By: Jason Ballevre
Mikhail Solomin, Founder and CEO of Gym Guards, is a visionary leader with a track record of transforming challenges into opportunities. With over 18 years of entrepreneurial experience across various industries, Mikhail has demonstrated an exceptional ability to innovate and lead. He is the author of a comprehensive technician’s handbook, creator of an intensive training program for fitness equipment technicians, and a recognized member of multiple professional associations, including IEEE and the American Management Association. His commitment to advancing the industry through education and accessible training programs has positioned him as a thought leader in fitness equipment maintenance and repair.
For Mikhail, the solution to the industry’s challenges lies in education, innovation, and a new approach to training that moves beyond the limitations of brand-specific certification programs.
The Hidden Skilled Labor Crisis: A Misleading Picture of Demand
While official statistics, such as those from the **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)**, project a 7% growth in maintenance and repair occupations from 2021 to 2031, the reality on the ground is quite different. The demand for skilled technicians is much higher than reported because many residential users and businesses do not hire full-time staff; instead, they seek contractors for one-time repairs or periodic maintenance of fitness equipment. This demand is often invisible in traditional job market data but is clearly evident on job boards and service platforms where requests for qualified contractors significantly outnumber available professionals.
The need for qualified technicians is not only underreported but also underserved. “There’s a massive demand for technicians who can operate on a contract basis,” explains Mikhail. “Residential users and small gyms often look for quick, reliable service without the commitment of a full-time hire, but the availability of such skilled professionals is extremely limited.”
The Lack of Accessible Training and Certification Programs
A critical factor contributing to the shortage of skilled technicians is the near-monopoly on training and certification held by equipment manufacturers. Currently, training programs and certifications are only available to employees of existing dealer networks, which are not expanding. This exclusivity limits access to training, creating a bottleneck in the supply of new, qualified technicians entering the market.
“This means that the services are concentrated in the hands of a few companies, driving up prices and stifling healthy competition,” Mikhail observes. “The current structure doesn’t encourage the entry of new players or the development of a broader base of skilled technicians.”
A New Approach: Developing an Independent Training Course
Recognizing these challenges, Mikhail decided to take a different approach. He developed a comprehensive training course for fitness equipment technicians that is brand-agnostic and accessible to the general public. Unlike manufacturer-led programs, this course focuses on universal repair and maintenance skills that apply across different brands and models of fitness equipment.
“The idea is to democratize knowledge,” Mikhail explains. “Our course isn’t tied to any single manufacturer. It’s designed to equip technicians with a wide range of skills that they can use on any equipment. This not only expands the pool of qualified technicians but also promotes a more competitive market.”
The course includes modules on mechanical repair, electrical systems, digital components, and, importantly, preventive maintenance and customer education. “We want to teach technicians not just how to fix things but also how to educate their customers on preventing those issues in the first place,” adds Mikhail.
Impact on the Industry: Opening Doors and Lowering Costs
By making training more accessible, Gym Guards is opening the door to a new generation of technicians who are not limited by brand affiliations or the geographic constraints of existing dealer networks. This approach has the potential to:
– Increase Competition: More trained technicians mean more choices for customers and more competitive pricing, breaking the monopoly held by a few companies.
– Improve Service Quality: Technicians trained under Mikhail’s program will be well-versed in a variety of equipment types and repair techniques, leading to higher service quality and customer satisfaction.
– Promote Preventive Maintenance: Educating both technicians and users on proper maintenance can reduce the frequency of breakdowns and extend equipment lifespan, providing a win-win for service providers and customers alike.
A Call for a New Era in Fitness Equipment Maintenance
The future of the fitness equipment repair industry lies in its ability to adapt and innovate. By addressing the real causes of equipment breakdowns and creating a more accessible, independent training pathway, Mikhail Solomin and Gym Guards are not just filling a gap—they are reshaping the industry. “The key to success in any industry is to identify the gaps and find creative ways to fill them,” says Mikhail. “For us, it’s about building a more knowledgeable, capable, and competitive community of technicians.”
As the market continues to evolve, Gym Guards’ approach provides a blueprint for how adaptability, strategic thinking, and a commitment to education can turn challenges into opportunities. Mikhail’s vision is clear: empower technicians, educate users, and transform the industry from the ground up.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
