Today we’d like to introduce you to Earl Bell.
Earl, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It began October 1st 1990 when I walked into a small local gym named bob’s gym. It was my first time ever in a gym but it felt like home, I knew that day what I was meant to do. I asked the owner for a job but because he just opened he could not afford to hire anybody. I knew it was meant for me to work there so I convinced him to just let me clean the place in exchange for a free membership. I did that for the next year and half until one day he had to run some errands and needed me to look out for the place while he was gone. His exact words were, if someone comes to join tell them to come back later. I said yes, but in my heart I knew this was my one chance to prove myself. By the time he returned I had sold so many memberships and collected so much money, he made me assistant manager.
After a few years of working there I got offered another management position at another local gym, where I also opened a retail area.
One on one personal training was starting to be a huge deal around 94 or 95, I saw they had a studio called eye catchers downtown. So I begged the owner until he gave me a job. Worked there about a year. Started my own company and worked as an Independent trainer at quads gym until I opened my own studio in February of 1999.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My life has never been smooth, growing up in Englewood raised by a single mom, high school dropout, I was a parent by the age of 14. In and out of jail since the age of 12 etc….. When I started my business no to very little financial support, maxing out credit cards to keep going, bankruptcy, a divorce and an eviction. All happened within the first 2 years. No smooth road, but I will never quit.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ratio 1:1 Fitness story. Tell us more about the business.
Ratio 1:1 Fitness is a private one on one studio specializing in personal training and nutritional consultations.
We are known for the great results we give our clients and the professionalism in which we run our business.
I am most proud of our longevity in the industry and the bond we build with our clients, we become like family to them.
What sets us apart from others in this field is experience and passion for what we do. We sincerely care about our clients and their results.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck is when preparation and opportunity meets. I try to stay prepared, constantly reading, learning and moving forward towards my ultimate vision.no luck here, hard work, now blessing I had a lot of them. I lived a street lifestyle that 98% die or is in prison. I lost a lot of friends to the streets of Englewood. I’m blessed to still be alive.
Pricing:
- one time sign up fee $75.00
- one on one sesiions $50.00 Each
- 1 hour massage $85.00
Contact Info:
- Address: Ratio 1:1 Fitness
1820 ridge road/suite 104
Homewood, Ill 60430 - Website: www.ratioonetoone.com
- Phone: 708-922-9650
- Email: info@ratioonetoone.com
- Instagram: ratioonetoone
- Facebook: ratioonetoone
- Twitter: Ratio1110
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
