We recently connected with Ernest Tate and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ernest thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Because of our fast-paced lives, often our personal well-being is overshadowed; I wanted to be a beacon of hope for those seeking transformation. Through my passion for fitness and wellness, I wanted to help people see their full potential.
I have always been an athlete, a lover of movement and an advocate for the incredible impact it could have on one’s life. Having my own struggles and witnessing friends and family fight to find the time, motivation, and guidance needed to lead healthier lives, I decided to channel my passion into something larger than myself. This marked the inception of my personal training business.
My business grew, so did my desire to create a profound impact on my clients. I spent countless hours refining my approach, seeking to bridge the gap between fitness goals and lasting lifestyle changes. It had to be more than just intense workouts; I understood that true transformation required personalized attention, unwavering support, and a holistic approach to well-being.
With these principles in mind, I crafted a mission statement that encapsulated the essence of this endeavor. “Empowering Lives Through Fitness” became my North Star, guiding every decision I made. The mission statement wasn’t just a collection of words; it was a testament to my commitment to make a difference in others’ lives.
Mission Statement:
“Empowering Lives Through Fitness: Our mission is to inspire, guide, and transform individuals on their journey to optimal health and well-being. Through personalized training programs, unwavering support, and a commitment to fostering sustainable lifestyle changes, we empower our clients to surpass their fitness goals, enhance their self-confidence, and embrace a vibrant, active life.”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was extremely obese, at my heaviest I was 453 pounds. I didn’t even notice my extreme weight gain since my football playing days because the people around me didn’t make me feel bad about my appearance. My wake-up call came when my mother told me parents shouldn’t have to bury their children; children should bury their parents. That simple statement started a shift in me. I knew I was in for a fight but I was ready for it! I started to take fitness, health and movement seriously and invested in a gym membership. I started working out 4 to 5 days a week. A female trainer noticed my dedication and lack of knowledge (Laugh). She offered to train me for free if I promised to help others. I never look back from that day. I was elated to gain knowledge to help others feel as good as I was feeling from taking care of my overall health. I started gaining a little buzz because of my free Saturday morning outdoor workouts that were open to the public. From that experience, I knew I didn’t want to do anything else, so I researched what was needed to start a personal training business. I started my business and I have had the pleasure of serving the community for over a decade now.
Tate’s School of Fitness is a space for overall health. Our brand is a health and lifestyle brand that focuses on providing the best information so individuals can achieve their goals towards a healthier lifestyle. We focus on more than the physical; we aim to aid individuals with their mental and spiritual health as well. We want to help individuals achieve their goals by simplifying health and wellness. I personally have lost over 250 pounds through trial and error over the years but we want to help others shorten the learning curve to achieve their goals. We know that information about health and wellness can be overwhelming and we want to provide more clarity for individuals to create a healthier lifestyle. We provide straightforward plans that work. We take your questions and problems and provide you with the best information available. We provide online services, meal prep, group class, we have a vegan cooking show and we have a podcast interviewing other entrepreneurs about their life & health. We have cultivated a space that focuses on overall health. The level of knowledge our clients leave with is priceless!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Ultimately, a great reputation is built on a foundation of expertise, positive client experiences, ethical practices, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By consistently delivering exceptional service and maintaining a client-centered approach, you can establish yourself as a respected and sought-after professional in the fitness industry. The biggest thing that has helped with our success is our consistency. Consistency is absolutely important to any success. It has been challenging at times to remain consistent because of the nature of our business. Fitness/Health is a service that is seen as a luxury to some but honestly, I feel hiring professionals to help in this space is essential. Unfortunately, so many people put their health last by not seeing the importance. Our overall health in this country is trending in the wrong direction. We understand that affordability, knowledge overload and not knowing where to start play a huge part in this. We aim to make fitness/health affordable and easier to understand. One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is to be patient, to change one’s lifestyle is hard and the first steps taken in this process are extremely brave.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
I would say these are some of the most important things I’ve learned so far on my journey:
1. Lead by Example: Your team looks to you for guidance and inspiration. Demonstrate the qualities you expect from them, such as professionalism, enthusiasm, and a strong work ethic.
2. Effective Communication: Keep the lines of communication open and transparent. Regularly share updates, goals, and important information. Encourage team members to voice their ideas, concerns, and feedback.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for each team member. When everyone understands their contributions and how their work fits into the bigger picture, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
4. Recognize and Reward: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Recognition can come in the form of verbal praise, written commendations, team events, or even small tokens of appreciation. Recognizing effort boosts morale and encourages continued dedication.
5. Encourage Skill Development: Provide opportunities for growth and skill enhancement. Offering training, workshops, or the chance to take on new challenges can show that you’re invested in your team’s professional development.
6. Foster a Collaborative Environment: Encourage teamwork and collaboration. When team members feel valued for their contributions and are given chances to work together, they often feel a stronger sense of belonging and engagement.
7. Flexible Work Environment: Whenever possible, offer flexible work arrangements that align with your team members’ needs and preferences. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and a better work-life balance.
8. Address Concerns Promptly: If issues arise, address them promptly and professionally. Ignoring problems can lead to frustration and a decline in morale. Constructive feedback should always be delivered respectfully and privately.
9. Empower Decision-Making: Give team members the opportunity to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Feeling empowered fosters, a sense of pride and accountability.
10. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance by respecting boundaries and avoiding a culture of overwork. When team members have time to recharge, they are more likely to come to work with a positive attitude.
11. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion: Create an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. Diversity can lead to innovative solutions and a stronger sense of unity.
12. Lead with Empathy: Understand and empathize with your team members’ personal and professional challenges. Show that you care about their well-being and are willing to support them.
13. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one and team meetings to check on progress, discuss goals, and address any concerns. These meetings offer opportunities for feedback and provide a platform for open communication.
14. Encourage Personal Growth: Support your team members’ personal growth by discussing their career aspirations and helping them set goals for their professional journey.
15. Adapt and Evolve: Be open to adapting your management style based on the needs of your team. As the team dynamics change, your approach might need adjustments to maintain morale.
Remember that maintaining high morale is an ongoing effort that requires consistent attention and genuine care for your team members’ well-being. By focusing on effective communication, recognition, empowerment, and a positive work environment, you can create a team that thrives and achieves its full potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tatesschooloffitness.durable.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tateschooloffitness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernest-tate-5219081a0/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC99BW0PmGV5khVnWhoR4A5g/featured
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bceY9F8TlIe90QydhB1GC?si=i96KvFA3RYuh_vJLGU7Apw&nd=1
Image Credits
Ebony Tate