Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Benavides.
Daniel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up I was never athletic, never worked out, and was just a regular guy. Until 2013, when my wife Veronica was introduced to this new workout called CrossFit. She would always invite me to workout with her but my excuse was I wasn’t in shape for that. One day I decided to check it out, and since that day I never looked back. CrossFit inspired me to be this athlete I never thought I could be. My coach Rob, at Elite Warriors CrossFit was my mentor he saw something in me that I didn’t even know I had. He mentored me to be Coach on staff. Coaching gave me unexplainable inspiration and motivation. I wanted to share my journey with the world and all the members to show them if I can do it so can they. This went on to lead me to my current adventure of opening House of Gainz gym. I was inspired to open up a gym that offered something for everyone at all levels of fitness, a one stop shop. A place where you can just be you.
October 2015 my wife and I are sitting on the coach casually talking to Jose and Jessica about this idea for a hybrid gym as a business. Little did I know I was pitching my idea to my future investors. The very next day he calls me and says if you’re serious Jessica and I along with Luis are willing to be your investors. I jumped on the offer I said of course. So we started working on the business right away. We worked collaboratively on the business plan. We came up with the name, logo, colors etc. I already had a vision of the layout, equipment, environment and clients for the gym. Making it come to life was not easy. We learned as a team patience and persistence to make it happen. Even after many setbacks and even being told to scale back or maybe start smaller I refused my vision and passion were so strong I refused to derail from it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This journey has not been easy, we all had to unite and learn from our mistakes. Our biggest struggle was finding a location, and a landlord willing to take a chance on a small business. We were turned down many times because we were up and coming, turned down because it was for a gym. It took us 8 months to find a location. We originally were looking in the Humble area. After months of denials and getting beat to the chase we made a group decision to venture in another area. We started our research again in a different area which led us to the East side of Houston. An area near and dear to all of us, a place that we all grew up. I found this little place off 1-10 and Normandy that was full of potential. But it needed a lot of work but I knew this was the place, I could see beyond its current state. I pitched it to the team and they took the chance on my idea. We called it the hidden gem. We signed the lease in December 2016 and got to work on the renovation. After blood sweat and tears it transformed to House of Gainz gym. Our grand opening was February 18th and we have blessed with so much love from the community.
Please tell us about House of Gainz Gym.
House of Gainz is a raw gym with a purpose. It’s a training facility intended for people to work-out in a judgment free environment. It is for the heavy lifters, chalk users, grunt growlers, or those who love to workout with loud pumping music. This place has a motivating atmosphere giving you that pump and leaving you with the sense of wanting more. Our mission is to let you be you, with a community of people truly inspiring one another to become better. This gym is a place where there is no division between groups. Whether you’re a body builder, cross fitter, marathon runner, gym rat, power lifter, pro-athlete or just starting out. House of Gainz has the equipment and layout needed for any type of workout. We encourage members to just do you without restrictions. House of Gainz gives you the freedom to grunt loudly when pressing that heavy weight, leave a pool of sweat from an intense session. Walk around with your massive jug of water. This is your sanctuary to be yourself.
We offer group training led by a personal trainer, with unlimited classes. A fully equipped gym, something for everyone. We have platforms for our Olympic lifters a dead lift platform along with specialty bars. 100lb plates, 125lb dumbbells for the heavy lifters, chains and so much more.
Our members no longer need multiple gym members, we are a one stop shop. House of Gainz is exclusive and we strive on customer service ensuring our members have what they need.
Our members have made House of Gainz what it is, and we are forever grateful for their trust in our business.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
There have been ups and downs and we are still learning through this journey. I wouldn’t have changed a thing, because things have happened for a reason. We are just getting started and are loving every moment.
Pricing:
- Gym membership $60 per month
- Group training + Gym $140 per month
- Discounts for veterans, law enforcement, teachers and healthcare professionals
- No contracts, no initiation fee, no cancellation fee
Contact Info:
- Address: House of Gainz Gym
12895 East Frwy
Houston, TX 77015 - Website: http://www.houseofgainzgym.com
- Phone: (346)227-2927
- Email: houseofgainz@yahoo.com
- Instagram: houseofgainzgym
- Facebook: house of gainz gym
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.
