At just 35 years old, Alex Savva has founded CircuitFIT in 2004, founded PHARMAFREAK Technologies Inc. with his best friend and business partner Don Gauvreau in 2008, and, most recently, launched SD Pharmaceuticals. What advice does he have for other young professionals? Find out in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your businesses in a nutshell.
CircuitFIT is an exclusive fitness studio in midtown Toronto that focuses on 30-minute total body fitness, personal training and yoga.
PHARMAFREAK researches and develops the world’s most potent and effective sports nutrition supplements for bodybuilders and athletes.
SD Pharmaceuticals is a cutting-edge supplement company that produces the most sophisticated ingredients on the market to maximize fat loss, muscle growth and performance.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I entered my first bodybuilding show as a Junior and won. From that point on, I was hooked and continued to compete and train clients while getting a BPHE at the University of Toronto. When I was 26, I opened CircuitFIT by taking all the negatives I experienced at big box gyms and creating the opposite: an intimate studio that offers high-quality fitness training in the most efficient and effective setting possible.
My sports supplement businesses began in a similar fashion. Don Gauvreau and I developed PHARMAFREAK from scratch in response to the poor quality and potency of supplements available on the market. We created products that we wanted to use but didn’t exist, and we still won’t release a product unless we use it ourselves and believe it’s more effective than anything on the market.
Our sales have increased 200-300 per cent annually and PHARMAFREAK has become a multi-million dollar company and a global brand available in 40 countries.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is that it’s never the same. We are always working on new and exciting products, programs and relationships. We also get to meet and interact with the diverse roster of athletes we sponsor and get their feedback, which is critical. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to help people improve their health, physiques and ultimately their lives.
The most challenging part of my day is getting it all done and knowing when to call it quits!
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
In five years I see CircuitFIT continuing to offer the same exclusive and specialized fitness service that has made it a staple in midtown Toronto. I see my supplement companies growing their international distribution and staying at the forefront of cutting-edge sports supplementation.
One of my other dreams is to produce my own fitness TV show that focuses on giving people an inside look on how to exercise, eat and supplement for maximum results. I have some exciting ideas if anyone is interested…
What does success look like to you?
The ability to grow and sustain your business over a long period of time. Any business can be hot for a while, but can it stand the test of time? My goal is always longevity.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
For CircuitFIT, it was making it to that first year mark and seeing my client base grow from 0 to 100, even though a big name health club opened down the street right after I did.
For PHARMAFREAK it was when we got full judgement and payment a year after suing a distributor that not only violated our terms but also refused to pay us over $300,000 that they owed us. As a result, we completely redesigned our business model, which brought us to the level we’re at today.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
If you follow your passion, success will follow.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We’re working on an exciting new project called the GOODFIT Battles, a series of exciting fitness competitions in high-risk Toronto areas that aim to encourage youth to make fitness a part of their lifestyles.
What is Notable to you?
Those who bust their ass and make things happen.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Currently iPhone, but I’m going back to BlackBerry because I can’t stand this autotype feature that sends all kinds of craziness. I have to quadruple check each message before I send it!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I live and breathe the fitness lifestyle daily. I train hard, eat well, supplement and get proper rest to be ready for tomorrow. It’s my business and I practice what I preach.