Instructions:
1. Click The Like Button ———————————–>>>>>
2. Click on the pictures of the Fitness Industry influencers to see who they chose.
3. Vote on who you believe should be the top rising star from that group.
4. To vote for the same person multiple times just REFRESH the page after you vote.
5. If the voting forms don’t appear, just REFRESH the page.
6. Voting Ends Tuesday 9/13 at 9pm Eastern
Your Fitness Industry Authorities
Click on the person below to see their choices.
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Brian Grasso’s Top Rising Stars
1. Kim McCullough
Kim McCullough www.TotalFemaleHockey.com
Age: 31 (although the kids I coach tell me I act like I’m 15).
Years In Business:
I’ve been training kids since I was 19, but I’ve only been running my current business, Total Female Hockey, for 3 years.
Type Of Business:
Our goal is to empower young female hockey players to reach their dreams on and off the ice. To help them get there, we offer on-ice instruction, off-ice training, nutrition consulting, scholarship guidance and mental performance training. We do this by running camps, working with teams, running on-going training groups, our training manuals and DVDs, as well as on-line products and newsletters. We also run the girls’ hockey program at a private school for elite athletes in Toronto – which allows to work with 20 highly motivated athletes on a daily basis to help them move closer to their dreams as students and athletes. We are mentors and role models who seek to educate and inspire each and every time we interact with a player. We’ve been in their shoes and we will do anything to help them reach their goals.
Bio:
After spending the majority of my hockey career tired, injured and frustrated, I’ve spent the last decade helping other aspiring female players avoid making the same mistakes I made. Our Total Female Hockey team works diligently day in and day out with players, parents, coaches and associations, teaching them how to develop the most complete players possible both on and off the ice. For 15 years I was a very passionate and driven player who competed at the highest level of my sport – and now I am an even more passionate and driven coach and teacher who wants to make sure that every girl who wants to reach the elite level has the support and inspiration she needs in order to get there.
Why Your Business is rocking:
Because it has changed my life in ways that I never thought possible. I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else – I have found my true passion. We’ve come a long way from starting with a tiny newsletter to working with players, teams and coaches all over the world in 3 short years. But the real reason that business is rocking is that I’ve created a business that allows me to do what I love every day. I pass that passion on to everyone I work with and I get so much more in return. There simply is no better feeling than seeing these young women reach their goals and become better athletes, players, students and people.
Why You Should Win:
Because I have the coolest car in the world (see picture). Seriously – no one loves the color orange more than I do.
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
I will always be a coach. I can guarantee you that I’ll be in the rink watching the players I’ve worked with pursue their dreams – I love watching them push themselves and reaching their goals. One of my big personal goals for that time frame to be coaching for Canada. I’m putting a lot of focus and energy towards that goal right now.
Vote For Kim
2. Chris Brown
Chris Brown www.GetFitAcademy.co.uk
Age: 24
Years In Business:
Started as a PT in sept 09 – dec 10 I never really done anything to progress – I started my bootcamp business Jan 11 – since then it’s been recognised as a leading fitness camp in the UK
Type Of Business:
I actually run a ‘Fitness Academy’ – I coined the term, it’s the first of it’s kind in the world and it’s based around a “bootcamp” but with a HUGE emphasis on educating and coaching the clients
Bio:
I’m the guy who is RENOWNED for getting results, the “go to guy” in my area. I work with EVERYDAY frustrated men and women and help them make PHENOMENAL changes in their lives and maintain them forever. I’ a former skinny/fat guy that struggled with his health and it was my own desire to fix my own health problems that lead me to a journey of learning and personal transformation. Through the experiences I had I really found my passion for health and fitness and it was this alignment with my purpose that lead me to an exciting change from learning the teaching and educating people to enjoy the same benefits I’d experienced.
Why Your Business Is Rocking:
My business TOTALLY rocks as I have the most UNREAL set of crazy GFA members that absolutely ROCK my world, the results I’ve had are out of this world and several of my members are actually now inspired to help others and are becomming trainers themselves.
Why You Should Win:
I should win ‘cos I’m DAMN frickin’ good at my job! Cocky? Maybe but I believe there are few out there getting the results that I am. I work my butt off and I’ve spent £14,000 just on education this year alone in order to develop and get my clients EVEN more amazing results. Anyway that aside I also taught my fitness camp in a black leotard with fish net tights and a pink wig for comic relief! The fact I was in a leotard alone means I deserve to win! Haha… I do things that make me happy and that I enjoy, it just so happens to be that transforming lives totally ‘gets my juices flowing’! I love it, it’s my passion, it’s what I do and I’m DAMN good at it!
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
I know exactly where I will be in 5 years, my fitness camp WILL be licensed out throughout the UK and into the states and the world. I KNOW there is nothing like what I’ve created out there AT ALL. I’m looking to have 5 -10,000 licensee’s within this period. Aiming high? CORRECT! I’d settle for nothing less!
Vote For Chris
Vote Below For Brian Grasso’s Top Rising Star
Chris McCombs Top Rising Stars
1. Alicia Streger & Carrie Kukuda
Carrie & Alicia www.TheBootCampGirls.com
AGE: 29 and 39
Years In Business:
2 years as business partners for online fitness professionals business (25 years combined for our fitness training businesses)
Type Of Business:
Online informational “done-for-you” products for fitness professionals (2 different boot camp workout programs and 21-Day Boot Camp Belly Blast Program) to get their business to the next level. Plus, consulting and membership site just launched!
Bio:
We are two fitness professionals who have had great success in our personal fitness businesses and we have a passion for helping others in the fitness industry do the same!
Why your business is rocking:
We launched 3 informational products and now our membership site in just 2 years while still maintaining our own kick-butt boot camps! We are making a difference and doing what we love! We have the best jobs in the world of helping others change their lives!
Why you should win:
We have already won by being chosen to be on this list. We are on a mission to help other fitness professionals stay in this industry (instead of doing it part-time or fail) and excel! We will accomplish helping 1000’s by time we’re done! We plan to do it and STILL maintain why we started in the first place! Money is nice, but helping others is the real gift!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Kicking Ass and living the life of FREEDOM!
Vote For Alicia & Carrie
2. Sako Yakinian
Sako Yakinain www.NoLimit-PersonalTraining.com
AGE: 26
Years In Business: 3
Type Of Business:
Personal training, Semi-private training and boot camps
Bio:
You’re all expecting an impressing story. My bio is simple, I was a kid who loved working out. I can’t share any impressive stories with you, I’m just a person doing what they love and just happened to be good at it.
Why your business is rocking:
In just around 3 years went from having 2 clients working by myself to having multiple boot camps, multiple trainers working for me and opening up a 5000 sq foot facility which will be the greatest workout/experience in Orange County. We were also voted #1 in Orange County in 2010 and 2011 by Fox La Ch.11 OC Hotlist.
Why you should win:
To be honest, I don’t think I should win lol. I do no offline marketing right now, a little Internet marketing, do everything the opposite of others, still train clients, hate selling, don’t do all kinds of crazy tracking and OCD things, am never serious, don’t spend thousands of dollars and crazy hours on getting clients and probably do it all wrong and wing it most the time ….but you should pick me because without doing any of this I’ve busted my butt in a short period of time to create an empire in my area just being ME. I did things MY way. I might not be the smartest dude or best marketer and I’m not ashamed to admit it but I will say I’m a workhorse and have a burning passion for what I do, I know nobody around me will outwork me or do what it takes to get to the level I’m working towards. I have laser sharp focus on what I need to do that nothing will stop me but the man above, not being cocky just confident. I genuinely care for every person that walks through that door not just the money in the bank. But hey, all these other dudes are probably way more qualified for this than me, but if you think the guy that did it all wrong still is on his way up then I guess I’m your guy
Oh yeah, if I win I will answer any questions you have to help your business, just to show how.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years I see us maxing out a 5000 sq foot facility with over 300 clients. Opening up multiple locations for our boot camps. Stepping away from being in the business to duplicate our programs and add massive value and new ideas to clients where it’s almost a big family along with popping up all over Orange County locations creating not only the best workout but the best experience around.
Hopefully coaching new fitness business owners grow their business as well as I was guided through some of the best in the business which I am grateful for. I would love to see a trainer get on this list and me being someone that helped them get here. To be honest, I named my program No Limit Personal Training because I think there is NO LIMIT to what we do in life.
3. Callie Durbrow
Callie Durbrow www. UltimateAthleticFitness.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business:
2 years on my own business, 6 years total
Type Of Business:
Boot camps and small group training
Bio:
I’m the owner of Durbrow Performance Training in Cambridge, MA. Our business consists of boot camps and small group training built around the philosophy from my athletic career. I was a former 1 on 1 personal trainer working for a gym for 4 years until I branched out on my own. I grew up in Vermont and went to college in Massachusetts where I played soccer and basketball and realized my love for training and conditioning.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is built around the foundation of fun, athletic and team based training. All of our boot camps and groups are kept under 15 members so they get the personalized attention and we set ourselves apart from every other boot camp in town because people never get lost in the shuffle and they get to know their fellow members. We have a 95% stick rate after members sign up for 6 months because we keep our workouts fun, we have client referral bonuses, client contests and parties and most of all we get results. Our clients stay with us, refer their friends and everyone has a blast during the entire process.
I train 5-6 sessions per week just because I love staying in the trenches and connecting with people but I have a trainer working for me and a part time assistant so I basically work 3-4 hours per day, mostly on the business. This allows me to have fun and do what I want, when I want. Everything is rocking because I went from working 12 hours per day to working barely at all and just loving what I do. I know this sounds cliche but it’s 100% the truth.
Why you should win:
Top 10 Reasons that I should win:
- I hired a coach to speed up my process, not trying to reinvent the wheel.
- I focus on the big levers of my business- sales, marketing and lead generation. My efforts are all about performing and publishing (in the words of the great Andy Jenkins).
- I got myself out of working “in” the business and focusing on working “on” the business, only training because I want to and not because I have to.
- I walk the walk, I keep myself fit and I tell my members that I’ll never make them do anything that I don’t do. This is important for the image of the business and it helps people trust you. Never be an out-of-shape fitness professional.
- I created systems for my business that allow every aspect to run smoothly no matter who has to implement those systems.
- I created a culture for my clients based around fun, referrals, friends and family. It’s not just about the workouts.
- I have created my business based on my lifestyle. I want to work less enjoy myself, so I set my training hours in the business based on what I want. The business doesn’t run me.
- We have become the #1 source for boot camps, personal training and fitness in the Cambridge area and dominate the search engines for those terms.
- I have stepped out of the box of typical jobs and businesses. I don’t let the business run me and I don’t work for anyone else.
- I have the best business in the world. I help other people live a better life and during that time I have created the best possible life for myself and my future family when it comes to finances, health and mindset.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I will be raising a family and the business will be running on auto-pilot. I will be able to live anywhere that I want and I’ll have 2-3 trainers working for me plus an assistant to handle day-to-day operations. I’ll be running marketing and sales strategies for the business if I want, or I’ll have someone in place to do this if I want to take time off to spend with the family. I never want to worry about day care or not being able to see my kids.
Vote For Callie
4. Benjamin Ballinger
Benjamin Ballinger www.2BFitOC.com
AGE: 27
Years In Business: 3
Type Of Business:
Personal Training, Group Training and Health Coaching
Bio:
Hi, I’m Benjamin and my passion is personal fitness and nutrition! I am dedicated to helping people from all walks of life reach optimal levels of health, body composition and performance through an intelligent, scientifically-backed approach to exercise and a strong emphasis on the importance of nutrition. My mission is to teach my clients how to exercise and eat properly so that they can see optimal results from their efforts and live long, happy and healthy lives.
Why your business is rocking:
I am all about underpromising and overdelivering. Every day I make sure I bring my all and give my clients the absolute best service imaginable. Because of this, my clients see results all across the board from improvements in body composition, performance, strength, energy levels and happiness. To top it off, I take the time to explain the concepts so that my clients are truly learning habits of health in their lives that they can take with them.
Why you should win:
I should win because I’m dead sexy and the most awesome trainer ever to grace the face of the planet. Also, my bootcamp is nicknamed “Good Luck Chuck bootcamp” because my clients keep getting engaged after they join! 
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself running a fitness and nutrition empire, helping change thousands of people’s lives all across the country for the better and continuing to develop what I envision my company to be: amazing, consistent service that underpromises/overdelivers, and outperforms the competition.
Vote For Benjamin
5. Aaron Guyett
Aaron Guyett
www.Innovative-Results.com
Bio:
A Marine Corps Sergeant, specializes in warrior training. With his warrior heart and mind, he delivers tactful, strategic, and uncompromising results to our nation’s finest military, federal, state, and local agents, preparing each warrior physically, mentally, and spiritually for their highly specialize and arduous missions and tasks.
Vote Below For Chris McCombs Top Rising Star
Eric Cressey’s Top Rising Star
1. Eric Oetter
Eric Oetter
AGE: 24
Years In Business: 6 Months
Type Of Business:
Being that I’m still in school, my business experience lies in my internships at Cressey Performance and Indianapolis Fitness & Sports Training. These facilities seamlessly blend corrective exercise with high-performance training.
Bio:
I am currently a senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Exercise and Sport Science, with plans to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. An injury-shortened Division-1 football career at the Georgia Institute of Technology resulted in time off from school focused on rehabilitation. I’ve since ardently pursued my passion for coaching, garnering experience with clients of all ages and ability levels through internships at both Indianapolis Fitness & Sports Training and Cressey Performance.
Why your business is rocking:
Considering my business does not yet exist, this is purely hypothetical. My future business will succeed only through standing on the shoulders of my inspiring mentors. Eric Cressey, Bill Hartman, and Mike Robertson have shown me what it takes to run an elite performance facility – I intend to put their outstanding blueprint into action when the time comes.
Why you should win:
While winning this competition would be a huge compliment, just being featured alongside these great up-and-comers is an honor in itself. I’m excited to see the amazing things, and possible collaborations, that will come from this group.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be working in a facility alongside like-minded clinicians in the constant pursuit of improving others’ lives, whether elevating performance or removing pain.
Vote For Eric
Vote Below For Eric Cressey’s Pick
Georgette Pann’s Top Rising Stars
1. Sarah Rippel
Sarah Rippel www.FitProSarah.com
AGE: 35 years young!
Years In Business:
I have been training clients since May of 1995 and started doing boot camps in 2006
Type Of Business:
Boot camps, small group, and one-on-one training (but the groups are my main focus)
Bio:
I became a Personal Trainer because I experienced firsthand the positive impact that exercise had in my battle against anorexia. Through the ups and downs over the years, I have never lost sight of the fact that I LOVE being a fitness professional. I am proud to walk the talk as a competitive triathlete and former fitness competitor.
Why your business is rocking:
Roughly three years ago, I decided to become more business-savvy. I am still learning the ropes, but can definitely say that I am no longer one of those fitness professionals who is only good at training clients. I am becoming better every day at running my business and because of this, not only am I feeling the positive effects, but so are my clients! I have established Rippel Effect Fitness as Baton Rouge’s premier boot camp experience for women, and with every session I offer something more to my clients!
I feel that it’s easy to run a boot camp if all you focus on are the workouts. You will surely lose customers this way, though. You must provide them with the tools and strategies to better their health. You must serve as a resource for them in addition to providing the workout of their life, each and every time! You MUST make each workout an experience by infusing your personality into effective, progressive workouts that challenge all levels. No one should feel discouraged and everyone should have fun! Now, if you have the personality of a brick, well, I don’t know what to tell you. 
Why you should win:
Well, after many, many years of doing things the hard way, making tons of mistakes, and learning the entire time, I FINALLY came to grasp the whole “I’m running a business” concept. I have always been an innovative trainer and have never doubted my ability to connect with my clients. For a long time I fooled myself into thinking that was enough, and as crazy as it sounds, I felt guilty promoting myself and focusing on the financial aspects of my business. LAME! So, flash forward to the here and now: I am driven by a desire to run a continually-evolving fitness business, so that I reach more people AND make life a lot less stressful for myself! Oh, and I love beer, football, and fast cars! 
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am involved with Girls on the Run, which is an organization that works with 8-11 year old girls. Basically, it’s a mentoring program where we focus on issues that affect that age group, such as self esteem, bullying, and healthy habits. The girls also get to run, and numerous strategies and games are utilized to make each day different. The program is several months long and leads up to a 5k run that includes all of the girls, their parents, and the volunteers.
I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to serve as a positive role model for a child. Last fall, I remember telling a friend “I get more out of volunteering with those girls than I do training my clients!” Don’t get me wrong, I love training my clients, but there is just something very rewarding about working with kids. So, I would like to do more to incorporate my experience as a fitness professional with reaching out to the younger generation. They need us more than ever, and it’s refreshing to be around happy, energetic kids who love to play!
2. Shellie Wingate
Shellie Wingate www.CoachShellie.com
AGE: 42
Years In Business: 20
Type Of Business:
Fitness Boot Camp, Private and Group Healthy Eating/Fitness Coaching and Worksite Wellness Challenges
Bio:
As a certified personal trainer with a BS in Dietetics, I own and instruct a fitness boot camp and manage an online fitness boot camp video membership with a focus on developing healthy eating habits. I use my writing skills as a free lance health and fitness writer for Kentucky Monthly magazine and maintain a health and fitness blog at www.coachshellie.com (click my picture to go to my site). I work with local businesses and organizations to conduct fitness challenges and, in the process, educate employees on exercise and healthy eating.
Why your business is rocking:
I provide excellent client service. In appreciation of the service my clients are quick to refer friends and family to my business and they receive incentives for their referrals. Being an active member of my community is inspirational and enjoyable and has helped to establish my business as an authority on health and fitness. I make gift certificate donations to charitable auctions, offer boot camp and other fitness services as fund raising events for charitable organizations, volunteer at various events throughout the community, and am a member of my local Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to writing health and fitness articles for a state-wide magazine, I also offer a free health and fitness online magazine and provide helpful fitness, nutrition and health tips through my blog and through social media allowing people to establish a relationship with me before making the decision to become a client.
Why you should win:
Upon meeting with a client, instead of overwhelming my clients my knowledge of exercise and nutrition, I listen to my clients goals and desires then assess their fitness level and physical well-being, readiness for change, social support and interests/hobbies to determine where to begin. When working with clients I provide a high energy, positive environment and stay in touch with them outside of regular sessions to develop and maintain a good rapport through email and the occasional surprise as well as through client appreciation get-togethers. To ensure the clients are reaching their goals, a continually re-assess by asking questions and listening to their answers and by acquiring physical and behavioral measurements. I realize the importance of self-education and am continually reading books and attending trainings outside of regular continuing education credits to provide my clients with up-to-date information and workouts. I am also constantly researching workout formats and exercises to help provide a fun and creative environment for their workouts.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see my current fitness programs growing and evolving to incorporate current evidence-based research and trends. My background in public health has provided me with the ability to see the benefit and impact that comprehensive worksite wellness programs can have on an entire community. Through the worksite fitness challenges that I presently conduct, I am beginning a program that targets the decision-makers of a business/organization who will not only participate in the worksite fitness challenge to provide a good example for their employees, but will also participate in training that will provide these executive leaders with the resources available to assist organizations in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive worksite wellness program that will not only have a positive health and productivity impact on their employees, but also a positive fiscal impact on their bottom line. In addition to this goal, I am currently researching the development of a coaching curriculum to begin providing fitness and nutrition coaching to families with overweight and obese children.
Vote For Shellie
3. Scott York
Scott York www.ScottYork.com
AGE: 47
Years In Business:
Officially since 2005. Unofficially since 1985 (as an “in the dark” from time to time personal trainer)
Type Of Business:
Fitness/Info Publishing
Bio:
Scott York is married and has 3 young boys (ages 3, 6 and 8). Scott’s philosophy is “Family First” and spends more time with his family than he does on his business. Scott owns and operates a 6 year old fitness boot camp called “FullForceFitness” at www.fullforcefitness.net. Scott has published over 70 DVD’s, 15 CD’s, 1 CD-Rom, 2 ebooks, and operates 2 different membership sites. Scott is active in his son’s elementary school and volunteers as a fitness mentor to the children – playing fitness games at recess. Scott works with some of the top pro bodybuilding and fitness athletes in the world including Lee Priest, Monica Brant and Adela Garcia. Scott is Joe Vitale’s trainer and business partner. (Joe was in the movie “The Secret”). Scott is passionate about fitness and helping others get in shape and lead a healthier more productive life. Scott’s bodybuilding/fitness youtube channel is a popular hangout with nearly 4 million views. My latest product is at www.fitnessvideoprofits.com This is an amazing product which shows fitness pro’s how to make money with fitness videos.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rocking because I don’t put all of my eggs in one basket. I think locally and globally. I own physical businesses (boot camp and personal training) but also own an international publishing business consisting of DVD’s, ebooks, CD’s, membership sites and business mentoring. I’m well connected having worked (and work) with some of the most popular “household” names in the fitness industry including Monica Brant, Lee Priest, Adela Garcia. These connections bring me a ton of opportunities and business each and every month through DVD sales, CD sales, YouTube revenue, and mentoring. See my “business card” website at www.scottyork.com
Why you should win:
I’ve been under the radar for the last 6 years due to raising 3 boys – one of which had open heart surgery at 9 months old. I’m ready to break out and reach out to others to help them realize that they can build a recession proof worldwide business empire just as I have. I feel like I am a great example of a “all around” 21st century fitness business owner – utilizing technology as well as a “brick and mortar” approach. I feel like I am a great spokesperson/representative for the fitness industry who has a talent for connecting people and organizing important projects. I’ve traveled around the world (South America, Central America, Europe) and have made lifelong connections with fitness professionals who long to unite with each other and work towards the same focused goal – a healthier world through fitness.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 or 10 Years: Semi -Retired so I can spend time with family but still pumping out fitness products when I choose to because I’ve got a healthy addiction to being a serial entrepreneur and helping others. I am interested in creating a movie like “The Secret” but in a fitness/health vein that touches people around the world and encourages them to not take their bodies for granted and to be healthy examples to their kids and grand kids.
4. Isaac Wilkins
Isaac Wilkins www.NewPolyMath.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business:
10 years certified, 4 years on my own
Type Of Business:
Primarily Strength and Conditioning of athletes and athletic-minded adults
Bio:
After a grad degree at the University of Maine I joined the Wild West of Exercise at a chain gym in Charleston, SC where I learned the good, bad, and lots of the ugly about the Fitness Business. After reaching the boiling point I split out on my own and started training people to be better, not just to make a buck and hit my bi-weekly “quota”. I’ve never looked back and jump out of bed every day to the greatest “job” in the world.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rockin’ because my clients and I are dedicated to making each one of them into the best possible athlete and human being they can be. I focus on all three aspects of fitness: Athletics, Nutrition, and Mental Toughness. I’ve been able to attract the greatest group of human beings in the area to reward me by allowing me to train them: My clients, they’re what’s rockin’.
Why you should win:
Everyone in this competition, I assume, has the experience, education, and chops to be a great trainer. What sets me apart is that in addition to those qualities I’m one pot-stirring, no holds-barred, opinionated son-of-a-gun. That, and my mom thinks I’m funny.
I think that it’s every human being’s duty, blessed with a body, to make it into an efficient, healthy, and above all strong machine. To do anything else is to a travesty. I also feel that it’s every human being’s duty to question authority, learn new things, and make their opinions heard, no matter who bitches about it.
This is what I communicate to my clients in my attempt to wipe out weakness in our culture and replace it with strength, innovation, and resourcefulness. If you’re just training bodies, you’re missing the boat.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
As much as anyone can predict the future, in five years I will be operating my training facility building the most complete athletes for regional and national competition. The focus on athletic and character development as a multi-year, progressive process will be firmly entrenched within the culture there.
I will have a dedicated group of adults who are pillars of the community and their social circles. This won’t be because I’ve recruited people that are already successful, but because successful people have learned more about themselves at my facility.
In ten years I’ll be continuing to run the facility while exploring options for my Ph.D and promoting a mass-market book (the title of which is likely to be somewhat vulgar), both of which are long-term goals I’ve had since I was a teenager.
Vote For Isaac
5. Tammy Greear
Tammy Greear www.TheNutriFitness.com
AGE: 42
Years In Business:
10 years, (co-owner of NutriFitness for 6 years)
Type Of Business:
Personal Training, Boot Camp, Body Building Preparation, Nutritional Counseling
Bio:
My career in the fitness industry started shortly after I got into competitive bodybuilding. I was amazed at how one can transform his/her body simply by eating healthy and exercising. All of my energy soon went into educating others on living healthier and happier.
Why your business is rocking:
My business partner (Georgette Pann) and I were the first to bring Fitness
Boot Camps to our community. The response was incredible and I feel we have showed people that exercising can be fun. We take the time to connect with each client and guide them as much as possible through their own journey. People appreciate that. Word of mouth has brought us more business because of our reputation of being fun and motivating.
Why you should win:
I am pretty much no-nonsense with my clients when it comes to procrastinating. I’ve played that game with myself for many years so I’m wise to their next move! Because of my love for food and knowledge in the kitchen, I’ve learned to turn the most sinful, fattening foods into mouth-watering, low fat, low calorie delights! I like to share this knowledge with them and can only pray that when I send them on their way after a workout, a certain jingle on the radio doesn’t steer them to the nearest fast food joint.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am very passionate about getting into the school systems and lecturing faculty and students about health and wellness. Healthier meals need to be offered to the students as well as alternative activities. When I hear about what these kids are eating/drinking for lunch day after day, I want to scream! Childhood obesity should not even be an issue in our country. My rowing club will be starting up a youth rowing program in our community in the near future. I will also continue to lecture, educate, motivate and dedicate my life to building a world full of healthy and active people!
Vote For Tammy
Vote Below For Georgette Pann’s Top Rising Star
John Spencer Ellis’s Top Rising Stars
1. Rob And Shannon Yontz
Rob & Shannon www.TrueNorthFitness.com
AGE: Rob 49 – Shannon 45
Years In Business: 9
Type Of Business:
Lifestyle Fitness Coaching. We own and operate a personal training studio and provide an outdoor group fitness program (i.e. Adventure Boot Camp) called True North Fitness. Click the picture to see our website.
Bio:
Rob & Shannon started True North Fitness and Health (TNFH) in 2002 after enjoying very successful careers; Rob in the US Navy and as a reliability engineer, Shannon as a Director of Catering and Convention Services for a top Hotel. TNFH grew quickly and was a +6 figure business within 3 years. However, after a fabulous 2 year run, we made the choice to be the care providers for a family member with Alzheimer’s. This resulted in a 3 ½ year stagnant business phase where we were blessed with a business foundation that was strong enough to provide for us through very challenging financial times individually and nationally. Over the past 18 months we have revived the business to personal record performance and growth.
Why your business is rocking:
Simply put, while our clients consistently get great results, we have created an environment where coming to work out is an “uplifting experience”. We often are told coming to True North is the highlight of their day. The culture is one of camaraderie and community. Clients greet each other and the staff enthusiastically by name, cheer each other on when one needs a boost during their routine, laugh and joke together when on a break or afterward while hanging around, and high five each other to celebrate their victories. They leave smiling and feeling better than when they arrived.
Behind this Cheers-like environment is our scientific based systems in which we provide remarkable results …by design. Our system based assessment and program design protocol is second to none. We provide the extra effort to know our clients; hold them accountable when they are missed, and to acknowledge their victories and challenges outside the gym. We have earned our clients trust and therefore their referrals through our continued success of getting clients to a better place; physically and mentally, and therefore emotionally. They see our team acting and living congruently with our published core values. They know our ongoing commitment to being the best, having fun, living by integrity, and always learning / always improving will continue to provide them with the best possible resource in fitness and health. As a result, we have been rewarded with a 92% membership renewal rate this calendar year, and a membership base growth of 50% year to date.
Why you should win:
While we certainly have a priority on bettering our individual lifestyle and business by improving our bottom line, we also see the bigger picture of overall of our part toward improving the fitness industry. Everyone who is familiar with us, knows that one of our core values is giving back, and another is integrity. We are regularly making the time to share our fitness and business knowledge and experience with those who ask. We have travelled the early phases and still have a ways to go, and we know that we all must stand on the shoulders of another as we grow in this field. Just as we are driven to be the best and provide the best to our clients and our staff, we are also driven to share our successes and failures with other trainers on how a fitness business can provide for their lifestyle while keeping integrity, science based, safe, and producing results.
Being selected as a winner in this process will first and foremost be very humbling in such a talented field, it will position us to help even more people, both through our own direct contact and through those fitness pros with whom we set the example or directly interact with. It will also be a wonderful reinforcement to our clients that they are truly working with one of the best!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still changing the way fitness is done!
In 5 years True North Fitness is a multiple location operation (2-3) in our same area. Shannon and I are involved in operations but at a managing / leadership level and in the process of turning over the daily operations. We are beginning to establish a supplemental venture of mentoring young fitness professionals as well as a nonprofit youth / seniors fitness and health endeavor.
At 10 years True North Fitness is an industry known leader in fitness and health with the operational teams known for their expertise. The GMs of each location are possibly partner operators while Shannon and I are still directors of the corporation. Our time and focus are spent philanthropically toward youth and senior fitness as well as mentoring fitness professionals (which include our own managers).
Vote For Rob And Shannon
2. John Kent
John Kent www.BootCampRocks.com
AGE: 42
Years In Business: 13+
Type Of Business:
Owner of an Adventure Boot Camp for Women and Owner & Founder of www.CelebrityFitPro.com
Bio:
John is a NESTA certified boot camp instructor with more than 13 years in the fitness industry. After owning a personal training service for 8 years, he opened up one of the most successful boot camps in the country. An entrepreneur from birth, John used the knowledge he gained in his own fitness business to then open another successful business
- Celebrity Fit Pro (www.CelebrityFitPro.com) which was started in September 2010.
Why your business is rocking:
Boot Camp:
First of all, I don’t consider myself just a boot camp instructor. I consider myself an entertainer that happens to know how to get people in shape in a fun and entertaining way. It is not good enough to just get results with your clients anymore. You need to make that time with your clients the best and fastest hour of their day. To be really great at this, you need to genuinely love your clients. It’s not about you, it’s about them and how you make them feel. Plus, if your clients know that you genuinely care about them, they are more likely to follow the suggestions you do give them and will receive better results.
CelebrityFitPro.com:
After being frustrated with the different PR solutions that were available to me as a fitness business owner, I found a system to getting consistent, hassle-free media coverage for me and my business. I was then able to offer this same system to other fitness professionals across the country. It’s not an e-book, a coaching program or a video series, it’s a done-for-you system at a very affordable price with large exclusive territories. Since our launch in September 2010, we’ve gotten more boot camp instructors and personal trainers in the news than anyone.
Why you should win:
Because I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. LOL! I don’t know that I should win, but I am honored to be considered among the other great fitness professionals that are helping so many people in the industry right now.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Boot Camp:
My father was a preacher and I’m considering launching a faith-based weightloss program which will not only help clients with the latest scientific methods of getting lean, but also help them with the main thing that is keeping them from lasting weightloss success — which is compliance. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
CelebrityFitPro.com:
I’m looking at offering some additional service lines for Celebrity Fit Pro and finding ways to further help fitness business owners succeed at personal branding and marketing their business.
Vote For John Kent
3. Jessica Loving
Jessika Loving www.OcBootCamp.com
AGE: 30
Years In Business: 4
Type Of Business:
Boot Camp, Personal Training and Life Coaching
Bio:
A lifelong mission to help one million people. As a young, chunky, Punky Brewster lookalike, Jessika struggled both mentally and physically with her own weight. When she finally discovered the keys to permanent weight loss, she made it her personal mission to help 1 million people concur their struggles with weight and make fitness a way of life. With that goal in mind, she started her first fitness company, East Texas Adventure Boot Camp in 2007. Now in 2011, she owns and operates 7 boot camps, with locations in Texas and California, getting her one step closer to reaching her life long mission.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rockin because we have created a sense of community that goes far beyond a fitness program, we’re a family. Clients not only obtain lasting results, but also lasting friendships, which keep them coming back for months and even years. In addition to the culture, I have incredible trainers that are excited to be apart of something bigger than themselves as they share the common goal of helping 1 million people create life long change!
Why you should win:
Winning this contest will help that once awkward, chunky Punky Brewster, get one step closer to reaching her life long goal of changing 1 million lives.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 or 10 years, I will be making huge strides towards changing 1 million lives, by growing my Boot Camp’s to 20+ camp locations, by speaking and writing about how to overcome weight struggles for good and by consulting trainers on how to effectively help their clients as well as grow their businesses, indirectly changing more lives!
4. Krystal “Krys” Davis
Krys Davis www.MetroPlexBootCamp.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business: 5
Type Of Business:
Owner Wild West Adventure Race, co-owner Metroplex Adventure Boot Camp, owner SuperMommies Fitness
Bio:
Krystal “Krys” Davis has trained thousands of women in the past 5 years. She has reached even more with her regular television appearances on CBS, NBC, the CW and Fox. Krys and the businesses she owns have been featured in Ebony Magazine and over a dozen other local and regional publications. She is a NESTA Certified Adventure Boot Camp coach, SCW certified Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist, CrossFit Running & Endurance Specialist, NESTA certified Personal Trainer and Weight Management Specialist.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rockin because my clients are rockin’! I never dreamed that the work I do would impact the lives of the people I serve so deeply…even changing the histories of their family tree. Their lifestyle transformations are amazing! They come to me looking for a push and hungry for a change. My business simply is the nudge that they use for radical change- transforming not only their bodies and eating habits but changing how they live their lives completely. Instead of saying “why” they are now leading a life full of “why not’s”. It’s truly awesome.
Why you should win:
I’d love to win because I’m not special. I am just a mom that always has a sink full of dishes, changes poopy diapers, and a never ending to do list. But for several hours a day I am invited into the lives of extraordinary people that allow me to share with them my passion for fitness and living adventurously. My work is my passion but it’s also my therapy. My clients are my inspiration and I am blessed by them daily.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years I know I will still be serving others through fitness and health. I pray that I am able to reach many, many more with the different arms of my business- Adventure Boot Camps, Wild West Races, and the 1-day fitness/nutrition clinics of SuperMommies Fitness both regionally and nationally. I hope to have more opportunities to return to charitable work that I have done in the past with adults that have special needs (like Special Olympics), battered women, and disadvantaged children. My greatest desire is that I can inspire by own daughters to be women of excellence and have a heart to help others.
Vote For Krystal
5. Dr. Jason Nielson
Dr. Jason Nielson www.WestValleyWellness.com
AGE: 34
Years In Business: 8.5
Type Of Business:
Chiropractic, Tactical strength training and Manipulation Under Anesthesia
Bio:
Dr. Nielson is at the top of his game when it comes to treating patients, he was published at the age of 20yrs old and has dedicated his life to give to many patients/athletes the newest treatments available to reach their peak performance.
Why your business is rocking:
I Have worked with celebrities such as Uncle Kracker, Rascal Flatts, Kyle Kingbury (MMA Fighter) and many more local and international athletes.
Why you should win:
Due to my professional career and contacts it allows me to create a wide range of opportunities for my patients/athletes to get the best treatment that’s out there.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working with professional sports team(s) and still providing care to my wonderful patients that I concerned family.
Vote For Jason
Vote Below For John Spencer Ellis’s Top Rising Star
Pat Rigsby’s Top Rising Stars
1. Ryan Ketchum
Ryan Ketchum www.BeForceFit.com
Age: 28
Years In Business: 6
Type Of Business:
My business is very unique. We have boot camps, semi-private training, and athletic performance training. We also have a very popular nutrition coaching program.
I also work closely with Pat Rigsby and Nick Berry as the VP of Business Development for Fitness Consulting group.
Bio:
Ryan has had an interesting journey in his brief career in this field. Ryan started off with in this industry a collegiate All-American and then proceeded on his own weight loss journey , losing over 100 lbs, to growing a business that will produce over half a million dollars in revenue in just a few short years. All of this in a small town in the Midwest. Ryan is a leader in this industry, an international best selling author, the 2011 Bootcamp Owner of the Year, and presents at seminars and conferences across the
country.
Why Your Business Is Rocking:
My business is rocking with right at 400 clients that get amazing results
and have fun achieving their goals. We focus on finding the solution for our clients’ problems, not just being a fitness resource. The key to our success is showing people that we truly care about them and getting them the best results possible.
Why You Should Win:
I think that in my short time in this industry I have made a large impact on
industry and young fitness professionals in it. I bring a unique skill set of running fitness business systems and creating a profitable business to this industry and by winning this award I would be able to help more with my knowledge and understanding of not only great training systems, but how to run a great business. I am not writing this to win the award for myself, although it would be great, but to be able to do what I wanted to when starting in this industry, help more people!
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself more heavily involved with the business coaching and consulting side of what I do and still owning a successful fitness and performance training business. My time spent at the training business will be to ensure that it is running profitably and coaching when I want to coach and only the clients I want to coach. I would like to think that we will be at the top of the industry and set the standard for fitness facilities and programming.
2. Tyler English
Tyler English www.TylerEnglishFitness.com
Age: 29
Years In Business: 2 years 10 months
Type Of Business:
I run two personal training facilities in Connecticut, Tyler English Fitness / Athletic Revolution in Canton and Tyler English’s Fitness Revolution in West Hartford, that offer large group (fitness boot camp), small group, semi private and youth fitness and sports performance training.
Bio:
Tyler English is Connecticut’s leading Fitness Professional, Physique Enhancement Coach and Fat Loss Expert. He is the owner of Connecticut’s #1 Hardcore Warehouse Gym, Tyler English Fitness, and the founder of Connecticut’s Most Elite Fitness Program, Connecticut Fitness Boot Camp. He is a Professional Natural Bodybuilder with the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), winning the honor in only 3 years of competition and prides himself on training more like a world-class athlete than your typical gym going bodybuilder.
Why Your Business Is Rocking:
I’ve created an experience and a complete training system that allows us to help large groups of the population achieve results faster then they’ve ever achieved in the past.
Why You Should Win:
I believe being acknowledged among these other candidates is an honor in itself. Though I’m competitive and I like competition. After all I’m here to tell you why to vote for me!
Before I open the doors to my business today. Let’s rewind to the fall of 2008, more specifically September 18th, 2008. I attended only 2 days of the 3-day Ryan Lee Boot Camp. In that time I met a large group of the leaders in the fitness industry, many of which have had a lasting effect on my fast track to success. The final day of the $1,000 seminar, that I could barely afford, I would skip and go on to compete in the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation (INBF) Naturalmania and win my World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Professional status. Of course not knowing that I would win, just understanding that I in 6 prior competitions that year I had ended up finishing 2nd 4 times, 3rd another time and was fresh off my first win (in a non pro qualifier) the weekend prior. So I guess you could say, it was my time!
At this same time I was growing tired of the working in a health club and needed a change. That’s when I joined the Boot Camp Blueprint in November of 2008, still an employee of the health club. I would spend the next 6 weeks working on taking the jump.
Two days before Christmas on December 23rd I jumped, I fired my boss. A few weeks later on January 12th 2009 I would launch Farmington Valley Fitness Boot Camp out of a Karate Studio and Dance Studio with a small loan from my father.
That week I would see 31 clients of which 15 were paid (by check!). In only 2 short months I would outgrow both of my locations. During this same time I had found a great location to which I would move my business.
There was a big problem – I had no money and no credit. My father who had inherited an annuity after the loss of my grandmother, his mother, would risk this annuity so I could expand my business. All the annuity did was allow us to move into the facility and buy the minimal equipment needed open the facility (rubber flooring, small amounts of training equipment and office equipment) as well as the rent deposit. (I would actually open the facility with no floor as it took too long to arrive. For 2 weeks my clients worked out on the concrete floor and their yoga mats!)
On March 30th of 2009, I would open the doors to Tyler English Fitness the home of Farmington Valley Fitness Boot Camp (that would later grow to become Connecticut Fitness Boot Camp). At that time I had close to 60 clients and no staff.
Let’s fast forward to NOW!
33 Months Later!
I run two gyms Tyler English Fitness in Canton, CT and Tyler English’s Fitness Revolution in West Hartford, CT.
Have close to 500 clients from ages 6-64.
A staff of 6.
I’ve been featured on NBC, FOX, ABC, Natural Bodybuilding Radio and in the USA TODAY.
Became a Champion Natural Bodybuilder by winning the 2010 WNBF Mid America Lightweight Championship and Finishing in the Top 3 in the World as a Middleweight at the WNBF 2010 World Championships!
I’ve become a contributor to SHAPE.
I’m an International Best-Selling Author as coauthor of Total Body Breakthroughs.
And the best part?
I’m JUST GETTING WARMED UP!!!
This Fall I am opening a brand new 8,100 square foot facility that will become the NEW HOME to Tyler English Fitness!
My secret?
HUSTLE!
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
I see myself continuing to help people of all walks of life change the way they look and feel about themselves while coaching other fitness professionals achieve the success I’ve accomplished.
Vote For Tyler
3. Justin Yule
Justin Yule www.ChanhassenBootCamp.com
Age: 36
Years In Business:
14 in the industry. Just celebrated my 2 year anniversary on my own.
Type Of Business:
Boot Camps are the main business. We’ve added Yoga, various workshops, and products. Recently I’ve moved into the information and coaching world with Pat Rigsby.
Bio:
Justin Yule, BS, CPT is the owner of Fitness Revolution in Chanhassen, MN as
well as the Director of Franchisee Support for Fitness Revolution International. Justin
holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a Concentration in Adult Fitness.
Justin is also a certified personal trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a Youth Fitness Specialist with the International Youth Conditioning Association, a Kettlebell Coach with Kettlebell Athletics, and a Resistance Band Training Specialist with PerforMax Performance Training. Justin has been helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals since 1997. To contact him for training, education or to have him speak at an event please email Justin@justinyule.com.
Why You Should Win:
Click my picture to see why I should win.
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
Running a 7 figure fitness business empire including 2 of my own Fitness Revolutions, working side-by-side with Pat and Nick in Fitness Revolution International as a VP, developing various fitness business products and coaching programs, as well as doing some freelance copywriting for fitness professionals.
4.BJ & Kori Bliffert
BJ &Kori www.FullThrottleAthletics.com
Age: 35 & 33 respectively
Years In Business: 3 years in October
Type Of Business:
Bootcamps, semi private training, Adult Strength and Conditioning and Youth Athletic Development
Bio:
BJ and Kori are co-owners of Full Throttle Athletics and Athletic Revolution – Frisco. They’re also Co-Authors of the International Best Selling Book “Total Body Breakthroughs: The World’s Leading Experts Reveal Proven Health, Fitness & Nutrition Secrets To Help You Achieve The Body You’ve Always Wanted But Couldn’t Until Now!” BJ and Full Throttle Athletics has also been featured in print and online publications such as USA Today and Yahoo News.
Why Your business is rocking:
Our business is rockin’ because we create an experience our clients and members love. We love working with everyone of them and create an atmosphere much different than any other place in our area.
Why You Should Win:
We should win because dream comes can come true. We move across the country to open our facility. We started with nothing, no clients, no network not even a space to run any services. We worked hard and put our nose to the grindstone and now have a great business and great clients.
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
I see still doing the same thing as we do now, with maybe less personal involvement. As we build a great team of professionals that share our vision we will be able to slowly back away from the day to day operations, but I really enjoy coaching as well. So, in that time period I really just want the freedom to coach if I want, or travel and spend time with the family if I want. All while knowing, the business will run itself.
5. Steve Long
Steve Long www.PersonalTrainingStLouis
Age: 29
Years In Business: 2 1/2
Type Of Business:
personal training, semi private training, bootcamp, sports performance, nutrition, body work
Bio:
Steve Long is the owner and program design specialist for Complete Fitness Results is St. Louis Missouri. It is Steve’s goal to help improve lives and the industry that he loves.
Why your business is rocking:
Complete Fitness Results is the premier fitness option in St. Louis. We are well known for our innovative training programs, multiple health and fitness options, and superior customer service. We are currently working with over 400 people and have over a 5-week waiting list for our bootcamp orientations. In just 2 years we have grown from 15 clients to hundreds, and have increased our monthly income by 1400%
Why You Should Win:
Honestly, this would really mean a lot me. Strive to become an industry leader and feel this is just the beginning, so to be voted as one of the industries Top Rising Stars would really mean everything to me. I love the industry and really want to help as many people as possible reach their fitness goals, and I also want to help as many trainers as possible so they can in turn help others. Winning this honor would help contribute to making this goal possible.
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years?
My goal is to be a top industry leader. I look up to our current stars like Cosgrove, Boyle, Rigsby, Robertson, Cressey, and everyone else on that just popped in your mind
that I should have mentioned. I strive everyday to reach those standards by studying and taking action to reach that level. I do see myself as that type of industry leader in 5-10 years thanks to the current industry leaders who have inspired me.
Vote Below For Pat Rigsby’s Top Rising Star
Paul Mort’s Top Rising Stars
1. Chris Brown
– Also nominated by Brian Grasson (Same profile as above)
Chris Brown www.GetFitAcademy.co.uk
Age: 24
Years In Business:
Started as a PT in sept 09 – dec 10 I never really done anything to progress – I started my bootcamp business Jan 11 – since then it’s been recognised as a leading fitness camp in the UK
Type Of Business:
I actually run a ‘Fitness Academy’ – I coined the term, it’s the first of it’s kind in the world and it’s based around a “bootcamp” but with a HUGE emphasis on educating and coaching the clients
Bio:
I’m the guy who is RENOWNED for getting results, the “go to guy” in my area. I work with EVERYDAY frustrated men and women and help them make PHENOMENAL changes in their lives and maintain them forever. I’ a former skinny/fat guy that struggled with his health and it was my own desire to fix my own health problems that lead me to a journey of learning and personal transformation. Through the experiences I had I really found my passion for health and fitness and it was this alignment with my purpose that lead me to an exciting change from learning the teaching and educating people to enjoy the same benefits I’d experienced.
Why Your Business Is Rockin: My business TOTALLY rocks as I have the most UNREAL set of crazy GFA members that absolutely ROCK my world, the results I’ve had are out of this world and several of my members are actually now inspired to help others and are becomming trainers themselves.
Why You Should Win: should win ‘cos I’m DAMN frickin’ good at my job! Cocky? Maybe but I believe there are few out there getting the results that I am. I work my butt off and I’ve spent £14,000 just on education this year alone in order to develop and get my clients EVEN more amazing results. Anyway that aside I also taught my fitness camp in a black leotard with fish net tights and a pink wig for comic relief! The fact I was in a leotard alone means I deserve to win! Haha… I do things that make me happy and that I enjoy, it just so happens to be that transforming lives totally ‘gets my juices flowing’! I love it, it’s my passion, it’s what I do and I’m DAMN good at it!
Where Do You See Yourself In 5 years? know exactly where I will be in 5 years, my fitness camp WILL be licensed out throughout the UK and into the states and the world. I KNOW there is nothing like what I’ve created out there AT ALL. I’m looking to have 5 -10,000 licensee’s within this period. Aiming high? CORRECT! I’d settle for nothing less!
2. Nisha Obaidullah
Nisha Obaidullah www.BootCampBristol.com
AGE: 34
Years In Business: 3
Type Of Business:
Bootcamps, personal training and 1-1 coaching for fitness professionals
Bio:
My name is Nisha and I am the owner of Pilates Fusion Bootcamp (TM), published prenatal author and owner and creator of Fat Loss for Fitpros (TM). I started in the industry as a personal trainer in 2004 but will quite happily admit I knew nothing until 2007 when I went to work with Dax Moy. Since then my career has taken off and I love the fact that every day I learn something that takes me to the next level!
Why your business is rocking:
God this is difficult to answer! If I knew the magic formula believe me I’d be minted and retired! For me its all about passion. If I wasn’t in love with what I do I’d never have the dedication to do what it takes to make it a success. Hard graft, long hours but an absolute LOVE for understanding and manipulating the elements that go towards optimal health, fitness and performance. But most of all I LOVE my clients. I only work with positive dedicated clients and to be honest its them that rock..not my business!
Why you should win:
Because I know all the words to every episode of Fireman Sam! Ha..no seriously, without getting too soppy this would mean the world to me because the thing I feel I have sacrificed the most is time with my 2 year old son. He’s been pushed from pillar to post with nursery, babysitters and is so understanding about the fact that I have to work all the time. It’s only the two of us so to be able to tell him “Mummy won a prize for being the best at work” would really make it all worthwhile! My BIG goal behind all of this is to give my son an amazing start in life. Yes I want material things for him like a nice house, swimming and rugby lessons and cool toys, but more than that I want him to grow up knowing that to get anywhere in life you have to work hard for it and failure is not an option. That’s always been my driving motto and I want him to feel the same.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I never know how to answer this question because seriously I dont know! Probably living in Ibiza, running 4 or 5 fitness businesses and married to a rugby player?!
Ideally I’d like to be doing some sort of presenting/mentoring work by then, in particular working with women in fitness, maybe single mums as I know how hard it really is to come from nothing to making it a success.
3. Benjamin Owen
Ben Owen www.FastWayToFitness.co.uk
AGE: 21
Years In Business:
1 year in business (coached for 9 years previous), I actually started my business last October so My 1 year anniversary is nye!
Type Of Business:
I run a business called ‘F.A.S.T’ Fitness and Sport Training. This business has tributary elements, my most successful being my Strength and Conditioning I run with Elite individuals alongside my FAST way to fitness camp. (Which follows a formula similar to most successful camps).
Bio:
A passionate (cheeky) individual with bags of enthusiasm and lust for getting the best out of people, I’m a performance coach that lieks to see everyone perform to their greatest potential. Whether its getting people up onto podiums or down on the scales I love results and changing people’s lives. An elite athletics career and Sport and Exercise Science degree, sprinkled with qualifications in PT and S&C has put me in great stead to coach a whole host of individuals. I am critical yet positive and believe in my ability to improve those I coach.
Why your business is rocking:
As it is a product of 10 years of coaching experience and working with individuals, and sussing out what people really want from a training business in my area. I not only deliver upmost client value, superb results, elite athletes onto podiums but I do it with hard work thats enjoyable! FAST has a multifaceted nature and name.
My ability to network in the local area has attracted fantastic integration with local restaurants, Spa’s, health experts and even the health section of the welsh assembly government. This has added unrelenting value to my clients but also enhanced local business around my local area.
Why you should win:
I’ve gone from 10 to 90 110 fitness camp clients in 4 months? I used to be a FAST runner, now I just deliver results FAST! (BOOM BOOM)…On a serious note I am developing a business that I see shaping a change in both health and Elite sport in the North West. Something I believe nobody has achieved as of yet! Help me raise the profile of the business and get its spreading further into the hills!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still delivering superb value! Still delivering great sessions! Although I see myself leading a team of individuals just like me who aspire to make a change not just in their own life but in the lives of others. Either in Sport, fatloss, Nutrition, and Health I see FAST being a heavy hitter in getting people a step closer to their goals!
4. Angela Ross
Angela Ross www.FabulouslyFitAtForty.com
AGE: 41
Years In Business: 8
Type Of Business: Boot Camp for women only
Bio:
I’m a business woman, coach, wife and mum of 2 beautiful girls aged 17 and 24, (I know I hardly look old enough!)
Why your business is rocking:
I’m a business woman, coach, wife and mum of 2 beautiful girls aged 17 and 24, (I know I hardly look old enough!)
I started out in the fitness industry pretty late in life, just 8 years ago in fact. After years of ‘searching’ for my calling I realized just what I’m on this planet for, to educate as many women as I possibly can look enabling them to feel great about themselves with fitness, nutrition and lifestyle changes.
My mission is to empower women of all ages, to relay the knowledge that I have learned (and still learning) and give them the tools to optimize their health and fitness
Why you should win:
Gosh, where do I start with this one? I not only work in my business but also on my business. I’ve made many mistakes in the past and ended up working all the hours god sends, now I focus on what’s important to me, what I enjoy doing, what I’m good at and pretty much outsource the other stuff = A much healthier business + a 3 day working week for me
I think outside the box and don’t play the follow my leader game, sure I have 2 business mentors giving me advice but I don’t always agree with them and would have no problem telling them so.
My passion for knowledge grows everyday, relaying that knowledge to my clients to get them awesome results gives me so much satisfaction.
I don’t take just anyone on as a client, my client avatar takes care of that and from the onset I have a no BS approach. If you want into my boot camp you play by my rules or your out, simple
Physique Boot Camp is rockin because it’s not just a boot camp, its an Experience where my members feel like THEY are THE most important part of my day.
I have systems in place that ensure my business runs as a smoothly even when I’m away. The business has grown from 1 boot camp location in March 2010 to 7 locations presently and be up to 20 this time next year
Being from Glasgow I know a lot of dodgy characters, in fact my dad was in a pretty tough gang in his younger days who were notorious for…..well I’d better not say here I guess but the gang were called ‘The Stabbing Ants’
Why the name? They were all under 5ft 1”
Anyway I digress…..let’s just say if I don’t win they may need to reform!
Joking aside, I’m absolutely blown away to be nominated for this and couldn’t quiet believe it when I heard, I still can’t as I type this now. It’s a real honour to see my name up here with some of the most highly respected fit pros I admire.
Winning this would be an outstanding achievement and really be the icing on the cake to what’s been one hell of a year.
I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck in the nominations!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Wow… My vision is to have a team of coaches running the business freeing me up to be coaching other trainers in the uk and abroad I can deffo see myself being a business mentor in the future with my no BS approach, thanks Paul for that one! I’d absolutely love to have a little studio in the next 5 years too
5. Tim Megginson
Tim Megginson
Bio:
Tim megginson is a physical exercise specialist and nutrition coach, that produces remarkable results. He understands that everybody has individual requirements and that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to exercise does not work.
Through applying his practical knowledge and experience, Tim designs specialized tailor made programmes for each of his clients to ensure they achieve great success. He provides motivating and enjoyable sessions that are the fastest, safest and most efficient way of achieving the results you desire.
Vote Below For Paul Mort’s Top Rising Star
Robert Dos Remedios’s Rising Stars
1. Wil Fleming
Wil Fleming www.BeForceFit.com
AGE: 28
Years In Business: 3
Type Of Business:
Triple threat: Force Fitness/AR Bloomington runs Bootcamps, semi-private training, and sports performance programs. My main focus in programming is with athlete’s however.
Bio:
2011 IYCA Member of the year, Co-Author of IYCA Fundamentals of High School Strength and Conditioning, Co-Author of IYCA Olympic Lift Instructor Course. All-American athlete in college, Olympic Trials Competitor. My goal everyday with my clients and athletes is to CHANGE lives.
Why your business is rocking:
Force Fitness started out 3 years ago with a handful of clients in the middle of the worst part of the recession. Today we have over 400 clients, have sent over 25 athletes on to play Division 1 sports (with dozens more to come in the next 2-3 years), train professional athletes on different continents, have helped people lose 1000′s of pounds and given 1000′s of dollars to local charities.
Why you should win:
Quite simply I am 29 years old. Before too long I will not be known as a young up and comer. People will start calling me old timer. I would like to win something before that occurs. Honestly though, It would be a great honor to win. It would actually be a testament to those that have taken it upon themselves to help me along in this industry, the list is long but that includes: Pat Rigsby, Nick Berry, Brian Grasso, Dos, Dave Gleason, David Jack. .
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years I will be preparing my current high school athletes for their professional careers in athletics. I will be preparing my track and field athletes for the 2016 Rio Olympic games (I am all about long term athletic development). I will be able to spend time educating other coaches on the right ways to train their athletes. I will have more time to devote to volunteer activities at the Boys and Girls club. I will be spending time with my family. In truth I see myself doing a lot of what I do now, coaching people and changing lives!
2. Cassie Quintero Gallagher
Cassie Gallagher www.WestUFit.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business: 11
Type Of Business:
West U Fitness is a private training facility which offers personal, semi private and small group training, strength and conditioning, boot camp, athletic camps and pilates.
Bio:
I have been in the fitness/training industry for 11 years now- 6 of those years to the present I have co-owned West U Fitness with my husband Brent Gallagher. I strive daily to be the best version of myself -thus being the best trainer that I can be. I have an amazing team that holds me accountable to that, I would not be here with out them.
Why your business is rocking:
West U Fitness is rockin’ because we understand our purpose. Our purpose is to help our clients be the best they can be in movement, health, fitness and life. We keep up with the latest in training and are not afraid of change. WUF provides 5 star service to each client and makes sure they are getting results.
Why you should win:
Why I should win? I think whoever wins should have great character, because with great character comes great accomplishments. The most important truth that I have learned in my life so far is that to be a great leader “rising star” you first have to be a great servant. I do believe that I have a God given talent that I use to serve others and not myself.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself still training clients because that is what I love to do, but with our business having 500+ clients from the 300+ we have now. Most importantly I believe that I will have a nation wide movement of women that encourages them to be fit and strong females. I want women to believe that you can be powerful, lift heavy and still be feminine. Just because we have children and are aging does not mean that we have to sacrifice being in amazing shape.
3. Ali Gilbert
Ali Gilbert www.EliteHealthServices.com
AGE: 29
Years In Business: 12
Type Of Business:
Director of Golf Performance at Elite Health Services – Personal Trainer – Sports Performance Coach – Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Bio:
Ali’s application of performance training began in college where she played soccer. Ali holds an exercise science degree from Springfield College and holds current certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), USA Weightlifting (USAW) and K-Vest.
In addition to working with competitive amateurs and Teaching Pros, Ali’s understanding of the body, 3-D biomechanics and golf performance training make her one of the game’s top performance specialists. She has presented at NSCA state and national clinics. As a golf fitness specialist, She has presented to clubs throughout the Northeast.
Why your business is rocking:
I started with EHS running golf fitness clinics at local and regional country clubs and training golfers in their homes. After three years, I proposed to the EHS partners the idea of an in-house golf performance program to add to the services we offer. The proposal was complete with with 3-D equipment and the necessary training I needed to further develop the programs. I went from a part time employee to effectively creating a full time salaried position for myself overseeing a program I built from the ground up. The business is boomin’ because I quickly became recognized as one of the top golf fitness professionals in the industry. I have done exercise videos for the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the unquestioned world leader in golf health and fitness. I’ve helped teach TPI certification courses as well as K-Vest 3-D Motion Capture certification courses. I have effectively built a team here at EHS that caters to the needs of any golfer.
Why you should win:
Why should I win this? Really? C’mon. I mean are you seriously considering making a mistake and choosing somebody else? Let me break down this a few ways for you…
I can come at you like a Valley Girl :
Duh, I’m like totally the one. The big gyms, they need to like, get off this like grodie kick they’re on with the bogus machines and the stuuupid diet plans. Barf. Double barf. I like, totally teach people like these gnarly rad exercises.
I got X-gamers getting major air, pullin’ killer backside Cab 1080s. How do I like, do it? As if! I like train the body like it’s supposed to be trained! My fundamentals are like, bitchin’. My progressions are like classic. And my results leave clients stoked.
Or I can come at you like Snoop Dogg:
Peep game nephews. Fitness game – just like the pimp game. Let Auntie Ali run the tizally of fleecing clients from Gold’s to Bally’s. You see, they come to me. ‘Cause I deal in fitness fundamentals, not whacked machines that leave you with loose bowels. Body born movement perfect. But we constrict, afflict and evict our fitness freedoms like a panicked, bootlicked addict … and the verdict for solving this subject? Me. ‘Cause I’m the shiznit.
Or, I can come at you from the aristocratic professor angle: I am the epitome of exercise antidisestablishmentarianism, a faithful, yet lucid, follower of the fundamentals of muscular development, displacement and dynamism. Myopic views of physical fitness, those bordering on absolute blindness, unconsciously strive to construct tangible and mental barriers prohibiting the aforementioned fundamentals. Mother Nature granted them to us. My moral obligation forces me to boorishly repel any who disagree.
Or, I can come at you like me:
There are many good and great trainers in the health and fitness business. I love and respect the hell out of many, but I will take a back seat to nobody when it comes to training. Fitness and performance are all about results. I help my clients achieve results they’re ecstatic to have.
In the end, no matter how I come at you, you’re going to get the best there is.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I will keep fostering my desire to be the best I can be by continuing to learn and improve my craft while simultaneously helping younger trainers and sports performance coaches find their way in this business. I will continue to speak on local, regional and national levels about golf fitness, but most importantly still doing what I love-coaching…and somewhere in there I’d like to climb Mt.Kiliminjaro and go on safari
4. Chad Skrederstu
Chad Skrederstu www.TheTrainingCenterLC.com
AGE: 28
Years In Business: 9
Type Of Business:
The Training Center- Co-Owner (The premier weight loss and life style design fitness facility in La Canada, CA), Sand Snow and Street-Founder ( Action Sports Conditioning) and 168 Approach- Co-founder ( A global approach for fitness warriors and fitness professionals)
Bio:
Chad Skrederstu received his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Kinesiology from Cal State University of Northridge (CSUN). In addition Skrederstu has worked with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to help nearly 700 fifth grade students from the LAUSD to increase their physical activity levels. With the help of Robert Dos Remedios Skrederstu recently traveled to 18 countries on a yearlong trip to learn from more than 60 of the top fitness professionals from around the globe.
Why your business is rocking:
At the Training Center we get people moving right, eating right and living right in record time.
Why you should win:
I spent the last year going around the world to learn, train, and stay with pretty much every well known fitness professional around the globe. I am now armed with an understanding of culture, movement and an unreal network that I can’t wait to share with other fitness pros!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
- With a foundation that helped bring movement to 1000’s of children around the world
- A fitness apprentice program for up and coming fitness pros that can’t afford certifications
- Speaking on the Perform Better Tour
- Grossing 7 figures from The Training Center
- Traveled to over 40 countries
- DOING WORK WITH Robert Dos Remedios (questioning why I am still training with him since he’s a beast)
5. Craig Rasmussen
Craig Rasmussen www.Results-Fitness.com
AGE: 41
Years In Business: 10
Type Of Business:
Results Fitness: Fitness coaching, group coaching, performance training.
Bio:
Craig Rasmussen is a program designer and performance coach at Results Fitness in Newhall, California. He relocated back to Southern California in 2006 after spending several years in Indianapolis, Indiana working as a fitness coach at a private training facility, and a strength coach at the high school level. Prior to that, Craig worked as a full-time Physical Education teacher at the middle school level in Santa Monica, California. He is also a competitive powerlifter and he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Why your business is rocking:
Results Fitness has been voted one of America’s top ten gyms by Men’s Health magazine. It is owned by Rachel and Alwyn Cosgrove and has been called one of the most profitable gyms per square foot in the industry.
Why you should win:
When I was a physical education teacher 10 years ago, I really liked my job. When I became a fitness trainer 10 years ago, I found a love for my job. I have found this profession to be incredibly rewarding due to the instant feedback I get from my clients. I truly enjoy helping people get better and a passion for learning and an attention to detail have been the two things that have helped me the most in my career
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself doing the same thing I am doing write now in 5 or 10 years. I have an undying passion for this field. I see myself further moving into an educational role through my platform at Results Fitness in teaching other trainers the tremendous lessons that have been taught to me.
Vote Below For Robert Dos Remedios’s Top Rising Star
Rocco Castellano’s Top Rising Stars
1. Eric Chessen
Eric Chessen wwwAutismFitness.com
AGE: 30
Years In Business: 8
Type Of Business: 1-to-1 Sessions, Consulting, Staff Training
Bio: With a background in fitness and exercise science, I wound up working with the autism/special needs population and gaining extensive training in behavior therapy. I created a methodology based on the best of both these fields. I spend my non-working hours training for competitive Olympic lifting.
Why your business is rocking: I am able to not only work with my athletes on the autism spectrum, but train other professionals to do so as well. Since developing the PAC Profile Method, Autism Fitness is able to teach fitness professionals about autism, and parents/educators about fitness. After about five years of trying to figure out the right business plan, marketing strategies, and honing my public speaking skills, I am now able to convey and convince parents and professionals why fitness is crucial for the autism population.
Why you should win: I still maintain that I am the most “hardcore” trainer around. Do you have to worry about your MMA fighters or linebackers biting you during a session? My athletes just might on occasion. I think Autism Fitness is doing for the autism and special needs community what strength and conditioning did for sports like football and baseball in the last few decades. It brings new levels of performance to the community. I also like to think of Autism Fitness as a “bridge” between the fitness and educational communities. It is the ultimate interdisciplinary model.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? As the pioneer of fitness for the autism and special needs population. I want to get fitness professionals excited about working with an entirely new niche. If you really want to learn the art of coaching, the autism population, while certainly challenging, can hone your skills like no other. Right now we are in the process of launching the Autism Fitness Certified Fitness Practitioner program. Level I is set to begin in early October, and I can promise it will be the equivalent of a college education with practical application, support, and promotion of our certified practitioners. I want at least two practitioners in each state in the U.S. and one in every country.
2. Jonathan Conneely “Coach JC”
Jonathan Conneely www.CoachJc.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business: 4
Type Of Business:
Sports Performance, Bootcamps, Lifestyle Coaching
Bio:
Jonathan Conneely, known to most as “Coach JC”, is , a Lifestyle Fitness Coach, Entrepreneur, Author, and speaker. Coach JC is regarded as one of the top coaches in the entire country when it comes to getting clients the RESULTS they desire and deserve!
By the age of 29, Coach JC was named Tulsa’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Oklahoma’s 30 under 30 Entrepreneur, and Oklahoma’s 40 under 40 Entrepreneur. He was awarded the prestigious “A List” along with being named Oklahoma’s Best of The Best!
He is the Founder of the well-recognized Sports Performance Company, Dynamic Sports Development and the Founder of Bootcamp Tulsa, Tulsa’s first ever, #1 outdoor fitness program.
In addition, Coach JC is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Oral Roberts University and has been blessed to personally coach over 10,000 people including Professional Athletes, Pageant Contestants, Business Men, Entrepreneurs, Pastors, and many others.
He is the author of The Secret To Real Weight Loss Success, Your 27 Day Body Transformation Gameplan, and Co-author with John Spencer Ellis of the well recognized personal development book, The Code. To learn more about Coach JC please visit his websites www.CoachJC.com
www.BootcampTulsa.com
www.THEDSD.com
www.SecretToREALWeightLossBook.com
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rockin because when you love what you do and do what you love there is not a day of work! My business is rockin because we provide a product that people need and want and we produce REAL RESULTS! I have met a lot of good trainers that suck at business…I have met a lot of good marketers that suck as trainers. My business is rockin because it is run like a business with coaches that know how to coach and get RESULTS! My business is rockin because athletes are getting to the next level, people are losing weight, lives are being transformed and I’m doing what I love to do and making money doing it! My business is rockin because I refuse to lose!
Why you should win:
I should win the Top Up and Comer Fitness Entrepreneur Rising Star because I’m an Italian boy from Jersey! Ok, besides that… I’m truly a fitness entrepreneur and I am actually doing what I preach! I knew from the age of 14, when I was working racking weights in a gym on the Jersey Shore, that fitness & helping others reach their goals was my calling. I did not just happen to stumble into the fitness industry because. It started in 2003 when I became the youngest NCAA Division 1 Director of Strength & Conditioning Coach in The Nation. It was at this time that I watched my mentor exit the industry simply because he wasn’t making money. I decided that I was going to find a way to make money to continue to do what I was called to do and remain in the fitness industry.
With less than $1000 in my bank account I started a local sports performance consulting company, making visits to high school programs to train athletes and design Strength and Conditioning programs. Just a few years later Dynamic Sports Development is a 6,000 sq ft. facility and one of the top go to places for athletes to train in the Nation. I then saw a need and started Tulsa’s first ever outdoor fitness program, Bootcamp Tulsa with 8 hungry women which has grown into Tulsa’s #1 Fitness program and is responsible for coaching over 200 people on a weekly basis with over 13 available times and locations. Within a span of just a few years, I developed 2 successful fitness companies, wrote a book, Directed a NCAA Div. 1 Strength Program, and continued to practice what I preach while competing in all natural body building shows and powerlfiting meets. It was during this time that I discovered The Secret to REAL Weight Loss and achieving peak performance was the mindset. That just like you train your body you can train your mind to have anything you want anytime you want! So after many years of research and a life coach certification I created JJC Enterprises Lifestyle and Performance Coaching, a company committed to creating a gameplan for your life! Because fitness and personal development is what I do, I am now committed to developing a curriculum for a certain niche that will educate, empower and revolutionize the lives of many people within the next 5 years! I believe that I should win this award because I am a true example of what a Fitness Entrepreneur truly is.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Within the next 5 years I will be a leading authority in the fitness industry. Within the next 5 years I will have multiple fitness business brands that will both be staples within the industry and will be nationwide brands. My personal brand will be the turn to for individuals needing and wanting results while being an example for other fitness entrepreneurs on how to run a fitness business the right way.
My personal brand will be well recognized for exposing the Secret To REAL Weight Loss Success. I will do this by continuing to invest in a personal business coach, continuing to study those fitness entrepreneurs that have paved the way for us like Bill Phillips, John Spencer Ellis, Alwyn Cosgrove, Mike Boyle, Rocco Castellano, Charles Poliquin, Bill Parisi, Greg Justice and others. I will continue positioning myself and my brands so that the fitness industry torch can be passed along by those that have set the bar high for us “Up and Comers.”
3. Mike Salvietti
Mike Salvietti www.SalviettiFitness.com
AGE: 22
Years In Business: 20 Months
Type Of Business:
Fitness Boot Camps, Small Group Training
Bio:
San Diego Native now living in Long Island, NY. Fitness was my only vice growing up in very un-fit surroundings and has given me levels of self respect, self esteem, confidence and empowerment that I seek to share with as many people as possible. I specialize in transforming the way people look, think and feel.
Why your business is rocking:
I Have built my business on a highly affective program design that yields massive results to my clients and have established a strong set of “core values” and a “brand mantra” that I have stayed faithful to. I also work harder than any other fitness entrepenuer in my community.
Why you should win:
I feel very honored to be on this list and don’t think I am at the same level as many others I am “competing” with. However this is not in my opinion a contest of who has already risen the highest thus far, but who shows promise to lead this industry in the future and raise the bar for the next generation of professionals. I AM the next generation of Top Fitness professionals and there are many coming up right behind me who need a new role model and leader to set the standard of what a fitness professional should and could be. But I have a very long way to go and have no intentions of slowing down, nor do I have any intentions of sacrificing my core values in order to speed up the process.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
The same place I see myself now, Working as hard and as smart as i can to help as many people as possible live better lives and set a new and better example in the eyes of the general public of what a fitness professional really should be.
4. Jonas “Honey Badger” Deffes
Jonas Deffes www.NolaTrainer.com
AGE: 34
Years In Business: 5
Type Of Business:
Boot camp,and Fitness business coaching.
Bio:
Started my fitness business from 0 after losing everything in hurricane Katrina. Fast forward 5 years later I have successfully figured out how to help to help thousands of women get into shape.
Why your business is rocking:
I have figured out a formula and systems for simply helping more people get in shape and adding value to my program.
Why you should win:
Well, Honey Badgers don’t really give a shit if they win or not. What really matters the most is the fact that I can help inspire people in a positive way, and that is cool enough for me.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years I see myself being the happiest father to my daughter in the whole world by knowing that i have taught her how to have peace of mind in making the best decisions in her personal and professional life.
Vote Below For Rocco Castellano’s Top Rising Star
Sam Bakhtiar’s Top Rising Stars
1. Dr. Mike Sartorius & Gerald Lockwood
Mike Sartorius www.MyVipFitness.com
AGE: 30 & 32
Years In Business: 4
Type Of Business:
Personal Training Studio, Weight Loss is the niche).
Bio:
Mike:
I live eat and breathe fitness… I love to motivate others to be the best they can be.
My biggest accomplishments (besides my beautiful family and fitness business) are being a dedicated and loyal friend to my family and friends , consulting for and starring in a national television show, I Use To Be Fat, on MTV December 19, 2011 episode #4. And, just as important, I am grateful for my competitive drive that I inherited from my mother that has helped made me the man I am today.
Why your business is rocking:
Our business ROCKS because we BRING IT and ALWAYS take MASSIVE ACTION. We also Rock because in just 6 months our gross monthly revenue went from $18,000 to $36,000+ per month, with a company record this August of $62,000+, we expanded by opening up 2 additional boot camps, we have automated almost everything in our business, meanwhile allowing myself and business partner to work on the business and not in it, and cutting my typical work week from 80 to 100 hours, to 25 to 45 hours.
Why you should win:
I am sure others out there are doing great, but I think we should win because we are on FIRE! I say this because just short of 4 years ago I didn’t own a gym, nor did I believe I was ready to take on the entrepreneurial path of where I am today. But just like everything else in my life, and a little push from my best friend/now business partner, I was willing to take a risk. And ever, since we have not looked back. Since our opening of November 2007, we started out as a 1200 sq ft MOM and POP facility moving in every direction without any focus offering personal training, Yoga, Zumba, boot camp, and ball classes grossing only $175,000 in the first year. And by the end of this year we are not only on pace to break $500,000, but we are now a professional weight loss facility that functions as a team to change and improve the lives in our community one person at a time. In addition, since one year ago, I have been hired to be the head trainer and consultant on a weight loss reality show and now we are working towards becoming a trend setter in the fitness industry by attending seminars and learning from some of the world’s top marketers, Joe Polish and Dean Jackson at the “I Love Marketing Event” and hiring top fitness entrepreneur and expert Dr. Saman Bahktier to coach us along the way.
Looking back, up until this point, none of this would be possible if it were not for the perseverance, a believing in yourself attitude; and appreciating and respecting great relationships built with friends and help along the way. I truly believe that for this reason, that is why we are interviewing for TOP RISING STAR in the fitness industry today. More importantly, that is why we are going to WIN! Thanks for the opportunity.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Coaching and guiding other fitness professionals to a successful and rewarding career.
2. Raymond Grijalvo
Ray Grijalvo www.FitnessTrainerRay.com
AGE: 28
Years In Business: 1
Type Of Business:
Zumba and Boot Camp
Bio:
I am an entrepreneur who’s love for fitness, business and people has taken me on a path to changing lives. My background in exercise physiology and psychology has given me the tools to innovate, create and motivate my clients to not only achieve goals but to surpass them.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is Rockin’ because I have only been open a year and it has generated it’s most money during the slowest time of the industry’s season. After a slow start we are generating over 10k during the summer months and projecting to double by year’s end.
Why you should win:
I should win because my business is not just about weight loss or fat loss or boot camps or just zumba. My business is about the experience of getting people to get into the best shape of their lives. People are different and we provide a unique experience where we have created a culture that is new, inviting and endearing to the clients, guests, and members. I took the challenge to open a fitness studio in trying times in an area dominated by chain gyms and in an area of people who are skeptic and cynical.
I should win because I have great members and staff who are just as crazy as I am. Together we created a class where you get to hit stuff release some aggression and have a great workout. Where would you find a place where you get to use a small bat to beat on a dummy and call it part of your training. We put our spin on Zumba and have used it to promote health in all areas performing for block parties, community centers, schools, and parks. We are innovators of movement, exercise, and fitness. We believe that exercise is hard enough but the environment, the people and movements are what creates the experience to create winners, who not are only able to achieve goals but are able to make life changing decisions that challenge them to strive to be better.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In about 5 years I’m looking to have several locations have a family and be financially free. I want the people who helped me grow this business to experience and enjoy in the same success. I want the people who helped me to grow this business to have something that they can call their own. In about 10 years I want to be known, for producing results and that my company does exactly what we say we can do. In 10 years I still want to be able to train but not as an educators for the general public but for trainers. The need for higher quality trainers are growing and I want to be a part of that who produces better people to reach an ever growing nation.
3. Jeff Sherman
Jeff Sherman www.NeverStopFitness.com
Bio:
My passion in life is to help as many people as I can “Be Unstoppable in Fitness and in Life!” This passion started as a kid growing up in an unhealthy household. My family has struggled with their weight and health their whole lives. I was determined not to end up like that. Lucky for me, I played sports growing up which kept me in shape and I joined the Air Force at 18 which got me out of my environment and gave me a new perspective on life and fitness in general.
I became a certified personal trainer at the age of 18. I really enjoy helping people get in the best possible shape. It really does change their life. After training for all this time I wanted to figure out a way to reach more people. As a trainer I could only handle 12-15 clients at a time. Anymore than that I would just get burned out.
So that is why I decided to start Fit Body Boot Camp. With boot camps I could train up to 40 people at a time! I more than doubled my ability to help people! But Boot Camp isn’t for everyone so I still do a little personal training. I am very selective about who I train these days. I want someone who is truly “committed” and not just “interested” in changing their life.
4. Justin Blum
Justin Blum www.BootCampUnderground.com
Bio:
Justin Blum is one of the newest guys in the indusrty. Justin lives in las vegas nevada and prior to his start in the fitness industry in november of 2009 he had been a construction worker most of his life.
Justin has managed to hook up with some of the biggest and most successful individuls in the industry and soak knowledge from them like a sponge.
In the last 2 years he has managed to open his own fitness studio in las vegas that does over 200k per year and totally dominates his niche out there. He has just partnered up with another one of the rising stars, Jeff Sherman, to creat an online bootcamp system and automation workshop. His passion is to not only help thousands of people transform their lives but to now help other fitness entrepenuers create the freedom and lifestyle he has manged to create for himself.
5. David Peterson
David Peterson www.InfinityFitnessGym.com
AGE: 28
Years In Business:
3 Years running my own business, over 5 years as a Personal Trainer
Type Of Business:
My business is Infinity Fitness in Darien, CT. It is a Fitness BootCamp and Personal Training studio. We work with clients as young as 10 and as old as 91 (no joke!). We work with D1 College Athletes, Busy CEOs and everyone in between. We have a no frills badass gym setup with the sole purpose of getting our clients results. The music is loud and the mirrors are only over the sinks in the bathroom, its that kind of gym.
Bio:
I have three passions in life. My wonderful wife first and foremost (yeah I just got all sentimental like that). After that its a tie for second and third: fitness and business. Its about all I do. Once I committed myself to both of them I haven’t “worked” a day in my life.
Why your business is rocking:
We signed a lease on our new location this past Spring and renovated through the month of June. Through this Summer, when we’ve been historically slow, we’ve managed to double both our Personal Training and BootCamp programs. We fully expect it to double again by mid-Fall. We are on fire!
Why you should win:
You should vote for me as the Fitness Industry’s Rising Star because as I continue to work my ass off to find success I will do my best to bring all of you along with me. I’ve already guest posted on Chris McComb’s kickbacklife.com a couple times and am working on some articles to share with you on Sam Bakhtiar’s super-trainer.com. The higher I go, the more I learn and the more I can (and will!) share with you to help you build your business.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years I want to have built my ideal life. I will spend quality time with my family and spend short, but very focused time working on my business, you know … Honey Badger style … Infinity Fitness will have multiple locations with all of the top trainers in the area delivering high quality service and awesome results. The gyms will run independent of my presence and be automated ass-kicking-machines (that’s a real thing)
This isn’t one of the questions, but I want to give a big public thanks to Sam Bakhtiar who has helped guide me to all the success I have found so far. He’s pointed me the right way and given me all the right moves from day one. I owe a lot of what I have accomplished thus far to him. Thanks Sam!
Vote Below For Sam Bakhtiar’s Top Rising Star
Todd Durkin’s Top Rising Stars
1. Brett Klika
Brett Klika www.BrettKlika.com
AGE: 34
Years In Business: 12
Type Of Business:
I am the Director of Athletics at Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego. I split my day between personal training, strength and conditioning, and youth training.
Bio:
In my 12 year career, I have had the opportunity to coach, author, and speak for the U.S. Olympic Training Center, National Academy of Sports Medicine, IDEA, ACE, Johnson and Johnson, and other various organizations in addition to accumulating over 20,000 hours of personal training. This has fed a passion to motivate and inspire my clients and audiences of all ages around the world to life of health and wellness.
Why your business is rocking:
My success is a product of the abundant opportunities for enrichment and education that surround me every day. I have the unique opportunity of working closely with industry giant, Todd Durkin, on a daily basis. His charisma and leadership are a glowing daily example of how to create greatness in yourself, as well as those you come in contact with. I am also blessed with a truly phenomenal support system of colleagues around the world, family, and friends that understand and support my mission. This has allowed me the opportunity to create many successful community youth and adult programs. It has also enabled me the inspiration to write for many industry publications and provide motivational speaking around the world. I connect with youth, parents, professional athletes, personal trainers and corporate executes through providing motivation, education, and inspiration.
I believe my opportunities in the personal training world have come from my relentless, passionate pursuit of “Inspiring Millions” to get off the couch and live life. I have the opportunity to fly around the world to spread this message. Every time I get a chance to truly connect and create a difference in someone’s life, it offers me an unparralled feeling of excitement and fulfillment. I believe this is purveyed in my authentic interactions with all those I have the opportunity of working with.
As a personal trainer, author, and motivational speaker, I aim to constantly innovate and offer a fresh and exciting perspective on getting the most out of your life through wellness. I feel that we have fallen into a fitness “hole” in this nation where we have too constrictively confined our definitions of fitness, nutrition, and wellness. If I can convince people around the world to “Sweat, Smile, and Play” while eating real food in its natural form, we will be a lot better off as humans. Moving like humans are supposed to move creates the lives we were supposed to live!
Why you should win:
I should win because, well, I work for Todd Durkin and he wins everything. He makes me polish all his awards on a daily basis and carry them in a special suitcase wherever we go. It’s a very heavy suitcase and I always have to pay the extra weight fee at the airport. He does occasionally tip me, but he makes it clear “This is a REward, not an AWard”. I just want a little award to call my own.
While the above couldn’t be further from the truth, it would be a tremendous honor to be considered a “rising star” amongst such respected and admired colleagues. I have dedicated my life to the cause of helping children and adults improve their lives through wellness. I aim to steer my passion, focus, and effort to INSPIRE MILLIONS for decades to come and attaining this type of recognition only fuels my mission.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 10 years, I look forward to being able to utilize technology to educate, motivate, and inspire an even broader audience around the world through Fitness Quest 10 and my website, Brettklika.com. I plan to be an influential figure in fitness and wellness, helping drive industry trends to aid personal trainers and their clients in achieving success. I have a passion for helping create change in our current inactive youth culture, and look forward to spearheading far-reaching initiatives to recapture health a vitality in our world’s youth. This will all be accomplished through my constant pursuit of education, innovation, and forming genuine connections with all of whom I come in contact with.
2. Trina Gray
Trina Gray www.BayAthleticClub.com
AGE: 35
Years In Business:
Instructor/Trainer for 14 years, Club owner for 6 years
Type Of Business:
Two businesses:
Bay Athletic Club, LLC is a 14,000 sq. foot full-service health club located in the largest medical center in a 5-county region. We celebrate fitness year round. We offer 10-day Fat Blasting Boot Camps, 50+ group exercise classes per weeks, Corporate Fit Challenges, as well as specialized personal training to help people who have completed cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy step into a lifetime of fitness, led by a physical therapist and exercise physiologist on my team. It’s unusual, unique and cutting edge. We build better lives.
Bay Urban Fitness, LLC is a 4,000 sq. foot world-class personal training studio in the heart of my downtown. We deliver experiences not just workouts. We offer small group training, Urban Training Camp, Combine 360, TRX camps and specialty clinics to train movement, such as Train to Run and Train to Release (foam roller/Yoga).
Bio:
I am a successful entrepreneur who believes that fitness is a party and you have to invite people to it. I’m a passionate mom of two, a wife of an underwater archaeologist and a recognized leader in my community. I was named the “Change Agent of the Year” by my Chamber of Commerce and believe that do get more out of life, you must give more.
Why your business is rocking:
My business has the heart and soul of the underdog who believes in winning. We pack a mighty punch from small town of 15,000 people in one of the poorest counties in the state, in one of the unhealthiest states in the nation. My team is truly world-class — we over promise and over deliver in my community and have changed the lives of thousands of people in our own zip code. How? We get sedentary people to move. We inspire better parenting. We save relationships. We get active people to pay it forward to others. We create passion and energy in workplaces. We know down to our core that people who are healthier are happier in all areas of life. We use this message to motivate people to change. We ROCK!
Why you should win:
Last week, I received a card in the mail from a local elementary school teacher that read: “People who are most deserving of recognition are those who give without looking for the favor of return.”
Yes, that is me! I give, I share, I inspire and I listen because I want to move mountains in this community that has become my home. I moved to Alpena, Michigan 8 years ago to follow my husband who was offered a dream job running a national shipwreck museum. I knew no one, had no connections, and had left a high-level marketing job behind me. But I believe that you can be happy anywhere, if you choose to be. So, I did some soul searching and decided that if I was going to reinvent myself in a small town (no Starbucks, no Target for hours!) that I’d do what I loved. I love fitness. Not for the weight control, not for the body shape, but for the power it has to drive your life. I felt the “weight” of my new town pressing on my heart. People seemed sedentary, lethargic. Too many people had been affected by massive job layoffs and had no sense of control over their future. I believe that I’ve not only inspired the adults in my community, but impacted of their children. Happy parents raise happier kids. Moms with more confidence raise more confident kids. Dads with less stress raise less stressed out kids. I can go to any store, any neighborhood, any park in town and SEE the impact of my business. People are exercising, playing and buying healthier foods. To believe it, you might just need to see it. But if you ask Mayor Carol Shafto, she’ll tell you that this town is changed since I opened Bay Athletic Club. We are fired up about fitness and charging forward past our obstacles to create a better decade in front of us than behind us. For these reasons, I’d love to win.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself entrenched in the health of my own community while sharing my message and my story internationally. I believe I have a unique voice in this industry. I’m an involved mother of two who kicks it in business. I am 100 percent committed to being active in my kids school, coaching their games, raising them to be good stewards, as well as growing a thriving health club and training studio. Yes, I believe you can do it all if you know what you value. I value my family, my business, my team and my community. I love to speak, to write and to teach. I believe that my personal brand, Trina Gray Fitness, will improve the business of fitness with my signature philosophies: cutting-edge corporate wellness strategies, celebrating people more than pounds and inspiring people to dial into their greatness within. I will share my expertise as a world-class author, presenter, and guest on national talk shows. And finally, I see myself full of joy.
3. Vito La Fata
Vito La Fata www.FitnessEvovled.com
AGE: 38
Years In Business: 10
Type Of Business:
Fitness Evolution is a multi-purpose fitness and wellness center which provides physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, & weight management care as well as a sports facility and two offsite – boot camps. I run a Beach Body Coaching Business and created Fitness Profit Systems, a Fitness Entrepreneur Coaching and Info Product Business that helps other fitness professionals achieve massive success. I’m currently co-creating Fitness Profit Solutions, a coaching, mastermind and live event teaching venture with a partner, Alex McMillan.
Bio:
Born and raised in NY baby! A SUNY@ Stony Brook, BA graduate with a degree in Economics and Sociology. I’m a NASM certified personal trainer, nutrition specialist, entrepreneur and proud member of the Todd Durkin Mastermind. My early days were with Crunch Fitness, and in 2005, I created Fitness Evolution. What started in my apartment complex moved into my garage, and then grew grass roots style into my first stand-alone location, has now grown into the multi-faceted complex it is today.
Why your business is rocking:
Speaking to Fitness Evolution first; we rock because we’ve created a culture
more than a company. Our people and our team are what make FE rockin! We’ve
assembled a squad of fitness and wellness professionals who work together to get
our clients fit and healthy. If they need fitness and weight loss we have our trainers.
If they need physical therapy and wellness we have our physical therapist, massage
therapists, and chiropractor on site to get the job done, convenience and quality
care under-one roof, is the future of fitness centers today. As a company with a
mission we have reached into our community and we have impacted thousands of
people with fitness programs, weight loss systems, sports training and community
challenges that engage people to make a difference. Our mission has impacted those
we touch by helping them to strive to reach out of their comfort zone and perform at
their best. We’ve impacted lives across Orange County, we’ve watched relationships
improve, medical conditions lessen, seen people lift their heads in confidence again,
walk proud as they overcome years of not living their best, to become new people. I
can never put what we do better than in the words of one of our clients:
-Testimonial
“So I’m feeling incredibly grateful and I thought I’d share since it has to do with your business. I’m incredibly grateful that you have put together a team of professionals who don’t just do their job but put their all into what they do and LOVE it.
Honestly, Fitness Evolution has changed my life. I know I can do what it takes to change the health of my body. I know what it takes to push myself further. I found an amazing hobby, but most of all, every time I come in I feel like I’m surrounded by people who care about me.
You’ve put together an incredible business that reflects the very best in everyone who steps inside.
Thank you so much!!
Caryn Josepher
- End Testimonial
Now, as a fitness entrepreneur and coach to other fit pro’s my business is jamming
because I’ve been helping fitness professionals develop their businesses faster,
smarter and with more precision. Its all about giving back, seeing people get better
and deliver results, and to put it simply that fires my business up!
I launched Fitness Profit Systems, which is a killer way to share done-for-you
systems that help other pros blow up their businesses NOW! I run coaching
programs and have coaching clients in America and Canada who are using these
systems to extend their reach and grow their businesses. And now going into 2012,
Alex McMillan and I are about to launch a full suite of services to cater to the needs
of fitness entrepreneurs with our Fitness Profit Solutions brand. It’s going to serve
our industry big time and we are excited about our global reach and networks!
And if I had to add one more layer as to why I’m a pretty frickin’ happy guy and
kicking it strong it would be my Beach Body Coaching business which is another
tool and part of my business that falls under reaching more people, using smart
resources, networks and helping fitness professionals add multiple revenue streams
to their businesses so they can live their dreams and have the freedom to enjoy their
lives versus working a job!
Why you should win:
Heck, if I gotta throw down some thoughts here, let’s keep it real NY style and just
speak from the heart without mixing words.
Our industry needs leadership, sharing of solutions, coaching and mentoring.
We need to be helping one another grow not living in a place of scarcity where we
fear there is not enough business, ideas, systems or campaign’s to go around. If our
true mission, as an industry, is to help others live “inspired and healthy” and to
tackle the rising health care issues of obesity and illness; then we need to be sharing
what is working in our businesses with one another.
We need to be reaching back and helping one another grow faster, smarter and
with more impact! The mission is not just to change the people who come into our
facilities, but to provide the resources and coaching to help fitness professionals
grow as leaders of their organizations so that maximum impact is achieved because
our industry is thriving!
You know if I look back at the road that got me here today, it has been fast and
furious It has not been a direct route, more like a winding road, which many in our
field can relate too.
I started out working in my dad’s restaurant learning the ropes of a small business,
then after college went on to Wall Street as an Institutional Trader, and later worked
for Calvin Klein. I left the world of finance and fashion to pursue a life filled with
more purpose and passion. I can still remember the “moment” I decided making a
difference was more important than a job. It was this “a-ha” moment where I pulled
out a white piece of paper and I asked myself what are my passions and what do I
want to be dedicating my life to whether I’m going to be getting paid or not. After
journaling, it all boiled down to four things:
1. Being in the gym
2. Writing
3. Speaking
4. Learning
Once that decision was made, it was just a matter of engineering the environment,
finding the right mentors, and committing to a life of learning so that I could
perpetuate the message and make a damn good living while lifting others to do
the same! And what does all that mean to you, it means I have the professional
background, and not just from our industry, that I have tons of knowledge (I’m a
geek that way, not gonna lie!), and all that experience translates into a successful
framework for others to use to their advantage, with a proven system that works
and gets results.
And whether it was from my early days at Crunch Fitness in NYC to Crunch Fitness
in California, I’ve turned my passion to see people living healthy, fit and well into
a rewarding career. I opened a 3,400 sq foot medically based, full-service personal
training club at the age of 30. I’ve spent time learning from the best, have mentored
under the likes of Alex McMillan (my now strategic partner and good friend) and
Todd Durkin (my mentor and good friend) and have the pleasure of being a part
of the exclusive Todd Durkin Mastermind, where I have access to the nations top
fitness professionals and entrepreneurs. I’ve spent time learning from some of the
best entrepreneurs, from Brendon Burchard, Alwyn Cosgrove, Bedros Keulian, Trina
Gray and more. And all that means is that I’m poised to pass that knowledge on to
you, share those systems with you, coach you, and shake the very foundation of
what we do as an industry.
OUR TIME IS NOW! A new guard is rising up and a new generation of leaders are
taking the mic, hitting the stages and riling up our industry. So the challenge comes
back to you, are you ready to play BIG!? Are you ready to step up and challenge
yourself with us, then I’m one of the guys you want to be teaming up with. Our
network is powerful, our hearts are huge, we have massive missions and if that’s
you and where you want to be, let’s get it done! NOW IS OUR TIME!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5-10 years I see myself right beside the best in the industry as a student,
as a leader, a peer, an innovator, friend, resource and business partner.
FE will always be my laboratory to test out systems, and stay connected to the
people whose lives we change day in and out. FE is where I keep my skills on and off
the floor sharp. FE is where I continuously develop my own leadership skills so I can
always work on serving others.
5-10 years from now, I see myself, heading up a global coaching empire of Fitness
Profit Solutions and Systems that will have a full suite of fitness coaching products,
programs, systems and services that cater to our industry and the professionals in
it. Whether it’s “newbies” who are just getting in, to those more developed in their
business and starting to break out through the 2-5 year mark, and those who are
becoming seasoned pros and ready to begin their own empires.
Most importantly I see myself living the lifestyle all entrepreneurs strive to enjoy.
One that allows me the freedom to spend quality time with my family, living
between Italy, NY and California. And above all I simply see myself trying to Live,
Love and Matter!
Vote Vito!
4. Frank Pucher
Frank Pucher www.Fitness121online.com
AGE: 41
Years In Business: 19yrs in fitness / 13rs as a business owner
Type Of Business: Personal Training Studio offering Pilates & Speciality Programs.
Bio:
Personal Trainer & Endurance Performance Coach. Certified by ACE, NESTA & Cooper Institute. Runners World Contributor and Speaker to many Business & Professional Groups including the Wharton School of Business. I lead a team of 8 full-time fitness professionals. Currently a Top “Masters” Athlete in Running/Triathlon.
Why your business is rocking:
My studio “Fitness 121 Personal Training” has been twice named New Jersey’s “Best Exercise Studio” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine (2010 & 2011). We grew our revenue by 26% in 2010 by providing a service (Personal Training) that man in our industry are shunning – in favor of “small group” training. Our take: We don’t offer Personal Training, We DO Personal Training.
Why you should win:
It’s not about ‘Sets and Reps’ or the Pushups and Situps. It’s about helping my clients make FITNESS a part of their lives. Through positive energy & proper exercise I inspire my clients to not only look & feel better but BE Better!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Educating and inspiring the next generation of fitness professional to make a difference in the lives of others through better fitness!
Vote Here For The Top Rising Star In Todd Durkin’s Group
Zach Even-Esh’s Top Rising Stars
1. Rick Daman
Rick Daman www.DamanStrength.com
AGE: 30
Years In Business: 2 years in November
Type Of Business:
I privately train HS and College athletes both male and female. My youngest athletes start at 12 years old. I also run a Fitt Camp that I started about 5 months ago. I choose who I want to train with both the athletes and Fitt Camp clients as well.
Bio:
I wanted to own a gym at the age of 12. After college I came home and started running my old high schools weight room for our football team. This lead to a trip on May 9th 2009 to the Underground Strength Gym. My dream for owning my gym got re-ignited that weekend. Today I own Daman’s Strength Training in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rocking because I put thoughts to action! My athletes and clients see my passion for training and coaching. I have built and will continue to build our facility with integrity and will work to make everyone who enters our gym the best!!
Why you should win:
I think I should win because I win at everything I put my mind, effort, trust and integrity into! I put my last name as part of my business name ( Daman’s Strength Training) because I wanted to make sure I held myself accountable for all of my actions! My grandfather built a trusted name and worked in the steel mills for 36 1/2 years while raising 13 children! If he was able to help create all 100 Daman’s I can surely help extend the Daman Family through Daman’s Strength Training!! WINNING!!!
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I want to have added an addition to my gym making it double the size. It’s barley 800 square feet right now. I want to be known as the place to train in the Pittsburgh Area for athletes and for my Fitt Camp as well!! I want to get my wife out of her teaching job and to be able to stay at home when we have kids. And my major goal is to finally build that Log Cabin home we want!! Simple life!
2. Pete Isip & Rob Morales
Pete & Rob www.KrankSystems.com
AGE: 30-ish
Years In Business: 1 and half years
Type Of Business:
Fatloss/ Strength and conditioning gym for General Population with a handle full of athletes
Bio:
We are 2 coaches that decided it was time to stop working for the big house gyms and time to start making a name for ourselves. Living and working by the rules of someone else is NOT something we like to do very well.
Why your business is rocking:
e have the greatest mentors and take their knowledge, opinions seriously. Mentors like Zach- Even-Esh (UndergroundStrengthCoach.com), James “Smitty” Smith( Diesel Strength and Conditioning www.dieselsc.com), Paul Reddick (Paulreddickbaseball.com), and Randy Gruezo.
The main reason is because WE TAKE IMMIDIATE ACTION!!!! We pick up a couple things and make it work, no procrastination, and if we fall on our face, we get the back up and start throwing our fists again. Only this time with “Hurtin’ Bombs”. Fight to the end
Why you should win:
As humbled as we are to be in this contest, winning woud be a great stepping stone and an accomplishment we can check off our goal board. By winning this we know that we are getting closer and closer to our 5 year goal and thats” To run and manage multiple succesfull, small house facilities where we are recognized and respected by the fitness industry.” By having this off the plate we can progress to our bigger goals which is of course like everyone elses: ”
“Cash money millionaire status son!” hahahaaha” as well as the satisfaction that we are “Living our lives; our dreams, NOT someones elses.” All in all, we are honored and grateful for even being nominated into this contest.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
5 years- 2 main facilities one for Myself and Robert
- 2 satallite Kranks (licensed gyms) one for Nicky G (our assitant coach)
Living close to the family and being able to spend some time with them.
-be on www.fitnessbusinessinterviews.com’s 100 top entreprentures
10 years
-100 million dollars by 2019 because that on my goal board (reach for the stars might touch the moon)
-Spending time with and being with our families whenever they need us or whenever we feel like
-Being in the shoes of our mentors passing on the same knowledge, wisdom, and friendship our mentors have done for us. Without them we would still be “big house gym personal trainers” and not the owners of our own lives.
3. John Gaglione
John Gaglione www.Gaglionestrength.com
AGE: 24
Years In Business: I have been involved in strength & conditioning for about 6 years and this is my first year with my own company called Gaglione Strength Systems.
Type Of Business:
My businesses focuses on strength & conditioning for combat and contact sport athletes, but we train any athlete looking to learn how to get better, work hard, and crush it on the field or mat!
Bio:
I am a certified “Underground” Strength coach who specializes in training combat and contact athletes out of Long Island, New York. I also compete in powerlifting and kettlebell strong sport competitions. I am always looking to learn from other coaches and lifter and I am constantly trying to get better at my craft whether it be my own performance or coaching ability.
Why your business is rocking:
Gaglione Strength isn’t just about getting stronger in the weight room, it is about character building and being successful in all areas of life. The gym is an experience. Everyone who trains with me works extremely hard and is very goal oriented. The atmosphere is very intense and this environment helps motivate all of the athletes to get a little better every time they walk into the gym. Everyone is positive and helps everyone else out. This separates us from other gyms because you simply can’t replicate the environment if you were training on your own.
Why you should win:
I knew I had a passion for educating people and helping them reach their goals. Working with athletes and helping them get stronger was a perfect fit since I am dedicated to getting myself stronger and improving my own performance on the platform. As a former wrestler and now powerlifter I knew exactly what it would take to get them better.
In high school I trained the wrong way and didn’t reach my goals as an athlete. I learned that working harder than everyone else doesn’t always mean you are going to win. You need to find the BEST way to train in order to maximize results. Harder isn’t better, better is better. I am constantly learning from other strength coaches, going to seminars and visiting gyms across the county to ensure my athletes don’t make the same mistakes I did. I am fully dedicated to do whatever it takes to see my athletes reach all of their goals. That is why I should win.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right now I am currently renting space out of a local wrestling club and training my athletes using my own equipment inside the club. I see Gaglione Strength growing online as well as offline. I will have my own gym dedicated to making athletes perform better as well as have a successful online community where strength coaches from across the country can learn from and get ideas from each other.
My mission is to Educate, Motivate, and Dominate! I want my athletes to learn how to train properly, train and live their lives with intensity, and dominate in their sports and in all areas of their lives. I also want to educate other strength coaches and give back to the community, motivate other fitness professional live their dream, and be successful in their lives as well. In ten years I want to build a community that does just that.
4. Matthew Ellis
Matthew Ellis www.PrimalAtc.com
AGE: 31
Years In Business: 1
Type Of Business:
Strength and Conditioning center designed specifically for power athletes.
Bio:
ith over 18 years involved in the sport of track and field, Matt has done it all. High school and college athlete, salesman at M-F Athletic Company and Perform Better, equipment designer, coaching clinic speaker, writer, track camp director, throws coach, strength and conditioning coach, and now a training center owner. His facility, Primal Athlete Training Center is designed specifically for power athletes like track and field throwers, football players, and wrestlers. Matt is a certified Underground Strength Coach under Zach Even-Esh and a certified kettlebell instructor.
Why your business is rocking:
Why is my business rockin’? Because I actually care about my athletes. I know their names, their birthdays, we’re friends of Facebook, I attend their sporting events, and give them advice in their personal lives. The athletes all share the same mindset and push each other to get better. Many of my athletes are competitors on the field and attend rival schools. When they train in my gym, they are friends and encourage each other to work hard. It would have been easy to open a bigger facility and litter it with speed training “toys” for young kids to run through. Charge $30 a day, get 20 – 30 kids in there per hour, hire a few coaches, make lots of money. Sounds great, but that’s not the way to do it. I limit membership to only 40 members. Primal athletes train in small groups of 2-6 per hour. This allows me to keep my eye on all of them and make sure they continue to get stronger and more powerful. I am constantly assessing and re-evaluating to get them to their peak potential.
Why you should win:
When I opened Primal Athlete Training Center, I had exactly 0 clients. I didn’t even have a physical location. It was tough to call myself a training center when I didn’t even have a building! Oh crap! I was scared to death. All I knew was I had a 3 month old son at home, I had a dream, and I wasn’t going to stop until I was successful. There was no way I was failing at this. I finally found a garage and started calling coaches all over the state asking if I could come in and talk to their athletes about training. With over 10,000 student athletes in Rhode Island, finding 40 should be easy, right? Four wrestlers from the local high school showed up and it continued to grow from there. I still do it all myself. I am the owner, the trainer, the janitor, the accountant, the director of marketing, and my own publicist. I am constantly investing in my education and keeping my mind open to other ways I can grow my business.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
5 years, 10 years, 15 years, it doesn’t matter. I will be doing exactly what I am doing now, training the hardest working and most dedicated athletes in Rhode Island. I recently started offering on-line throws coaching to people all around the world and hope to continue to grow in that area. I will continue to write coaching and training e-books and coaching and training videos to sell on my website www.PrimalATC.com. Maybe I will finally hire someone to clean the gym!
5. Joe Meglio
Joe Meglio www.MeglioFitness.com
AGE:21
Years In Business: 3
Bio:
I am a strength and conditioning coach at the Underground Strength Gym in Edison, NJ and have been fortunate enough to be mentored by one of the best and brightest minds in the strength and conditioning industry, Zach Even-Esh. I run a results driven business where like-minded athletes train together to enhance their performance. Aside from training athletes, I’ve played four years of college baseball, competed in power lifting and have written for many websites and also run my own blog, megliofitness.com.
Why your business is rocking:
My business is rocking for three simple reasons. One, I am extremely passionate about what I do. I am a firm believer that your life and your actions are dictated by your values. My mentor Zach Even-Esh taught me this life lesson that I will never forget. My passion for training along with my desire to help athletes dominate their sport has allowed me to turn my love for sports and training into a successful business. In addition to my passion, I have the utmost pride and integrity in what I do. If you cannot look at yourself in the mirror at the end of a hard day’s work, I’d recommend that you reevaluate your values.
Second, I am a go-getter and I take action! Not many 21 year olds are willing to do what I do. Instead of going out partying or doing what normal college kids did, I was busy learning my craft inside and out. I remember the days when I stayed up to 3 A.M watching hours of Joe DeFranco’s and Zach Even-Esh’s YouTube videos. I started my business when I was a sophomore in college and believe me this was not an easy task. I was a full time student taking 18 credits, playing college baseball and interning for free at the Underground Strength Gym with Zach Even-Esh. People always wondered how I had time to do all this. My answer is simple, you have to take action and dedicate yourself to what you love doing. Your business isn’t going to grow itself. You need to get your hands dirty in the trenches and get real world experience doing what you love. If it wasn’t for this hands on approach my business would not be rocking like it is today.
Last but not least, my business is rocking because I go above and beyond the expectations of my athletes. I put my heart and soul into making sure my athletes dominate their sport and their competition. My business is unique in that I am selective about who I let in. I refuse to train tire kickers, whiners, crybabies or anybody who is not serious about their performance. Instead I train a select group of athletes that really want to better themselves by creating a competitive atmosphere in which they train in. The atmosphere my athletes create is critical to the success of my business. My hardcore, no B.S. approach to training ensures that my athletes are getting the results they want. I can guarantee you that my business would not be rocking without the uniqueness and results my business provides for athletes. If you want to kill it doing what is expected of you is not enough. You need to go above and beyond what your clients expect from you.
Why you should win:
First off, let me say that I am honored to be even included on this list of rising stars. I am truly grateful to be part of this small niche group of rising strength coaches. With that said, I should win because I strive to be the best at what I do. Failure is not an option, there is no plan B. If you look at everything I have done in just a few short years while in the industry there is no doubt that I am extremely passionate about what I do and that I take action! I have sacrificed my time, blood, sweat and tears to position myself for a successful future. No excuses!
Why else should I win? My work ethic speaks for itself. There are many things in life you cannot control, but the one thing everybody can control is how hard you work. I work my butt off each and every day because I know it is necessary to help me achieve my goals. Weather it is training my athletes, or attending a seminar, writing an article etc…each day presents a new challenge and opportunity to better myself and better serve my clients. This competition is another stepping stone in my story and I hope you can help me achieve my goals.
Where Do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years I see myself being the leading authority in strength and conditioning for baseball players. My main goal is to transform the way baseball players train. You see, too many baseball players at various levels are afraid to lift heavy weights because they are going to get “too tight” or going to get hurt. These same players also do long distance running and a bunch of garbage exercises that have no effect on their baseball performance. To make matters worse you even see this same conservative and B.S approach at the major league level. I want to make a profound change in the baseball community by educating baseball players and coaches on the proper way baseball players should train. In order for me to achieve this I want my training facility to be the go to place for baseball players of all levels to train on the east coast.
In addition to transforming the way baseball players train, I would love to help mentor future strength coaches who want to enter the strength and conditioning industry. While there are a lot of great coaches in the strength and conditioning industry, there are also a ton of coaches who have no business training athletes. If we are not constantly educating ourselves and evolving our methods we are doing our clients a disservice. I want to help pave the way for future strength coaches in the industry by holding seminars, certifications and by producing informational DVD’s and books. Anyway I can help spread my training method in front of aspiring strength coaches would be ideal.
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I'm Erik Rokeach a fitness entrepreneur. I'm here to help you grow your fitness business by sharing what others in the industry are doing.
John Kent (under Dr. John Ellis’s picks) is the only person who got me to like exercise. A truly amazing motivator and fitness instructor.
Marvan,
Thanks for commenting, John Kent is certainly deserving of his nomination.