Mort Fertel has worked with couples in crisis for over a decade. Over 1 million people have subscribed to his report “7 Secrets to Fixing Your Marriage.” He is the author of Marriage Fitness and the creator of the revolutionary Marriage Fitness Program, which is an alternative to marriage counseling that’s endorsed by Dr. Stephen Covey and Dr. John Gray.
Mort Fertel was a featured expert on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, and the Fox News Network. He is also a frequent guest on talk radio programs. His breakthrough program, Marriage Fitness, appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, USA Today, Family Circle, Psychology Today, Ladies Home Journal, Glamour Magazine, and Parent & Child Magazine.
Mort Fertel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, was the CEO of an international non-profit organization, and a former marathon runner. He lives with his wife and 5 children (including triplets!) in Baltimore, Maryland.
How did you get started? What sparked this business idea?
My wife and I were in marital crisis. We reached out for help and were disappointed with the methodologies used to help couples. We thought, “There must be a better way.” There was. We discovered it, used it successfully ourselves, codified it, and now help others using what’s called “Marriage Fitness.”
How do you make money?
There are a few different Marriage Fitness programs available. I also do private sessions and “house calls.”
How long did it take to get your business into the black?
About 2 years.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes, of course. But I just kept plugging away. I really believed in what I was doing. I knew it could help people.
How did you get your first customer?
My first customer was my neighbor.
How are you marketing your business? What strategy works best?
At this point, thank God, word-of-mouth works the best. I also do some online advertising.
Is there a trend in your industry that particularly excites you right now?
I’m not focused on the “industry;” I’m focused on my mission of helping people in their personal lives and, particularly, helping people save their marriage.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
It was a decision about how to resolve an issue with an employee.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
The Marriage Fitness system works. It’s that simple. If you have something that works, people want it.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Every day I get emails from people who tell me their stories about how their marriage was on the brink of divorce and then they found the Marriage Fitness program. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing that you helped restore a broken family.
Tell us about one of your hobbies when you’re not working.
I love to read. A book is the greatest deal on Earth. For less than the cost of filling up your gas tank you can get inside the greatest minds in history.
What advice would you give other business owners?
Put your family first.