A Long Island City couple has launched a gym equipment repair and maintenance service to help both residential and commercial gyms across Queens get their equipment fixed quickly.
Elvis Rodricks and Harshi Patel, who have lived in Long Island City for 15 years, became franchisees for the New Jersey-based A.E.S. Fitness last month after noticing a lack of local repair options.
As self-described “gym rats,” the couple decided to start the business after experiencing long delays when trying to get equipment repaired at their residential gym. “I’m on the board of my building, and it’s been tough getting people to come in and fix equipment,” Rodricks said. “It would take at least three weeks to get someone to come out.”
Rodricks also noted that repair companies would charge high fees, including up to $150 just for travel to Queens. “We were missing a local service here in Western Queens,” he said. “Most companies are coming from New Jersey or Long Island, and we felt something was needed here.”
“We’re part of the community,” Rodricks added. “We want positive feedback from our clients. Working in the same neighborhood we serve brings us a different joy.”
Since launching A.E.S. Fitness in Long Island City, Rodricks and Patel have been working with gyms like Retro Fitness and Planet Fitness across Western Queens, as well as several residential buildings.
Their goal is to become a trusted service for local gyms, offering to waive the travel fees that are often added by repair companies.
A.E.S. Fitness’s Long Island City branch currently has a team of four technicians. In addition to repairs, they also install equipment in gyms throughout the borough. Rodricks said the company works closely with gym owners to recommend equipment that fits their budget, offering both new and used options.
