Questions for Brenda (Owner of the Pumphouse)
What made you decide to open a gym?
I have been into physical fitness for 40 years. I first started off teaching aerobic classes at Piedmont College. I opened up a tanning shop in Hendersonville 24 years ago, and I saw the need for a family type gym in the area, and I decided to pursue it.
How did you choose the name?
I was driving back to Hendersonville one day from Greenville and on the side of the road I spotted a Bar called “Pumphouse Bar” and I thought to myself that that would be a great name for a gym, and when I decided to open my gym I remembered that name.
How did you fund the business?
At the time banks were lending out money pretty easily, so I borrowed from the bank small amounts at a time repaying them and then borrowing more.
What made you choose this location?
I am originally from Morganton, NC. I got offered a job in Hendersonville one day and decided to take it, I then met my husband and decided to make Hendersonville home. I first opened up the tanning salon, and I then saw a need for a gym.
Would you ever want to expand?
No, I have gotten offers to expand to other location, like in my hometown of Morganton. But I will not due to the fact that I cannot be two places at once, I like to be hands on with my business, and if I cannot I will not expand.
How was business when you first opened? Did you have followers?
Luckily for me business was pretty good when we first opened, a lot better than I had actually anticipated. The area obviously needed the type of gym I opened and the people who help intimidated by the other gyms around at the time I guess decided to join my gym.
What is the toughest part of owning a gym?
The toughest part about owning a gym is the people who are not honest, who try to get things for free and try sneaking in. The next toughest part would be keeping up with the fitness trends and equipment.
What is the toughest part of owning a business?
I would have to say “personnel” just trying to make everyone happy.
