We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Timmie Standridge a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Timmie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
While finishing the final semester of the Fitness Specialist Program, I needed to reach my work experience hours, so I began reaching out to my sphere of influence. A friend of a friend co-owned a small private training gym in Point Loma, San Diego. I went in to meet with the two owners; one a retired Navy SEAL the other a retired Marine Corp Vet, to say I was nervous would be an understatement. I had never trained anyone in a professional setting, I was training my friends here and there and mostly for free. I remember the self doubt and apprehension swirling around my head as I drove to the gym to meet with them. I thought to myself, “these guys know their stuff, how will I compare?” Thankfully, they welcomed me with open arms. I started there under an internship agreement, which they so generously paid me anyway (they did not have to do that). Many months later, after I finished the program and became certified, I was hired on as a trainer. It was the perfect place for me to learn. There were clients of all ages and athletic ability, but I worked quite a bit with clients who were limited in mobility and strength. Working with special populations taught me how to design very specific exercise programs and sometimes that even meant taking someones hands and dancing the two step. I felt very fortunate to have started my career in a place where my boss was open and understanding of my personal growth. Jon, allowed me to start my own classes at his gym and then when the time came for me to go out on my own he was completely okay with it. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to jumpstart my career in the fitness industry.
Timmie, 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?
As a health and wellness coach, I provide many services, primarily in the weight loss category. In a world stocked full of websites, fitness apps, wearables and social media, I set myself apart by being personally available to my clients. I only take on a certain number of clients per month. I want to be able to connect to each person because I understand how daunting it may feel to start a weight-loss program, I believe it goes so much further than “calories in vs calories out”. Each client has been feeling frustrated with themselves, has been feeling defeated and uncomfortable in their own skin. It takes more than just an app or a website to tell you what to do and I know that personal connection and support is what helps take that person to the next level.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe in any type of service industry word of mouth is king. Social media has been a great marketing tool as well, but when it comes to reputation, what other people say about you is so imperative. It is essential as a fitness professional to make your clients feel safe and I think I have built a strong reputation in doing so. I have created long lasting friendships and relationships with my clients and they have all had a hand in building my brand and reputation. For that I am forever grateful.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
I most certainly geek out on personal development books, podcasts and interviews. A few books that have impacted my growth are:
The Compound Effect, Darren Hardy
Mindset, Carol S. Dweck
Slight Edge, Jeff Olson
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson
Building a Story Brand, Donald Miller
Launching and Building a Brand for Dummies, Amy Will
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.timmiestandridgefitness.com
- Instagram: @timmiestandridge
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/TimmieStandridgeCPT
- Other: https://thedailyresolution.com