Interview A Fresh New Start For Vibra-Train In Pukekohe 2 Jo Hunt from Pokeno is the new face of Vibra-Train in Franklin, opening a new era for the franchise locally, with focus in top customer service and integrity. Jo graduated last year with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, but the building downturn saw her looking for an alternative career. She chose Vibra-Train and SureSlim, two recently liquidated Pukekohe businesses, and is now <strong>co</strong>mbining the two in her new business Enhance Body & Soul, at 14 Nelson Street, Pukekohe, 100 metres up from Manukau Road. Franklin elocal asked Jo some hard hitting questions about Vibra-Train and SureSlim and received candid answers. Jo, what happened to Vibra-Train in Pukekohe? “The previous franchise owner left a trail of bad debt around the town and had moved premises several times because the rent wasn’t paid. Basically, they were taking from the <strong>co</strong>mmunity and were not <strong>co</strong>ntributing as a real business should. I had been to Vibra-Train for sunbed treatments before going on holiday and I noticed then that the business was not running to its full potential. When I finally enquired about the vibration machines I saw each time I visited, I decided to give them a go for several weeks. After getting excellent results I realised there was a real opportunity to market something new and unique to health <strong>co</strong>nscious people who don’t have time to spend hours at the gym. When the franchise became available, I took this as a chance to do something really different and as I was already enthusiastic about the Vibra-Train exercise programme, I was keen to take over the franchise and inject proper management and integrity into the business.” What makes you different from the previous owner? “I know how important it is to be a trusted and <strong>co</strong>ntributing part of a <strong>co</strong>mmunity and I know that many people were badly let down by the previous owner, including those who purchased <strong>co</strong>ncession cards for Vibra-Train. My promise to them is: “Come into Enhance and speak to me. We will wel<strong>co</strong>me you and honour the cards.” I am prepared to run at a loss until I build that trust back up. I believe for a business to be successful it’s crucial to treat the customers with the respect they deserve. In the past, regular clients may not have received the personal one-on-one attention they should have and were left in limbo when the business closed and moving premises every few months is very disruptive. I have gone to a lot of trouble to choose the right premises and have branded it in such as way that it is offering multiple services to cater for the wider demography of Pukekohe and surrounding areas, not just a small sector of the <strong>co</strong>mmunity. I’m striving to provide a positive environment where clients feel <strong>co</strong>mfortable doing a workout, having a sunbed or an infrared sauna and have the flexibility of spending 10 minutes or 2 hours at Enhance; where they can talk with us about their progress if they like. Vibra-Train offers the ideal physical training system for many and it’s a shame that its reputation has been damaged by the actions of one franchisee. I bring a different set of values to Vibra-Train Pukekohe. I am a member of this <strong>co</strong>mmunity and I uphold my responsibilities.” What <strong>co</strong>nvinced you that Vibra-Train works? “The best way to understand something is to experience it and I had had several sessions at Vibra-Train. I <strong>co</strong>uld feel for myself that my body was taking part in an intensive exercise programme while I was standing on the machine. I was impressed with the results and feel that Vibra-Train is ideal for those who struggle to find time for a fitness programme, such as business people and mothers of small children. They can get their workout in 10-15 minutes while their little ones play in our toy <strong>co</strong>rner, then carry on with their busy day. For someone who is very overweight, it’s the ideal way to begin getting the weight off and the body back into fitness, or if you just want to tone up, it’s a great way to keep in shape.” How does it work? “Normal movement happens when a small electrical impulse from the brain goes to the muscles via the central nervous system. This causes the fibres of the muscles to twitch. The rapid movement of the Vibra-Train machines causes the body to burn large amounts of energy (Kg/Cal), emptying the fat cells of their stored carbohydrates. You can burn more calories than you would during a normal gym session because vibration training involves 100% of your muscle fibres. Yes, it does feel like exercise but you don’t have to put in so much effort yourself.” Why did you run with SureSlim as well? “SureSlim is another excellent programme that suffered from some bad business decisions. I believe previous franchisees had overheads too high to sustain long term for the type of business. SureSlim and Vibra-Train <strong>co</strong>mpliment each other by <strong>co</strong>mbining a proven, successful weight loss programme based on an easy lifestyle plan with an excellent training system for muscle toning, fitness and weight loss. Include the added benefits of an infrared sauna and an onsite beauty therapist and Enhance Body and Soul Pukekohe will be a one stop health, beauty and wellness clinic.” Tell me how SureSlim works? “SureSlim offers one of New Zealand’s most highly customised weight loss lifestyle programmes with the support of your own free Weight Loss Coach. It takes an holistic approach to weight loss so you not only lose weight, you also improve your health and energy levels. The programme includes three balanced meals a day, using healthy, everyday food, so the whole family can eat the same meals. Programmes are personalised ac<strong>co</strong>rding to your blood test results, medical history, food likes and dislikes and lifestyle, with weekly support from your Weight Loss Coach.” What is your message to the people of Franklin as you start your new business? “I am a <strong>co</strong>mpletely new owner with a whole new philosophy on running the business, as well as looking after clients and giving them the professional and personal service they expect. The Vibra-Train machines work and so does the SureSlim programme and I’m <strong>co</strong>nfident they will be a huge success in Pukekohe. I have a passion for this industry and believe in what I’m promoting. “
GET INTO SHAPE FOR SUMMER Freephone 0800 427 010 SEPTEMBER OPENING SPECIAL 10% OFF • Vibra Train • Infa Red Sauna • Sun Capsule Free Sauna with every <strong>co</strong>ncession purchased in September (<strong>co</strong>nditions apply) Opening 31st August 14 Nelson Street, Pukekohe Jo Hunt 3
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