Brookfield Business Spotlight: Kratos Fitness & Acrobatics

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: Kratos Fitness & Acrobatics
Owners: Mihael-Catalin & Ashley Del Monte Anton
Website: www.kratosfitnessacrobatics.com
Address: 28 Old Grays Bridge Rd Brookfield, CT 06804

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted a name that exemplified what is vital when you participant in the programs we offer. “Kratos” is the Greek god of strength, power, and might; three traits which are absolutely necessary and desirable when participating in any type of sport if you desire to become your best. You need strength to perform the skills, power to perform them flawlessly, and might to persevere through difficulty.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We opened our very first location in Brookfield because we wanted to find a town which most of our clientele frequent to make it an easy location even for people who are not residents of Brookfield. Although we had an opportunity elsewhere, we wanted to keep our location within the state of Connecticut because Connecticut has never had a gymnast make it to the Olympic national team who was born in the U.S. and given Mihael’s unique background of already coaching a gymnast to win a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympic games, he wishes to have his next athlete compete from Connecticut! Brookfield is also close to our hearts because it is the town Ashley grew up doing gymnastics in and began coaching.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We are in the gymnastics and fitness business specializing in elite level quality and instruction at every level. Our programs are kept small for beneficial learning environments and every single program has a personal touch and genuine care for each participant.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Being able to find a space to fit our unique requirements.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

Never, no matter how dim the light seemed at times because of whatever road blocks stood in our way which were out of our control in the past or even in the future, we will always keep our minds set on our goals and know in our hearts we have the desire, drive, and talent needed to accomplish them as long as we are persistent and smart with our choices.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Our proudest moment was opening day. We had been in business for 2 years prior to opening in Brookfield but never had the privilege of offering our students a place of our own with the proper equipment needed for training. It was our biggest joy to see their faces light up while walking in for the first time.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

Since both owners are the only employees at this moment in time everything which is put into place comes from analyzing the needs and desires of our customers. We are constantly working to implement new programs to create a better learning experience at the most affordable pricing for our customers. Besides the customers’ overall experience with us, it is extremely important to us that their decision to come in and pay for our services is an easy one to make emotionally and financially. We want to create a unique and beneficial experience for the entire family all in one place so our customers can feel like they are at home when they visit our business.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We try to always be understanding with our customers and everyone is welcomed with open arms and a smile. Having a very “up-front,” open, and personalized relationship with each of our clients is our goal as their happiness is important to us and excellent communication on both our end and theirs makes strong, lasting relationships. If a customer is extremely rude, insulting, damaging, or non-compliant with our rules or payment required for service we will politely ask them to find another place to take their business because their is no reason for them or us as a business to be unhappy.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Our business always donates service to local school fundraisers whenever a student of ours asks. We also have voluntarily done multiple fundraiser for children with cancer and for professional athletes to help with the financial burdens they face and give them a better chance at success. As we grow we plan to give back even more by creating a scholarship fund for especially gifted athletes who may be orphaned or financially burdened to train for free with the hopes of one day making it to the Olympics. We also would like to create a fund in which a small percentage of each customer’s payment goes towards an elected family who’s child has cancer to help with the cost of their treatment.