Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorothy Stern.
Hi Dorothy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As military veterans and lifelong fitness enthusiasts, my husband and I have always been avid runners. However, over time, we realized that the high-impact nature of running was taking a heavy toll on our joints. Searching for a low-impact alternative that didn’t sacrifice intensity, we tried a class at a Row House location in California—and we instantly fell in love with the workout.
When life brought us to Colorado, staying connected to the rowing community was an absolute priority for us; in fact, we specifically chose our new home based on its close proximity to a Row House studio. So, when the opportunity arose to purchase the Row House Ken Caryl studio, we didn’t hesitate for a second. We jumped at the chance to turn our passion into our business.
While the full-body workout is incredible, the absolute best part of owning this studio is the community. We receive so much fulfillment not just from rowing ourselves, but from deeply embedding ourselves in the local neighborhood. The members who sweat, pull, and grow with us at Row House Ken Caryl truly feel more like family than clients.
We are incredibly honored to provide a welcoming, high-energy space that helps our community crush their fitness goals, one stroke at a time. Come join our crew!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
1. Wearing Too Many Hats (The Time Struggle)
• The Reality: You didn’t just buy a rowing studio; you bought a full-time role as marketers, cleaners, accountants, HR managers, and customer service reps. The Struggle: Transitioning from passionate members who just love the workout to business owners who have to worry about broken rowers, software glitches, and managing staff schedules. Finding a balance between working on the business and actually getting to enjoy the community you bought it for is a daily challenge.
2. Marketing and “Breaking the Myth” of Rowing. The Reality: Boutique fitness is highly competitive, and many people have never tried indoor rowing. The Struggle: Educating the broader Ken Caryl community on the incredible benefits of low-impact, high-intensity workouts is a non-stop marketing effort.
3. Member Retention & Consistency keeping members consistently engaged is just as hard as signing them up.
The Struggle: Dealing with “churn”—when life gets busy for members, budgets tighten, or they relocate.
4. Most importantly Protecting the “Family” Culture as You Grow We You bought the studio because of its incredible, tight-knit culture. The Struggle: As a business, you need to sign up new members to be successful and pay the bills. The challenge is scaling up and bringing in massive waves of new people without losing that intimate, welcoming “family feel” that makes Row House Ken Caryl so special in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our Day Jobs when we are not at Row house
• I am a Satellite Systems Engineer: This high-level engineering role allows me to keep serving the military and protecting the country. At the studio, you bring that same mission-driven focus, precision, and dedication to serving the local crew.
• My Husband is a Financial Planner & Entrepreneur for Fidelity. After successfully owning his own business, he missed the fast-paced environment and returned to corporate life. His true passion is educating people on how to maximize their money and secure their future. At the studio, his entrepreneurial experience keeps the business sharp, while his coaching mindset helps members focus on investing in their health.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The whole Row House Team is wonderful! They have supported when we transition from members to owners and continue to the Heart of Row house
Pricing:
- 2 weeks for $26
- Try yor first class Freen
- Renew Active Welcome
- Well Hub Welcome
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therowhouse.com/location/ken-caryl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowhousekencaryl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RowHouseKenCaryl/
