Edgard Corona is no
stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. A mention of his name, especially in
the streets of São Paulo, is bound to elicit nods of recognition and admiration
and it’s for good reason. He’s the CEO and visionary behind the fitness
revolution, SmartFit. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his early
life, education and entrepreneurial journey.
Early Life and Education
Edgard Corona was
born in São Paulo, Brazil, on October 23, 1956. He grew up in a modest family
where he imbibed the values of hard work and perseverance . In 1979, he
graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from FAAP (Fundação Armando
Alvares Penteado), one of the prestigious Brazilian institutions.
Initial Career
In his first year
in college, Edgard, along with two friends, started a wizard clothing store.
Although this venture was short-lived, it ignited his passion for
entrepreneurship. Fast forward to the 1990s, a life-changing event occurred.
While skiing, he suffered an injury that necessitated physical therapy. It was
during this time that he gained insights into the intricacies of fitness
centers and how he could enhance their operations.
However, there was
one problem. In this part of the world (Brazil), gyms were largely
non-existent, let alone important. After extensive research, he began Academia
Bio Ritmo in 1996, a fitness center aimed at providing accessible fitness
solutions to the masses.
Genesis of SmartFit
Academia Bio Ritmo
laid the foundation for Edgard’s vision of making fitness accessible to all.
But it was in 2009 that he took a giant leap forward by founding SmartFit, a
chain of low-cost gyms . The company rapidly gained popularity, and expanded not
only across Brazil but also internationally, becoming one of the largest
fitness brands in Latin America.
Closing Thoughts
The entrepreneurial
journey of Edgard Corona is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to
making fitness accessible and affordable has transformed the industry and
empowered countless individuals to lead healthier lives.