We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Theo Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Theo below.
Theo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?
So, last year, I had the incredible opportunity to host my own Gym Rep Off competition under my brand, GetYahGreatness. The event was called “Come GetYahGreatness,” and we held it at a local Gold’s Gym in Maryland. Here’s a quick backstory: years ago, I was training for a well-known Rep Off competition, but every time it came around, something would come up, and I couldn’t attend. The General Manager at Gold’s Gym followed my social media and saw me training for it.
We started chatting at the gym, and I mentioned how I kept missing the competition. He said, “Why don’t you host your own here?” That blew my mind! Fast forward to last year, we’ve held TWO GetYahGreatness Rep Off events and are already working on a few more this year.
How does this show customers and supporters I appreciate them? Well, the event was FREE—not only for Gold’s Gym members but for ALL gym goers. Anyone who signed up at any gym could come as a spectator, and admission was free—so you could bring your husband, wife, kids, Grandma, anyone! Food, drinks, everything was complimentary. We also gave away over 30 custom GYG gift bags, each containing a free GetYahGreatness Compression shirt. Oh, and one more thing: there was a cash prize for the winner.
Quick rundown of the Rep Off competition: There were two main movements: 1) Bench Press and 2) Deadlift. Athletes could enter the following categories: ‘Rep Your Bodyweight,’ ‘Rep One Set Weight’ (225 lbs for men, 135 lbs for women), and/or ‘1 Rep Max Lift.’ The winner of each category (Male vs. Male, Female vs. Female) faced off in a one-set exercise: Pushups. The winner of each—Male and Female—won $200, so we gave away $400 in cash prizes at EACH event last year.
Not only did customers and supporters love it, but they also continue to ask when the next one will be. And might I add, the athletes who didn’t win have been training specifically for the next competition. It sparked a nice movement within the community.
After it was all said and done, I was really proud of myself. Here I was, training for years to compete in a Rep Off competition, and instead, I ended up creating and hosting my own. And I didn’t even participate in the competition. It was all about the supporters.
Theo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Yes, my name is Theo, but some may remember me as Rick Vick from my days as a music producer and model. These days, I just go by my given name.
I’ve been part of the fitness industry since around 2009, starting out as an underwear, hair, and tattoo model. From there, I transitioned into bodybuilding competitions, competing in 8-9 shows within the NPC and NGA divisions. I earned my Pro Card with the NGA, added it to my résumé, and from there, GetYahGreatness was born.
When it comes to products and services, GetYahGreatness isn’t just about what we offer—it’s about what we push YOU to bring to the table! All we ask is for our supporters, customers, friends, and family—mothers, fathers, siblings, uncles, cousins—to give their all and show up as their authentic selves. Your greatness is already in you—we just help you unlock it.
If I had to name what I’m most proud of, it wouldn’t be business-related. It would be my family—watching ALL my kids grow and accomplish great things. That is greatness. That is GetYahGreatness.
As for the brand itself, I feel like I’m in the middle of a reroute—not for the worse, but for the better. I’ve realized there’s been a deeper calling all along. I used to think my purpose was everything I had been chasing and achieving, but now, I see it clearly.
GetYahGreatness is evolving beyond just motivation and pulling the best out of people—because what I KNOW is this: You can’t pull the best out of yourself without putting the Man Upstairs first… GOD.
So stay tuned. I’ve revamped the GetYahGreatness YouTube channel—not just to inspire but to spread the Word daily. Daily prayers, daily messages—so check us out.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, making sure I secure my spot while motivating as many people as possible to chase theirs. Life took a dramatic turn recently. I came to realize that the person I thought was meant for me… wasn’t. It’s a tough truth, but a necessary one. Even through the hurt, I’m still walking—just not alone. I’m walking in God’s grace, trusting the path He’s set before me. But back to GetYahGreatness, with GYG, my goal is to have it in gyms all across the U.S. Gym trends have a way of catching on and spreading beyond the gym, and that’s the kind of reach I’m after. I want to inspire, push, and challenge people to tap into their greatness—wherever they are.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Yes, most definitely! No matter how long it takes or how frustrated you WILL get, stick to it.
Like I mentioned earlier, I’m currently in the process of rebranding and rebuilding GYG’s social media presence. Why? Because, honestly, I doomed myself from the start—I wanted things to happen fast. Too fast.
Back when Instagram was blowing up, everyone was in a rush to build their following. I was right there with them, grinding. Then I got one of those DMs: “Hey, I can get you a ton of followers instantly. Interested?” At the time, it sounded like a no-brainer. They sent me a price list, and I paid up. $25-$50 later, I woke up with 20-25K new “followers.” I was hype! So I got to work—posting, creating, and waiting for the likes and comments to roll in.
Minutes passed. Nothing. A little longer… maybe 1-2 likes. That’s when it hit me—these were fake accounts. Bots. And just like that, I had ruined my own engagement. My Instagram hasn’t been the same since. Now, I just use it to share stories, my daily prayers, family moments, and workout videos.
I’m sharing this because I want people to learn from my mistake. Don’t take shortcuts. Don’t chase numbers—chase real engagement, real connections, real community. It takes time, but when you build it the right way, it’s worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GetYahGreatness.com
- Instagram: @_GetYahGreatness
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetYahGreatness
- Other: Our other YouTube Channel for life motivation: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHustleBlueprint101
Our Kids Learning Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AdventurePalsPlayground