Today we visited The Zone in Nokomis, where owner Cody Smith shared his journey into entrepreneurship and the lessons he has learned along the way. After working as a PE teacher and at a gym - gaining experience in the fitness industry, Cody discovered his passion for the field and eventually opened his first gym in Virden in 2015 before launching The Zone in Nokomis this past December.

Cody spoke with the CEO team about the realities of operating a business in a small town, emphasizing the importance of developing multiple revenue streams. In addition to gym memberships, services like supplements and personal training help expand opportunities while better serving customers. One example is CEO team member Riley Reynolds, who offers personal training through the gym.

He also encouraged students to focus on building strong networks, seeking mentors, and starting sooner rather than later when pursuing their goals. Cody reminded the team that maintaining personal health and continuing to grow are essential for anyone who wants to operate at a high level in business and life.

Thank you Cody for hosting our team!