James Gantt is a health coach, fitness expert, and nutrition consultant. He has dedicated his life to helping others lead healthy lives.
Through his company, Simply Fit, James provides personalized fitness and diet coaching. His holistic fitness center helps people identify the best organic diets, types of exercise, and workouts that they can apply to their life to be fitter, feel better, and live a healthy and active life.
As an Amazon bestselling author and sought-after speaker on health and wellness topics, James imparts his vast knowledge with passion and enthusiasm. He is committed to educating people about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and making informed choices about their diet and exercise habits.
Healthy Living with James is a popular health and fitness podcast that focuses on promoting fitness, clean eating, and a healthy lifestyle that everyone can practice. The weekly podcast is hosted by James, the author of 2 books, a columnist for Muscle & Fitness and Men’s Fitness, and a fitness advisor for several athletes and celebrities. His work has been featured in many popular magazines and TV shows.
James’ father moved to the USA from Australia over 40 years ago. Inspired by his father and early on in his own life, James decided to take up clean eating and healthy living as a profession. He completed a Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics from Iowa State University and started his career as a personal trainer and health coach in 2000.
Simply Fit founder James Gantt has always been passionate about fitness and wellness. Growing up, he was always interested in sports and competitively played football (soccer). After completing his undergraduate studies in the UK, he started his fitness and wellness company in 2010.
Over the years, James has helped countless people achieve their fitness goals – from losing weight to gaining muscle mass. He is also a strong advocate of clean eating and has recently collaborated with nutritionists from Korea to curate a wellness program tailored for Asian lifestyles and eating habits.
James Gantt is involved in charity and philanthropy work, focusing on providing food to underprivileged and malnourished children in Africa and Asia. He is the founder of the TJG Foundation, which aims to provide access to food for these children who desperately need it.
How did you get started in this business?
During my childhood, I got inspired by clean eating and healthy living. I came in contact with a health and fitness trainer when I was a teenager and I decided to take it up as my profession. I did my Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics from Iowa State University and started my career as a personal trainer and a health coach in 2000.
In the first quarter of 2010, I started online programs to encourage people across the globe to follow a healthy and clean lifestyle. My very first program became an instant hit and I decided to start my fitness and wellness company Simply Fit later that year.
How do you make money?
I make money from selling memberships and through online coaching programs.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It took 6 months for Simply Fit to become profitable.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I was extremely lucky that the very first online program that I launched to encourage people to follow a healthy and clean lifestyle was a massive success. That gave me the courage to start Simply Fit without any doubts regarding its success.
How did you get your first customer?
My landlord was my first customer when I started Simply Fit in a rented place. Later a lot of people working in different corporate offices in the same building started to show interest and many joined.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Email Marketing! It has done wonders for Simply Fit.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
The toughest decision I had to make in the last few months is to relocate to Miami, which is far from my parents and coming out of my comfort zone. I did it for some personal reason but it was tough.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
Networking is the key to my success. I believe networking is a must for an entrepreneur. The people I meet while networking help me with all aspects of my business. I treat networking as part of my job requirement and allocate time in my work schedule to make connections. I use the old-fashioned shoe leather approach for networking. This means I put my feet to the pavement and get out there. I try to put a face to my name so that people can remember that. My name and my face are my brand.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
My work is thoroughly satisfying on a daily basis. It is very uplifting to be a part of someone’s journey to living a healthier lifestyle. I get to make positive changes in the lives of my clients and see their transformations over the weeks, months, and years.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I am really excited about the online 6-week personal fitness and wellness program for men that I have recently launched. It is designed especially for those men who are working in the corporate sector. It is aimed at helping them follow a healthy lifestyle amid tough work life.
What business books have inspired you?
I was inspired by “Ignite the Fire: The Secrets to Building a Successful Personal Training Career by Jonathan Goodman.” This book actually ignited the entrepreneur inside me. It provided me with a clear road map to starting my personal training career and building a clientele. It shared the secret of establishing a great reputation and boosting income.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Learn to take calculated risks! One must develop a system for assessing risk by writing out a list of all the pros and cons. Moving past the fear of failure is the key to success. Think about the upside of change and find ways to take on incremental risk. One must also seek advice from calculated risk-takers.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Definitely, I would love to! I enjoy mentoring and coaching a lot. Interested people can reach me through my social media.