Q. What inspired you to open The Fitness Factory?
EF: Honestly, a mix of passion and frustration. I was training at a chain gym, and back then, women were told they should only do cardio. But my brother-in-law introduced me to lifting weights, and I fell in love with it immediately. I wanted to create a space where people who are truly serious about fitness at any level could come and train hard, be respected, and feel like part of something real.

Q: What has your journey been like as a female business owner in the fitness industry?
EF: Being a female business owner in the fitness world hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to prove myself time and time again—not just as a woman, but as someone committed to quality, consistency, and community. But I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything. Building this gym, piece by piece, has been the most rewarding challenge of my life.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and how have you overcome them?
EF: I had a lot of hurdles to overcome. Twenty-five years ago, I was cold-calling and visiting every football high school coach I could find. I knew my fitness facility was the best out there, especially for a coach to run a lot of kids through a training session more efficiently and effectively than the coaches imagined. The coaches at that time would not give women a chance. I now have former female members who are strength coaches for some of the top ACC colleges. I love to see that! I also believe that everyone should continue to learn the critical aspects of any business. Sometimes I have learned from my mistakes, but paying attention to details for the past 25 years has helped me a lot. Knowledge, respect, and patience go a long way. 

Q: How do you foster a sense of community and empowerment among your members, especially women who look up to you as a role model
EF: My favorite thing to do at the gym is walk around, chat with the members, and helping members meet their goals. I have been fortunate. Most of my members are very appreciative. Funny enough, some of my equipment is way older than the members, so I get a chance to teach them how to use it.

Q: What advice would you give to other women looking to break into business ownership or the fitness world on their own terms?
EF: Oh, I absolutely love this question. So many people want to open a fitness facility like mine, and I feel this is the best compliment I can ever get! I make sure to tell them it's a lot of work, but very rewarding. You have to love what you do. I would say I advise people to build a facility that focuses on a niche rather than trying to cater to everyone. Let the commercial gyms do that. I feel like, as the owner, you should treat members like guests at your house. Be kind, respectful, but also be firm. Our “guests” also know we have rules in place to protect members and our equipment. I tell people who want to open a gym to take my number, and I love helping them open a fitness facility like mine. 

Q: Why is each piece of equipment in The Fitness Factory hand-selected? 
EF: Every piece of equipment is handpicked because no one wants to wait in line to use a piece of gym equipment, which, in turn, provides a great experience. Sometimes, I will buy a piece of equipment, thinking it is the best, only to hear feedback from both male and female members after putting it on the gym floor. Then, with the help of my team, we decide whether to sell it or keep it. The gym is like a huge puzzle. Each piece must fit in and complement other pieces of equipment, and no gym gets it right the first time. You have to be willing to learn and continually strive to improve. 

Q: What would you tell other women looking to get into weightlifting?
EF: I tell women not to be afraid to weight train. Most women will say, “I don’t want to bulk up.” If I had a dime for every time I have heard this, I probably would have multiple locations!

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
EF: Follow your heart and do what you love. If you do that and put your heart into it everything else will fall into place.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
EF: Winning the strongman competition in Charlotte back in 2013. That was a huge moment that I trained very hard for and it reinforced that I wanted to run a gym and help others be the best version of themselves.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
EF: When you serve the public, you can never please everyone…

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
EF: My Mom. She raised me and my five siblings all by herself, all one year apart, and no matter what we needed she provided for us. She worked and worked without ceasing and during her time off she would volunteer. She showed me by working hard and doing what you love the sky is the limit. She also showed me that things do not always go smoothly. No matter, there is nothing stopping you from reaching your goals except a lack of trying. When you fall down you get right back up.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
EF: Other than following your heart, and specific to the gym business, start out small and don’t run out and finance most of your equipment. Pay cash for used equipment as much as you can and build up from there.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
EF: Be careful how you measure success. It is easy to let others, and especially what we see in the media define success, but what you need to be successful is specific to you. Know that before you get too far along in the workplace.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
EF: I really thought I would be in the hotel or restaurant business.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
EF: This is extremely difficult to do as a business owner. Even when I get home my mind is still often thinking about The Fitness Factory, mostly because I always want to guarantee everyone is getting a top tier experience. Playing tennis with my friends is a wonderful distraction. I also love to go out to dinner with my family or friends!

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
EF: Gain as much knowledge as you can as fast as you can. The more you can learn the more you can depend on yourself. Know that you are probably going to get dumb comments, but it is not worth your energy to let it bother you. Do your best to let any negativity roll off your shoulders and focus on what you are doing and the people that actually matter will see the fruits of your labor.

Six Things About Eileen Fagan 

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Tennis

2. Who is your favorite author? 
John Grisham

3. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
Treat people how you want to be treated

4. Favorite Dessert? 
Anything Peanut butter!

5. What’s your big passion? 
Helping other people, not just with fitness but anything that comes my way

6. What’s your signature drink? 
German wheat beer