Keeping Families Fit on the Kenai
Black River Fitness is redefining what a gym can be for families. By offering on-site professional childcare in a fun and safe setting, Black River Fitness removes one of the biggest barriers for parents who want to prioritize their health: finding reliable care while they work out.
Co-founded by Ben and Trinity Godfrey, the gym was built around the belief that everyone deserves access to health and wellness, without having to choose between fitness and family. With a welcoming atmosphere, family-focused policies, and an inclusive approach to wellness, Black River Fitness is filling a long-standing gap in the community.
Before Black River Fitness became a reality, the Godfreys faced significant logistical hurdles to maintain their fitness. Long commutes, limited childcare, and a lack of nearby fitness facilities made it hard for them—and many others in their community—to maintain a consistent fitness routine. The dream of building a gym that solved these problems felt daunting, especially as they juggled raising young children while navigating the complexities of starting a business from the ground up.
That’s when a trusted friend and local business owner, Shelby Oden, recommended they contact the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Godfreys connected with Cliff Cochran, Kenai Peninsula Center Director, who played a pivotal role in transforming their concept into a concrete plan.
Cliff helped them break down the extensive process into a manageable checklist, guided them through developing a solid business plan, and offered ongoing support through meetings to refine ideas, adjust budgets, and create strategies for sustainability. With his support, the Godfreys secured the lender financing needed to renovate their space and launch.
Reflecting on her experience with the Alaska SBDC, Trinity shared, “While the concept was our own, the logistics were initially daunting. Cliff Cochran of the Alaska SBDC broke down the steps into a much more manageable checklist that we were able to tackle. We have been able to go back and meet with him many times to discuss ideas, adjust budgets, and create a thorough and strong business plan. Our lender was confident that Black River Fitness had realistic and sustainable goals thanks to our collaboration with the Alaska SBDC. We cannot thank Cliff and his team enough for the time and dedication they put into this to make Black River Fitness a reality.”
Now in his tenth year with the Alaska SBDC, Cliff Cochran has seen a lot, having worked with several thousand entrepreneurs on the Kenai Peninsula. “What sets Ben and Trinity apart from others I’ve supported is their unwavering determination to bring a much-needed business model to our community,” said Cliff. “We covered a lot of ground in our meetings, often with Ben at work and Trinity attending solo, while managing her children. That’s a whole other level of adversity, and the way she navigated it showed me that Black River Fitness was going to succeed. The ability to handle challenges like that is exactly what it takes to thrive as a small business owner in rural Alaska. I’m excited to see this business grow, and it’s a privilege to be part of their story.”
Black River Fitness is more than just a gym; it’s a community-driven solution to real-life barriers. Not only does the facility provide on-site childcare, but it also features the latest in fitness technology, including high-performance treadmills, advanced ellipticals, wearable safety alert devices, and 24/7 video surveillance for complete peace of mind. Thanks to the Godfreys’ determination and the expert support of the Alaska SBDC, the Kenai community now has a space where health, family, and accessibility come together. As they continue to grow and serve, Black River Fitness is a shining example of what can happen when passion meets the right guidance.
If you’re interested in learning more about Black River Fitness, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @BlackRiverFitness. To join or explore membership options, visit their website at www.blackriverfit.com or call or text (907) 395-7294.
