We were lucky to catch up with Jerry Francois recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jerry, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My story behind my mission to bring diversity and connection. When I started a run club it was to create a safe space for runners and non runners who look like us and act like use to find a place to be themselves. Most times people run with crews and clubs that just focus on running which is cool but I wanted to make a place where it felt like family. That running always always the topic when we come together that we can do anything beyond the sport together.
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 Jerry Francois I’m born and raise in Brooklyn NY. I’m 31 years old with a beautiful baby boy name Jaxx who is 2 years old. I currently work for myself as entrepreneur/ Private Running Coach and freelance model. Trying to sustain a lifestyle that allows me to be flexible for other things outside my profession like family time with my son and times with people I love. I took the leap early this year to turn my running club/crew into a business and created membership to service the community in a larger scale while having more availability to give it my all. A community with purpose I like to say. Giving the people the opportunity in the sport and recreation aspect one mile out of time. @gftcbklyn is my vision for many things not just running but creating creative hub for all talent to be able to be useful to build more great things around us. GFTC is a family to serve the community with running,wellness and mental health. Focus all things in life that help us move better and together. Because the lost my Mom my end Goal is build empire in her name Francois and build generational wealth.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
My side hustle became my main hustle after last summer When my job fired me I had to think fast on my next move but I was greatful I had GFTC right under me to make something happen. It was a struggle at first and I had to use money I saved up but I knew GOD had bigger plans for me and I’m been happy ever since I made the move. Creating my only 9-5 schedule and taking no order from anyone but myself. My favorite part is allowing the brand to connect and collaborate with business and getting the purpose to larger audience.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The lesson I had to unlearn was you can’t do everything yourself. It’s ok to ask for help but really ask. For a long time I did everything myself from 2016 to 2020 with GFTC and it was really hard on me but allowing people like my co captains Gemma,Thomas to help me on the operational and business ventures it has help the brand Excel. Having illustrator like , Chloe & Ping have allowed me to take my design to the next level with branding on website and social. I thank Sash,Katy,Amanda, Chris , Sabrina, VBR, Joeshayne and so many others who contribute to myself with this brand. All
My clients who have invested me . There no turning back I’m all in !!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.GFTC.nyc
- Instagram: Kingparkergold2001
Image Credits
Boose