work: GNC
address: 2863 95th St., Naperville
phone: 331-702-2173
owner: brothers Jeff Schoenhoff, 49, of Bolingbrook and Greg Schoenhoff, 43, of Darien;
Years in business: Total of 22 pieces. in Naperville starting April 2023.
What does your business do? “GNC provides guidance. We are a retail store that sells vitamins, supplements, herbs, and proteins. People want to look better and feel better. They want to live longer and be healthier. …Many of my colleagues help guide people from where they are to where they want to get to,” Jeff Schoenhoff said.
What happens if someone comes in? “My colleagues ask them a series of questions: 'How often do you exercise?' What supplements are you taking right now? How is your eating habits? We all eat pizza or burritos from time to time, but as long as you eat more foods that are good for you and less foods that aren't, you'll feel better, have more energy, and live longer. is. “
What mistakes do we make? “Most people's diets don't have enough high-quality lean protein or fruits and vegetables. They don't get enough fiber, and they probably eat three wild Atlantic salmon or Alaskan salmon a week. You’re not getting enough omega-3 fish oil because you’re not eating ~4 servings.”
How did you get into this business? “I wanted to open a restaurant with a friend. …The more I looked into it, the more I realized we didn't have enough money. A friend offered me a job in Las Vegas, so I started looking into franchising. At the time, GNC, Subway, and Quiznos were among the top 10 franchises. GNC appealed to me because I've been an athlete my whole life. I played baseball at Hinsdale South (high school). I stayed healthy. This was the obvious choice. …The first franchise I purchased was in Aurora in 2002. This store opened in April 2023. Plainfield, the… The store was purchased in July 2016.”
What do you like about this job? “If you can make a living and support your family by helping others become healthier and feel better about themselves, that doesn't make it any more noble than any other profession. –But I feel that I am successful in intangible ways. … Contributing to the community.”
How are you involved? “I started a fundraiser where I would donate 20% of my profits that day or weekend to an organization that was trying to raise money for that organization. It adds up.”
Do you have a favorite story? “I had a guy named Mike a few years ago who said he had lost 75 pounds in the last two years. I said, 'Mike, I never moved my legs for you. , I didn't put the good food in your mouth, nor did I knock the bad food out of your hands.'' You did it yourself. ” He said, “Yes, but you believed in me when no one else did.” Here you go. ”
What is your business philosophy? “I look at the human body as a machine. If you put the right things into it, you'll get the right results from the machine. You'll find it all here.”
What about competition? “There are other vitamin stores and online stores. One thing I like is that GNC does 150 quality checks on all GNC branded vitamins. Many of the brands that have quality control have to get a certificate of analysis through a laboratory to get it on the shelf. …It's about personalized service.”
How many employees do you have? “That’s 15 stores between the three stores.”
Why did you open in Naperville? “There used to be a GNC in Naperville. I tried to buy it, but it closed. Naperville needed a GNC.”
Is Naperville good for business? “I love it here. Great location.”
What misconceptions do people have? “Maybe we're here to force things on people.”
How do you find customers? “They find us. Word of mouth.”
How has the pandemic affected your business? “We were considered an essential business. Business was down 80% in March and April 2020. I donated thousands of dollars of masks and hand sanitizer to hospitals.”
What are customers saying? “I'm here because of Jeff. Jeff is always smiling, always makes you feel welcome, very knowledgeable, and always offers something great,” said Jim Hobbin of Naperville. (51) said.
Are there any plans to open a fourth store? “The (plan for) the game is to expand.”
What advice would you give to someone starting a business? “If the people who work for your company aren't as passionate about your business as you are, don't take it personally. No one cares about your business more than you do. No. …Leave a community better than when you came.”
If you know of a company you'd like to see featured on Down to Business, please contact Naperville Sun freelance reporter Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.
