Bruce Merit,
"boss" of Body Bar Japan talks to Maki Nibayashi about great opportunities in the fitness business.
Tell us a bit about
your company.
I started Body Bar Japan almost six years ago after coming across the Body Bar while I was
passing through LA. I thought "something so simple, you can do so many things with
it. It has to work." So I brought a few samples of this piece of exercise equipment
back to Japan. Initially the reaction was very cool, with many people telling me it was
too heavy, too long and the colors were boring. So I made some modifications, found my own
factory to make it and started to develop the "Body Bar Total Body Workout"
software program to go with it. Currently we have the Body Bar in over 250 health clubs
throughout Japan. It has been featured in over 150 pages in Japanese fitness and beauty
magazines, and it was even on the back of a Kellogg' Genmai Flakes box for five months.
What positions are you seeking to fill?
Currently, I'm looking for someone who I can train to run the Body Bar Japan office. They
have to be Japanese with some previous office experience. They should have good computer,
communication and English skills, be self-motivated and able to think on their feet. I
would also like to get someone who is interested in marketing and promotion as well. They
should have a sincere interest in health and fitness so they can talk from their heart and
not just their head.
What benefits are there for the right candidate?
Working for Body Bar is actually many jobs rolled into one. The lucky candidate will get
hands-on experience in many different areas of the office, from basic telephone skills,
marketing, and PR, to sales, accounting and exercise techniques. They will also improve
their communication skills as well as their people skills. There is also a tremendous
opportunity of advancement for the right person, as I would eventually like them to run
the whole office of Body Bar Japan, so I can focus on Body Bar International.
What's it like working for Body Bar?
Because Body Bar is a fitness company that has a strong reputation built on education and
service as well as sales, we have to be very tentative in our work. Many of my
"Lifestyle with Merit" consulting formulas for success are integrated in what we
do here in Body Bar. The hours are full time but flexible, no overtime or weekends and
lots of holidays! You get to learn all about motivation, goal planning, fitness and
exercise techniques as well as eating healthy. Above all it is FUN, educational, relaxed
and every day is casual Friday!
Send your
resume to Body Bar, 3-1-30-404 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Visit the
Japanese/English language website: www.bodybar.japan.co.jp
