Pilates Connection

By Malia Durbano

Kim Moriyama opened the Pilates Connection in 2002. She envisions her business as a vehicle to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and is so grateful for the instructors who work with her that are passionate about doing that.

In 2013, Kim met with advisor Joe Bishop who, “Was an awesome sounding board and helped me with revisioning to make the studio vital and dynamic.” She implemented the ideas they came up with and “Put together a pay structure that rewards instructors who are passionate about sharing what they love to teach.”

Joe Bishop encouraged her to look at the business from the perspective of her employees and to create systems to help them be the best they can be. Also looking at the business from the perspective of the owner, Moriyama was able to clarify the personal values she would like the business to reflect in the world.

Moriyama explains, “Working with Joe Bishop was very empowering.” He helped her transform the business from something that was somewhat mechanical to create systems that embody the values they share as a team and that now permeate everything they do. “We now understand the different roles people play on the team. I also better understand what my role is as the business owner and leader of the team.”

Further work with Joe Keck provided deeper clarity on her vision and how the business serves the staff, the clients and the community and herself as the owner.

Following the recent Women’s Small Business Conference, Moriyama consulted with advisor Terryl Peterson regarding the financial aspects of the business such as the compensation model and ways to incentivize the employees. “Terryl was really great at listening and asking key questions. She provided great resources based on where I was in that moment and helped me create a thriving environment for my instructors, which in turn makes the whole business thrive!”

Moriyama is grateful for the on-going coaching and regular check-ins with the advisors. “My studio has started to flourish in a whole new way.”

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