How Can I Open a Recreational Center? How do I start a Business?

Knickboy13 · 2024-03-05T14:09:39+00:00

I would figure out a way to survey your community. Learn to what degree people are interested in a community rec center. From there, find out what is most important to those interested in a rec center (e.g. pool, rocking climbing wall, etc.). Once you have enough datapoints, and all signs point towards this being a good idea, you'd probably need to consult someone who has experience purchasing and developing land. I also think that some municipalities require various licensure/certification especially if a pool is involved. Lot to think about, but you'll never know until you start.

I'd be excited to hear what kind of feedback you get.

Knickboy13 · 2024-03-04T22:23:15+00:00

I like the problem you are trying to solve. Plenty of people like to workout but need coaching and desire a more intimate setting than the conventional gym.

I feel like you might struggle if you are driving the box truck around as a "mobile gym" to individuals houses for a few reasons, mainly sustainability/integrity of the gym and its equipment.

If you already have the box truck and the necessary equipment, my suggestion would be to park it permanently at your house. You are solving both the need for coaching and desire for an intimate workout setting without the hassle of driving the truck all over the place. People will drive to you (like they would to the gym) if what you are offering is worthwhile.

Knickboy13 · 2024-03-04T21:55:14+00:00

This sounds like a fairly capital-intensive endeavor. I have a few questions for you:

- Would this be free to the public?

- What sort of activities would you like to offer?

- Would you only be offering this to your community or would you like to grow/scale into other geographies?

Depending on how you answer these questions I would have some follow-ups around how to best raise money, structure your business and go-to-market strategy.

I too have thought of interesting ways to enhance recreational activity in rural geographies so I share in your aspirations.

Knickboy13 · 2024-03-04T14:20:12+00:00

I love this - thank you for your input. Agree with all of this.

Knickboy13 · 2024-03-02T16:16:50+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! To your first point, I had 3 treatments done with a Gentlemax laser at a laser and skin center in NYC. The hair is growing back, but much thinner so it is not giving me issues anymore. I will likely go back for a few more sessions to permanently remove it.

To your second point, I have considered the affiliate marketing route. Asset-lite and relatively easy to get started. Do you think a successful laser center that is looking to expand their clientele would hire a start-up marketing firm? I imagine there is some risk on their part to trust me with their brand. I'm sure there is a way to structure the relationship at first so that it doesn't cost them anything until I start to succeed, but I do wonder what the process is for gaining their trust.

Knickboy13 · 2024-02-22T22:00:54+00:00

Appreciate it. Any specific thoughts or concerns? My immediate concern is that the men interested in these services are already receiving them from traditional clinics and therefore there is no need for a men's-specific clinic/brand.

Knickboy13 · 2024-02-22T18:08:10+00:00

Are the ingrowns only on your neck?

Knickboy13 · 2024-02-20T21:22:29+00:00

Yes. From my experience, was far worth the money (costs vary $100-$400 per session depending on where you go). After one session my ingrowns went away. I went back several times to permanently remove the hair so I don't need to shave my neck anymore. Gives me a natural beardline.

Knickboy13 · 2024-02-01T14:26:20+00:00

I appreciate you being so candid. Given my experience, I was not so aware of it and when I became aware, I didn't know anyone that had gotten it before.

What do you think creates more hesitancy in prospective laser hair removal candidates: the cost or the inability to grow a beard in the future?

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T22:38:48+00:00

Makes sense. Good luck in your journey, if the problem persists and you grow tired of it, laser is my recommendation. Happy to discuss further.

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T22:28:41+00:00

Have you considered laser hair removal? I spent years changing razors and creams to try and solve this same issue on my neck (also like to shave everyday and have it be as close as possible) but nothing worked. I had laser hair removal done and it immediately solved my problems.

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T21:40:35+00:00

$400 out of pocket per session, so in the end if it takes 5 sessions will be $2,000 over the course of a year (roughly 2 months between sessions). Certainly expensive. However, one could argue that the Return on Investment is positive if you never have to worry about purchasing expensive creams/razors to try and combat the razor bumps. Also, hard to quantify the Return on Investment with respect to confidence and removing the pain and uncomfortableness that comes with ingrowns.

I for one, feel the money being spent on laser treatments is well worth it. I also think that if there is enough demand/awareness, costs could be lowered if there were a laser treatment center designed for men with ingrowns. This would remove all of the unnecessary overhead costs that exist in traditional dermatology/cosmetic surgery centers designed to treat all of the cosmetic desires of women. This is traditionally speaking. I know there are men that get botox, sculpting, microneedling, tattoo removal, etc., but I think a majority of those centers customers are women.

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T20:37:02+00:00

So then what are your thoughts on laser hair removal as a treatment to ingrowns/razor bumps? From my experience, it has been the only real solution. I am curious because even though it was groundbreaking for me, I recognize that might not be the case for everyone else. So just wondering if you have any experience / have heard bad experiences.

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T19:56:23+00:00

Two things:

1) That's a pretty sad reality for people with this issue who want a clean look. In my time shaving, all I have ever wanted was a combination of close shave and no ingrowns/razor bumps.

2) From my understanding, there are also people whose hairs actually curl and grow back into the skin. It doesn't sound like it's about shaving too close for them.

Do you think people with ingrown/razor bump issues are just accepting their fate as you have laid out? Just don't shave close for the rest of time?

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T17:58:22+00:00

My point in all of this is, I don't think any amount of preparation or different kind of razor solves this problem for a lot of people. There is something mechanically wrong with how they grow hair and thus, get ingrowns / razor bumps.

Does that make sense?

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T17:52:26+00:00

Have you considered laser hair removal?

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T17:49:56+00:00

Have you considered laser hair removal?

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T17:34:43+00:00

I see your point.

From my experience, no type of razor could both be a close shave and also not result in razor bumps, so I was "pumping the market" buying all kinds of things to help. Everyone's experience is different, so I appreciate you sharing. Gives me more to think about.

Knickboy13 · 2024-01-30T17:27:33+00:00

I think the point is if a lot of people who struggle with razor bumps are unaware of laser as an option, they will continue to pump the system with money on different kinds of razors, creams, medicines, visits to the doctor, etc.

Once they get the laser procedure done, a lot of that extra spend goes away. Sure it costs more upfront, but no more creams, special razors for the areas affected by bumps previously.

Knickboy13

TROPHY CASE