My roles in Oil & Gas started in the technical support space, then a team lead and later into more executive roles.
Now, as a small business owner, I can see how all those different roles and responsibilities set me up nicely to run the gym!
I think I’m most known for being kind and generous and a pretty badass hiker! This year I completed a 29029-Everest event, which requires climbing 29,029′ in less than 36 hours!
I own this gym because I love what it stands for: “life Change”. My outlook on health span vs lifespan has changed the way I lead my team and run the gym.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Far too many to count or name!
I lost my mom to breast cancer when I was just 13 years old. My grandmas and aunts stepped in to fill the gap.
During my Shell career, many senior leaders (men and women) were role models and mentors.
In the gym (as an athlete), my coaches have been very kind, patient and helpful to get me to where I’m at physically.
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of women (in the gym, hiking and at church) who support each other daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://irontribefitness.com/locations/cinco-ranch
- Instagram: @itfcincoranch
- Facebook: Iron Tribe Fitness (Katy, Tx)
