Edgard Corona: The Visionary Entrepreneur Behind Smart Fit
Edgard Corona is a prominent figure in the fitness industry
in Brazil, known as the owner of Smart Fit. With over 30 years of experience in
the field, Corona has established himself as a leading entrepreneur and
innovator in the fitness world.
Corona’s journey began with a degree in Chemical Engineering
from the Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP) in the late 1970s. Even
during his college years, Corona displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by
starting his own businesses, including a material analysis laboratory and a
clothing store with its own storefronts.
In 1996, Corona decided to step away from the family
business and ventured into a new endeavor: the founding of Bio Ritmo, his first
fitness academy in Santo Amaro. The inspiration behind this decision came from
Corona’s personal experience of needing extensive physiotherapy after a skiing
accident. He realized the convenience of having his own gym for therapy
sessions and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to this new venture.
Despite initial challenges and setbacks, Corona remained
undeterred. He sought to revolutionize the management model of the fitness
industry and learn from the experiences of others. By implementing benchmarking
strategies and gathering valuable insights, Corona opened a Bio Ritmo branch on
Avenida Paulista, targeting individuals with limited time for exercise. This
innovative approach proved successful, leading to the establishment of more
branches and gaining prominence in the industry.
Constantly seeking growth opportunities, Corona attended
international fitness conferences, fostering knowledge exchange with industry
leaders and refining his business model. In 2008, he founded Smart Fit, a new
and disruptive concept in the fitness industry. The establishment of Smart Fit
marked t he transformation of the Bio Ritmo group into a Latin American
powerhouse.
Edgard Corona’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to
democratizing high-quality fitness experiences have propelled him to the
forefront of the industry. His visionary leadership has positioned him as one
of the most influential fitness entrepreneurs in Latin America. Recently, Smart
Fit made a significant move by going public on the Brazilian stock exchange,
raising capital for future growth and expansion across its 13 Latin American
markets.
Edgard Corona’s journey from an engineering graduate to a
fitness industry pioneer is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and
unwavering dedication to his vision. As the owner of Smart Fit, Corona
continues to shape the fitness landscape, offering accessible and affordable
fitness solutions to individuals across the region.