Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sandi Griffin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sandi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

I was completely unaware that my personal fitness journey that began back in 2007 would lead to my career as a professional fitness coach.

My journey hasn’t been without lots of challenges and obstacles. Our family was stationed overseas for 17 years with the U.S. Air Force. It was absolutely amazing and challenging at the same time. Starting a business in a foreign country came with lots of learning and growing opportunities. As a new business owner, navigating American and German tax laws and all the intricacies was sometimes frustrating as well as frightening – German tax authorities could suspend your passport for tax violations! In addition, marketing to a multinational/multilingual community was something I never imagined having to accomplish.

Another unique challenge was the ever changing military community that we lived in. Military families overseas typically move every 2-3 years. Learning how to effectively reach a brand new community each year was absolutely unique compared to most businesses.

Fast forward to 2019 when we had to move back to the United States after 17 years. This was by far the most challenging and rewarding venture. So many new opportunities were available that is was seriously overwhelming. Coming ‘home’ meant reintegrating to a completely different culture. Networking, marketing, advertising in our new community took a bit of time to understand and do effectively, and I spent lots of money and countless days that yielded zero return before feeling like I had a solid foundation to build on.

9 months after relocating to Colorado, I felt like I was finally having some success in getting established. Then in March 2020, the world was introduced to COVID-19. Like most businesses, big and small, we all had a lot of learning, pivoting, redirecting to do. I feel like my willingness to try even if I fail, learn valuable lessons through those experiences, and staying disciplined in finding creative ways to move forward has enabled me to be incredibly successful.

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

I’m Sandi Griffin, professional fitness coach and former IFBB International Women’s Physique athlete. I’m married to an amazing husband and the proud mom of 3 incredible grown kids. I love outdoor adventures and mountain biking and I’ve even had the opportunity to fly a plane! I LOVE coffee, leggings and I’m a little bit silly. But there’s more to me than you might think…..or at least there used to be.

The Air Force moved our family to Germany in early 2002. I wasn’t quite prepared for all the challenges I would face and gained 30 pounds within the first year.

The weight gain continued and my health deteriorated to a point I feared a stroke or heart attack would be in my very near future.At the age of 33, I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure among other severe health issues, all due to my unhealthy sedentary lifestyle. Lacking any self-esteem I felt completely defeated.

2007 was my turning point. My family deserved a healthy mom and wife. I knew I was headed down a dangerous path and I was afraid of dying at a young age. A skiing accident that resulted in a traumatic knee injury ended up being a blessing in disguise. Physical therapy introduced me to the gym.

In early 2008, I began to make better nutrition choices and starting training with my husband. In a matter of months I had lost a substantial amount of weight and discovered how strong I was becoming. Later that year, at the age of 35, I entered my first bodybuilding competition. I told my husband, “You created this monster!”

As my training continued, the strength and confidence I gained was invaluable. I felt like I could conquer anything. It’s amazing to think that I barely knew the difference between a barbell and a dumbbell when I first began. Now there’s no exercise, no challenge or any obstacle that I know I can’t overcome.

I always tell people “I have the BEST job in the world!” I have over 15 years experience as a Certified Professional Fitness Coach. My extensive experience with strength training, weight loss, injury prevention/recovery, and competition preparation cultivated my outstanding reputation as a fitness professional, making me a sought after consultant with Olympic and World Champion Athletes, U.S. Military Special Forces members, Medical Professionals as well as Corporate Businesses.

I am an accomplished IFBB International Women’s Physique athlete, bodybuilding coach, speaker and mentor. My own personal fitness journey many years ago, fueled an unrelenting desire to empower others, helping them discover the beauty and strength they have to achieve things they never imagined possible. I mentor with passion, guiding my clients to effectively achieve their fitness goals and elevate their fitness and wellness to new heights.

In my 15 years as a professional coach, I have grown to understand that most people reach a moment in their life where they need help. This is almost always a result of an emotional or physical trauma (example: abuse, car accident, etc), past and/or present. Having compassion, patience and being able to truly listen to a person will go far beyond any meal plan or training program in helping them achieve true health, wellness and success in their life. I may only be the start or just one small piece of their journey, but I am committed to making every moment count.

My brand and my mission have always been – and always will be – centered around building a stronger, healthier, more empowered community, one person, one relationship at a time.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The clients I have the privilege to work with I believe are the most important for establishing my reputation. Their experience with me that they share with others is, by far, the most poignant form of establishing the reputation behind all that I do.

I also am deliberate and work very diligently at establishing relationships and promoting other business that align with my passion for helping others. I have a community of medical and healthcare professionals that I work alongside to provide reputable and reliable resources, services and products to my clients that may be outside of my scope and/or enable them to get even closer to their health goals. I sincerely believe these partnerships are pivotal in helping build my reputation, not only in my immediate market, but in those that support and compliment it as well.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I cannot stress enough that building relationships is one of the most important thing you can do in any field. You can have all of the training and knowledge your field has to offer, but if you do not take the time to make a connection with your clients, none of yor knowledge and skill will matter for long. People do not want to be treated simply like a “transaction”. As humans, I believe we long to really be seen and heard. If you take the time to listen to their story, understand where they are starting from and what their goals really are, you can then establish a connection and truly serve their greatest needs with all of the training and knowledge you have.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandigriffin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandi.griffin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandigriffinfitness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandigriffin
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/griffin_sandi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/sandigriffinfitness
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sandi-griffin-fitness-colorado-springs