Just got done with the second action-filled day at the FAST TRACK TO FITNESS MILLIONS event. Man, today was crazy but I’ll get to that later …
The first thing I’ve got say is how well run and polished this thing was – you’d hardly believe it was the first big event to be put on by fitness business experts Pat Rigsby, Nick Berry, and Jim Labadie.
And secondly, they attracted a tremendous crowd of nearly 300 personal trainers, bootcamp instructors, and fitness marketing entrepreneurs. It was a sharp bunch of heavy hitters looking to do serious damage in this industry.
Lastly, what stands out is the incredible line-up of speakers. The full gamut of topics on how exactly to succeed in fitness today (not 20 years ago) was covered from top to bottom.
The best part, for me was getting to meet up with all of the other industry people. We’re spread out all over the country, so these events are really the only time for all of us to meet face-to-face – that’s what makes them so fantastic.
Here are some pics of a few of the people I hung out with over the weekend:
Here I am with one of the hosts, and coolest guys and shrewdest businessmen in the entire fitness industry, Pat Rigsby.
Here I am with my buddy Craig Ballantyne and another really cool trainer I met at the event (who’s name I kept forgetting because I was confusing here with another trainer I know!).
Here I am with some of the youngest and sharpest guns in the fitness marketing biz – Alex Moraco (who’s killing it), Ryan Lee‘s right hand Geo Derise, and Pro BMXer turned businessman, Ryan.
Here I am with the corporate fitness mastermind Greg Justice, who’s co-launching the APPT, an organization devoted toward improving the Personal Training Industry.
Here I am with wildman and strength coach Zach Even-Esh.
I also got to hang out with Jim Hart, one of my marketing clients and Men’s Journal Top 100 Trainers in America. Look for him to be one of the next and biggest online fitness success stories.
And of course all the way from the west coast, we have my buddy Chris McCombs and his lovely and extremely cool wife Sarah.
The first day was excellent and more informational in tone with presenters Mike Boyle, Greg Justice, Craig Ballantyne, and Holly Rigsby (whose presentation was excellent). I had lunch with Antonio Valdares (one of NYC’s top trainers) and Jim Hart, where we talked about some of the major stuff they’re both doing online.
I laid low at night – really trying to avoid a replay of the the first night at the Fitness Business Summit! And I’ve also been suffering from a little sleep deprivation from working on the new Super-Trainer site, so I crashed for a solid 10 hours and woke up today like a new man.
Today was without a doubt the most fun – it was highly motivational, entertaining, and informative all at the same time. First up was, IYCA president, Brian Grasso who I met for the first time at this event and who is a really cool guy who you need to meet and talk to if you get a chance.
My favorite presentation of the weekend has to go to Zach, whose rags to riches fitness success story will have you both laughing and crying. Zach is, without a doubt, one of the most outrageous personalities we have in the fitness industry today.
And it was also great to see Chris McCombs get up there and kill it. The things he’s been able to achieve with his blog are incredible – he spilled some valuable keys to his success at the event.
Like I said, the best part for me was all of the people I met over the weekend including readers of the blog and tons of other industry people, like Mickey, Travis, the incomparable Adam Toohey, Nii Wilson, Joel Marion, A.J. Roberts, and just a ton more people that I’ve gotten to know online.
Above all, congrats to Pat, Nick, and Jim for doing such an amazing job with the event – no one should underestimate what goes into throwing one of these things, and they did an unbelievable job.
And don’t underestimate the impact that attending one of these events can have on you and your career. I hope I’ve made that clear with all of the coverage I’ve been giving at these events on the blog this month, so I recommend you don’t miss the next big fitness marketing event (hey Sarah that means you).
There’s one more day of presenters at the event tomorrow, but I may cut out early because I have some meetings with a few of the people over here. And after three big events this month, I’m a little wiped out and ready to actually get to some real work!
And after seeing so many of my buddies hold down some unbelievable events this past month, who knows, I may even look into organizing one of these events down the line – who’s down?!?!?! Haha – let me know!
Kaiser,
Being around “like minded people” always brings out the best in everyone. I’ve had such a great weekend putting faces to names of people that I have known via email and online (including you), but there’s nothing that can replace meeting these people face to face.
What a great weekend it has been. Congrats to Pat, Jim, and Nick for putting on such a great fitness event…already looking forward to the next one.
Kaiser – I’m jealous I couldn’t make it up to Jersey with you for this one – I guess 2/3 in a month isn’t bad! Will have to get out to Cali with you here soon to make it for it :)
Hey Greg! Was great meeting you and having a chance to talk with you buddy – I’m glad to see the industry is in very good hands –
Yeah Doug – this event was a little different from the other two this month – I really liked it – it’s a must have for everyone in fitness – and remember, this was their first – next year, it’ll be a MONSTER –
Hey, Kaiser, what happened to you? I looked for you to do that video and you were M.I.A. :-)
The women in the picture with you and CB is Jill. Her last name starts with an “S”; it might be Sanger; I’m not sure.
Hope to catch you tomorrow.
Haha – thanks Mickey – I knew it started with a J –
I’m sorry I had to run out of there before the roundtable at the end – I’ll be lurking around tomorrow – hope to see you then!
Sorry, I must have been too tired when I posted last night. That trainer’s name is Julie not Jill.
See that! You can’t remember her name either – I hope she doesn’t see this …
Hey Kaiser,
Hey – it was an extraordinary weekend. My head is spinning with all the rush of good ideas and motivation that I got from watching some of the most inspiring and entertaining presenters in the fitness field. I am sorting and organizing all the stuff and creating a “plan of massive action” for next week.
The real power of these events is in the sharing and networking. It’s good to come face to face with others who are in our league and share our level of professionalism and enthusiasm.
I think you should put on an event- I know a lot of event planners and of course I could cater the whole thing with healthy snacks and meals!
Kaiser!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have no idea how frustrating it’s been reading the constant stream of tweets and facebook updates from those of you who were at Fast Track! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR! :)
I seriously was convincing myself I could buy a ticket on THURSDAY. I put a bid on a house on Friday. LIFE! I was trying to justify it and couldn’t find a reason not to, other than I am stressed to the max with this house-buying process!
Trust me, I wanted to be there. Y’all have no idea.
I will be there next year. In fact, i’m trying to convince myself that I can swing the NSCA conference in July as well as IDEA in August. I won’t be throwing money away on rent anymore (soon, hopefully in 4 weeks max), so i’m jazzed…but it’s like there’s all these things I want to do at once!
I’m thinking if I could clone myself…that would work…maybe 2 clones? 3? K, what do you think?
Yours in Health,
Sarah
PS – I hope there were many Patron shots taken. ;)
Kaiser,
dude, looks like you have upped your game !! looking bigger and fit.
Hey Kaiser – thank you for attending and thanks for the kind words! Fast Track to Fitness Millions was a great event and it was primarily due to so many guys like you. The presenters were awesome and the attendees were even more awesome. Just a great group of like minded, motivated fitness pros – and I’m glad I got to play a small part in putting it together.