Meet BSBA Member Jeff Cozart, The Belmont Athletic Club / Shore Strength Lab
How’d you get your start?
I started working in health clubs my first year in college and I came to The Belmont solely to string racquetball racquets.
How did you go from racquetball stringing to principal partner?
I worked my up at The Belmont doing various jobs, eventually becoming the General Manager. Then in 2012 the original owner decided to retire. At that time, we formed an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and as the Principal Partner I took over ownership of The Belmont along with several other longtime employees.
What sets The Belmont apart from other fitness centers?
We are one of the longest standing businesses in Belmont Shore; we believe our edge is how we treat our members. We are in the people business and you have to embrace that to be successful.
Running a small business is hard, what advice would you give to those with similar aspirations?
You need to be 110% committed to making it work. And be ready to pivot early if things aren’t working as you expected.
"My favorite part of operating in Belmont Shore is the small-town feel. The sense of community in Belmont Shore is extremely strong."
What holds more value for you: creativity or knowledge?
Both creativity and knowledge are very important in owning a business. To me, knowledge and learning/adapting came easier than creativity. Once I established the knowledge it takes to run a business I found that at times I would struggle with the creative aspect. Coming up with new ideas and having a vision doesn’t come naturally for me, but I think I’ve gotten better at it with experience.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Going to our industry conventions and tradeshows. I really like meeting other operators of facilities from around the world to see what issues and solutions they have dealt with.
What's your perfect day in Belmont Shore?
A perfect day for me would probably be some offshore fishing on a boat out of Pierpoint Landing and then back to Belmont Shore at the end of the day for dinner at either George’s, Open Sesame, or Legends.
Has anything specific really spoken to you recently?
Issues regarding the wellbeing of kids. We have identified a few causes to support that are directed to benefit children dealing with their physical or mental health.
"If I could visit another place in this reality or another, I would go to any planet inhabited by beings more advanced than humans. It would be so awesome to go somewhere I have no chance of visiting in my lifetime and meeting beings that could expose me to concepts and ideas currently beyond my comprehension."
Historic 26,400-square-foot facility with various membership options. Featuring an extensive weight room, racquetball courts, personal trainers, and group fitness classes.
Plus the new Shore Strength Lab and Murphy's Pub on the top floor with the best patio views in Belmont Shore.
4918 2nd Street
Long Beach, CA 90803
belmontathleticclub.com
shorestrengthlab.com
murphyspublongbeach.com