Eric Cowden, a Lexington
native, graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1996 and started working
in sales and marketing for a communications company that does voiceover IT,
networking systems and internet protocol. Following, Eric worked for the local
FOX network in Lexington and then started a bar/restaurant in 2001. Eventually
selling the location, Eric went back into sales and marketing, which he has
been doing since 2002.
Jen Cowden graduated
in 2002 from the University of Akron and grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Jen’s
professional background is also in marketing and she worked for the same
organization Eric worked for in the local Ohio branch for nearly 10 years. In
the last two years, Jen moved to Lexington to continue her career, helping to
plan the first steps in the Workout Anytime business.
Eric, 40 years old, and Jen 33, are married
and continue to work full-time. They will operate the Workout Anytime location
concurrent with their other positions. They also both have extensive family-run
business experience, which will be valuable for the Workout Anytime operation
and get them ready for the next phase of their career.
How did you learn
about the brand?
Greg Parker, he’s the area developer for Workout Anytime
and also a frat partner. I saw the success he was having and it seemed to fit
because of my interest in health and fitness, and all of the healthful changes
in society going on.
Why did you choose
an opportunity with Workout Anytime?
The equipment is state-of-the-art and we felt Lexington
could use some place such as this, emphasizing customer service, bargainfitness, no contracts, etc. It’s also a town people travel to frequently for
business and this gives them a chance to take in a quick, affordable workout.
Are you involved
with any charities or do any community outreach with your business?
We work with the Makenna Foundation, which is a local
charity that supports the UK Children’s Hospital.
What challenges
have you overcome to get where you are now?
It’s really been finding the proper location because
without that, the business model doesn't work. With 150,000-plus households in
a 3.5 mile radius, we wanted to make sure we found the perfect spot because we
do think we offer a unique spin to the workout community of Lexington.
What are your
expansion or development plans? What is your end goal with Workout Anytime?
We want to have short-term goals and within a year add a
second location, a third within two years, and start branching out into several
areas.
Do you have any
other interesting hobbies or passions?
We’re both involved in fitness
and enjoy any outdoors activities or sports, such as golf and basketball.
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