Small Business of the Day: Fitness by Brian

We’re highlighting small businesses from around the country as nominated by you, our readers. If your favorite small business is using Twitter to communicate with customers, let us know about it @fbsmallbiz with the hashtag #mysbc, and it may be featured as an upcoming Small Business of the Day.

Small Business of the Day: Fitness by Brian

Who: Brian Johnson, 39, @fitnessbybrian

What: Personal trainer serving the Annapolis area

When: 2011

How: When he was laid off from his job in the distribution sector, Johnson decided to start a business centered on what he knows best: fitness. He serves as a traveling trainer, visiting his clients at their homes or at the gym.

To increase sales, Johnson is offering discounts to new clients and is planning a weight loss challenge that will include 20 participants competing for a grand prize.

“I primarily deal with individuals who don’t want to deal with the gym and the stress that comes with that,” he said.

Where: Annapolis

In his own words: “Personal trainers in gyms treat their clients as a transaction instead of helping them lose weight or increase flexibility. I try to make it as personal as possible.”