BY EVAN CERETTI
THE GUARDIAN
Steve and Pam Collette knew dreams of their business becoming successful would eventually turn into reality, but only with hard work.
What started seven years ago as an outdoor venture has now turned into 3RD Degree Training opening its fifth location in Montague on May 2, joining Stratford, Summerside, Dartmouth and Moncton locations.
“I guess we knew the success would come with the amount of work we put into it. We put our personal lives on hold for years,” said 36-year-old Pam Collette.
The business started as more of a personal journey than professional for the couple, she said.
“We started using ourselves as guinea pigs, developing our formula.”
The business’s first outdoor boot camp featured about 12 clients.
“It just kind of snowballed from there,” said 38-year-old Steve Collette.
After two years of working in different spaces, the couple decided to open their first centre in Stratford.
“We always wanted to be a Stratford based company,” said Pam.
3RD Degree Training also has a sister company, Actual Nutrition, that is found at all locations. Free monthly nutritional seminars are offered to the general public.
The companies’ diet plans are based on real food and no gimmicks, said Steve.
3RD Degree Training became a franchise three years ago. The Montague location will be the business’s fourth franchise.
“There is a lot of interest in Montague already. They’re going to be really busy,” said Steve.
Richie Hughes and wife Tanya Hughes are the franchisees of the new location.
Richie has worked at 3RD Degree Training in Stratford for the last three years. He lives the life of what he teaches, he said.
“I love it. I live the life.”
He wants to expand on what he’s seen. He’s helped people reach their goals in Stratford and hopes to see new people reach their goals in Montague, he said.
Pam said every location keeps the same format to maintain a structured program.
The business offers something achievable to the everyday person.
“The moves we do in here mimic everyday movement. You squat everyday, you lunge everyday, you twist, turn, you push and pull everyday. Those are the fundamental movements we do in all of our classes,” she said.
Some of the their clients have been around since the beginning. Everything is based on motivation, not intimidation, she said.
Steve said the Stratford location has 21 staff members and about 400 clients, ranging from high school students to seniors.
“I’m a firm believer that if your core values are in the best interest of your clients you’ll do well,” he said.
“Our clients are the best advertisements.”
One of those clients is 33-year-old Tiffany Bulpitt. She’s been a client for over five years.
Bulpitt maintains her loyality due to the atmosphere, group setting and support.
“It’s really positive. It’s a manageable thing for a busy life-style.”
In the Future, the Collettes aren’t ruling out taking their brand to another community, but will never bite off more than they can chew, said Steve.
“There’s always lots of irons in the fire.”
BY EVAN CERETTI
THE GUARDIAN
Steve and Pam Collette knew dreams of their business becoming successful would eventually turn into reality, but only with hard work.
What started seven years ago as an outdoor venture has now turned into 3RD Degree Training opening its fifth location in Montague on May 2, joining Stratford, Summerside, Dartmouth and Moncton locations.
“I guess we knew the success would come with the amount of work we put into it. We put our personal lives on hold for years,” said 36-year-old Pam Collette.
The business started as more of a personal journey than professional for the couple, she said.
“We started using ourselves as guinea pigs, developing our formula.”
The business’s first outdoor boot camp featured about 12 clients.
“It just kind of snowballed from there,” said 38-year-old Steve Collette.
After two years of working in different spaces, the couple decided to open their first centre in Stratford.
“We always wanted to be a Stratford based company,” said Pam.
3RD Degree Training also has a sister company, Actual Nutrition, that is found at all locations. Free monthly nutritional seminars are offered to the general public.
The companies’ diet plans are based on real food and no gimmicks, said Steve.
3RD Degree Training became a franchise three years ago. The Montague location will be the business’s fourth franchise.
“There is a lot of interest in Montague already. They’re going to be really busy,” said Steve.
Richie Hughes and wife Tanya Hughes are the franchisees of the new location.
Richie has worked at 3RD Degree Training in Stratford for the last three years. He lives the life of what he teaches, he said.
“I love it. I live the life.”
He wants to expand on what he’s seen. He’s helped people reach their goals in Stratford and hopes to see new people reach their goals in Montague, he said.
Pam said every location keeps the same format to maintain a structured program.
The business offers something achievable to the everyday person.
“The moves we do in here mimic everyday movement. You squat everyday, you lunge everyday, you twist, turn, you push and pull everyday. Those are the fundamental movements we do in all of our classes,” she said.
Some of the their clients have been around since the beginning. Everything is based on motivation, not intimidation, she said.
Steve said the Stratford location has 21 staff members and about 400 clients, ranging from high school students to seniors.
“I’m a firm believer that if your core values are in the best interest of your clients you’ll do well,” he said.
“Our clients are the best advertisements.”
One of those clients is 33-year-old Tiffany Bulpitt. She’s been a client for over five years.
Bulpitt maintains her loyality due to the atmosphere, group setting and support.
“It’s really positive. It’s a manageable thing for a busy life-style.”
In the Future, the Collettes aren’t ruling out taking their brand to another community, but will never bite off more than they can chew, said Steve.
“There’s always lots of irons in the fire.”