20 Under 40
Laura Roeder
Co-Owner, Pure Barre
Age: 36
Job description:
Marketing, community outreach, teaching classes and basically anything that needs to be done in and out of the studio, including toilets! You never know where the day is going to take you, and I love that!
Hometown:
St. Louis.
Years lived in Columbia:
18 years.
Education:
Stephens College, and certificates from various fitness corporations.
Professional background:
Nothing professional about me, but I have over 18 years in fitness.
Mentor:
I have so many wonderful men and women who I seek out for different pieces of advice and guidance at different times in my life. If I know you, I probably have “used” your knowledge and advice in some way. You might not have even known it!
What don’t people know about your job?
Pure Barre truly saved me. I was so depressed and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I was overweight and had no self-confidence. I started taking class, and my husband will tell you I immediately came home and said, “Well, this is a game changer.” I started feeling more confident, thanks to the staff, and then my body started to change. When asked to become a part of the Pure Barre family, I was flattered and jumped on the chance to help others find the same experience. Because of this, I would like to think I am a better wife, friend and team member.
What is the best thing about your job?
Where do I start? I love to help people find their inner strength as much as outer strength. Best part of my job is when someone comes in the studio and is having a rough day and after class, they feel more energy and even have a different perspective on the day! What they don’t realize is that they do all the work. I am the train conductor, but you have to commit to getting on the train to change mind and body.
A favorite recent project?
Professionally, planning the next year of Pure Barre and all the fun and exciting events and changes coming. Personally, designing our new house. Some days, it’s not a favorite project, but I know I will love the end result.
What was your New Year’s resolution in 2015? Did you accomplish it?
I don’t really do a New Year’s Resolution, but instead I do a daily goal. Sadly, I do not accomplish the daily goal everyday — I would like to think I am a 70/30 split.
What are your specific professional goals for 2016?
New, bigger studio! Meeting more small business owners, and finding great partnerships with them as well.
What about your day do you look forward to most? What motivates you?
Every day is different, and I love that. My motivation is the people I meet and clients I see.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
This is an awful question; I don’t even want to think about not being a part of Pure Barre. If I must go down this road, sleeping… baking…traveling…
Community involvement:
Co-chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters Countdown to Kickoff; co-chair for Women’s Network special events, and membership committee member; EPIC executive member and membership committee member; ambassador and committee member for True North.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of?
This honor is up there on the list for sure! I don’t really think about what I have accomplished. Instead, I complete a task with 100% effort and move on to the next one. I try not to look back, but keep trucking forward.
What do you do for fun?
I am determined to make life fun, so I find a way to make Home Depot fun. Otherwise, Blues hockey games, going to New Orleans, spending time laughing with friends and family!
What is your guilty pleasure?
Judgement free zone… Housewives of Beverly Hills, Orange County and New York. These women have the weirdest problems, or not problems. The world has so many real problems going on, and sometimes it’s nice to turn my brain off and just giggle at these women.
Greatest lesson learned?
Sometimes silence is golden. Being quiet and listening to others is a huge help in building relationships and helps get down to the root of any problem.
Want more 2016 20 Under 40? Check out Jonathan Sessions’ Q&A.
