Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominic Carbajal.
Dominic, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I graduated from the University of San Diego with my degree in accounting in 2014. I worked as an accountant for a few years, and to say that it didn’t fulfill my passion would be an understatement. But, it provided me with a steady lifestyle and I kept at it for a few years. At that point in my life, a large part of my daily routine would be to wake up extremely early, just so I could workout. Working out transformed my day, and it was the one outlet I had to ensure I would have a great day and get through the workday.
In 2017 I decided to quit my job as an accountant and pursue a field that made me happy and one where I could make a difference. It was then that I started to explore the world of fitness as a career, working as a part-time trainer at The Camp Transformation Center in Oceanside. I started to notice that my attitude was brighter and my outlook on life was more positive whenever I was on the training mat. Helping members to work toward their goals and reach milestones was addicting.
While I was working as a part-time trainer, The Camp in West Chula Vista became available for franchising opportunities. It was a scary moment when I realized that owning my own Camp was what I wanted to do –but under that fear was pure joy and excitement. It was a long and arduous process, but in 2018 I became the owner of The Camp West Chula Vista. Looking back from when I first started to now, I am so proud of my team and the family atmosphere that exists within our walls. Being part of my members’ lives day in and day out and helping them become the best version of themselves has truly transformed my own life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been and still isn’t a smooth road. There are challenges that I face every day as a gym owner. From the moment I set out to become a gym owner, the financial burden of it was extremely daunting. My savings from my time as an accountant were dwindling and I knew that a part-time trainer’s salary wasn’t going to cut it. I learned a lot about the financial process for owning a business and I also learned a lot about owning a business in general!
I often would think, am I crazy? Am I doing the right thing? I made plenty of mistakes like purchasing large pieces of equipment or making unnecessary repairs at the wrong time that cost me my salary for the month. But I am so glad that I had those mistakes; they were incredible learning experiences. They have helped me make smarter and more strategic decisions since. As I enter into a whole new set of challenges going into establishing my second location in East Village this year, I am extra grateful for the obstacles I have faced.
Once I was officially a business owner, a whole new set of challenges began. I had never been someone’s boss, much less to a whole staff! I have learned a lot by navigating through staffing obstacles and opportunities, which has helped me in all areas of my life. I knew for a fact that I wanted to create a welcoming environment in my gym and connecting with my team to ensure we were on the same page was a big component in establishing that. One of my main goals is not only to transform the lives of our members but also provide the best quality of life I can for my team.
The Camp Transformation Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the owner and director of The Camp Transformation Center in west Chula Vista. The Camp Transformation Center is a gym franchise with multiple locations across the country. Our facilities are class-based, classes are done in a boot camp-style utilizing circuit training and HIIT (high-intensity interval training). We are known for the ‘6 Week Weight Loss Challenge’, where participants have access to unlimited group training, nutrition seminars, meal plans and community support in efforts to lose 20 pounds in six weeks. Along with the 20 lbs challenge, we also offer the Hard Body Challenge, with the goal of losing 5% body fat, Elite Personal Training services and an array of supplements and materials needed to succeed.
As the director, it is my job to oversee my members and their weight loss journey. Together with my Assistant Director, I run weekly weigh-ins to monitor progress, I am available for consults and questions my members may have throughout their journey and I also work as a trainer in my gym, alongside my staff of trainers.
I am most proud of the community we have built here at West Chula Vista, a feat that I truly believe sets us apart from other fitness centers and gyms. Every single member and team member is ready to support one another during their weight loss journey. I have witnessed members cheering each other on during classes and keeping their fellow members motivated, which is an amazing thing to witness on a daily basis.
On occasion, we will recognize a member who has gone through an extraordinary transformation by honoring them with a poster. We did so just a few weeks ago and it was hard not to get emotional. Seeing members accomplish so much and be supported by their fellow members is truly remarkable. We are one big family at West Chula Vista.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success should be defined as something that is unobtainable. If you feel like you’ve truly reached success, then what are you still working toward? What is keeping you motivated? Working hard toward a goal, achieving it and then setting a higher goal is how I choose to define success.
Pricing:
- $97 monthly fee with 12 month membership commitment
- $117 monthly fee with 6 month membership commitment
- $147 month to month membership fee
- 6 Week 20lbs Challenge: $297
- 6 Week 20lbs Challenge: $497 (includes supplement package)
Contact Info:
- Address: 675 Palomar Street Unit B/C Chula Vista, California 91911 Request a Free 7-Day Workout Pass.
- Website: https://thecamptc.com/locations/west-chula-vista-california
- Phone: (619) 346-0282
- Email: dominic@thecamptcsd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecampwcv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Camp-Transformation-Center-West-Chula-Vista-359176914470370/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-camp-transformation-center-west-chula-vista-west-chula-vista?osq=The+Camp+Transformation+Center
Image Credit:
West Chula Vista Staff
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