Taylor Training offers personalized training through Summer Company program

BY SCOTT STEPHENSON

Nineteen-year-old entrepreneur Cal Taylor is proving that determination, passion and a little help from Huron County’s Summer Company grant program can go a long way. This summer, Taylor has launched Taylor Training, a business that offers personalized, in-home fitness coaching.

 

“It’s an in-home personal training business that caters to anybody looking to level up their fitness game in their own home,” Taylor explained to The Citizen. “I do a free consultation - so I go to their house, talk to them about their exercise history and their goals, whether it’s weight loss, gaining muscle, building strength, or just functional, everyday strength - like for seniors getting in and out of chairs.”

 

Using that information, Taylor creates a personalized fitness program. Once a fitness plan is in place, Taylor brings everything needed for a personalized workout right to his new client’s front door. “I’ll come to their house with a bag full of bands, dumbbells, and other equipment,” he explained. “They can buy three, six, or 10 sessions, and then I just help them work toward their fitness goals without having to leave their own home. As far as I know, I’m the only in-home personal trainer in the area. Most trainers are based in gyms, but I bring everything to you.”

 

After graduating from Central Huron Secondary School in 2022, Taylor explored a few different paths, “My last semester of Grade 12, I did my co-op at Huron HVAC in Goderich. It was a four-credit co-op, so I was there every day, all day, and I learned a lot about the trades. They even hired me for the summer,” he said. “But in the end, I realized that, while I could do that work, it just wasn’t what I loved. When I’m training people, it doesn’t feel like work.”

 

Taylor started his own personal fitness journey early. “I’ve always loved being active, and I’ve been into fitness since I was little - I’ve been working out myself since about Grade 9. I used to play softball in Lucknow, and I still play fastball now,” he explained. That love of activity eventually led him to a job at the YMCA in Clinton, where he became a certified personal trainer.

 

I worked for them, and then I saw some of my friends doing this program called Summer Company in Goderich, where you get a grant to start your own business. That’s how I got my foot in the door.”

 

When he learned about the Summer Company grant program from some friends, he decided to apply. It proved to be the perfect launchpad for his idea for a home fitness business. “They sifted through the applications and picked 11 people,” Taylor recalled. “It was very helpful - I’m 19, and I haven’t run my own business before. For the book work and financial side of it, I had someone to mentor me through all that and make it work.”

 

Like any new business, finding clients was the hardest part. Along the way, Taylor has learned a lot about persistence and promotion. “I knew it would be hard to get people, but I didn’t expect just how many times people have to see your logo or your name before they even think about giving you a call,” he pointed out. “The biggest challenge was definitely getting clients. I used some of the grant money to buy equipment, but I also spent some on an ad in the Goderich Sun, which actually got me a couple clients, so it was well worth it.” To reach potential clients, he uses every tool available. “I have a Facebook page, posters in Clinton, Goderich, Bayfield, and business cards. Word of mouth has been big too - clients talking to their friends and family.”

 

These days, he balances his training sessions with summer fun and other jobs. “I usually have a client or two a day, and I just schedule around other things. If my buddies want to go golfing, it’s pretty flexible. I also work at the YMCA behind the desk.”
Taylor thinks that any young people considering the leap and starting a business should consider the Huron County Summer Company program. “If you don’t know where to start, it’s a great template and building block to get you where you want to be. They’ll help you a lot.”

 

Looking ahead, Taylor plans to continue his education while keeping the business alive. “I’m starting Police Foundations at Conestoga College this September. I hope to keep this going as a side business while I’m in school.” With his combination of drive, flexibility, and genuine love for fitness, it seems Taylor Training is just getting started.