Meet Kali Sudbrook | Remodeling Contractor & Designer for Fitness Spaces & Gyms

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kali Sudbrook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kali, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
As a remodeling contractor, making the decision to niche down into solely providing health and fitness spaces has been a game changer for me. When I left my 15 year long career as a fitness director and professor of Kinesiology to become a contractor I thought I had to leave my old identity as a fitness professional behind and create a whole new identity as a business owner and contractor. It wasn’t until I designed and built home gyms for 3 different fitness colleagues that the light bulb went off and I thought, hey, I could make this my specialty! But then fear set in and I thought if I only went after the fitness jobs, then I would lose out on income and a means to make a living because the subset of people who would want a home gym would be so few and far between. However, I had a pivotal meeting with my business coach halfway into my second year of business and my coach said that “a confused mind doesn’t buy.” Essentially if people don’t know what I offer…(is it bathrooms, is it fitness spaces…what the heck is it?), that essentially they wouldn’t buy my services. It was a scary leap of faith, but the second I made that decision, changed my website and marketing to specialize, I’ve been more profitable and way more energized with the type of work that I’m doing! My clients have been perfect too, and they are all aligning with my ideal client demographic. Funny how that works out!

What should our readers know about your business?
I create spaces for health and happiness! That means remodeling any space that has anything to do with fitness, health, and hobbies and making those activities more accessible to one’s life. Some of my most favorite projects have been garages that I’ve been able to get creative with by turning it into a functional gym space, but also a beautiful shared multi-use space for laundry, storage, and fitness recovery like cold plunges and sauna therapy. I’ve also done some pretty cool commercial fitness spaces. For example, I had a fun project for an athlete team room, creating a space for them to come stretch, recover, watch footage of games, and do homework. My latest project, Chalk Performance in Costa Mesa, was a large commercial project to remodel the gym that was 10 years old and needed a facelift. The members were so grateful when I was done and I think it reenergized the whole place.

The fact that I am merging my former career as a Fitness Director, with my new career as a Designer and Builder sets me apart from literally everyone else in the market. There is no one else who does what I do, and offers a white glove experience from start to finish when it comes to BOTH the design of fitness spaces AND the construction. It’s pretty cool. I have a unique understanding of both sides of the coin, and I have so much value to offer because of it.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to offer such great client experiences. I have heard so many horror stories from clients who had a poor experience with a remodeling project or a contractor that I enjoy being the anomaly where clients actually love remodeling with me. I pride myself in being honest, transparent, and having integrity throughout the whole process because that’s what I would want and expect from a professional contractor.

Throughout my journey thus far, I’ve been fortunate to learn from and be mentored by so many talented contractors, carpenters, and tradesmen. These relationships have only spring boarded my success as a contractor in the industry. When I started I was acutely aware that I didn’t know what I was doing, but making those connections, asking questions, and being curious about how to run a successful business has lead me down the right path. It wasn’t easy trying to grow my business. There’s been lots of trial and error, especially when it came to the financial aspects of it. All I had to do was identify contractors and carpenters who I respected and appreciated, and then ask for guidance and mentorship. People really are willing to help and pay it forward, and it’s a beautiful thing!

I’d like people to know that life unfolds sometimes as you don’t expect it, and that’s okay! If you’d told me 10 years ago that I’d be a contractor, I would have laughed in your face. But today I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I get to work with amazing clients, build some incredibly fun spaces, and I get to work hard moving my body everyday. Creating something beautiful that is going to add value to someone’s life for generations to come is a great feeling. It’s one of the reasons why I hope people consider Beachside Interiors to design a fitness oasis that will fit their specific needs.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is easy!

Monday in Huntington Beach – We would go walk the boardwalk and pier to watch surfers in the iconic surf city. Go grab lunch at Bear Flag for fish tacos, and shop at Pacific City afterwards.

Tuesday in Newport Beach/Corona Del Mar – Grab breakfast at Rose’s Cafe and Bakery, then go for a jog at Corona Del Mar. That afternoon/evening, we would go shopping at Fashion Island and grab dinner at R+D cafe for one of the best burgers in Newport. Catch the ferry from Newport to Balboa for a night at the arcades.

Wednesday in Crystal Cove and El Morro – Go for a morning hike at El Morro Canyon to get spectacular views of the beach, and then afterwards, go check out tide pools, hit the beach, and stay at the beach cottages at Crystal Cove. Dinner at Beachcombers.

Thursday in Laguna Beach – Visit Heisler park and admire all the foliage and little private beaches. Have brunch at Urth cafe on PCH, and then spend the rest of the day at the Montage/Treasure Island beach. Drinks at the Rooftop bar in Laguna and then dinner at the Deck. Don’t forget to say hi to the (new) Laguna Beach Greeter over by Sapphire Pantry on PCH.

Friday in Dana Point – Surf lessons for dawn patrol at Doheny State Beach, with Breakfast afterwards at the Harbor House. Take a tour of the Ocean Institute and then Dinner at Truly Pizza for a perfect ending to a great trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife has been unwavering in her support while starting my design and remodeling business. When I quit my job to become a contractor, she stepped up to work more so that we didn’t have to worry about the financial hit it might cause while growing a new business. She knew that it would be several years until I generated a profit and became stable enough to not only make the same amount at my last job, but surpass it. When I took my licensure exam, she was over the moon when I found out I passed. When I said I needed a work van, without hesitation, we sold our SUV so I could get a vehicle that allowed me to be more efficient. When I hit 999 followers on Instagram, she was my 1000th follower.

Even when it has been scary, she has trusted my instincts to grow the brand and create a solid financial foundation. She has supported me going to conferences and trade shows to seek out education and mentors in the industry. Without her, I would have never been able to build such a strong business foundation so quickly. And even though pursuing this journey has meant that she’s had to work more than ever before, she has never complained once. I am so grateful that we are on this journey together because I know without a doubt that it will all be worth it. We make a phenomenal team. On paper, I might be one woman running the show, but behind the scenes it has taken an orchestrated effort from both of us. There’s no such thing as a self-made woman, and I have been fortunate to have my wife’s help and support along the way.

Website: www.beachsideinteriorsremodeling.com

Instagram: @kalithecontractor

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kalisudbrook/

Image Credits
Jerry Sanchez – Squatchez Media