Meet Edgard Corona: A Fitness Industry Leader
Edgard Corona is a name that has become synonymous with
success in the fitness industry. As the founder and owner of Smart Fit, Corona
has revolutionized affordable fitness in Latin America. With over 30 years of
experience in the field, he has built a fitness empire that spans multiple
c ountries and serves millions of active members.
Corona’s journey began in 1996 when he opened a high-end gym
that saw rapid growth until 2007. However, it was a chance encounter with an
attendant at a coffee shop that sparked the idea that would change the course
of his business. Realizing the potent ial of serving lower-income individuals,
Corona set out to create a fitness experience that was both affordable and of
high quality.
In 2009, Smart Fit was born, offering a low-cost, high-value
fitness solution. The first four clubs were an instant success, attracting
hundreds of members on their opening day. It was this early success that fueled
Corona’s ambition to expand beyond Brazil and venture into other Latin American
markets .
With a focus on understanding and adapting to regional
nuances, Corona strategically chose the countries to enter next. Mexico,
Colombia, and Peru were among the first markets targeted due to their
population size and lack of affordable fitness options. By partnering with
local businesses, Corona ensured a smooth entry into these markets, leveraging
their knowledge and expertise .
While expanding internationally presented its challenges,
Corona remained committed to maintaining a consistent brand and culture across
all Smart Fit locations. The company’s global systems and processes, develope d
in-house, helped ensure a seamless experience for members regardless of the
country they were in. By prioritizing employee engagement and empowering local
managers, Corona fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Navigating regulatory differences and working with local
banking partners were additional hurdles that Corona had to overcome. However,
through strategic partnerships with global banks like Citi, Smart Fit was able
to mitigate these challenges and facilitate the smooth operation of its clubs
across different countries.
As an industry leader, Corona’s advice to aspiring
entrepreneurs is to embrace failure and take risks. He believes that making
mistakes is an essential part of the learning process and encourages others to
have a passion for their work. By loving what you do and constantly seeking
ways to contribute and improve, success is within reach.
Edgard Corona’s journey is a testament to the power of
vision, adaptability, and perseverance. Through his leadership, Smart Fit has
become a driving force in the fitness industry, making quality fitness
accessible to millions across Latin America.