When Sara Hodson, founder and president of Live Well Exercise Clinic, entered the world of entrepreneurship, she felt somewhat underqualified.
Until that time, she had spent her career in the health-care system working as a clinical exercise physiologist, designing and developing wellness programs for people facing serious health conditions like heart trouble.
She was hesitant to open a business, but her father helped buoy her entrepreneurial spirit.
“My dad reminded me when I started my company that I had always been an entrepreneur since childhood – because when I was 11 years old I turned our one-acre property into an 18-hole golf course for all the kids in the neighbourhood and charged them to use it,” Hodson said.
When Hodson’s father told her this story later in life, he said he was very proud of her but that, ethically, she should be required to return the money to the children. (Also, he said, having his backyard riddled with 18 misshapen holes wasn’t ideal.)
Hodson worked with the Fraser Health Authority for a decade, working to better the lives of people who had had traumatic health experiences. She and her team worked with the community to reintroduce exercise and well-being into the lives of patients.
She has volunteered countless hours at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and served on several boards across the Metro Vancouver area. She has a bachelor of human kinetics degree in exercise science from UBC and clinical exercise physiologist certification from the American College of Sports Medicine.
Hodson now owns and operates two corporate Live Well Exercise Clinic locations and supports over 15 franchise locations. The company plans to open another 20 in the near future, with four new locations already opened this year.
Hodson is inspired every day by the clients who enter her clinics and is passionate about improving their health by helping them develop a more positive, functional lifestyle.
Birthplace: Stirling, Scotland
Where you live now: White Rock
Highest level of education: Bachelor of kinesiology and postgrad certification as an American College of Sports Medicine certified clinical exercise physiologist
Currently reading: Other than reading Harry Potter to my boys every night, I listen to podcasts – currently listening to Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
Currently listening to: Really enjoying Adele’s 25 right now
When you were a kid, what you wanted to be when you grew up: Someone who made a difference in the world
Profession you would most like to try: Professional equestrian jumping
Toughest business or professional decision: Re-focusing my business on what we do best and getting rid of distracting services that were stealing time, energy, joy and focus
Advice you would give the younger you: Stay focused on what you do best and have a clear plan in place at all times, and stay on track with that plan. In the early days, I tried to do everything and rarely said no
What’s left to do: The next stage of our business is entering the U.S. market, and then our eyes are set on international opportunities. We will forge ahead until as many communities as possible have been impacted by the work we do
Join us to celebrate the 2018 Forty under 40 Awards January 24, 2019, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For tickets and event info visit https://www.biv.com/forty-under-40
