Ep 126 - Marc Diaper on Gymbox, Gymshark, and “anything goes” workouts.

Mar 16, 2020

As CEO of Gymbox, Marc Diaper knows what it takes to keep evolving and staying ahead of the curve in fitness, whether that’s through stats breakdown, sticking to brand values or simply staying patient.

A series of boutiques under one roof, Gymbox plays host to everything from DJs and music created specifically for the brand, or partnerships and tie-ins with icons such as Gymshark or Brazilian jiu-jitsu originating from the Gracie family direct. It’s the fitness space that’s a fully inclusive experience for workouts where anything goes.

For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast

Watch the full episode on YouTube

 

Marc Diaper believes in being the hardest worker in the room. He works hard because he’s always hungry for further success. On top of this, his mindset benefits the mindset of his staff because he still knows how to stay humble.

Marc’s first job was in a sports shop. His meticulous detail was drilled into him by his boss and accidental mentor. Following a stint at Southampton Football Club, a sports degree at university and a year of travel, Marc came back and gained his qualifications in nutrition and sports therapy. He started in the fitness industry as a fitness instructor and personal trainer for LA Fitness. Through hard work and the right attitude, he was on path to success faster than anyone else.

In 2009 he started his own consultancy business, before continuing trend for success when he joined Gymbox as sales director. Six years later he’d risen the ranks through managing director to CEO, where he’s inspiring others in Gymbox, a business that motivates a membership, stimulates a city and inspires an industry.

Gymbox is for the ravers, the first timers, the masochists, the street dancers, the gurus, the people who aren’t satisfied with easy; where enough is never enough. Gymbox is not purely a gym. It's the experience that you will want to re-live no matter where, no matter when!

Everything Gymbox does, from the designs of gym interiors, to the people hired, and the classes, has to inspire and excite, energise and ignite. Gymbox believes in creating workouts that get raved about and venues that get talked about, so forever and always, anything goes.

 

 

Episode highlights -

• How important disruption is in creating a brand and ensuring you stay in the forefront of people’s minds, especially at the start of a business.
• Why the whole team, and often customers, can influence your marketing activity and how collaboration is key to progressing in a way that makes sense for every interest.
• What the demographic difference is to your venture and how that will change depending on the life choices of your customers, especially in boutique markets targeted towards younger generations.
• How your programming will benefit from regular investment to stay ahead of the curve and give your members the best experiences, from holistic to sadistic.
• Why all clubs and locations under one brand should be as good as each other, giving any member the same level of quality no matter where they visit.
• How to grow and build your talent in-house, and protect yourself from competitors that might pay more.
• How you can maintain your position in the market financially as a mid-premium product when most other alternatives have been wiped out by low-cost operators.
• Why it’s important to develop and evolve your environment between space for product and room for dwell time or letting members relax.
• How brand partnerships benefit both parties and are often more useful to generate awareness rather than leads, but why they’re so important in the right circumstances.
• What benefit defining brand values will bring to your staff and your business direction. You need to live and breathe them.
• What the values are behind Gymbox – such as “don’t be a dick” – and how these values drive the brand, the staff, performance and progress.
• What’s next for the future of Gymbox? Find out how the brand is looking to evolve and come into your home, so long as it’s a fully immersive experience.

 

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Marc Diaper…