Greg Lomason is the Founder of Byron James Fitness a Detroit, Michigan-based company that provides, One-on-One fitness training, Fitness Apparel, and Home Gym Equipment to those in sports and military service. Since 2013, Byron James Fitness has consistently excelled at bringing quality and science-based results to over 20,000 people just like you.
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Greg, to know a bit more about his journey as an entrepreneur.
Q. What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Greg: That’s a good question. I wish I had a short answer for it, but I don’t. Growing up my family didn’t have a lot. We were broke and quite possibly on the poverty line. My parents worked hard, my dad; that’s who my business is named after, worked three jobs or more for as long as I can remember. He was always doing something and found a solution to problems he faced on the farm. He also had 8 children and a wife to support. His work ethic inspired me to name my business after him. Its that work ethic I try to instill through my videos and workouts and throughout my business. However, the inspiration for becoming an entrepreneur I guess is that its really the only job that feels like it fits. It’s just who I am.
Q. How did you get started?
Greg: Prior to launch I was working at one of the largest private gyms in the U.S. I was in sales and going to school full time. At a certain point working fitness sales for any company you get sick of the limitations that are put on you and the clients in terms of what their training program looks like. I wanted to be able to do more. I wanted to incorporate a fitness program that involved my client’s lives not just a program they did in addition to their lives. It’s my belief that fitness should be as natural and simple as breathing. So, I got to look over the business and identify the shortcomings, I strategized how to fill and correct the gaps in the client’s health program and the best ways to overcome those things. Then my dad got diagnosed with cancer, which was my wake-up call to go “all in.” The logo for Byron James Fitness symbolizes the goal of my thirty+ year plan and also symbolizes the work ethic and values instilled in me by my dad. What I’m currently doing is a fraction of what I plan on doing once I finish college, so in short, I guess I have a few compounded things motivating and still inspiring me today.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Greg: My biggest startup challenge today is the same challenge from 10 years ago. Marketing, Funding, and Network. I still haven’t totally overcome it as a fully independent business and I’m still relentlessly pursuing that knowledge. I have some plans already in motion and I will continue to work them and be fluid in execution until my hard work pays off. I’ve had bouts of extreme success over the last 10 years and I’ve had some pretty epic failures. However, these next 5-10 years of relentless pursuit of developing a community and obtaining my PhD will make a difference.
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing You’ve Done Since you Started your Business?
Greg: Since starting my business the most memorable thing I’ve done is help the sheer amount of people I have to achieve their goals. I’ve worked with everyone and 98% of the time we achieve the goals they set out to accomplish. I’ve worked with ages 16-95, junior high to professional athlete, service member to special forces, and janitors to CEOs. I’ve worked with people suffering from Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, pre-rehab, post-rehab, cancer, diabetes, and everyone in between. Being able to design and implement fitness programs for all these people and getting to know them personally and even calling them friends is possibly my biggest accomplishment and blessing.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Greg: I would recommend the Impossible First by Colin O’Brady. It’s a real account of one man’s harrowing adventure across Antarctica and the story of his life that led him to that moment. It’s a book about grit, determination, relentless pursuit of a goal, and believing in yourself so strongly you leave a mark on the world.
A second recommendation would be Mat Fraser’s book Hard Work Pays Off. It just dropped a few days ago. I finished it last night and it’s got so much good stuff in it. Workouts, Meals, Fitness Programming, and of course his personal telling of his life. It’s really well done.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
Greg: Top three favorite apps? YouTube for quick form demonstrations if I’m not cuing in a way that my clients understand, MacroFactor – Stronger By Science to help teach my clients how to change their diets (think MyFitnessPal but a small business that cares)
The USDA website (https://www.myplate.gov/ ) for additional research.
Oh! And the Stronger By Science Podcast for all the news on new scientific research reviews as well as MASS (Monthly Application in Strength Sport) for further reading.
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Greg: In terms of legacy I’d like to leave the world a better place than when I found it. I want to impact people’s lives in a truly impactful and beneficial way. I want to change the way they perceive what’s possible for themselves and I want to help them make easy and fun decisions to change their lives and health. I want to incorporate fitness in ways other people have never imagined and truly give others fitness programs that work for lifetimes. I’m sick of the industry’s gimmicks, fad diets, marketing schemes, false information, and honestly all the bullshit. The industry has gotten to be too much about making money. The integrity of helping people just to help has been put to the wayside. I want the world to know that there is a company that truly cares about you as an individual, as a client, and as a fellow human being and together we can get you wherever you want to be with teamwork. Not only that but I want to give you the tools you need to be successful, (Mental, Muscular, Nutrition, and Flexibility)
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Greg: Find your reason why and let it’s voice be the loudest one in your head, take heed of what others say and their advice, but let your why to be your voice of reason.
To keep up to date with Greg and his journey, connect with him on his Facebook and Instagram.