Edgard Corona, the owner of Smart Fit, is a prominent
figure in the Brazilian fitness industry. With a background in Chemical
Engineering from Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP), Corona has been an
entrepreneur since his college years. He started with a materials analysis
laboratory and later ventured into the fashion industry, opening his own
clothing stores. In 1996, Corona decided to step away from the family business
and embark on a new venture – the first Bio Ritmo gym in Santo Amaro.
Driven by a personal experience, Corona’s
dedication to the fitness industry grew stronger. After an accident while
skiing, he required extensive physiotherapy sessions and saw an opportunity to
provide these services in his own gym. This led to the birth of Bio Ritmo,
where Corona’s goal was to innovate and implement a new management model for
the sports industry.
Initially, Bio Ritmo faced challenges and
struggled to develop. However, Corona remained resilient and sought to learn
from others in the industry. He benchmarked against successful businesses and gathered
valuable insights to shape his vision. Opening a Bio Ritmo branch on Avenida
Paulista, he aimed to cater to those with limited time for exercise and create
a unique fitness experience. This initiative proved to be successful, with more
branches opening and Bio Ritmo gaining prominence in the industry.
Undeterred by the company’s growth, Corona
continued to expand his knowledge by attending international fitness
conferences. These experiences inspired him to develop a new business model for
the industry. In 2008, Corona founded Smart Fit, a revolutionary gym concept .
Bio Ritmo became part of the larger group, and Corona’s entrepreneurial spirit
propelled him to become one of the leading fitness entrepreneurs in Latin
America.
Recently, Smart Fit took another significant
step by going public on the Brazilian stock exchange. The funds raised from the
primary offering will support the company’s growth plans, including potential
strategic acquisitions and investments in initiatives to strengthen the business
across the 13 Latin American countries where Smart Fit operates.
Edgard Corona, the owner of Smart Fit, is a
tr ue trailblazer in the fitness industry. With his innovative mindset and
commitment to democratizing high-quality fitness, he has transformed the
landscape of the industry in Latin America. As Smart Fit continues to expand,
Corona’s vision and leadership will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter
future in the fitness world.