Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jake Platt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jake , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
In 1993, amidst the eclectic streets of Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, I embarked on a transformative journey—I opened my very first business, a Taekwondo center. Over the course of a decade, I poured my heart and soul into teaching Taekwondo to individuals from all walks of life, ascending to the prestigious rank of 4th Dan Master black belt.
But my aspirations didn’t stop there. In the midst of coaching Taekwondo, I harbored a fervent passion for strength and conditioning, determined to usher in a new era of health and fitness within the Taekwondo community. Little did I know, this pursuit would lead me to an extraordinary encounter with destiny.
It was at the bustling Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2001 US Open, mere months before the world-altering events of 9/11, that I crossed paths with none other than Steven Lopez—the epitome of Taekwondo excellence, reigning as both Olympic Gold Medalist and world champion.
Our collaboration was nothing short of exhilarating. Together, we embarked on a relentless pursuit of enhancing Steven’s already formidable athletic prowess, pushing the boundaries of his strength, power, and speed. Despite the daunting challenge posed by refining the skills of such a high-caliber athlete, our perseverance bore fruit, culminating in a triumphant display at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, where Steven clinched his second Olympic Gold Medal.
Yet, our journey was far from exclusive. In the years running parallel, I had the honor of coaching Staff Sergeant Paul Nelson to a remarkable third place finish at the 2004 Olympic Trials, a testament to the indomitable spirit that thrived within our training grounds influenced by my work with Steven.
During our intensive three-year collaboration from 2001 to 2004, we didn’t just hone Steven’s skills—we revolutionized the landscape of Taekwondo. Together with Steven’s brothers, Jean and Mark, as well as his sister, Diana—esteemed members of the US National Team—we created educational tapes that would inspire generations to come. And with NIKE, we forged a fitness pilot program, FIT360, aimed at sculpting champions both on and off the mat.
Reflecting on those formative years, I’ve come to understand the true essence of championship. It’s not merely about believing in one’s abilities—it’s about manifesting the highest echelons of success, a lesson I learned firsthand from Steven Lopez, a beacon of unwavering determination and unparalleled excellence.
From my time with Steven until 2015, the lessons on manifestation I gleaned from our collaboration served as the guiding light in my endeavors. Drawing from Steven’s unwavering determination, I embarked on a new venture, leveraging my insights to cultivate one of the top CrossFit programs in the US. With a resounding victory at the 2009 CrossFit Games, expansion to four locations, and a thriving community of thousands of satisfied members by 2015, my path seemed destined for continued success.
However, fate had other plans. A tumultuous chapter unfolded in my life as I navigated a devastating divorce, a blow that reverberated through both my personal and professional spheres, threatening to shatter the foundation I had worked tirelessly to build. Yet, it was the resilience instilled in me by Steven’s teachings that propelled me forward. With unwavering determination, I refused to succumb to adversity.
Instead, I seized the opportunity to reinvent myself, emerging from the ashes of despair as an elite online health coach. Armed with the invaluable lessons learned from my time with Steven, I forged ahead, carving out a new path to success.
Throughout the years, my bond with Steven remained unbreakable. In 2020, amidst the unprecedented challenges of the Covid era, we joined forces once again, collaborating on a transformative growth mindset course titled “Steven Lopez’s Olympic Mindset.”
The following is a summation of the profound wisdom and invaluable insights I gleaned from my extraordinary journey alongside Steven Lopez.
Manifestation, as I discovered, is akin to orchestrating a grand play—a symphony of dreams and aspirations unfolding before our very eyes. In this theatrical spectacle, we identified four pivotal roles, each contributing to the seamless realization of our deepest desires.
Firstly, there’s the role of the producer, the mastermind behind the scenes, who sets the stage with a resounding declaration of intent. Like crafting the theme of a play, the producer formulates a wish that serves as the cornerstone of our manifestation journey. “I wish to be a champion,” we proclaim, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama.
Next, we assume the mantle of the author, penning the script for the final act of our play. With meticulous precision, we map out the contours of our destiny, scripting the climactic moment of triumph with unwavering conviction.
Then comes the director, the maestro orchestrating the performance with meticulous attention to detail. Like a vigilant guardian of the stage, the director ensures that every line of the script is learned and mastered with utmost precision. With each rehearsal, we hone our skills, refining our craft until our portrayal of the desired outcome is nothing short of flawless.
Finally, there’s the actor—the embodiment of our imagination, the vessel through which our dreams take flight. With unwavering faith and boundless determination, we step into the role of the protagonist, breathing life into the vision we’ve set forth. We inhabit the character of the champion not only when the wish is realized but from the moment it is manifested into existence.
Together, these four aspects of the play of life converge in a harmonious climax, propelling us towards our ultimate destiny. Through unwavering belief and unyielding determination, we transcend the boundaries of reality, crafting our own narrative of triumph and success.
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?
Jake, a dedicated health and fitness expert, boasts an impressive background in sports, coaching, and personal transformation. Hailing from a small town in northern New Jersey, Jake’s early years were defined by his passion for football and baseball, which ultimately paved the way for his journey into professional coaching.
An unexpected twist of fate saw Jake enlist in the Marine Corps, though his tenure was cut short by a training accident that led to his medical discharge. Undeterred, Jake found solace and strength in martial arts, particularly Taekwondo, where the stretching and agility exercises played a pivotal role in his recovery. His unwavering commitment to the discipline propelled him to achieve the esteemed status of a Master level black belt instructor and eventually led him to establish his own Taekwondo school in Seattle.
Seeking to deepen his understanding of human kinetics, Jake pursued a kinesiology certification with the prestigious CHEK Institute. Applying his newfound expertise, he delved into high-performance training for Olympic Taekwondo athletes, notably guiding Staff Sergeant Paul Nelson to a Bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Trials. Collaborating with Olympic Gold Medalist Steven Lopez and coach Jean Lopez, Jake co-developed the widely acclaimed home workout program, Fit360.
Jake’s passion for fitness expanded beyond martial arts, leading him to venture into elite tennis and soccer training upon opening a gym in Seattle. In 2006, he embraced the burgeoning CrossFit movement, swiftly transforming his gym into one of Seattle’s pioneering CrossFit affiliates. Under Jake’s astute leadership, Northwest CrossFit soared to prominence, clinching the coveted title of the fittest gym in the world at the 2009 CrossFit Games Affiliate Cup and earning recognition as one of the “Top 10 CrossFit Gyms in America” by Men’s Journal.
As the founder of Paleo Health, Jake orchestrated numerous weight loss challenges at Northwest CrossFit, guiding countless individuals towards healthier, happier lives. Despite facing personal adversities and navigating the challenges posed by the Coronavirus Pandemic, Jake pivoted to resilience coaching, focusing on mindset and lifestyle coaching to empower individuals striving for healthier lifestyles, particularly those over 50.
Armed with a life coaching certificate from the ICF-accredited New Vibe Training, Jake introduced “The Morph Method,” a comprehensive self-development program addressing weight loss, health, fitness, relationships, and life challenges. With a steadfast commitment to empowering others, Jake’s ultimate mission is to impact over a million lives by helping individuals become the best versions of themselves.
To advance this noble endeavor, Jake is spearheading the development of MORPH Coaching, a hybrid program amalgamating health, life, and fitness coaching modalities. Through this initiative, he aims to equip coaches with the tools and knowledge necessary to facilitate sustainable weight loss and foster holistic well-being.
Currently residing north of Seattle with his partner Rachel and their eight-year-old son Reese, Jake maintains a close bond with his 25-year-old son Jaeger, who shares his passion for fitness coaching and music production.
Jake is available for personal coaching, eager to impart his 30+ years of coaching experience and inspire individuals to reach new heights in their lives.
Jake can be reached by email: revivemindset@gmail.com
Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?
My first business venture was financed through diligent saving accrued over three years while working as a women’s shoe salesman at Nordstrom. With $5,000 saved and an additional $5,000 from a cashed-out 401(k), coupled with a solid business plan, I secured a commercial lease situated on a bustling, high-traffic street.
Half of the funds were allocated for the down payment, while the remaining $5,000 was invested in essential items such as painting supplies, a computer and printer, matted carpeting, heavy bags, A-boards, flyers, homemade signage, as well as uniforms and belts for new members. Additionally, I continued working weekends at Nordstrom to sustain my personal finances.
Within three months, I reached the break-even point and began to see a profit.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
My cornerstone strategy has always been to exceed client expectations by delivering more value than they anticipate. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that by offering an abundance of value, I create an environment where clients are not only satisfied but compelled to remain engaged. This commitment to over-delivery has been instrumental in the sustained success of my business, fostering a culture of trust and loyalty among our clientele.
I firmly believe that adding value is paramount in today’s marketplace, where individuals seek relationships with entities that enhance their lives. By consistently going above and beyond, I ensure that my brand remains indispensable to our clients, establishing a reputation for excellence and reliability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.morphmethod.com/
- Instagram: @jarenn50
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakeplatt68
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-platt-08012aa/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHwrek61myuSyrvcn6eIqEw
Image Credits
I have rights to all the images.