We were lucky to catch up with Rocky Ramirez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rocky, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I used to work at a supplement shop. People use to always come in and tell me they got kicked out of their gym for being too loud lifting. I always thought it was crazy, being quiet while trying to lift real heavy, coming from a powerlifting background. I thought to myself, we need a hardcore gym that allows lifters to lift heavy weight and not worry about being loud. A week later we received a dvd in the mail called unleashed. I popped it in to watch and right away there are these two lifters lifting in a gym, loud music, grunting and making noise. That was the moment I knew what I had to do. Open the first hardcore lifting gym in NM.
Rocky, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve been in athletics my whole life. Started playing football at a very young age all the way to college. My dad Albert Ramirez was a former pro boxer, Hence where I got the name Rocky. So I was surrounded with sports. Played football, basketball, wrestled and eventually got into powerlifting and professional MMA and Boxing . I decided to open a gym while I was fighting. At first I wanted to have a place for heavy lifters to lift. It started in a 600 square building to the 9000 facility it is now. I was always in gyms lifting and was also a certified personal trainer. So it was a perfect fit. From all my experienced and knowledge,
I have been able to teach and train all sorts of clients and customers. From young athletes, older athletes, teens and adults. Those who want to live and become healthy to those who want to be competitive .Ive been able to help clients lose weight and build muscle. I’ve helped adults win and become the better athlete they’ve wanted to be. I think the passion I have within my business shows to my clients. I really enjoy coaching and training clients. And they see it. I’m proud of seeing my clients and students become better versions of themselves. I’ve always told my clients, I never want to be their crutch, I want to push them and motivate them to where they can do everything on their own eventually.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Covid 2020. Had to shut down the gym for 3/4 months. We kept teaching classes by zoom. Made a come back once we reopened.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
As a professional fighter and having a part time job. All the earnings I made from fighting and sponsorship was put into a savigs. One enough was saved. I used all moneys to open westside power gym.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: westside_power_gym