Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley and Terry Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Terry and I met and dated in college, but broke up when I moved to New York City to work on Wall Street while he stayed in Houston and began his fitness career. We didn’t know then, but during that time, we were both building the foundations of what would become The League. We reunited 1.5 years later, I move back to Houston, we get married, and I convince Terry that the gym business he’d “one day have” could happen now (I was also unemployed and itching to start something ha!).
By this time, Terry had built a strong book of business — he’d really made a name for himself — but was training at several studios all over town. My thought was having one facility would be more efficient and sustainable, and we could lean on the social buzz he’d created. I built a financial model and business plan over Christmas break and we took it step by step, launching The League about a year later. We couldn’t have done it without each other: he loves fitness and I love business, so it works great!
How we got to where we are today? Persistence. The grace of God. We couldn’t have known when we launched, all that The League would become. It’s more than a gym to us — it’s a community of people who encourage each other to meet their goals in fitness and in life. The stories of life change (“off blood pressure medication”, “saved my marriage”, “feel stronger so I left an abusive relationship”) are what still rock us to our core and give us the motivation to keep going.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Certainly not smooth! From having issues with funding and equipment surprises as we prepared to launch, to adjusting our offerings to meet market demands, to finding the right team for growth, to balancing our personal lives and The League (especially with a 1-year-old and another on the way)… it’s been a journey full of struggle, but it’s made us better and we’re learning a lot!
Please tell us about The League: Elite Training Facility.
The League is the only place you can find PAC(K) Training — our unique training format that combines Power, Aerobics and Circuit Training, all in a 45-minute, full body workout that is modifiable for anyone at any level! Terry took his expertise working with pro athletes in the off-season and created a format where everyone can train like athletes. We pride ourselves on the workout being for everyone!
In any given class, you will see people at all levels, doing their best at their own pace/weight, etc. It’s an encouraging environment that motivates and doesn’t isolate.
We’re also super proud of our community — some of the best people in Houston train at The League and we often get feedback from first-timers that they felt welcomed and encouraged at their level!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have probably hired others sooner. For the first year or so, it was Terry teaching all of the classes and me working the front desk for all of the classes. I’d try to fit in other work, calls and meetings in between those front desk shifts, making it tough to get big projects done.
It’s hard when you’re trying to conserve cash to justify spending the money for payroll, but this also prevents you from growing the business. I’d also put more effort into finding (and spending the money on) a great accountant and lawyer from jump. Setting things up right from the beginning will save you time and money!
Pricing:
- $30 Intro Offer: one week of unlimited classes!
- $20 Day Pass
- $130 PAC(K) Bundle: 10 classes with a 3-month expiration
- Premier Package: unlimited classes for $145/mo (month-to-month contract)
- Premier Lite Package: 2 classes per week for $115/mo (month-to-month contract)
Contact Info:
- Address: 2219 W. 34th Street #B Houston, TX 77018
- Website: www.packtraining.com
- Phone: 713-225-1272
- Email: info@packtraining.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheLeagueHTX
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheLeagueHTX
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheLeagueHTX
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-league-elite-training-facility-houston
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
