Edgard Corona, the visionary founder and CEO of Smart Fit,
has spent over 30 years shaping the fitness landscape. With an unwavering
commitment to providing affordable fitness options, Corona has tr ansformed
Smart Fit into a leading fitness brand in Latin America, with over 1,200 gyms
in 15 countries.
Corona’s journey began in 1996 with a high-end gym, but he
soon recognized the need to serve the lower-income population. Inspired by the
success of Planet Fitness in the US, Corona launched Smart Fit in 2009,
offering a high-quality gym experience at a low cost. The concept struck a
chord with the Latin American market, and the first four clubs saw an
overwhelming response.
As Smart Fit expanded beyond Brazil, Corona strategically
assessed each new market. Understa nding the importance of regional nuances, he
sought local partners who could navigate the cultural and regulatory landscape.
This approach allowed Smart Fit to maintain a consistent brand and culture
while adapting to the specific needs and preferences of each country.
Despite facing challenges such as language barriers and
varying regulations, Corona successfully established Smart Fit as a leader in
each market. He leveraged global banking partnerships, like Citi Bank, to
ensure smooth financial operations across different re gions. Additionally,
Smart Fit’s global systems and processes, developed in-house, enabled seamless
management and a consistent member experience.
Corona’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace
mistakes and take risks. By fostering a culture of creativity and passion
within the organization, he believes in continuously learning and evolving. His
unwavering dedication to changing lives and delivering exceptional service has
propelled Smart Fit’s gro wth and made it a force to be reckoned with in the
fitness industry.
As Edgard Corona continues to drive Smart Fit’s
international expansion, his vision and leader ship are reshaping the fitness
landscape across Latin America. With his unwavering commitment to
affordability, quality, and innovation, Corona is revolutionizing the way
people approach fitness, one gym at a time.