Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Wise.
Josh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A brief walk down memory lane: graduating from Abilene Christian University in May of 2010 I had developed a passion for strength and conditioning. Not the kind where you see me flexing on camera as of now. But the kind of passion that makes you want to help others feel what you feel. The self-image boost I received from physical fitness gave me a competitive advantage that most able bodies don’t know they have.
As I graduated from college, with my first child on the way, I had no job. I couldn’t find one for five months.
Applied to Fed Ex, UPS. Enterprise. And more. Growing frustrated I just kept working out. Finding new workout plans. Searching for new supplements. Just taking initiative on what I thought would be the best for my body. I became a student of fitness.
And then it dawned on me. That I need to be in the fitness industry. In shape. Collegiate football player. Business degree. How could I fail?
So I applied to 24 Hour Fitness in July. I didn’t get a call back until three weeks later. In that time I moved to be closer to my son. But being jobless was depressing so I moved back to Dallas to work the front desk making minimum wage.
Even with a bachelors degree, I had to start at the bottom. Embracing reality I knew it was only temporary. I stayed patient. But was very eager to learn.
Throughout my front desk days, and night shifts I spent a lot of my time studying. Ranging from applied sciences, to business and to personal development I wanted to know it all.
In a quick eight months, I was promoted from Front desk rep to personal trainer.
Knowing the ins and outs of the gym from working the front desk I used that to my advantage to getting in front of people.
Making double of what my monthly checks use to be on a weekly basis. I knew I was in the right situation.
Once I figured it out.
I couldn’t stop. Went from personal trainer to top Bootcamp instructor to assistant manager to master trainer to fitness manager all within three years.
Noticing the impact I’ve had on my clients, my trainers, and the gym community I knew I was meant for more. A box has its limitations.
24 Hour Fitness knew it too. I was asked to be the representative for the company at the United States Olympic Committee.
I filmed workouts videos and interviewed nutritionists, psychologists and such all at the Olympic training facility.
I remember being picked up from the airport by the communication director of 24, she asked me what am I going to do with myself, being so young (25-26 at the time) and so bright that the possibilities were endless.
Not knowing in the next six months, That’ll be my last day as a corporate employee and the first day that I became a Fitprenuer.
Understanding the business from the ground level and a managerial perspective it gave me all the confidence I needed to part ways with 24.
From September 2010- July 2014 was all 24. From June 2014 to now it’s been a ride.
Selling apparel. Working boot camps. One on training. Partner training. Getting clients ready for bodybuilding shows. Remote training for the ones who are afar. I do it all.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road? Hellll no!
I’ll list my top five struggles:
1. Financial Management; making money isn’t the problem. Keeping it is.
2. Growing your business without a team. A one-man team can go fast. But a team can go farther.
3. Inconsistent clients are bad for business. Lack of consistencies brings a lack of income. Ripple effect.
4. Lack of Sleep (I do most of my sleeping during the day)
5. Being everything for everybody. Emotional labor is real.
Tell us more about your work.
My business is a system that comprises of:
Personal and Partner training
Online training
Bootcamps
Apparel
I specialize in body composition change. I don’t care about how much weight you lost. I care about how much fat you lost. Fat loss and weight loss businesses has different agendas.
What I’m known for depends on who you ask: ask a male, and he probably will say bodybuilding. If you ask a female, she will probably say his clients are body goals. But they both will probably say the WISEUP guy?
I’m proud to be a leader in the industry. A lot of clients that come through are personal trainers themselves. And knowing that. I know it’s not just about training them it’s about giving them an experience that can help them make a name for themselves as well.
One of the biggest factors that I know that sets me apart is my ability to learn and care. Caring makes you detailed oriented. Learning keeps your solution based oriented. And with that combo, you’ll always be set up for success.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The credit goes to my father. For pitching into helping me get my first personal training certification. My business instructor Michael Winegeart for teaching me to follow my passion instead of profit. My mother for giving me the blueprint to success. And as well as my community. Ex clients. Past clients. I thank you all. I couldn’t be me
without any of them. And a special thanks to Brian Dobson, owner of Original Metroflex, for giving me a place to call home.
Pricing:
- Personal Training $75-100 per session
- Monthly Online Training $225
- Apparel – $20-50
Contact Info:
- Address: 2901 S. Cooper Street Suite #109
- Website: https://www.joshwise.fit/
- Phone: 4693865747
- Email: jrw05d@gmail.com
- Instagram: _joshwise
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