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 joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?
In the world of business, where profit margins often take center stage, there exists a quieter, more profound reason for entrepreneurship—an avenue where you can touch lives in ways that extend far beyond balance sheets and bottom lines. For me, that reason has always been the freedom to help others as I see fit.
Throughout my career, I’ve crossed paths with countless individuals whose deepest desire was to transform their health, yet their financial circumstances stood as a formidable barrier. In these moments, I’ve had the privilege of extending a hand, offering pro bono services to those who yearned for a new lease on life, individuals who needed a little financial grace to set them on the path to better health. In exchange for my assistance, we made a simple pact, sealed by unwavering commitment.
Our arrangement was a secret, shared only between us and their closest confidant. They pledged to invest not only their sweat but their unwavering belief in the journey ahead. And lastly, they promised to pay this kindness forward, an act of benevolence waiting for the right moment to change another life.
One particular story stands out among the many I’ve encountered in my career, that of a young college student whose life had taken a dark turn. In pursuit of newfound freedom, she had fallen in with a crowd that led her down the treacherous path of drugs and alcohol, ultimately forcing her to abandon her dreams and return home to her parents. Determined to regain control of her life, shed the weight she had gained during her tumultuous journey, and forge a new, healthier lifestyle, she set her sights on a lofty goal: competing in a bodybuilding competition in the bikini category.
I hesitated initially, skeptical of her youth and lack of fitness knowledge. I didn’t want to set her up for yet another disappointment. But to my astonishment, she not only reached her goal but stood on that stage looking nothing short of extraordinary. She became the youngest member of our team that season, a beacon of inspiration to all who witnessed her journey. Every challenge, every obstacle, she confronted with grace and unyielding strength, achieving far beyond what I had ever dared to imagine.
As time passed, she sent me a letter, revealing a part of her story I had never known when we embarked on this journey together. During her college years and the subsequent failures that followed, she had battled with thoughts of suicide. When she sought my guidance, I had no inkling of the fragile state of her mental health. In her heartfelt letter, she expressed gratitude for my unwavering belief in her, for the incredible opportunity that had come her way, and for ultimately saving her life.
Today, she is a remarkable and resilient woman. She completed her pharmaceutical degree, a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. Her story reminds me that sometimes, the most profound impact we can have in this world transcends the spreadsheets and profit margins—it lies in the kindness we extend, the faith we have in others, and the opportunities we provide to heal and transform lives. And in that, I find the true essence of why I love owning my own business—to make the world a better place, one life at a time.
Sandi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I always tell people, ‘I have the BEST job in the world!’ With over 15 years of experience as a Certified Professional Fitness Coach, my journey has been a tapestry of strength training, weight loss, injury prevention and recovery, and competition preparation. This voyage has crafted my reputation as a fitness professional, making me a sought-after consultant for Olympic and World Champion Athletes, U.S. Military Special Forces members, Medical Professionals, and Corporate Businesses.
I stand as an accomplished IFBB International Women’s Physique athlete, bodybuilding coach, speaker, and mentor. My own odyssey in the realm of fitness, years ago, ignited an unyielding desire to empower others, helping them unearth the beauty and strength within themselves to achieve the unimaginable. My mentoring is imbued with passion, charting the course for my clients to effectively reach their fitness aspirations and elevate their wellness to unprecedented heights.
Through my 15 years as a professional coach, I’ve come to realize that nearly everyone encounters a pivotal moment in their life when they require assistance. This moment often arises from emotional or physical trauma, be it abuse, a car accident, or other circumstances. In these times, having compassion, patience, and the ability to truly listen to a person transcends any meal plan or training regimen. It becomes the foundation for them to achieve genuine health, wellness, and success. I may only be the initial step or a single thread in their journey, but I am unwaveringly committed to making every moment count.
My brand and mission have always revolved around building a stronger, healthier, and more empowered community—one person, one relationship at a time.
My core values are:
Integrity: I am committed to being authentic in all my relationships, practices and endeavors. I adhere to delivering on promises made with the utmost sincerity and genuineness. This trait, above all others, is central to my beliefs and being. I hold integrity in the highest regard, for without integrity, all other traits are meaningless. I am transparent about my shortcomings and strive daily to seek opportunities of growth, both personally and professionally.
Connectedness: I diligently practice being an active listener and connecting with people beyond the surface. I understand the power of real and true connection and the effect it can have on one’s life, therefore I approach each situation as an opportunity to make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact. I seek out relationships that are rooted in compassion, respect and a desire to learn and understand, even in the midst of diversity. Demonstrating humility, humor, understanding and empathy can begin to break down even the strongest of walls.
Excellence: I take pride in ensuring the services I provide exceed the highest standards. The passion for the work I perform is demonstrated by the highest quality customer service experience. My commitment to continuing education and discovery for personal and professional growth is a priority to ensure I am ever moving forward as an individual, professional and leader.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I cannot emphasize enough the paramount importance of building meaningful relationships in any field. You may possess a wealth of training and knowledge in your chosen domain, but without taking the time to connect with your clients, all that expertise will eventually lose its significance. People yearn to be more than just another ‘transaction.’ As human beings, we crave to be truly seen and heard. When you invest the effort to listen to their stories, comprehend their starting points, and understand their genuine goals, you can forge a connection that allows you to serve their deepest needs with the full spectrum of your training and knowledge.
In my journey, I’ve come to recognize that the clients I have the privilege to work with are the bedrock of my reputation. Their experiences with me, which they generously share with others, constitute the most profound testament to the authenticity behind all that I do.
Furthermore, I am intentional and tirelessly dedicated to nurturing relationships and endorsing businesses that align with my passion for assisting others. I’ve cultivated a community of medical and healthcare professionals who work collaboratively with me to offer trustworthy and dependable resources, services, and products to my clients, even those that fall outside my immediate scope. These partnerships, I firmly believe, are pivotal not only in solidifying my reputation within my local market but also in the broader network of those who share and complement my mission
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey has been one with countless challenges and obstacles. For 17 years, our family was stationed overseas with the U.S. Air Force—an incredible and simultaneously demanding experience. Embarking on a business venture in a foreign land presented myriad opportunities for learning and growth. As a new business owner, navigating the intricacies of American and German tax laws often proved frustrating and, at times, even frightening—German tax authorities had the power to suspend your passport for tax violations! Additionally, marketing to a multinational and multilingual community was a task I had never envisioned having to undertake.
Yet, perhaps the most unique challenge lay in the ever-shifting military community we inhabited. Military families overseas tend to uproot themselves every 2-3 years. Learning how to effectively connect with an entirely new community each year was a remarkable and distinct challenge that set my business apart from most others.
Fast forward to 2019 when we made the monumental move back to the United States after 17 years. This transition was, without a doubt, the most arduous and rewarding endeavor of all. The sheer multitude of opportunities available was overwhelming. ‘Coming home’ meant reintegrating into an entirely different culture. It took time to understand and effectively engage in networking, marketing, and advertising in our new community. I invested substantial resources, both in terms of money and countless days that initially yielded no return, before finally feeling like I had a solid foundation to build upon.
Just as I was beginning to establish myself in Colorado, March 2020 ushered in the era of COVID-19. Like countless businesses, big and small, we were forced to pivot, adapt, and redirect our efforts. My willingness to embrace change, even if it meant facing failure, my determination to glean valuable lessons from every experience, and my unwavering discipline in seeking creative solutions to move forward have all played pivotal roles in my journey to resounding success
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