Article Extracted from Shoutout Miami
We had the good fortune of connecting with Amir Eid and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amir, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The drive to start my own business started when I was a professional basketball athlete who had so much potential to grow, but injuries due to overtraining and bad strength training kept on hitting me down. My injuries pushed me to pursue my second Bachelors in the Sciences of Physical Therapy which I thought was what I wanted to help other athletes get back in the game. Then, I heard of the Masters in Education of Exercise Physiology program at the University of Miami that has changed my career and perspective towards sports injuries.
I learned how to help athletes train to achieve their goals without being injured!
When I came back to Beirut, I got offers from Gurus in the fitness industry whom when they knew I had decided to open my own Sports Performance Academy concept ”Miami Fitness Factory”, told me that I will NOT succeed.
Five years later, I am now proud to be the founder of the #1 Personal Training concept in Lebanon!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets us apart from other businesses in the region is our highly accredited Sports Performance Specialists, and our client-centered approach which offers them the needed attention to achieve their goals.
The conception of Miami Fitness Factory started the day the orthopedic doctor told me I could not pursue my career as an athlete due to the several ACL surgeries among other ankle injuries. As much as this killed my dream, I decided to flip it and make sure that others do not pass through what I had passed through. I got back from Miami with basic financials to start any business. I took a loan opened a small studio and then I just started receiving offers to become a partner at different sports institutes.
Was the journey straight forward, NO! was it worth it, Definitely! I worked 16 hours a day on a daily basis to get to where I am today. I had to be my own motivation, my own drive and my own competition! What sets us apart is the quality we offer to our clients as well as our consistency in serving them!
Is this easy? NO! But I love it! I am driven by passion.
The challenges were many throughout, but through faith, goodwill, and positive thinking I managed through. One of the main challenges that I faced is the context we have been living through in Lebanon: the economic and political instability, Beirut Blast which we were directly affected by, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Positive thinking means seeing all these events as opportunities for growth! And believe it or not, the past 2 years were one of the best in The Factory’s lifetime! This I am proud to say!
Lessons learned :
1. Stay humble ALWAYS as this keeps you focused on your goals. It will take you miles through the journey.
2. Consistency is key to building up a business, motivation and the idea are not enough.
3. Hard work ALWAYS pays off!
These 3 values put together will help you through any successful (not easy) journey!
I want the world to know that Miami Fitness Factory is not just another gym, it is a caring family, a unique experience with a promise to a lifetime of physical and mental wellbeing. Always #TrustTheFactory
Another thing I would like to tell the world is that we are online! They can be part of our family from anywhere in the world!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would first start by taking them to the University of Miami to show them the place that was the turning point in my career and life.
Now, Miami has these positive vibes with the sunshine and the tropical weather that just pushes you to go to the beach.
I would definitely take my friends to the Florida Keys for a boat ride and then just relax on the hot sand of South Beach, get tanned, swim in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Then just hit the nearby bars for an awesome sunset experience.
I would also take them to the everglades for some adrenaline and laughs with the crocodiles and alligators followed by a night at the Wynwood area.
And definitely always hit the gym throughout our stay with Miami Fitness Factory online so that nothing changes!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person I would like to give recognition to in my journey is my Mentor and good Friend Coach Joe Moujaes, Lebanese National Basketball Team Coach, for always supporting my mission in sports. Coach Joe is the person who informed me about the Master Program at the University of Miami that is headed by Dr. Brian Biagioli.
The 2nd person I would like to give recognition to is Dr. Biagioli whom I learned from what has changed my career path. Dr. Brian is also the Chair of the National Council of Strength & Fitness who trusted me enough and made me the sole representative of this globally recognized certification in the Middle East.
