I love when two worlds collide..
Especially when those worlds are friends both old and new.
My conversation with Helaine Knapp back in Spring 2023 was her unvarnished account of founding, scaling and selling her fitness business, CITYROW.
Now, she shares her experience with Carrie Kerpen, Founder, The Whisper Group. A business and consultancy focused on helping female entreprenuers maximize their exits.
This is a special guest episode which I imagine you’ll appreciate!
Show Notes
Helaine shares her compelling journey of founding CityRow, a boutique fitness company inspired by her own need for a low-impact yet intense workout.
From her childhood struggles with weight to her professional endeavors in publishing and tech startups, Helaine intricately narrates her path to building CityRow. She discusses the challenges faced, including a debilitating injury that led her to discover rowing and the obstacles in finding real estate and funding. Despite raising over $20 million and expanding the business, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, causing substantial financial strain.
Helaine opens up about the eventual decision to sell CityRow, the emotional turmoil of letting investors and team members down, and the relief of finding a suitable home for her concept. She also talks about her book, 'Making Waves,' which serves as a therapeutic recount of her entrepreneurial journey.
Helaine's story offers a raw and real look into the high stakes of starting and running a business, and her resilience through it all.
00:32 Helaine's Early Life and Career Beginnings
01:45 Discovering SoulCycle and the Birth of City Row
02:14 Overcoming Injury and Developing a New Fitness Concept
03:39 Launching City Row and Early Challenges
08:58 Fundraising and Expansion Efforts
12:43 Navigating COVID-19 and Digital Transition
18:45 The Struggles of Boutique Fitness
20:22 COVID: A Year of Layoffs and Challenges
21:45 The Final Hail Mary and M&A Process
24:43 Navigating the Acquisition
30:02 Reflecting on the Journey
Share this post