By: Samantha Rojewski
As a lifelong athlete, Ethan Butler, founder and owner of Forward Fitness gym, has sustained numerous injuries and become familiar with the lengthy recovery process. His mentors’ mantra about pushing forward through boundaries and obstacles has stuck with him and inspired the name “Forward Fitness.” Butler is dedicated to creating an intimate space where anyone can come and conquer whatever mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual boundaries they may be facing –forming a supportive community at the same time.
“I’ve changed just as much as my clients have,” he said, reflecting on the personal growth both his clients and him have experienced through Forward Fitness since opening in January 2025.
Butler previously worked in corporate, franchise gyms but they didn’t feel like “home.” Around December 2023, Butler conceived the idea of opening his own small gym, where members could connect. He wanted a family atmosphere and a focus on who was walking through the door, rather than prioritizing profit metrics like in his previous job.
In the spring of 2024, Butler connected with GROW NE Women’s Business Center (GNWBC). He frequently attended BAIL Office Hours (banking, accounting, insurance, and legal) for guidance. One of his biggest challenges in starting up was marketing, due to his small clientele and reliance on word of mouth. GNWBC helped him step out of his comfort zone and in front of the camera to make his own social media advertising content.
“Working with [GNWBC] has been phenomenal, and it helped me strive to grow my network,” he said.
Ethan is the only Fitness Forward employee, but he has a team of trainers that conduct their business at his gym. This fosters a mutually beneficial collaboration that aligns with the community mission of Forward Fitness.
In the future, Ethan hopes to grow sufficiently to move into a larger space while still maintaining the close-knit atmosphere that he and his clients value.
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CONTACT
https://www.facebook.com/forwardfitnessathleticclub/
402-763-0495
