By Kerry Gallagher

Entrepreneurship is celebrated across the SUNY system during the month of June, and our spotlight at SUNY Broome is shining on Kevin Webb, a Business Administration: A.S. graduate and founder of the thriving KW Fitness.

As a senior at Susquehanna Valley High School in 2008, Webb (BA ‘10) had already decided he wanted to go into business and wasn’t willing to spend four or more years at a university.

“I always knew I had an entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout school, I’d make stuff and sell it to other kids or teachers; I was always looking for ways to make money,” Webb recalled. “Two years was good enough for me, and I knew I would get what I needed out of my education by going to SUNY Broome.”

While studying business at SUNY Broome, Webb enjoyed the close, convenient campus, the company of childhood friends, small class sizes, and supportive professors. But perhaps best of all, was the strong financial support he received as a student, which allowed him to graduate with his associate degree, debt-free. 

“I didn’t have a dollar of student loan debt,” Webb said. “A big part of being able to start my own business at a young age was not having student loan debt inhibiting my ability to save money.”

After SUNY Broome, the next stop was Boston, where the always-athletic Webb earned his credentials at the American Academy of Personal Training, and headed straight back home to Broome County. After just a couple years working as a personal trainer, Webb had built credibility in the fitness community and saved enough to get his business off the ground. 

A proud product of Binghamton, there was no doubt that Broome County would be the flagship for his growing enterprise. In 2014, at the impressive age of 24, Webb opened the first KW Fitness location in Vestal, as a sole entrepreneur. 

“Staying local was important, because family is important to me,” Webb said. “I love where I was born and raised, and I wanted to start a business in the community I grew up in, and hopefully give back – which I’m proud to say we’ve been able to do.” 

KW Fitness is a unique operation, with a welcoming vibe that comes in contrast to the “big box” gyms that many find intimidating. It’s a small, supportive community tailored for “non-gym people”, providing each client with personalized training to reach their individual goals. The business steadily blossomed, as did things for Webb’s personal life. It wasn’t long before the former sole proprietor was a full-fledged family man, finding both a life and business partner in his now-wife, Mandy.

The Webb Family!

In its first 11 years, KW Fitness has trained more than 2000 clients to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Together, the Webbs have added two more KW Fitness locations in Mandy’s native Onondaga County. While Kevin leads day-to-day operations, managing three facilities and 13 full-time employees, Mandy plays a key role in marketing and development. Somehow, they balance all of this with their most important work: being hands-on parents to four young children, all under age seven.

When the time comes for the Webb kids to consider their higher education options, the father-of-four said he’ll encourage them to look no further than their community’s college.

“I encourage everyone to start at community college, because 17 or 18 is really young to be making very large financial decisions,” Webb said. “Take your time to decide what you really want to do, rather than going to a four-year college right out of high school, and potentially racking up tens of thousands of dollars in debt. It could truly make a big impact on the rest of your life.”

Feeling inspired? Apply today to get to business at SUNY Broome! Apply to SUNY Broome | SUNY Broome

KW Fitness in Vestal, NY is located at 3032 Vestal Rd. Vestal, NY 13850. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers

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