Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fernando Gutierrez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Fernando, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

From a Young Fan to a Boxing Gym Owner: A Journey of Resilience and Determination

As a child, my family and I would eagerly gather around the television to watch boxing matches featuring legends like Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. However, soccer held a special place in my heart. After graduating from high school at the age of 17, I received a full scholarship to play soccer in Nebraska. Little did I know that this opportunity would take an unexpected turn.

During a vacation back home, I found myself caught up in an armed robbery. The consequences were severe – I lost my scholarship and was sentenced to jail. For years, I fought tirelessly to prove my innocence, and eventually, my case was dismissed. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done. The dream of becoming a professional soccer player had slipped away, leaving me feeling lost and directionless at the age of 19.

In the midst of this darkness, I turned to boxing. The sport became my solace, helping me navigate through the challenging times. As I honed my skills and regained my confidence, I realized that boxing had the potential to become more than just a personal outlet – it could be a business opportunity.

At the age of 22, I made the bold decision to open my own boxing gym. However, the road to success was far from easy. Many landlords doubted my capabilities due to my young age, dismissing me as inexperienced. Their skepticism only fueled my determination to prove them wrong. With unwavering persistence, I finally secured a space and, at the age of 23, my dream became a reality – my own boxing gym.

The journey from jail to business owner was undoubtedly challenging, filled with trials and errors. But I refused to give up. The support of my parents and a quote I had come across in elementary school – “Dreams without actions stay dreams” – became my guiding light.

Now, at the age of 30, I can proudly say that my gym has been thriving for over eight years. The path I’ve taken has been anything but conventional, but it has taught me the value of resilience, determination, and the power of turning adversity into opportunity. I am a living testament to the fact that dreams can be realized, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

My journey from a young fan of boxing and soccer to the owner of a successful boxing gym has been a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It is a reminder that setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones towards greatness.

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?

Empowering Students with a Winning Mindset: Lessons from the Boxing Ring

In the world of boxing, success is not solely determined by physical strength, but also by mental fortitude. As a boxing coach, I strive to instill in my students the belief that there are no limits to what they can achieve. I emphasize that success is a mindset that anyone can attain, as long as they believe in themselves, even when others may doubt them.

Mental toughness goes beyond the ability to take a punch and display physical strength. It encompasses the willingness to go the extra mile, both inside and outside the ring, in pursuit of one’s goals. I make it a point to help my students understand that mental toughness is about pushing past their limits, overcoming challenges, and persevering through adversity.

When it comes to the technical aspects of boxing, I focus on teaching my students the fundamentals and the art of hitting without getting hit. I emphasize the importance of strategic thinking in the ring, comparing it to a game of chess rather than a game of checkers. By imparting these skills, I aim to help my students become well-rounded fighters who can outmaneuver their opponents and make calculated moves.

The success of my training methods and the achievements of some of my fighters have opened doors for me to work with the junior USA boxing Olympic team at the prestigious Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. This incredible experience has enriched my coaching approach, allowing me to incorporate valuable lessons and techniques learned from working with elite athletes into my teachings.

Now, armed with the knowledge and insights gained from my time at the Olympic Training Center, I pass on these invaluable lessons to my students. I believe that by sharing my experiences and teaching them the techniques I learned, I can empower them to reach new heights in their boxing journey.

As a coach, my ultimate goal is to inspire my students to believe in themselves, to develop mental resilience, and to embrace the pursuit of excellence both in and out of the ring. By instilling a winning mindset and imparting the technical skills necessary for success, I hope to equip my students with the tools they need to achieve greatness in boxing and in life. This is What PFT Boxing stands for.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Well for a whole year I works 3 jobs. And On the weekends I would sell stuff at the swapmeet that I would gather during the week. I use to drive around get furniture that would be left on the side wall fix it and resale it.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What really helped me build my brand was showing results. Results with students being able to learn and fighters being able to win their fights

Contact Info:

• Website: Pftboxing.com
• Instagram: @pftboxing @fernig93
• Facebook: PFT Boxing Club
• Yelp: PFT Boxing Club