Matt Bahen, S3E Performance Fitness founder, was no stranger to the workings of the fitness world prior to starting his business. While in the Navy Reserves, he enjoyed assisting gym enthusiasts in his free time. Although he never envisioned himself being a full-time CrossFit coach, his son’s birth in 2014 changed all of that and he found himself craving the flexibility of running his own business.
Leaving behind the gym he co-owned, Matt started a new adventure. “I left where I was and started S3E Performance Fitness in my garage for about 18 months.”
He steadily built his membership and quickly realized that he would need a bigger space, more than what his garage could offer. However, he knew it would be a challenge to find the perfect space. A CrossFit gym has certain requirements that most retail space could not offer. Matt’s prior experience brought different concerns to the table, most notably the possibility of noise complaints — dropping heavy weights on the ground is different than your average loud music.
When Matt was ready to start looking for commercial space, he knew exactly who to reach out to. He and Veronica had gotten to know each other through networking events, and he was confident that the Sperity team would be able to help him find the perfect location.
After looking at a few spaces, the location that they decided on met the needs Matt was searching for. From sound reverberations due to slamming barbells, to having more space to spread out his equipment, the Staples Mill locations allowed him exactly what he needed to keep his business booming. His old garage could only house 4 clients at a time, but the new location holds double that amount.
S3E Performance now has high ceilings and better lighting, as well as bathrooms that aren’t in his own home. More perks included an actual office space and conference room, where on occasion he hosts networking events.
The pandemic brought on new challenges for Matt, but he was able to pivot his business model to ensure the safety of his employees and clients.
“Our members were able to safely borrow our equipment. When we were able to open back up, we had enough space for people to drop the equipment off and clean it all.”
All the machines can be spread out which helped the gym and its members adapt to COVID guidelines. Having supportive neighbors also meant that outdoor classes in the parking lot could be hosted.
Matt Bahen has learned so much from his time running S3E Fitness at his current location. When the time for expansion comes after the end of his lease, he plans on using the services of Sperity once again to get a larger space.
“I would recommend Sperity to anyone.”
S3E Performance Fitness is located on 8002 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA 23228. For more information visit https://s3e-performance-fitness.com/
