Hidden Gems: Meet Kory Basko of Kory B Fit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kory Basko.

Hi Kory, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got into fitness 7 years ago this August. I came from a complete and total lifestyle transformation by not only weight loss (80lbs) but cleaning up my entire outlook and habits in life. I then became certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I knew I had something special going on as I continued to inspire others as I was going through my journey, so it wasn’t until about the Summer of 2019 that I decided this was the career path I wanted to take. I also knew I did not want to work a dead-end job (the one I was currently with) for the rest of my life. I then took a leap of faith in February 2020, gave my two weeks, and started training clients at a local gym to get comfortable in this world. Then the pandemic happened in March. This is where it gets exciting because I knew if I was going to be successful at building a small business, especially when everywhere was locked down, I had to adapt and adjust quickly.

I told many people in the fall of 2019 going into 2020 about my dream and vision to own and operate a successful fitness company. More people laughed and scoffed at me with phrases like “HA! You won’t make a decent living just training people!” or “I can’t believe you’re seriously considering leaving a full-time job with benefits to do something that might not work.” So I said, “Listen, I’m 29 years old (at the time), I’m not married and don’t have kids; if I don’t take this chance now, I might never get this opportunity again. This also made me realize that many people my age truly weren’t happy with their own lives & jobs and used their bad energy to deflect on me and my vision to cut me down on it. That never stopped me. I knew that to grow my business and be successful, I had to expand my own arena outside of Pittsburgh, so I started to network with people across the United States and Canada. I also knew I did not want to work another dead–end office job again because it wasn’t for me. It’s not for everyone. I knew that I would do anything it took to make my business work, and there have been failures with my approaches, but there have also been many success stories with it in the past two years. If it wasn’t for the support I got from the people I now consider part of the “Kory B – Fit” team, I’m not so sure we’d be having this interview now, quite honestly

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business isn’t easy. People think you start and become an overnight success. I think, in part, it’s due to the current technology we have available in social media. I think it’s due to wanting others to show we are strong and always doing well. We paint this picture-perfect world for others to see because we never show our downsides or struggles. When you start a business, you’d think people would have your back from the start. I fell victim to that “picture-perfect” world by never discussing the behind-the-scenes struggles. My biggest struggle was not getting the help and support from some of the family and friends I always showed up for. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t garner any support but let’s say I expected better from those I always had their back on with things. I say this is a struggle, especially in a city such as Pittsburgh (where I started), because It’s already a tough city to crack regarding health and wellness. Many people also have a certain mentality about them where being a potential success story isn’t considered “cool” unless they’re part of it.

The past year allowed me to reflect that if I truly want to make fitness a long-term career, will it be sustainable to only stay in Pittsburgh? I decided I had to look elsewhere. So I embarked on looking at other cities and spent 10 days in Arizona recently with one of my best friends who’s lived there to get to know the locals, locations, and overall vibe. I have to say; you guys are a lovely and open-minded group of people who seemingly care deeply about health and wellness and entrepreneurship. So the road leading up to now has been a challenge in Pittsburgh. So starting a fitness company that doesn’t involve Steeler Sundays down in the North Shore (home to where the Steelers play) becomes quite challenging. So I’m looking to take all I’ve learned and possibly open up a gym in my unique flavor that sets me apart from the rest. This will be my greatest challenge yet, and I’m ready for it!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Kory B Fit is a company I founded myself in 2020. I came up with the name because it flowed well and created intrigue. Kory B Fit specializes in maintainable and healthy lifestyles. I coach my clients locally, nationally, and also internationally. When taking on clients, we talk about where they’re currently in life concerning health and wellness, their challenges, and how we can coach them on the right path to executing their fitness goals.

I know the biggest thing that sets me apart from others is that there’s only one Kory B. No one can replicate my personality and willingness to help folks who really need help in reaching their fitness goals. When clients sign onto a coaching program, whether 8 weeks or 2 years, I’m here for them from start to finish. We make changes as necessary to their programs, celebrate their accomplishments, and look for areas of opportunity to improve. That’s how to be a great coach. You don’t just sit there and yell at them for not hitting a goal they had. These things take time and care, and if you aren’t giving someone those elements, you’re in the wrong field.

I’m proud to be able to coach you anywhere in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Because I provide you the workouts based on your goals, it allows the client to ask questions if any clarity or assistance is needed upon completing your workouts for the week ahead. That’s why I’m big on communication because I’ll sometimes throw a curve ball into a workout that encourages the client to ask me a question.

My brand is proud to take on clients no matter your level of experience. Having gone through my fitness journey and weight loss transformation gives me an edge over the competition because I’ve gone through a complete and total lifestyle change. That said, I can still coach you and program design for you, whether you’re 2 miles or 2,000 miles away from me. As long as we have that style of communication, then the possibilities for you to hit your goals are endless!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Arizona offers a lot of amazing opportunities for any age. Want to go hiking? Sedona is a rock throw away from Scottsdale. Want to see a DJ play a sunset set? Talking Stick Resort is right off the 101. Are you having issues with finding food? If so, how? There are many options, even if you’re like me and don’t particularly care for chains. I can’t say I have a current dislike for the city. I’m a big hockey fan, but my team will always be back in Pittsburgh. But if I can go to a Yotes game at the new Mullet Arena at ASU, who knows, it might be my second favorite team.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.koryb-fit.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/koryb_fit
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/korybfit
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKtzIUxdo6SiAHvQXYVNMxg?sub_confirmation=1
• Other: https://kory-b-fit.creator-spring.com/