Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Daniels.
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I had just started my doctoral program in Exercise Physiology at the University when I received a phone call from a woman who worked in our department.
She said that a gentleman had phoned asking for a recommendation for a personal trainer. This client wanted a trainer to come to his home to prepare for the upcoming ski season. She asked if I would be interested, I immediately said, “No”.
Much to her credit, she said that I might want to do this. Of course, I asked why. That’s when she said, “Because it’s Spence Eccles.” Being from California, I didn’t know who Spence Eccles was. He and his family happen to be one of the biggest donors to the University and nearly everyone in Utah knows the name. So I agreed, to meet him and 11 years later, I’m still training him and have a thriving business because of that phone call.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I feel really fortunate to be where I am with my business. I worked really hard at finding clients and doing my best for them. But still, it felt too easy. I was always waiting for the shoe to drop.
Then it did with Covid-19. My business survived and remained profitable because of my awesome clients. Although business dropped over 35% and still hasn’t come back to pre-covid levels, I’m still hanging in there. My biggest challenge is and remains marketing.
We’ve been impressed with Utah Fitness Institute, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
There is a lot of misinformation in many fields. We can see that with the current pandemic. Utah Fitness Institute (UFI) was founded on the principles of exercise science. I wanted to create a personal training company based on tried and true scientific evidence. Of course, I also combine that with 30 years of practical experience.
My strengths are sports performance training, osteoporosis rehabilitation, and weight loss.
Seven years ago, I was approached by an NBA payer to help with several aspects of sports performance. I had never worked with an athlete of that caliber but felt confident that I could help him. I laid out a plan and we executed it together. It elevated his game, salary, and he still plays professionally. It was really satisfying to see his progress from when he started to where he is now. He’s had a long career and I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of that.
What sets me apart from almost all other trainers is my education. I hold a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology and won an award for my research thanks to great mentorship. At UFI we approach training and wellness based on scientific data that has been proven.
UFI started with personal training and that is still our main focus. I have also started a wellness retreat business. I’ve held two corporate retreats and one weight loss retreat at Lake Tahoe. They were both successful and have return clients from each retreat.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Like I said earlier, I feel very lucky in where I am with my business. But with that luck came hard work and a brand based on higher education. That tends to stand out amongst other similar businesses.
Contact Info:
- Email: paul@utahfitnessinstitute.com
- Website: ufisl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ufifitnessretreats/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ufifitnessretreats/
