Interview with Jennifer Boaz and Roberto Martinez, owners
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: We have been involved with CrossFit for seven years combined. We became good friends as members of Front Range CrossFit. About a year into our friendship, we began discussing opening our own gym. We started out subleasing space at a boxing gym. Once we established a foundation of clients, we moved into about 5,000 square feet of warehouse space beside Buckley Air Force Base.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: One of our distinguishing characteristics in the CrossFit community is that we provide a gym that is inclusive. When you walk into our gym, you will meet everyday people with everyday challenges trying to accomplish similar goals: get healthier and get fitter. We are also keenly aware of how important our clients are to our business. We take great pride in the wonderful clients we call family. We develop relationships with our clients, celebrate their accomplishments and create an environment that eliminates the troubles of the world, if only for a brief period of time.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: We went into this line of work because we love CrossFit. We know CrossFit produces results and builds a close community that suffers and celebrates together. Above all, we enjoy learning from our clients. We learn what people value in their lives and we receive a great intrinsic reward in watching people achieve things they never thought possible. It is our passion, and we are blessed to be able to do this for a living.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: A lot of skeptics criticize CrossFit because of the amount of injury that happens. There is wear and tear on the body just like with any other sport or physical activity. It is our responsibility to ensure that we provide proper instruction on the movements and education on proper body mechanics to reduce the risk of injury. We do this by providing a very structured class environment, focusing on mobility, and spending one-on-one time with new members. Another challenge is overcoming the misconception for women that lifting weights will make them bulky. The third challenge is marketing to the external community.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: Roberto has been a radio announcer, team mascot, TV announcer and phenomenal hockey player. Roberto is also a writer for his family newspaper, El Hispano. Jennifer has worked in the health care field for 10 years as a registered nurse, chief operating officer of a community health center and now a consultant for the Regional Health Information Exchange. Together, we have three dogs who you will most likely see at the gym.
Profile
Business: CrossFit Terra Nova
Address: 631 Salida Way, Unit A1
Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Founded: 2013
Contact: 720-231-7834, 719-775-1017,
Employees: 5
