Noe Ramirez radiates an entrepreneurial spirit. He says that his first real business experience came after graduating from 21st Century Charter School in downtown Salem when he moved to Mexico. There, to help support his family, he sold roadside beverages every day under the hot Guanajuato sun
Ramírez sold Licuados, a Latin American fruit smoothie, for twenty pesos. This was primarily to support his family, but selling Licuados also introduced him to the entrepreneurial world that would later define him.
Almost a decade later, Ramirez now runs Victory Round: a circuit-based gym launched on Monday, January 13th
La idea de Victory Round surgió de la madre de Ramírez, Deanna Tapia, quien se convirtió en una apasionada del entrenamiento en circuito tras entrenar en un gimnasio durante unos meses. Ella comentó que la comunidad de Salem, especialmente la fuerza laboral latina, disfrutaría de una experiencia de entrenamiento sencilla y práctica que les permitiera dedicarles su tiempo.
Ramírez abrazó la idea. Junto con Tapia, propietario de Professional Interpreters Inc., y su suegro, Ramón Bonilla, propietario de Bonilla Builders, Ramírez aprovechó el ingenio colectivo de su familia para hacer realidad su visión. Afirma que Victory Round es fruto de la comunidad latina trabajadora que lo crio.
Victory Round now occupies a small but spacious industrial space at 3790 Silverton Rd NE, formerly Salvador’s Bakery. The floor is covered with training mats. A variety of punching bags clutter the area, demonstrating Victory Round’s commitment to kickboxing-based exercises.
The back room is populated by ellipticals, squat racks, and other free-weight equipment for those who choose to workout at their own pace.
Victory Round’s main room is dedicated to a 12-station circuit routine, which changes daily to target different muscle groups. A scoreboard displays the top scores for different workouts, creating friendly competition among members.
Ramírez loves circuit training because it’s efficient and equitable. “You can set aside a specific time to train,” she says, “without worrying about all the planning that training usually entails.”
Members can do the circuit at any time between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. An instructor is always available to demonstrate and even work out alongside participants.
Catherine Stutzman, a third-degree black belt in taekwondo and an experienced trainer, is one of two instructors who guide members through their training routines, along with Ramírez himself.
“Physical training is important to stay healthy and active,” she says, “but here at Victory Round, the trainers tell you exactly what to do. Plus, you can kick and punch.”
Stutzman uses lots of visual demonstration, considering that much of
Victory Round members are made up of Latin Americans who do not speak English.
Ramirez sees Victory Round as one of the most Latino-friendly gyms in Salem. Their exercise style limits language barriers, and they also offer bilingual training for those who want it.
But the gym isn’t just for Salem’s Latino community. For anyone looking for a quick workout,
in-and-out workout routine that involves kicking sandbags, Victory Round extends a welcome hand.
Just over 20 members have joined since the gym’s opening. Ramírez hopes to grow his small fitness family to 100 members by 2026. And while it’s still a recent development, Ramírez speaks confidently as he predicts growth and prosperity for Victory Round’s future.
Victory Round offers multiple membership options: $99 for a monthly, no-contract membership, $89 per month for a three-month membership, $79 per month for a six-month membership, and $69 per month for a 12-month membership. Ramirez is also launching a grand opening promotion: $29 for a full month. Call (503) 400-4164 or go to www.victoryround.com for details.
