Trista Lynn Long, the owner of Green Fire CrossFit located in Indiana, PA, is a dedicated entrepreneur with nine years of business success. As a Zumba instructor, Trista was inspired by the positive impact she could create in the lives of others through fitness. In 2014, she acquired a gym affiliate and began her entrepreneurial journey. After two years in business, she relocated her gym to a more accessible location in Indiana’s S&T Bank Arena. This move was a step towards reaching her goal to create a supportive environment that fosters a sense of community, with a focus on empowering women.
Trista sought assistance from the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center to review Green Fire Crossfit’s website and marketing strategy. Pitt SBDC Consultant Eric Swift worked with Trista, identifying areas for improvement on the business’s website. He recommended enhancing the social media presence for a more authentic marketing approach and suggested adjustments to product pricing. Moreover, the Pitt SBDC provided valuable insights into product development ideas, aiming to diversify Green Fire’s offerings to attract a broader audience.
Under Trista’s leadership, Green Fire CrossFit underwent transformative changes guided by insights from the Pitt SBDC. Trista implemented several strategic adjustments yielding remarkable results within one year, including a doubling of her client base and revenue. The combination of strategic pricing, an enhanced website, and a stronger social media presence positioned Green Fire CrossFit as a leader in the fitness industry in Indiana County. In recognition of her achievements, the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce awarded Trista the Athena Award for women-owned businesses, and the SBDC nominated Trista for an SBA Award. Trista Long’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the transformative power of strategic adjustments resulting in significant business growth and success!