Summary
Who: Luke Popham, co-owner of Anytime Fitness
Where: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
When: Established 2006
What: A 24-hour gym that falls on the higher end of membership numbers in the nation
Luke Popham’s road to business ownership was not without its obstacles. At 24 years old he wanted to start an Anytime Fitness in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He and his business partner, Jeremy Rebrovich, had a passion for the fitness and health industry—and according to Luke, not much else.
“We were just a couple of guys in their 20s with nothing in their pockets, starting a business,” Luke said.
They were turned down for loans from Brainerd to the Twin Cities before they found the Entrepreneur Fund.
“We owe a lot to the Entrepreneur Fund,” Luke said. “They listen to your vision and they take in your passion. When they see a business that they think will succeed, they don’t hesitate.”
The Entrepreneur Fund stayed with Luke and Jeremy over the next six years, even helping out when they had trouble with a leasing company. When Luke and Jeremy decided it was time to expand, they once again looked for funding in Duluth, Brainerd, the Twin Cities and Grand Rapids. And once again, the Entrepreneur Fund came through with a loan.
The Grand Rapids Anytime Fitness will be moving to a bigger building in September, expanding from 4,200 to 7,000 square feet. And with a membership of 950—well above the Anytime Fitness national average—Luke and Jeremy have successfully brought their passion for fitness to a small community.
