Founder and CEO of AlphaFit.
Founder and CEO of AlphaFit.
Meet the local lad who created AlphaFit, the Gold Coast based manufacturer and supplier of high spec gym equipment. Yes that’s right, that gear you’re using in your gym, may just be locally made on the good ol’ GC. So we sat down for a chat with the talented Jamie Montesalvo about why he decided to enter into the competitive fitness field, why AlphaFit’s equipment are abs-olutely better than the rest and how they’re continuing to set the barbell high.
How long have you both been a Gold Coast local?
My family moved to the Gold Coast when I was two, so I think of myself as a Gold Coaster. I went to LA for a gap year that ended up lasting nine years but have been back since.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The opportunities and experiences the Gold Coast presents for us day in, day out. There are not too many places I know of where we get such easy access to a balanced professional and personal life. From beaches and waterways to the rainforests in our hinterland, there is always something new to discover. On a business perspective, I believe our industrial sector is reinvigorating itself. The Gold Coast is world class in so many fields these days, so we don’t need to look far for the resources we need to be part of this.
Tell us a little bit about yourself .
I am the eldest of eight children who all grew up here on the Gold Coast. Six of us have lived overseas at different times but we are all back home now. When I was 21, I was lucky to be offered a job I did not know I wanted. A quick two-week holiday in the US helping build show cars for Subaru America’s booth at SEMA turned into a full-time position in LA. This ended up being a nine year “holiday” of what was basically traveling North and Central America racing cars, riding dirt bikes, wakeboarding, camping, eating and experiencing the many micro cultures of the US. I moved back when I was 30 and joined in the family’s contract steel manufacturing business, Allplates. A couple of years later, AlphaFit was born.
For those that don’t know what is AlphaFit?
Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a manufacturer and supplier of Australian made gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning, functional fitness, and high-performance communities. I founded AlphaFit with my brother Bobby in 2012 after building a few custom pieces for local gyms. The Australian market is inundated with budget competitors that solely operate on importing gym equipment. AlphaFit’s unique position has always centred on its purpose and vision for Australian made and innovative fitness gear giving us a unique competitive advantage.
How did ALPHAFIT come about?
I started my fitness journey in 2012 by trialling different training techniques. This is where I met several gym owners that were facing issues with their gym gear and the ability to source specific equipment. Conversations became interesting when they found out I owned Allplates, a steel manufacturing business centred around the design and fabrication of multiple products for a diverse range of industries.
I put my experience and design thoughts together and started making custom pieces of equipment for these gyms. Because I was local, the gyms were able to use the equipment and review them with me. Quite quickly and organically, we started receiving calls from other industry members asking for custom made equipment which led us to launch AlphaFit. The requests for custom made equipment have been the driving force behind our fast growth and expansion since our inception 10 years ago and will continue to be moving forward. Our success has come from us being able to be dynamic and adjust to market needs, and being more of a solution partner rather than an equipment supplier.
How important is it to you that AlphaFit is Australian made?
There is nothing more important to me! Right from the start, AlphaFit’s purpose has been simple: to deliver high-quality Australian made fitness equipment. I am a third generation Australian manufacturer, it’s in my blood.
One of my proudest achievements was being selected by the Australian Made Campaign to host the launch of the first-ever Australian Made Week (24-30 May 2021) – a national campaign to encourage Australians to purchase genuine Australian products. The inaugural event communicated the importance of supporting Australian businesses and shone an international spotlight on AlphaFit’s world-class manufacturing operations right here on the Gold Coast.
As an entrepreneur, what are the biggest challenges you have faced?
The biggest issues have been employing the right people and dealing with the costs of competing on a global scale. As our production has picked up, it’s been increasingly clear that there are serious skills shortages in the manufacturing industry on the Gold Coast. We’ve invested heavily in manufacturing equipment and are focused on hiring, retaining and upskilling our staff to keep up with our business plan.
Another challenge is accepting that while I want to manufacture everything in Australia, I have to accept that we will need to import some items. To make sure that we control our own destiny, we have local design engineers who specify design criteria for anything that is not made here. It’s hard as an entrepreneur to let go, but I am happy that we control the design and supply chain to ensure the quality is to AlphaFit standards.
The other was and still is learning to let go that I can no long do everything, trust the people I surround myself with. AlphaFit is somewhat an extension of myself and handing off portions so I can focus on areas I love and our strategic growth is something I still struggle with on a day-to-day basis but hopefully (for my staff) I am slowly getting better at.
What is the best piece of business advice that you have ever been given?
This is a tough one as advice is a dime a dozen and often given over a few too many drinks…
What has been the best piece for me was not advice at all, it was the work ethic that has been instilled in me by my father by not just what he said, but what he did. This work ethic has always been entrenched in my family’s life and we believe this is behind the success in both life and also businesses that my brothers and sisters have started and grown.
What makes running a business on the Gold Coast so great?
The work-life balance we have! Almost everything I want is right here and easily accessible. After spending nine years in LA dealing with traffic that could be a 30min or a 2.5 hour drive to work/home each day you really do appreciate how great the Gold Coast is. Getting up early and enjoying the beach or one of our many local gyms and cafes before heading to work, then having the time to do what ever you want in the evening is something special about this place. Everything is here!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Commune Burleigh
Restaurant: Social Eating House
Bar or place for a drink: Edgewater Dining
Beach: Wave Break
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Eating out, somewhere on the broad water boating or hanging with family and friends.
Founder of Patriot Campers and Gold Coast local, Justin Montesalvo, talks about the impressive camper trailers that’ll make your outdoor experience that much more enjoyable.
If someone were to walk into Patriot Campers, what would they find?
Patriot Campers produce the best family touring and camping products in the country. Our Camper trailer range is our core business but we also produce top end tow vehicles based on the Landcruiser 79 and 200 series.
What was your motivation behind starting Patriot Campers?
We struggled for years to find a camper trailer that would accomodate the entire family without towing massive weight and lengths that all of our now competitors produce. We already had a business with state of the art sheetmetal equipment and engineers, we focused on producing an extremely compact and lightweight design with all the mod cons.
What’s the most important thing first time buyers should take into consideration?
Really working out what style of camping suits you makes all the difference when deciding on a camper trailer. Are you into touring, moving night after night or long stays at a favourite destination? This should be the major factor considered when buying or optioning a camper.
Best Patriot Campers product?
Our number 1 seller is our X1. We have won the Australian Camper Trailer of the Year the past 3 years in a row and are competing this month for our 4th title.
Why Patriot Campers? What makes it different to the others?
Patriot Campers has won the Australian Camper Trailer of the Year the past 3 years in a row. We manufacture using technologies and materials that are state of the art. Our designs just work, we practice what we preach and are constantly refining our designs based on real life use through our RnD.
Off road?
Our compact and lightweight designs ensure maximum off road ability by minimising the stress put on the tow vehicle. Our trailers come standard with high clearance independent suspension, mud terrain tyres and dual shock absorbers.
Are the Patriot Campers family friendly ? What are the creature comforts that are going to make the lady of your life think that this is a suitable item on Santa’s list?
Family is our focus, all our products revolve around family lifestyle. The trailers feature hot water, king size mattresses, plumbed sink, shower, living areas and even an option for a heated tent for maximum comfort.
Anything exciting that we can expect from Patriot Campers?
Every year we introduce a new model so yes, we are constantly coming up with new products, but we have to keep them top secret!
You’re not a Gold Coast local if you haven’t….spent a night on Stradbroke Island.
JUSTIN’S FAVOURITES
Camping spots on the Coast: North Stradbroke, Wave Break Island, Scenic Rim, Tweed Heads, Flanagan Reserve,
Gold Coast beaches: Wave Break Island, Stradbroke, Narrowneck
Gold Coast pubs: Northcliffe Surf Club
Camping pit stops: Manolas Brothers deli
By Amy Merridan
If there is a year to live your very best life, get healthy, fit and feel the greatest you have ever felt, it is 2021. For obvious reasons but mostly because you deserve it!
Which is why we thought it would be a fun idea to put together a list of gyms on the Gold Coast who have created New Year offers for that exact purpose. You’re welcome and good luck.
Macro Gym
Macro Gym is a community-based gym where everyone comes together with the common goal of bettering themselves. No ego, no judgement, all abilities, shapes and sizes are welcomed as equals. The freshest new gym on the Gold Coast has opened and is looking to fill its doors with amazing members who are sick of busy, soulless commercial gyms. Boasting a fully kitted out, open 24/7 gym, 20 weekly epic group fitness classes run by talented personal trainers, an in-house massage therapist and home to the ONLY Macro Mike supplement store. For the month of January Macro Gym will be running discounted membership prices for members of the community. Pop into the gym and talk to the friendly staff about what deals are on offer to help reach your ‘new year, new me goals’.
Find out more here.
LOCATION: Unit 11/2 Prosper Crescent, Burleigh Heads
Strength Collective
The Strength Collective is a boutique gym based in Burleigh, striving for consistency and quality through movement, while creating an atmosphere that’s inclusive, supportive and engaging. They run Strength Based Group Training that prioritises science as the base to all methods and programming. Strength Collective’s gym culture is extremely important, the team works hard to create an environment where you instantly feel at home. The coaches are dedicated to members’ progress, performance and happiness. They know each and every one of their members inside and out and are not just there for your fitness, they are there for you. If YOU are invested, they are invested. Kick start your year off right with Strength Collective’s Transform Challenge. Learn how to effectively build lean muscle mass and sustainably drop body fat mass. They take the focus off the aesthetics and place a greater emphasis on building muscle and teaching your body to efficiently process food (hint, that means more food) The next challenge begins on 23rd January 2021.
Find out more here.
LOCATION: 3/63 Township Drive, Burleigh Heads
Elevation Fitness
Walking through the doors of Elevation Fitness, the rustic and timeless fit out immediately gives a feeling that this is a gym like no other. Embrace the warmth of the timber, iron and the people who live and breathe this space. With daily access from 5am to 10pm the boutique gym boasts a plethora of options including a variety of classes, functional training room, world class cardio and strength equipment, personal and small group training, two altitude rooms and an infrared sauna. The trainers are all incredibly knowledgeable and experienced and genuinely want to see you reach your goals. Everything is designed to keep you motivated with loads of options on offer to ensure time efficiency in a truly beautiful environment. To top it all off Sparrow Coffee Co and their amazing baristas offer a little sanctuary inside Elevation to pause and enjoy a post-workout coffee. Family owned and operated, you are surrounded by an amazing team and members who value the friendships and beautiful community that is the Elevation family so you know you will be well looked after. Elevation is offering $200 off their Six Week Reset to kickstart 2021. It includes a variety of classes, full gym access, two x 3D Body Composition Scans, a one-on-one :1 PT Session with Program, 10 Infrared saunas, weekly accountability, goal setting and nutritional guidelines.
To find out more contact Ali on 0422 205 752 or email [email protected].
LOCATION: 2/151 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads
Electric Fitness
Unlike other gyms where you feel out of place, at Electric Fitness staying active is the main priority. Classes are capped at 12 people to maximize the quality coaching you receive. Chris, the founder of Electric Fitness was a business owner for over a decade and struggled with running a successful business along with his family life and his own health. He wasn’t getting the answers he was looking for from traditional gyms and functional fitness programs so he setup Electric Fitness to help clients like him get the results they are really after. The result is life-changing transformations, increased happiness, a stronger mind and body and an easier life.
Head here for your free consultation.
LOCATION: 35 Lemana Lane, Burleigh Heads
EMF
What started out as a bootcamp on Broadbeach, is now one of Australia’s most respected fitness facilities in Australia. Regarded as a “one-stop shop” for all your fitness needs, EMF is based on the concept of providing military ideals such as professionalism, impeccable hygiene and presentation, as well as excellent customer service to the wider community. Whether you are going to the gym to attend a weekly group fitness class, follow a specialised program or “do your own thing”, their facilities offer members a training experience that they have never tried before in a safe, supportive and community-driven environment. Their aim is to provide an environment where members can explore a variety of training options to achieve the results that a high-level performance athlete would.
You really can do it all, with group fitness classes specialising in a realm of styles including aerial yoga, functional training, spin, yoga, dance, Jiu Jitsu, altitude training, aqua fit, Reformer Pilates and more. As well as gym facilities, EMF is home to an EMF Supplement Store and Cafe located in the heart of the GC, as well as their very own play centres for the littlest ones of your family. EMF Jnr is a club where the kids can run wild in their giant play area featuring trampoline bounce zone, fun obstacles, slippery slides and more with both supervised and unsupervised sessions available. EMF Jnr caters for all kids with separate play zones for toddlers and bigger kids.
Find out more here.
LOCATIONS:
EMF Performance Centre: Coomera, Nerang and Robina
Platinum by EMF: Pacific Fair
EMF Fitness Centre: Bundall, Harbour Town, Pacific Fair and Surfers Paradise
EMF Jnr: Nerang and Pacific Fair
SPONSORED STORY
We love an active lifestyle here on the GC. And I mean, who wouldn’t?! We live with the hinterland in our backyard and the beaches out the front. So, ample space to get the heart rate up, or at the very least look good trying! But one thing we aren’t fans of is the notorious sweating that comes with being active. Well ladies, that could be a thing of the past with a Gold Coast-born activewear brand, Idea Athletic. Let us introduce you to Alana Clarkson, the Founder, and your new saviour to your sweaty qualms.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
We moved to the GC at the end of 2018. I had always lived in Sydney which is where I am from. We came up to Burleigh for a short holiday in 2018 and then decided after that trip that we were going to make the move. I think we came home arranged everything and moved up in the space of 6 weeks. It was a fast turnaround but we knew it was the right choice for our family.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love how it is such a healthy and outdoors-focused lifestyle. The weather is fabulous all year round and it encourages you to be outside whether it be at the beach, riding a bike, or doing some other form of exercise. A healthy lifestyle is one of the biggest draw cards for me.
Tell us a bit about you.
I live in Palm Beach nice and close to the beach with my husband, our two beautiful girls and our two dogs. We are very fortunate that we can pop down to the beach for a swim anytime and in the summer on the weekends you’ll usually find us at the beach for the morning and in the pool for the afternoon. I love to exercise and any chance I can get I’ll be doing something active whether it be walking with friends or reformer pilates. I love to move my body every day, it keeps me feeling centred and calm. On the professional front, I have spent over 20yrs working in financial services and now co-run an executive search recruitment firm with my hubby which we’ve had for the last 9 years. Our business covers the Asia Pacific region so we’ve been fortunate enough to be able to be based wherever we like so we’ve chosen the GC. I’m pretty happy with that choice!
Explain to us how Idea Athletic came about.
Idea Athletic came about through me trying to buy a particular type of activewear that focused on crotch and bust sweat minimisation directly and not being able to find it. When I couldn’t find what I wanted to buy I created it! I felt that many women didn’t wear certain activewear colours out of fear of sweat marks blotting up their crotch, butt and bust and I wanted to change that so women (myself included) could wear all the colours with confidence. Further to this, I was also a fitness instructor on weekends (my passion job) for over a decade and during that time had many a conversation about sweat in those areas and how it had bothered women, so I’d actually done 10yrs of market research already without even realising it.
What was the process behind coming up with / discovering and sourcing this innovative fabric?
The process took me 2.5yrs of trial and error. I could see so clearly what it was that I wanted to create and how it would work but it really took time to get it there. A lot of sampling different types of fabrics and designs to see what would work best and a lot of time on a treadmill for me aswell really putting them to the sweat test. It was a long process and one that involved a lot of research and patience to get it to where I wanted it to be. The finished result is one that I am very proud of and one that solved my own personal issue which is how it all started in the first place.
How is your range different to other brands?
invisiSweat is our key point of difference. Our Australian Innovation Patented invisiSweat is what makes all Idea Athletic garments unique. It is strategic panels throughout the crotch, inner thigh and bottom region and all through the bust which is lined with our invisiSweat fabric which is a specialty thickness bamboo based fabric. As the name suggests its invisible to the outside world and not bulky to wear. This invisiSweat technology is what stops the sweat from blotting up your activewear so you can go from a high-intensity session and straight to brunch without the concern of sweat marks in places you don’t want them to be seen.
What makes running a business on the Gold Coast so great?
The people. We have so many talented individuals on the Coast and if it hadn’t been for starting Idea Athletic, I may never have had the opportunity with work with them, so I’m very fortunate.
What is your favourite form of exercise?
I love all movement. Anything and everything I will try. But in a normal week I usually mix it up between cardio and weights and reformer pilates. It’s a good varied mix and it works for me.
What does a typical day in the life of you look like?
My day usually starts early and I get up and we organise the kids breakfast, school lunches, homework and get them off on their way for the day. I’ll usually answer emails as well during this time. I’ll then do 1hr of exercise and then shower and work at my desk until school pick-up time. After that it’s after-school activities and I’ll get myself to a pilates reformer class if I can whilst the girls are at an activity. After that it’s home, dinner and I’ll do some more work, then some family time before the kids are off to bed, and then not long afterward I’ll watch some tv and get to bed myself. We have a lot happening each day but it’s a good balance and one that works for our family unit.
Tell us the best piece of advice someone has ever given you and why you consider it the best?
“There is always another way.” I think of this one-liner both professionally and personally so much. In life, we are always facing different challenges and events and for me when a situation may feel like there is no workaround I always think to myself “there is always another way” and it allows me to think outside the box to find a solution, whatever it may be.
What can we expect from Idea Athletic in the next year?
Being a new business it’s an exciting time for us as we continue on our path of growth and building our brand awareness further. We have some new styles we are working on as well which I can’t wait to release in the coming months. And of course, you’ll be hearing a lot more from us about sweat and how awesome and healthy it is.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: Dune Cafe, Palm Beach
Coffee spot: Third Base Coffee, Palm Beach
Restaurant: Restaurant Labart, Burleigh
Bar or pub for a drink: I can’t ever go past Palm Beach Surf Club for a drink with an amazing view. I also love local small-bar Suga as they have great service and awesome cocktails.
How do you choose to spend your days off?
With my family always. I just can’t get enough of my little girls, they bring so much joy to my life. Also catching up with friends for lunch or dinner is always something I love to do.
