>What sets your businesses apart?
Both Hawthorn Farm Athletic Club and ExecuTech Suites, which offers co-working and workspace solutions, are local and independent businesses in industries dominated by corporate models. We own our own real estate, which has allowed for more flexibility, creativity, and resilience. The businesses are very relationship-driven and rooted in their respective communities, which has also helped each last for over 20 years and through intensely challenging periods.

>What are you looking forward to in the next 6 months?
In January of 2019 I became the President of our then 65-year-old family business group. I expected then that it would take 5 years for me to complete a generational transition, building a new employee team, addressing business partnerships that were no longer working, updating legal and accounting structures, and laying the groundwork for what would come next. What I did not know is how challenging it would be, and not only due to the unexpected global pandemic. I’ve been stretched past my limits and then some. I’ve failed my fair share. I’ve also grown exponentially and experienced life altering wins. The next 6 months will mark the end of the 5-year transition period, and the celebration of 70 years in business. I’m looking forward to moving from a professional period heavily focused on addressing the past to one that is future-focused.

>What was your first job?
My first job was as a waitress at “the Piccadilly,” the local hangout in my hometown of Hinsdale, Illinois. All my friends worked there and when some shifts became open, they assured me I could get the job. I took this assurance too much to heart, arriving for my interview barefoot and in cutoff shorts. The owner Nick promptly and loudly chased me out the door. This gave me early lessons in humility and tenacity. I cleaned up, tried again, and ended up landing the job. It was a “third space” for myself and many others long before I heard of that concept.

>What's a mistake you've made that became a major learning moment?
For my first decade in the fitness industry, I made the critical mistake of feeling I did not belong. Industry leadership tends to be passionate lifelong exercisers. My challenges being physically active consistently as well as managing my nutrition were something I was ashamed of. I listened to voices that reinforced that feeling and felt apologetic about being there. I explained my focus on the real estate and operations side of the business. A major learning moment came when a leader joined our team and established a culture where employees openly encourage one another in healthy lifestyle activities and normalized struggles. It completely changed my mindset. I began incorporating more of my PhD work in cognitive neuropsychology that addressed the impact of stress and emotion on behavior. I saw ways to use my voice to join those in the industry who are intentional about being inclusive and focused on whole person health. Now I see my “accidental” entry into being a health club owner as one of the biggest gifts to my life. I am very excited about leaning more into this area in my next phase of business.

—
Heidi joined EO Portland in 2018. Interested in joining a community of business founders? This could be your year! Learn more.