Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

Hi, I'm Kristen! I am originally from Daingerfield, Texas and currently residing in Frisco, Texas.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

I love the opportunities that come with living in Frisco and the surrounding area. This is a community that prioritizes wellness and prevention; people here are health-conscious and willing to invest in a longer, healthier life. That mindset lets us offer more than workouts—coaching, recovery protocols, biometrics, nutrition support, and education—and see real engagement. This area's collaborative business climate also makes partnerships easy, so we can connect members with trusted local services and create meaningful community events.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

I’m the Community Director at Willow Bend Fitness Club in Plano, Texas. We’re a boutique community gym delivering exceptional experiences—state-of-the-art equipment, elite personal training, personalized nutrition, Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT), and a top-tier golf simulator. I lead sales, match new members with trainers, run community events, manage social media, and publish our newsletter, Around the Bend. I also coach: personal training, lifestyle and bodybuilding nutrition, and stage posing for all divisions. Our next chapter is the launch of our Longevity Lab.

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

I am very fortunate to work alongside AMAZING clients. Hearing that I am the best part of their day and have been for YEARS is pretty special.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

My best advice: don’t fly solo. Hire a mentor and a business coach who will challenge you and hold you accountable. Keep investing in education, and lean into evolution—because what got you here won’t get you there.

Where do you see your company in the future?

As mentioned, our leadership team—Jake Harden, Matt Dalrymple, and I—is preparing to launch a groundbreaking service next quarter called The Longevity Lab. It’s an elite, one-stop experience that integrates coaching, recovery protocols, biometrics/HRV, personalized nutrition, and mindset training under one roof. Beyond member results, the Lab is designed as a community engine—creating structured avenues for local small businesses to collaborate with us through education, services, and referral partnerships—so they can expand their reach and grow their clientele.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

A big challenge is marketing in an over-saturated world. This is where having a strong community and word of mouth from our clients is essential.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

www.willowbendfitnessclub.com praise_pumpkins Facebook: tinyurl.com/praisepumpkins.com