Photo by Jason Redmond

Trainer Guillermo "Caz" Eiland works with client John Cortez of Thousand Oaks at Body Temple Gym in Camarillo. The gym has five certified personal trainers.

Photo by Jason Redmond

Denise and Larry Pollock are co-owners of Body Temple Gym in Camarillo. Larry Pollock said the gym is a serious training center.

Body Temple Gym, Inc.

Owners: Larry Pollock, Adam Pollock, Denise Pollock, Libby Zweig.

Product or service: Athletic training gym, personal training, nutritional supplements, gym apparel.

Location: 3316 Maya Linda unit-B, Camarillo.

Date established: June 30.

Hours open: 24-hour keyless entry system.

Telephone: 484-5553.

E-mail: Bodytemplegym@gmail.com.

Employees: Five contractors who are personal trainers.

Startup capital: $150,000.

Estimated annual gross revenue: $300,000.

Questions to Larry Pollock: What prompted you to start your own business? I was a marketing manager for more than 10 years, and a competitive bodybuilder for more than 20 years. I decided to combine my skills with my passion by opening a fitness center.

What is your educational and career background? I earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from CSU Northridge in 1996. I was the district sales manager for Vector Marketing from 1996 to 2005, and a gym manager and business owner from 2005 to present.

How much research did you do before starting your business? I have been in the fitness industry for more than 25 years. I spent several months preparing our business plan.

What were the most helpful sources, including Web sites? My brother is a long-time gym owner in Orlando: http://www.kokogym.com.

When were you the most discouraged? First we had to acquire a conditional use permit from the city. We searched through dozens of locations and acquired a building that met the zoning and parking requirements. Once we did secure a location, we had to add an additional emergency exit door and special emergency lighting.

Some fitness industry gurus and competitors tried to convince us that there was not a market for a serious training center in Camarillo. However, since our recent opening, we have been signing up new members daily and have had nothing but positive responses.

What company or individual do you admire? Arnold Schwarzenegger, for his work ethic and business savvy, which enabled him to rise to the top of his sport, become a movie star and become the governor. I like Barack Obama's politics. He's an inspiration.

What will make your business stand out from competitors? We are a serious training center for people who want to get into their best possible condition.

We have a large selection of high-end equipment that can withstand many years of heavy use. Our trainers are all certified independent personal trainers with many years of experience.

At Body Temple, you won't see college and high school students earning minimum wage, incorrectly training clients with poor form and useless movements.

— Businesses less than one year old can be profiled in Who's New in Business. Businesses older than one year can be profiled in Company Spotlight. Those owning franchises in the region can be profiled in Franchise Focus. Only businesses that have never been profiled in The Star may participate. For more details or the questionnaire, call 437-0239.