ENT 601 – Entrepreneurial Innovation
SME Interview with Walter Whethers, owner of 5X25 Abs
By Michelle Ballard
February 23, 2016
I interviewed Walter Whethers, the owner of 5X25 Abs, which is a core-focused, body transforming fitness system. Created by an amazing father, son and daughter team known as Whethers International, this successful program takes the guesswork out of developing the six-pack—or eight pack — you’ve always wanted, ending the aimless hit-or-miss weight loss syndrome of other routines. 5X25 Abs sheds adipose tissue around your mid-section and helps you to develop strong rock hard abs. Whethers International team trains and coaches members in the United States and abroad. I was very excited to interview Mr. Whethers as he is a prime example of how being innovative and utilizing cutting-edge technology can lead to success in a very competitive market. For more information, you may contact Mr. Whethers at http://www.5x25abs.com/.
The Interview:
How did you decide to start the business?
After much research, studying and gaining knowledge about the negative impact of excess visceral fat around the stomach on our health, I felt compelled to educate people about the danger of abdominal obesity.
How did you decide on whether or not to have co-founders?
Ironically, my son and daughter are part of my team, as co-founders. The interest they showed in fitness and training made the decision a no brainer. We developed 5X25 Abs together.
Do you regret your decision? Why?
I have no regrets. As a matter of fact, I could not be any happier with my team. We are working together towards the same business goal. Moreover, we are a team that anticipates and values my perspective. So, we can create great synergism.
What kind of leader would you describe yourself?
I would say that I am a strategic, innovative decision maker and a forward thinker. I am people oriented, as well…Meaning, I present original thoughts and ideas that motivate others to assist us. However, I am also open-minded to new ideas and concepts.
As a leader in the industry, you have to be innovative. How have you used innovation to attract and retain clients?
In the fitness industry it is not just the little things, but also the different things that you do for clients that makes a difference. We contact our fitness class members on the days they don’t have class to ensure that they are eating properly, and staying active. This also gives us an opportunity to learn what they like about the class. Accountability is a huge part of our class success. So we make sure we constantly remind members about the importance of being consistent. Before, each class, we also take time to educate members on a lot of health-related matters, such as abdominal obesity, metabolism, carbohydrate cycling, and diabetes. We do this on a regular basis. This is a way of retaining clients, which has not been much of an issue for us.
How are you utilizing technology to remain competitive in your industry?
We have 5X25 Abs Fitness app, which our members are absolutely ecstatic about. This is the type of technology that makes working out at home or the gym convenient for our members. Even, if our members are on vacation or on a business trip, they still have access to 5X25 Abs workouts. Many companies offer fitness apps for your phone, but unlike us they do not provide online fitness training and coaching, along with the app. We have local members in North Carolina, California and Arizona. There is a culture and a community that has grown from using our fitness app online.
How important is creativity and innovation to the success of your business?
In this line of business, today people get bored quickly, want quick results and are always looking for the next big thing. The days of doing the same class routine for weeks at a time are over. Members want the classes to be different, challenging, high energy and fun. There are so many creative fitness videos on social media today. If you are not intentionally planning a unique session for your members, they will get bored and on their way out. How do you market your business? We advertise by means of social media, television, co-op advertising and referrals.
What are the benefits of owning your own business?
The main benefits of owning my own business is to take something I am passionate about and share it with others and witness people’s lives change for the better.
What is the most challenging part of your business?
Even though I absolutely enjoy what I do, I would have to say, that coming up with different training routines that are going to challenge my clients, while simultaneously giving them the maximum results that’ll show the transformation of their bodies is the most challenging part of the business.
What keeps you up at night as it relates to your business?
When people hit plateaus, it really concerns me. I want my clients to lose all the weight they desire. If they are doing their part and the weight loss process has come to a halt, then there is something we have to figure out. I’m a true believer that where there is a will, there is a way. Failure is not an option as far as I’m concerned.
What advice would you give an entrepreneur who is interested in starting a business?
A wise man once told me “Do not get stuck on start and always stay in motion”. I would advise any entrepreneur thinking about starting their own business not to wait for the perfect moment to begin. I would also highly suggest that they get a mentor.
Where do you see your business in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5 years, we see 5X25 Abs, as an international lifestyle brand, bringing awareness about the dangers of abdominal obesity and being utilized to help change the lives of people worldwide.
Do you have an exit strategy in place?
Yes, in the near future, I would like to partner with another company. I have even thought about going public, in order to reach our overall business objectives. Yet, again these are goals for the business in the near future.
Do you have formal Board of Directors?
Our current business needs does not require that we have a board of directors at this time.
