Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part Two)

Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner

Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training

Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/

Topics Covered:

/ Staying in the Game for 15+ Years

In an industry where most personal trainers last just 3–5 years, Louise shares what it has taken to build and maintain a thriving regional gym in Mansfield for more than 15 years – and why sustainability matters just as much as growth.

/ Avoiding Burnout When You Are the Business

Early mornings, late nights, family life and her own training – Louise breaks down how she manages it all. She talks about the role of recovery, sleep and having a support team around her (myo, massage, mentors) so she can keep showing up for her clients.

/ From “I Can Do Everything” to Zone of Genius

Louise explains how she shifted from trying to do everything herself – bookkeeping, marketing, cleaning and more – to focusing on her zone of genius: being in the room with clients. She shares how bringing in help has allowed her to better serve her community and scale sustainably.

/ Client Wins That Really Matter

From being able to hold a new grandchild for an hour to living independently at 81 and feeling less socially isolated, Louise reflects on the everyday wins that define success for her and why she cares more about real life outcomes than personal bests on a barbell.

/ Collaboration, Community and Reading People

Louise talks about collaboration over competition in regional towns, how partnerships strengthen community, and the skill of reading people – knowing when to push, when to pull back and how to create a genuinely safe space in the gym.

/ Lifelong Learning and What’s Next for Lou Fit

From business mentoring to dropping in on other trainers’ classes while on holidays, Louise explains why ongoing learning is non-negotiable. She also shares what’s next for Lou Fit as her kids grow and she continues to reshape the business to work for her life, not the other way around.

Connect with Louise: Train with Lou from anywhere via her live virtual and in-studio classes, and get a feel for the community on Instagram: @loufitpt

If you enjoy this episode, make sure you subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss upcoming episodes. And if you know a remarkable regional business with a story worth sharing, dob them in at: https://hebronfilms.com/podcast

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 39 (Part One)

Guest: Lou Hopwood, Owner

Business Name: Lou Fit Personal Training

Website: https://www.loufitpersonaltraining.com.au/

Topics Covered:

/ Building a Thriving PT Business in a Town of 12,000

How do you grow and sustain a successful personal training studio in a regional town at the base of Mt Buller? Louise shares the story of building Lou Fit Personal Training over 15 years in Mansfield, and what it really looks like behind the scenes.

/ Creating a Community-First Studio for Ages 10–83

Lou unpacks how she’s created a genuinely welcoming space for people aged 10 to 83 – from the “one-percenters” and small personal touches that make clients feel seen, to turning her gym into a true community hub rather than just a place to work out.

/ Pivoting to Virtual and Building a Hybrid Model When COVID hit

Lou pivoted overnight to virtual classes to keep her clients moving and connected. She explains how that shift not only kept the doors open but also evolved into a hybrid model that still serves her regional community today.

/ Designing Memberships for Real Regional Life

From uni students and “mature moves” clients to farmers juggling seasons and long hours, Lou shares the creative ways she packages memberships so people at different life stages can still access consistent training and support.

/ Consistency, Women’s Health and Competing Kindly

Lou talks about running women’s health events for eight years, why consistency matters so much in small towns, and how she chooses to “compete kindly” in a crowded local fitness market – believing there are “enough people for everyone” if you stay in your lane.

This is Part 1 of the conversation with Lou – jump into Part 2 next to hear more of her story and practical wisdom for regional business owners.

Remarkable Regional Business – Episode 38 (Part Two)

Guest: Paul Olsen, General Manager

Business Name: ISH24 Safety and Rescue

Website: www.ish24.com.au

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-olsen-bendigo

Topics Covered:

/ Navigating Growth and Challenges in a Niche Market

Paul continues the conversation, sharing insights from leading ISH24 through a competitive and highly specialized safety and rescue industry.

/ Standing Out in a Competitive Industry

Paul highlights the breadth of ISH24’s services — from equipment sales and servicing to expert training — and explains how their integrated approach sets them apart in a crowded market.

/ Training for Community Safety

The discussion turns to the vital role of skilled first aiders on site. Paul shares how ISH24’s training programs, led by current and former paramedics, help businesses maintain safety and preparedness across industries.

/ Adapting and Thriving During COVID-19

Paul recounts the challenges of the pandemic and how ISH24 adapted strategically, supporting clients while navigating uncertainty. Their approach to recruitment and operational flexibility ensured continuity and growth.

/ Growth Through Adversity

Despite industry setbacks, ISH24 leveraged opportunities to expand, ultimately tripling their business and securing major new clients. Paul reflects on how resilience and strategy fuelled this remarkable growth.

/ People, Culture, and Regional Impact

The conversation wraps with insights into proactive recruitment, strong team communication and building a company culture that supports growth — demonstrating how a regional business can have national influence.