Chamber Insider Blog

Congratulations to Club Pilates Ashburn for being a finalist this year for the 25th Anniversary of the Loudoun Small Business Awards! View the full list of finalists here. These awards will be held on November 8, 2019 at The National Conference Center. Register Here!

Club Pilates is a finalist in the Health and Wellness Business category. Post submitted by Owner, Ryan Ask.

1.  Tell us your story of how your business evolved into what it is today. 

In 2016, my wife and I introduced the first Club Pilates (CP) to Virginia.  It has always been a dream of mine to own a business and this Franchise was a perfect fit. I fell in love with the CP business model and found a direct need for Pilates in Loudoun County.  Pilates has been around since the early 1900s but the problem has always been it has not been accessible and affordable.  After many months of local business and demographic research in the Ashburn area for boutique fitness, we decided to sign on with CP.  We opened our doors in December 2016 and the studio has exceeded every goal and major milestones.  Our early success led us to win the Franchise Platinum Award. To date, the Ashburn studio has been in the top 15% for all U.S. franchises (which is currently over 500) since the doors have opened. We have now expanded to a second location in Sterling and have plans to open in Leesburg in the next few months!  As of today, we have twelve instructors with over 100 years of combined experience.

2.  What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

As I worked to open the doors of our first Club Pilates, I regularly set goals for myself.  Being honored with this prestigious award was one of the first and most important goals.  Although I am a part of a Franchise system, I’ve worked hard to open this business while working full-time in the Aerospace & Defense industry to support my family.  After a long couple of years, I’m now able to give back to the community through numerous charities, being an active member of the LCCC, and making a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them reach their fitness goals or rehabilitate themselves from serious injuries.

3.  What is the smallest thing that has made the largest impact on your business?

Consistency! People are very averse to change and in the early days of opening the Ashburn location, we had some turnover which disrupted memberships so having a hard-working and consistent staff is key!

4.  Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

It would have to be my wife.  Without her insight, guidance, and support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

5.  What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County?

My favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County is the camaraderie among all the small businesses.  Everyone I’ve met works to support each other to be successful.  It’s definitely not what I expected and I’m pleasantly surprised and grateful!

6.  How do you see your business evolving in the next 10 years?

There is tremendous growth opportunity in the boutique fitness industry and that is why I plan to open my third location early next year in Leesburg. Once all three locations are successfully operating and providing the best service for our clients, I would like to look into other entrepreneurial opportunities in the area.  We’re really in love with Loudoun County and the quality of life here.

7.  If you’re not in the office where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

If you don’t find me in the office then you can probably find me on the golf course or spending some R&R with my family in Western Loudoun.

8.  What did you want to be when you grew up as a child? 

My first dream was to be a garbage man.  I thought it was so cool how they could hang off the truck!  Although it didn’t pan out, I’m glad I’m doing the next best thing.

9.  If you have 24-hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

I would definitely be catching up on sleep and/or re-energizing by spending some time at the spa.

10.  What is one book that you would recommend everyone read?

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Congratulations to Club Pilates! Good luck at the Small Business Awards this year.