We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Johnie Drake. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Johnie below.

Johnie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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

I began working as a freelance trainer during my pursuit of a professional career as a track and field sprinter. T&F high school coaches who knew I was in Detroit training for my season would contact me and ask could I come share my expertise with their athletes. I loved the idea of freely choosing when, where, and who I worked with. In addition, I solely worked with a trainer to enhance my track career. The one on one relationship and attention developed through our time together was special; we made history on the track. I wanted to offer that same experience to other athletes, so I then set out to become a trainer. The start of that took some time for I was offered a job as the Detroit Public School Middle School Track and Field Director in conjunction with Athletic Director for the non profit organization Courageous in 2012. During my 1st year with the organization I found an opportunity to develop a training facility and work my way to fulfilling my goal as a trainer. There was a large amount of research that needed to be done. I visited a few training facilities in the area to get an idea of layout. I brainstormed ideas with friends, family, athletes, former athletes to offer as many needs and wants our budget could afford. Finding the funding was next which started with donations from various companies in the Metro Detroit area, personal investment, and GoFundMe. With the help of co-workers, contractors, and sweat equity we established the sports performance center and I began my career as a sports performance coach.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Johnie Drake, Hall of Fame sprinter, who identifies, fixes, and develops speed, power, explosiveness, and overall athleticism for athletes from the youth to professional disciplines. My job as a speed/sports performance coach is to help athletes reach their athletic goals and peak performances. This is done by analyzing the athlete, then developing a plan to improve weaknesses and enhance strengths. One thing that sets me apart from other trainers is my experience. I am a former world class sprinter who learned more virtually and internally then with the physical presence of a coach. I understand what athletes are thinking and feeling as they go through the process of becoming great. Moreover, I have the educational background with multiple certifications, a masters degree in coaching and athletic administration, and a collection of training books.

I am most proud of being a father and mentor. I have two young daughters who I love and cherish dearly. I want to be an example for not only them but for my kids/athletes I work with. I take on the responsibility as a role model. This is not something I shy away from. I know my actions and words hold weight so I move and speak wisely. I love sharing my experience and expertise not only in the context of sport but in life as well. I am someone athletes can confide in and I take that position seriously.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Well, as I previously mentioned, I had the opportunity to start my journey with the nonprofit organization in 2012, but by 2016 I had to remove myself from that situation for it had took a toll on my mental health. There had been quit a few changes through the years that I did not agree with so it slowly started to weigh on me. In the end, I decided to leave everything I helped built with no plan, just my faith in God. My trust in Him never waivers despite the ebbs and flows of life. With Him and belief in myself I knew I would bounce back, I just did not know how long it would take. I managed to keep a few clients, training at different popular health clubs, next was outside at various tracks, then my church allowed me to use their gym, finally finding a home one year later at Stunner Elite Training gym. I stuck to my dream despite the downfall on my 1st attempt.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My best sources have been my athletes. Once they started to get results then teammates, friends, and parents started inquiring about my services. Building my clientele has primarily been through word of mouth. I post workouts on social media and highlight athletes but I am not a heavy influencer when it comes to gaining popularity on those platforms. I used Twitter as a strategy in 2019. I identified my audience and saw they spent time on that platform to connect with college coaches, it was a no brainer to do the same thing. I gained many followers and a 27% increase in bookings. I would advise small business owners to breakdown your ideal customer in every which way possible then attack their pain points.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jdspeedperformance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdspeedperformance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDSpeedPerformance
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnie-i-drake-iii-m-a-b1265189/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/speed_jd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@johniedrakespeedperformanc8392

Image Credits
Hassan Ahmadu – picture with Sound Mind Sound Body hoodie on training kids. Picture of me with JDSP hoodie on folding hands.