Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Albert Pernsley Iii. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Albert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Crown Me Fit’s mission is rooted in the belief “where limits don’t exist.” The inspiration for our mission emerged during a transformative period in my life. At just 21, I was charged with first-degree murder, facing the daunting prospect of a life sentence for defending myself. After being convicted of third-degree murder, I was sentenced to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for 8 1/2 to 20 years. It was then that I realized I had to transcend the barriers set before me. Throughout my most challenging and darkest moments, I discovered my true self through fitness. I pride myself on being able to uniquely develop a training program for all individuals even those who may believe they are “limited.” I show them they can rise above any barrier set in their way.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Albert L. Pernsley, III, a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur. At the age of 21, I faced a perilous situation that threatened my life. With a split-second decision to protect myself, and ensure my survival, I found myself convicted of third-degree murder, resulting in a sentence of 8 1/2 to 20 years in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. I was determined not to succumb to becoming a mere statistic within the realms of the criminal justice system. I made sure to thrive behind those prison walls in ways you would not even imagine. For the next 10.5 years, I lost over 105 pounds, developed a passion for fitness, and built my dream of Crown Me Fit. Crown Me Fit is about realizing we do not have limits. Limits are influences from the outside from people who do not believe in themselves. In 2019, I was released from prison and hit the ground running. I am an entrepreneur at heart and in 2021, I opened and am now the sole owner of my brand and gym Crown Me Fit, LLC.
I pride myself on being able to uniquely develop a training program for individuals from all walks of life. Crown Me Fit welcomes everyone. Currently, we have athletes: beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Individuals with disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and multiple sclerosis..reminding them limits do not exist!
We offer personal training, small group personal training, medical rehabilitation, youth training, senior fitness, and mentoring.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
After my release from incarceration in 2019, I was ignorant to the realization that my criminal record would significantly impact ability to obtain a job. Facing rejection at every turn due to my criminal record, Crown Me Fit came to life. While this endeavor had always been a dream of mine, it ultimately emerged out of necessity after being denied employment repeatedly
How’d you meet your business partner?
Shortly after my release from incarceration, I was blessed with a position as a group fitness instructor at Legion Transformation Center in Aston, Pennsylvania. There, I had the privilege of meeting my fiancé, and business partner, Dr. Demi Moore, a retired Delaware State Trooper. She too embodies resilience after enduring a near fatal assault by a prisoner ultimately leading to a career ending injury. Together, we offer a distinct narrative and viewpoint within the realm of criminal justice. Grounded in a firm belief of God and faith, we exemplify resilience as a cultivated trait for overcoming adversities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Crownmefit
- Facebook: Alb Pernsley
- Other: [email protected]
