Stephan Tarasov

Creating innovative automated and digital solutions for fitness clubs, driving profitability and enhancing client experience.

Tallinn, Harjumaa, Estonia

About

10 years in the Fitness business in various roles, from marketing and software product development to the owner and GM. I was lucky enough to graduate from school in three completely different countries: Russia, USA and Australia, which became the basis of my passion for working in international markets with companies and people from all continents. Starting my career as a regional sales and distribution representative for one of the largest international companies, Danone, and successfully continuing it in export sales for one of the largest tyre manufacturers, Sibur-Russian Tires, allowed me to participate in international exhibitions in Germany, Singapore, UAE and to develop the company's distribution and sales in Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus. During further education in Brisbane, Australia and advanced studies in Marketing, I made a career transition into the banking industry and have been successfully involved in both strategic marketing and IT infrastructure improvements for regional banks as well as full re-branding and regional expansion. A keen understanding of IT applications and passion for product development allowed him to successfully outmanoeuvre retail lending competitors. After another advanced training in Australia and seeing the huge potential in the development of the fitness market, the idea of creating a network of fitness clubs in the HVLP/Premium Budget segment first in Russia, and then in the Baltic States: Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. Having created from scratch one of the first automated fitness club chains operating in 4 countries Fitts (sold to Gym Station) and People Fitness (sold to MyFitness), I was also involved in the development of Alex Fitness, X-Fit, State Fitness, Spirit Fitness as Concept and Strategy Consultant, EU Development Manager, Digital Infrastructure Project Manager, App Product Manager, which allowed me to accumulate vast experience in the fitness industry in terms of IT product integration and development, automation, process efficiency, operational cost reduction and product development. Nowadays, I focus on Gym extra monetization. I distribute ShakeHub Pro, an automated fitness bar, and GymLink—an online monetisation solution. ProPT is an App for Personal Trainers with additional monetization through a referral program and native sales. All these services and products are designed to increase the income of fitness club owners by offering healthy products. I am open and happy to discuss any topics related to the wellness industry's development and innovation.

Experience

  • CEO and Co-Owner at ShakeHub.eu
    Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    As CEO and Co-owner, I am responsible for leading and managing our company's overall operations and strategic direction. With a deep understanding of our industry, market trends, and competitive landscape, I work closely with our executive team and stakeholders to establish and execute our vision, mission, and goals. With my fellow co-owner, I am proud to be part of a team that is passionate about delivering exceptional products and services to our customers and positively impacting the communities we serve.

  • GymLink OU (8 yrs 3 mos)
    • Product owner / Co-Founder
      May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 3 mos

      We are a cloud service which helps to gain profits for fitness-club owners.

    • Co-Founder
      May 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 3 mos

  • Product Owner at People.Club
    Mar 2021 - Mar 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Digitalise your fitness business! Club management software and App

  • People Fitness (6 yrs 2 mos)
    • Managing Director
      Feb 2019 - Feb 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      People Fitness clubs management in Baltics.

    • Sales and Marketing Director
      Jan 2015 - Feb 2021 · 6 yrs 2 mos

      Made establishment of the company and the product itself in the new fitness clubs segment Premium- Budget. Strategic planning and marketing. Creation and implementation of design concepts, branding, business processes. UIX - design, integration of the club management system, online and offline points of sale and everything related to the management of marketing and sales. Selection and adaptation of personnel, preparation of tech documentation, interaction with contractors. A successful fitness start-up turned into an international network of fitness clubs in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.

  • Business Development Manager at Alex Fitness Europe
    Jun 2017 - May 2018 · 1 yr

    Company development in international markets. Marketing processes, sales, customer interaction improvement, and fitness business growth. Creation and development of franchising for Alex Fitness and Alex Gym 24/7 brands for Russian and European markets. The Netherlands, Italy, and Austria are the primary markets for growth.