We recently connected with Gretchen Zelek and have shared our conversation below.

Gretchen, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I have always wondered what it would be like to work at a popular “technical athletic apparel” company. I loved their purpose, their vision and their core values. I loved shopping in the store, but I realized I had never seen anyone my age represented there and I decided I could change that. The first 3 interviews were virtual and I watched on the Zoom screen the fresh faces of college students and those who had just graduated, all hoping for a part time job. I was 3x the age of most of the applicants.

After a final in person group interview, I was hired. It took forty hours of online and in-store training but I have to say it is one of the best and the most fun and rewarding things I have ever done.. My friends think I am crazy and it is challenging to organize my time efficiently to get my “real job” and other responsibilities completed, but it is worth it. .

Because I took that leap, when most people are looking to retire, I have been able to connect with people I ordinarily would never have had the opportunity to meet and I have even made friends with guests who frequent the store. I problem solve, actively engage with people all day long, support a great team and I am constantly learning. I did not know what to expect when I applied for that job, but it has far exceeded everything I hoped for.

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 had always been an active participant in sports and exercise classes. An instructor in a fitness class I frequented asked me if I would help her design and market fitness products intended to make exercising on the knees, wrists and back more comfortable. I had never done anything like that before, but soon afterwards, I became the only person running the company and suddenly found myself with a career in the fitness world.

I decided, in my fifties, in order to become more knowledgeable and credible in fitness, to study to become an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor. I spent weeks studying and once I passed the 2 hour written exam I spent a day taking the in person practical exam. When I initially walked into the room where the practical exam was being held, surrounded by much younger participants, the instructor in charge told me not to worry because if I didn’t pass the practical exam this time there would be opportunities for others. I passed the first time and since then have earned many more certifications including becoming a Functional Aging Specialist.

After a short while, I started being asked to give quotes and to submit articles for magazines and online sources like AARP, Oxygen, Ageist, Better Homes & Gardens, and many others. I talked to people so much about fitness over 50 that I began speaking and presenting at national conferences about Fitness Tools for Baby Boomers. It’s something I never expected to do and I am having fun.

I have a website called GoGretch.com and social media (@gogretch) where I am an over 50 fitness and lifestyle brand. I help people live, laugh and learn as they rediscover their fitness, health and lifestyle goals through my videos, tips and products.

What you see is what you get. I bring my authentic self to the screen, I don’t get all glammed up (do you put on makeup to workout?) and I only use and share products I use and truly, honestly believe it. You can trust me. I am just like anyone else over 60.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The most helpful thing in the fitness field is getting out there and meeting as many people as you can. You must network and don’t be afraid to do some research to figure out who you should reach out to collaborate, to learn, ask questions or to offer advice. Attend conferences, book signings, running groups, fitness classes,- whatever and wherever you can go yo meet people to “talk shop” . I love accountability groups and volunteering where people see me outside my office and gym. They get to know and trust me in a different venue.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is word of mouth and referrals by people who know and have worked with me once I became an “expert” in my field. Through those contacts I was asked to submit articles to magazines and online sources, The articles were read and then I was asked to speak at conferences. I also love social media to grow my clientele as well as teaching online classes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gogretch.com/
• Instagram: @gogretch
• Facebook: GO Gretch
• Youtube: @itsgogretch
• Other: TikTok @itsgogretch Threads @gogretch