Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jules Herrmann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jules, thank you so much for agreeing to open up about a sensitive and personal topic like being fired or laid-off. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in layoffs recently and so your insight and experience with overcoming being let go is relevant to so many in the community.
After being laid off from my corporate job, I knew it was time to prioritize my happiness. While living in San Francisco, I went back to school to study Esthetics, and later moved to Austin to be closer to my family. In Austin, I worked in another corporate role, but was laid off again. Initially, I was in shock, but then I decided to focus on something that was truly for me. That’s when I took the leap to open my own small Esthetics business. I rented a room at a salon and started with just $500, unsure of how I’d make it work, but determined to succeed. Twelve years later, I still run that same business, now evolved into a Med-Spa.
In 2019, I partnered with Jason Giardino to start a new venture—The Iron Plate Gym. Just under a year after opening, we were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and forced to shut down. It was a challenging and uncertain time, but we remained resilient and never gave up. Today, we’re excited to announce that we have expanded into a second location in Liberty Hill, Texas.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
When Julie Herrmann and Jason Giardino founded The Iron Plate Gym in 2019, we were determined to create a gym that stood out from typical corporate gyms. We wanted it to be unique, so we adopted the slogan “Not Your Ordinary Gym” while ensuring there was something for everyone. To achieve this, we brought in specialized equipment that you wouldn’t find in any other corporate gym. Our goal was to make a lasting impression, so when people walked in, we wanted to hear them say, “Wow.”
Additionally, we noticed that no other gym offered recovery services, which are essential after intense workouts. After researching, we introduced a range of recovery options to help our members feel their best post-training. We added an infrared sauna, which offers benefits beyond a regular sauna, along with compression boots, massage chairs, and a cold plunge. We also created a Fuel Bar offering smoothies and healthy meals, ensuring our members could refuel and recover all in one place.
Our vision for something truly special sparked a trend, and now recovery services are offered everywhere. Looking ahead, we plan to expand to more locations, with a goal to grow across the United States in the near future.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on the challenges we faced—between the layoffs and being hit with COVID right after opening the gym—I can confidently say that the three most impactful qualities on our journey have been resilience, determination, and ambition. When you truly want something, never give up. There will be countless obstacles along the way, but with the ambition and determination to make your dream a reality, you’ll find a way to overcome them. The key is to always think outside the box and stay focused on your goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Over the next 5-10 years, our goal is to expand The Iron Plate Gym by opening additional locations across the United States. We are planning to franchise and are looking for ambitious individuals who have a passion for the fitness industry and an entrepreneurial spirit. We want people who are ready to lead, inspire, and motivate others.
We’re seeking the first three franchise owners to join us on this exciting journey. These initial franchisees will serve as our “sample” markets, showcasing the success that can be achieved with The Iron Plate Gym. As part of this exclusive opportunity, these three owners will receive a discounted franchise fee and will be featured as prime locations for others interested in franchising.
These early franchise owners will receive personalized support from Jules and Jason, including guidance on location selection, lease agreements, equipment ordering, and more. Our goal is to get them up and running smoothly, working closely with the founders of The Iron Plate Gym to ensure their success.
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming one of our first franchise owners, please reach out via email to ironplateevents@gmail.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theironplate.com
- Instagram: @theironplatetx
- Facebook: @theironplatetx
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