CEO Corner: The DB Method’s Erika Rayman on Building Brand Loyalty and Persevering through Failure
Erika Rayman created the DB Method, a portable exercise machine and program, in 2017 in an effort to make lasting results available to everyone everywhere from the comfort of their own home. Four years later, the device has helped people around the world transform their bodies, but more than that, it’s built a community with strong ties and unwavering support. Rayman spoke with Athletech News to discuss the DB Method’s growth, its future, and where she believes the fitness industry will go next.
Erika Rayman fell in love with fitness at an early age and was an avid runner for most of her life. But when she found herself with blown out knees and a painful case of sciatica that made running near impossible, she didn’t know what to do or where to turn in her workouts and fell into a bit of a rut at the gym. After a friend suggested she work with his trainer to help find some inspiration, however, Rayman was so impressed by her results and the techniques that made her transformation possible that she knew she had to share this method with others.
Knowing that not everyone has access to professional trainers or equipment, she felt compelled to create an easy-to-use, compact, and affordable device that would help people everywhere achieve their ‘dream butt’ without sacrificing form. Rayman spent the next four years developing a machine and method that drew on neuromuscular training techniques for faster results, and in 2017, the DB Method was born.
Four years later, the portable machine has helped thousands of people see real, lasting results without putting their bodies at harm. Read on to learn more about how Rayman has made the DB Method what it is today, how the community she’s built motivates her, and what she believes is the future of fitness.
Athletech News (ATN): Please tell us about your company and how it came to fruition.
Erika Rayman: I was tired of pushing myself at the gym and not seeing the changes that I was working so hard to achieve. I was totally obsessed with creating a workout that was effective, accessible, and actually fun! I spent four long and crazy years creating the machine and a method that draws on reactive neuromuscular training techniques for faster results.
ATN: When did you know you had something of substantial value?
Erika Rayman: I knew I had succeeded in creating The DB Method when I started receiving communications from our customers about how the machine and the method had changed their lives. Women who never thought they’d be able to work out again were able to squat with ease and comfort. I continue to be inspired by our community every day!
ATN: What was your journey like to get to this point?
Erika Rayman: It’s been crazy but rewarding. For the first few years, I was the product developer, accountant, marketing manager, inventory planner, and customer service team. I’ve learned so much about business and about myself along the way.
ATN: What is your greatest strength?
Erika Rayman: I’m always growing and pushing myself to be better, but I think my greatest strength is being able to be okay when things don’t go according to plan; being able to pivot and make adjustments has been critical to our start-up success.
ATN: When have you failed? What did you learn from the experience?
Erika Rayman: I fail everyday! My failures are what make me stronger and better. If you’re not failing, you’re not taking enough risks.
ATN: What motivates you?
Erika Rayman: Our insanely dedicated customers. Hearing their success stories with The DB Method makes all of the craziness worth it! I set out to create a workout machine and method that would help women like myself look and feel better, so when I hear their stories, it makes me so happy.
ATN: What are some of your daily habits?
Erika Rayman: I love to wake up early and dedicate some time to myself. I usually start my morning with a big cup of tea and at least 10 minutes of no screens. When I finish my tea, I do 10 minutes on The DB Method and feel like I can conquer the day.
ATN: How much sleep do you get?
Erika Rayman: I try to get at least eight hours, but sometimes it can be hard. I can usually tell when my body needs more rest, and I try to honor that whenever I can.
ATN: Who is your mentor? Role model?
Erika Rayman: My uncle has filled both roles (in spades) since childhood. I grew up admiring him for his business instincts and success, and he’s been my biggest cheerleader since I shared my vision of accessible fitness that makes a real difference to real people.
ATN: Where do you see the future of fitness going?
Erika Rayman: The future of fitness is very bright! Exercise is so important for your mind and your body, and I think that the last two years have taught all of us that prioritizing health is key.