How entrepreneur Dean Stallard grew his gym business during Covid-19, expanding in Hong Kong and Los Angeles – plus his packed fitness schedule of jiu-jitsu, boxing, HIIT and yoga
Most people would exercise caution when it comes to expanding a business amid protests and a pandemic; Dean Stallard went full throttle with an exercise business instead.
The entrepreneur, previously managing director in a large global corporation, first co-founded The Hybrid Group and its subsidiary business, The Hybrid Gym Group, in 2018, along with two business partners. Between late 2019 to early 2020, when many companies were employing more conservative strategies during uncertain times, they launched in Los Angeles as well. Two weeks before the first Covid-19 lockdown hit Hong Kong, Stallard decided to leave his corporate job entirely and embrace his own business full-time, and the group now has two gyms in Central, Hong Kong, and one in LA near the Staples Centre.
“I am highly motivated by the fact that it is guaranteed our time will come to an end one day; the more things I can look back on when that day comes, the better,” he explains.
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“I love building businesses that give people an opportunity to change their lives for the better, whether it be through developing future leaders or through the positive impact on our clients’ lives every day.”
Even with his surplus of courage and optimism, Stallard wasn’t immune to the difficulties presented by a global pandemic. While Hybrid signed the LA lease in February 2020, it wasn’t until August 2021 that they were able to open their doors to customers.
Perhaps more significantly, the three business partners stood firm on their decision not to terminate any staff, nor reduce salaries or commission, a promise that “hasn’t been easy on the financials, but it was the right decision … and something we are proud of”.
“The past year has by far been the most difficult time to navigate in my career … but what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” Stallard says. “One thing I have learned throughout my journey is to expect the unexpected, and if a great opportunity comes up – even if it scares the hell out of you – grab it with both hands.”
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“The only thing you cannot buy is time. Every day I wake up with the aim to make as many amazing memories as I can, whether it be with my family or through experiencing something I have never done before,” he says. “I’d like to be able to look back and think, ‘Wow that was one hell of a ride’.”
Dean Stallard’s preferred watch – Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
- Stallard founded The Hybrid Group and The Hybrid Gym Group in 2018, and in 2021 launched a 360 Personal Training & Wellness programme with Asaya Wellness at Rosewood, Hong Kong
- He recently bought a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona that he intends to pass down to his son – and is a big believer in making time for the family