Three Minutes Across The Counter with Long Island Worksite Wellness

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today we chat with Madeleine Berg, owner of Woodbury-based Long Island Workout Wellness.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

I’m a registered dietitian nutritionist in Woodbury. My original business idea was to walk with clients while we talked about nutrition. I floated the idea past Belinda Wiseman who was the PTA president at the time. Belinda sent out a test email and the SuperNutritionist was launched.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

My dad was a family lawyer in solo practice. Even though I’m the only one in my family that’s not a lawyer, I think my business approach is similar to my dads. We both rely on our sense of humor and our main objective is to help people.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Madeleine Berg: I’ve lived in Woodbury for 19 years.

Patch: What’s your favorite thing about living here?

Madeleine Berg: I love the natural resources. When I take clients running or hiking on the Greenbelt trail, they are always amazed that such beautiful trails are right in our backyard.

Patch: What’s a business mistake you’ve made that later you were glad you did?

Madeleine Berg: I have yet to have the “I’m so glad I made that mistake” moment - and believe me, I’ve made plenty of mistakes.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don’t know.

Madeleine Berg: I have a sweet tooth.

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Madeleine Berg: The best business advice I ever received was don’t negotiate against yourself.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Madeleine Berg: Promote, promote, promote! The more you talk about your business, the more business you get.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Madeleine Berg: While I don’t have any employees, I always have an intern or two. If you want to be my intern, don’t send me a generic email, pick up the phone and call me.

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