Business Link’s Client Feature blogs allow us to highlight some of the many incredible Alberta entrepreneurs we work with, like John Fawcus and his business Fawcus Fitness. John’s passion for helping others change their lives through fitness and nutrition and his entrepreneurial spirit are what set him on course to opening his small business in Sherwood Park, Alberta.
We connected with John to ask him a few questions about his business and his journey in entrepreneurship.
Heading image photographed by: Shari Love Photography
Q. Tell us about yourself! What is your background?
A. This is not an easy question to answer as there is so much that I could say! I would say my background is literally fitness. Before I was ten years old, I recall training myself in my parent’s basement. When my mother took me to the library, I would head over to the fitness section and read all that I could on fitness. I suppose you could say I am a fitness fanatic that is also a martial artist and a dad. While fitness and nutrition take up most of my headspace, I have many other interests such as mechanics, woodworking, welding, and fabrication as I just love learning in general!
Q. Tell us about your business and what it does.
A. The focus of my business is helping dads (and others) change their lives through fitness and nutrition coaching. I not only use a habit-based approach but also an evidence-based one to ensure that those I coach get permanent results.
Q. When did you launch your business?
A. I started my business about 3 years ago.
Q. What motivated you to start your own business?
A. I suppose I always had an entrepreneur mindset. I recall shoveling snow and cutting lawns from a very young age. In elementary school, I remember charging a classmate to store some of his school supplies in my desk! With Fawcus Fitness, it is because I am so passionate about helping people change their lives in a positive way and I want to be in control of how things are done so that I can deliver the best service possible.
Q. What are you most proud of? What is your biggest success?
A. I am proud of where I have come so far considering I have no business education. One of my biggest successes is with a client of mine, a dad that dropped 60lbs and had to go out to purchase new clothes because his old ones were falling off! The best part is that he has kept this weight off for 2 years now.
Q. Was your business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? How did things change for you? How did your business adapt?
A. As I was already doing online coaching, I wasn’t affected that much. COVID has actually forced me to build a garage gym for myself (as I had a gym membership) which in turn I can use to train clients.
Q. Why did you come to Business Link?
A. Although I have a degree in Human Kinetics and many other certifications related to fitness and nutrition, I never received a formal business education. Everything I have learned about business has been self-taught and I felt I needed direction in this area. Additionally, since I recently moved to Alberta I was looking for ways to grow in a new province.
Q. How has Business Link helped you? What kind of support did you receive?
A. I am currently working with Business Link on a business plan. So far the support has been great and I am learning a lot.
Q. What advice would you share with others who want to start or grow their own business?
A. Don’t give up! Be open to feedback and constantly learn. It is a lot of work, but anything worth doing is!
Q. What’s coming up next for you? Any big business goals?
A. My goal is to be completely self-sufficient with my business this year so that I don’t have to work another job to support my family.
Photography by: Shari Love Photography
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share?
A. If you or anyone you know is interested in changing their life through fitness and nutrition coaching, please don’t hesitate to call, email, or connect with me on social media. In addition, please contact Business Link if you need any help! Don’t go it alone!
Fawcus Fitness on 
Fawcus Fitness on 
