Success Story: Full Body Health & Fitness
Company description: Full Body Health and Fitness Center is a new fitness center in Lock Haven that offers fitness equipment, classes, and a juice bar.
Problem/issue that required assistance: Owners Brian and Lori Hoy wanted to open a fitness center, and needed assistance in acquiring the property and its associated costs.
Solution/outcome & future potential: When the Hoy’s started to kick the tires on starting their own business, they reached out to Tom Keiffer of the Lock Haven Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to assist with the business plan and projected financial statements. Over the next several weeks, the Hoy’s worked collaboratively with Keiffer to get the business plan finished and ready to present to the bank. Their plan was to purchase a building, renovate the building to include large areas for fitness classes, and purchase state-of-the-art fitness equipment. They met with several banks receiving rejection after rejection. Not willing to throw in the towel, they met with M&T Bank and an instant relationship was formed. After more setbacks with an underground storage tank, the couple was frustrated but not willing to give up.
The LHU SBDC directed them to the City of Lock Haven and the Clinton County Economic Partnership staff, who in turn referred them to SEDA-COG for assistance with application to their respective low-interest loan programs. SEDA-COG Business Finance staff, on behalf of the Clinton County Loan Administration Board, helped the Hoys secure a Clinton County Economic Development Administration/Revolving Loan Fund $100,000 loan to purchase the building and associated costs. The building was an old skating rink that the Hoys converted to a gym. SEDA-COG also helped the Hoys secure two $33,390 loans for equipment: a Clinton County Enterprise Zone loan and a Lock Haven Commercial Loan Program fund (from USDA). M&T Bank of State College was a project partner and financed part of the project. Brian Hoy said without SEDA-COG’s partnership with the project, a bank would not have taken the risk alone to finance their project. He also appreciates the low interest rates that allow him to put more cash into their new business. They already have over 120 members and are growing.
Full Body Health and Fitness Center held a grand opening for their state-of-the-art facility on June 29. They currently staff 13 employees and have already made an impact on the community.
