Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Samford.
Scott, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I came late to the fitness game; I was about 32 when I started my career. The family business was closing and it was time for me to decide what to do next. It was one of those moments when you reflect on the conversations you have with your friends about “if I knew then what I knew now.” I knew I always wanted to help people and I loved fitness, so I decided to combine my passions and make a go at it. I received my first personal training certification locally from Cooper Institute. That allowed me to get a job at local big box gym. From there, I learned more and moved up and out to “better” big box and worked for several years until I discovered Pilates.
The gym I worked for was offering a Pilates certification course from Peak Pilates. At this point in my career, I was well established with several certifications under my belt and I thought Pilates would be another notch in it. I had no idea what Pilates was or anything about it. I walked in on the first day of certification, and got my pride handed to me. But, what I also got was the key to my future. Even though, I had no idea what I was doing, I knew that this was the path. Over the following year, I finished my Pilates certification and my career as a personal trainer. I left the gym and worked a few fitness jobs while building my Pilates business at Pilates Connection. In a year’s time, not only was I working full time at Pilates Connection but I was also a co-owner. Recently, I have started a second career as a Master Instructor for Peak Pilates and I now have the privilege of traveling across the Unites States to help others become Pilates instructors and help them find the same successes I have. I never dreamed that Pilates would have taken me to this level in my professional life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No. I have had my share of personal and professional challenges along the way. I think when you are pursuing your passion, people and obstacles will always come along to try and stop you. More than once, I have had people actively try to destroy my business and/or my reputation. Fortunately, I have been blessed to be surrounded by helpful mentors, a supportive family and loving husband. I have learned that sometimes all you can do is take the high road and hope for the best. But, even on the high road, you don’t stop fighting. I have been to the top and bottom so many times, the bottom doesn’t scare me anymore. You can always choose to make your life, career, or whatever better; you just have to decide it is worth fighting for.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pilates Connection – what should we know?
Pilates Connection is a classically based Pilates studio in the Park Cities. We use the principles of Pilates to help people live better lives through strength and healthy movement. Pilates is an exercise system that truly works for every body – from elite athletes to de-conditioned weekend warriors. We work with all ages of people – teenagers to octogenarians.
The thing that makes me most proud about my studio is the environment that we have created. I work with one of the most talented and thoughtful group of women in the city. As a team, we have created a place of welcome and of inclusion. My team is family and we treat our clients like family too. We don’t have the egos and petty rivalries that you find a lot of other studios. It is a great place to be a part of.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Wow! A lot of people deserve credit in helping me to be successful. I learned everything about business from my father, who also allowed me to transition out of the family business and into my fitness career. Tina Piermarini was invaluable as a life and business coach. Cherry Herzog my mentor, my friend and my co-owner. I am where I am today because she is in my life. And, of course, my husband, Michael Stork. He is my rock. I wouldn’t be anything without him. He is my greatest blessing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6043 Sherry Lane
Dallas, TX 75225 - Website: www.pilates-connection.com
- Phone: 214-668-6469
- Email: scott@pilates-connection.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilatesConnection/
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