August 1, 2006
I am writing this response to a comment made recently regarding the San Pedro Fitness Club being called a rip off, and various thoughts about the business and it's operation. I have learned that disgruntled individuals who feel like complaining are much more vocal about their experiences than satisfied ones. For that reason I am responding to the comments to avoid the dissemination of mis-information based on the uninformed statements of a seemingly disgruntled person, and avoid a possible feeding frenzy of gossip and incorrect information being repeated as fact. For example, all three of our pumps at the pool burned out in March and we closed the pool for two days. Some people still think it is closed because of mis-information that was repeated from that one incident. If you're interested enough to read the whole thing so that you can form your own opinion rather than form one based upon the bias of others, There's a fitness tip at the end, don't cheat now. The letter that was posted questioned our business operation and claimed that we don't care about the business and that we refuse to repair or replace worn out equipment. We could have told the person that we in the process of ordering another piece of gym equipment, and have been looking a way to save some money on shipping charges. In addition to the gym, the San Pedro Club facilities include the tennis courts and pool at our main facility. This March we had to replace all three pumps at the pool, which along with other maintenance issues came to over $5,000US. Poor quality electrical service and frequent interruptions in service in San Pedro had burned the original ones out and we have rebuilt them 3 or 4 times. Unreliable electric service has also caused operational problems with some gym equipment which we have not been able to overcome with the treadmill.
The discussion of a businesses rent or operation is tasteless and conjectural, and to prominently name a person in a personal complaint is
selfish slander.
At the end of the day, it amazes me to no end how some individuals feel that they know how to run another persons business, and furthermore to criticize the operation of a well intentioned business that provides a useful service to the community and is appreciated by many. Then to further take action to discredit the reputation of a business and the person running it, and to
possibly incite a smear campaign for their own selfish reasons which could damage the business, further reducing income to make it even more difficult to spend money to meet the expectations of the disgruntled. As a service business, we depend upon the support and use by the community, and greatly appreciate our dedicated members those who have been enjoying
and supporting our business over the years and through our ups and downs. Much to our disappointment, and the reason that we don't have money to purchase equipment to meet this persons expectations, which provoked this
attack; we have discovered that this community does not have a population large enough to support a gym like these dissatisfied individuals are used to enjoying in the states. What is gained by venting frustration, spreading
rumors and negative opinions against a business that is here to serve a greater good? Such actions can only be intended to damage our business further, making it more difficult and frustrating, and causing us to question our reasons for continuing to provide service to dissatisfied individuals who don't appreciate what they have. As far as "needing a new gym managed by someone who cares", it won't happen
if it has to earn its own way, and in an environment like this where the very individuals you are providing a service for would rather throw stones and kill the business. I would be happy to discuss our experiences with anyone who is considering opening up gym in San Pedro.
As far as not caring enough about the business, I could have told this individual that we haven't had even one profitable month since we opened and have been using our personal funds to sustain the operations. Our reasons for maintaining our business are part of our personal commitment and long range plans here in San Pedro. If we were doing this in the US, we could at least deduct our losses from our taxes and would probably have enough satisfied members to at least support the business.
Now for the fitness tip: if the only exercise you get is sittin' around and watching TV or at the bar: Sit up straight, Engage your Abs so that you don't strain your back, and enjoy La Isla Bonita.
The internet is a powerful tool and sites like this serve a valuable medium for advice and information, but it is a sad statement about our culture and society that people abuse it. Anyone with a computer and an attitude about
something can vent it into the gossip chain to damage another persons business or reputation. This medium makes it difficult to discriminate
between truth, and statements that when repeated over and over are believed by many to be the truth. Unlike those individuals who choose to post anonymous personal complaints, prejudices and mis-information, anyone can feel free to contact me at any time.
Mike Brunette 607-6054, or at the San Pedro Fitness Center 226-2683 or the Pool 226-2682.