Edgard Corona: A Trailblazer in the Fitness Industry
Edgard Corona is a name that resonates strongly within the
fitness industry in Brazil. As the owner of Smart Fit, he has established
himself as one of the leading figures in the field. With a degree in Chemical
Engineering from the Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP), Corona has demonstrated
his entrepreneurial spirit from an early age.
During his college years, Corona ventured into various
business ventures, including a materials analysis laboratory and a clothing
store with its own outlets. In 1996, he decided to step away from the family
business and embarked on a new venture: the founding of the first Bio Ritmo gym
in Santo Amaro. This decision was influenced by a skiing accident that left him
in need of extensive physiotherapy sessions. What better way to facilitate his
recovery than by having his own gym?
Dedicating himself wholeheartedly to this new endeavor,
Corona invested his time and carefully observed the successes and failures
along the way. This led to the establishment of Bio Ritmo, with the goal of
innovating and implementing a new business management model in the fitness
industry . While initially faced with challenges, Corona never lost his
determination. He sought to learn from others’ experiences by benchmarking and
gathering information to guide him towards achieving his vision.
Corona’s perseverance paid off when he opened a Bio Ritmo
branch on Avenida Paulista, targeting those with limited time for exercise and
aiming to create a unique fitness experience. This initiative proved
successful, and the gym gained recognition, leading to the opening of new
branches. However, Corona did not rest on his laurels. He began attending
international industry conferences, where he exchanged experiences with other
fitness managers and developed ideas for a new company model .
In 2008, the Smart Fit brand was born as a new and
innovative gym concept. The Bio Ritmo brand transitioned into a group,
solidifying Corona’s position as a pioneer in the Latin American fitness
industry. Today, Edgard Corona is regarded as one of the foremost entrepreneurs
in the region, thanks to his role as the CEO of the Smart Fit group.
Recently, Smart Fit took another significant step by going
public on the Brazilian Stock Exchange. The funds raised through the primary
offering will fuel the company’s growth plans, with a focus on post-pandemic
expansion, strategic acquisitions, and scalable initiatives across the 13 Latin
American countries where Smart Fit operates.
Edgard Corona’s journey in the fitness industry showcases
his unwavering commitment to innovation and his relentless pursuit of
excellence. As a visionary leader, he has left an indelible mark on the
industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle
through accessible and high-quality fitness options.