In 2007, when Catherine Andersen was laid off from her job as a sales representative at Visual Systems Inc. in Shorewood, she realized it was an opportunity to start her own business. Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp opened in February of 2008 and provides fitness instruction, nutrition counseling and motivational training for women of all fitness levels.
“When the Milwaukee publishing company where I was employed for eight years was bought out by our biggest competitor, I assumed layoffs were next. But to my surprise, I was actually hoping for termination. Why was that, I wondered? Within days the layoffs occurred, and I contemplated my plan of action.
My first thought was to stay in business sales, reassured that with my MBA I would have options. But then that would be more of the ‘same old same old.’
I saw a chance to move in an entirely new direction and do what I really love. Two great friends had left corporate careers to start women-focused fitness boot camps. I had always thought about starting my own personal training business but knew that working with one or just a few people at a time was too small a scope. Already a certified personal trainer, I now planned to train to be an authorized and certified boot camp owner. It was now or never and I knew it…so I leaped. Once I decided, it felt like the clouds parted and the sun shone through.
Well, maybe not that extreme, but I knew it was a good move – I could feel it!
My reasoning: Fitness is something I believe in (I’ve been involved in sports all my life), and I could be passionate about helping people become and stay healthy. Now, one year later, I feel I’ve been a more positive influence than in all of my earlier working years combined.”
Catherine Andersen
Owner, Milwaukee Adventure Boot Camp
Best advice ever received: “If it feels right, really right to your core, then it is the right move for you.”
www.milwaukeebootcamp.com
