Pelham Small Business Spotlight: Bodyware Fitness Systems

Editor’s Note: Patch is re-running this Small Business Voices profile in case you missed it the first time around.

Written by WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — 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: Bodyware Fitness Systems
Owners: Albert Maldonado
Website: www.pelhambodyware.com
Address: 230 Fifth Ave Pelham, NY 10803

How did you come up with the name?

It was basically a play on the word Hardware. When one thinks of hardware, one thinks of tools, support, framework, or a place that sells products to help you with everyday life easier.

Why start a business in this town?

My business was gym-less. I had been in Scarsdale at a facility but that was very short lived due to philosophical differences. Literally, driving down 5th Ave. and noticed a bunch of stores for rent. I noticed how nice the tree-lined streets looked so I researched the demographics on the population I wanted to serve and found that Pelham would be a great place to open a training business.

What business are you in?

Health and fitness.

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

The most challenging is wearing all the hats in the business; from sales to marketing, to training, to mentoring, to accounting, to client management, there’s much to do on a daily basis and your business will suffer if there isn’t a plan in place.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Being operational for 4 years is my biggest achievement. The rate of small businesses failing the first year or even before the first 5 years is quite high. I feel fortunate that Bodyware has been able to service the community with realistic fitness and nutrition programs and allow Bodyware to be part of the lifestyle solution.

How does your business give back to the community?

Whenever there are community-based activities, Bodyware always participates. We also had a successful Teen Fit program using the summer that gave some teens the opportunity to learn how to train safely and effectively.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

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