In this candid origin story, Jonathan reveals his journey from personal trainer to successful online entrepreneur. Growing up in a traditional professional family in Toronto, Jonathan breaks convention to build the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC) from scratch. He shares pivotal moments including a life-changing book gift from a client, his first affiliate sale that exceeded a day's training income, and a breakthrough $180,000 product launch that came just as he was questioning everything.
Through practical lessons on recognizing talent, choosing development over immediate gains, and the power of optimistic ignorance, he demonstrates how persistence and strategic relationship-building can transform a side project into a thriving business. A must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and fitness professionals looking to expand beyond traditional career paths.
Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.
FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)
HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]
Host:
@itscoachgoodman
@fitnessjonestraining
@amberreynolds.me
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Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.
The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Playful opening banter about Tiny Toons
0:27 - Introduction to the podcast and book announcement
0:57 - Discussion of podcast outreach and origin story motivation
3:16 - Ball hockey story and Excalibur team anecdote
4:29 - Background on growing up in Jewish Toronto community
7:26 - University years and working at campus gym
9:54 - Early personal training career and client interactions
12:09 - Lesson on false economies and development over savings
15:23 - Pivotal moment with psychiatrist client Tom giving Rich Dad Poor Dad
21:40 - Document compilation leading to first book
24:31 - Conversation with Rick about PhD vs writing a book
26:27 - Finding an editor and publishing process
28:47 - Discussion of optimistic ignorance in entrepreneurship
32:05 - Website creation and early marketing efforts
38:32 - Building relationships with other fitness professionals
41:01 - Learning internet marketing through others' products
44:02 - First significant affiliate sale moment
47:07 - The "freedom number" concept
50:34 - Building community and product development
52:58 - Launch of 1K Extra course
55:03 - New York wedding story and final launch success
59:19 - Follow-up about maintaining relationships with mentors
In this eye-opening conversation with gym owner Joe Hsiung, we uncover a goldmine opportunity in the online fitness space that almost nobody is targeting: empty nesters. After running multiple successful gym locations, Joe was struggling with the longer sales cycles in online coaching - until we identified this perfect market hiding in plain sight.
You'll discover:
This episode is a must-watch for gym owners looking to expand online or online coaches struggling to find their perfect niche. We even break down specific marketing angles and messaging strategies you can use to attract this untapped market.
Plus, we discuss creative business models, including how to partner with influencers if you prefer staying behind the scenes. Whether you're just starting your online fitness journey or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation will give you actionable insights you can implement immediately.
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Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.
--
FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)
HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]
--
Host:
@fitnessjonestraining
@amberreynolds.me
--
Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.
The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.
💥Pre-order your copy today of The Obvious Choice: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139
I explore the concept of freedom through the lens of a 48-day road trip I took with Allison before we had kids, contrasting it with a friend's story of feeling trapped in his successful career. The episode weaves together themes of walking costs, perceived limitations, and the illusion of being stuck, ultimately revealing that freedom isn't about beaches or private planes – it's about having options and control over your choices.
Drawing parallels between travel with no fixed route and life with no fixed expectations, I examine how we often become prisoners of our own success, letting status, belongings, and others' perceptions dictate our paths. The message is clear: true freedom comes not from what you own or achieve, but from your ability to choose your direction, even if you decide to stay right where you are.
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and road trip story setup
0:37 Details of 48-day national parks adventure
1:44 Story transition to friend stuck in career
2:53 Discussion of walking costs and freedom
4:35 Freedom vs self-imposed limitations
6:14 Mentor's advice on prioritization
7:37 Analysis of anxiety and life balance
8:45 Discussion of selfishness and control
10:02 Behind-the-scenes podcast discussion
11:46 Conversation about podcast listening speeds
13:34 Discussion about religion and hope
16:47 Wrap-up and podcast recommendations
📚Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Please preorder your copy today: https://www.amazon.com/Obvious-Choice-Timeless-Lessons-Success/dp/1400249139
👉FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)
HOW - Rate / review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]
🎙️Host:
Instagram: @itscoachgoodman
Twitter: @itscoachgoodman
Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at: https://www.5repsfriday.com/
The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at https://www.quickcoach.fit/
Have you ever felt stuck in your coaching business or wondered if success was a fluke?
If you’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, maintaining momentum, or reigniting creativity in your work, this episode is packed with real strategies to help you move forward.
In this mega episode of The Obvious Choice Podcast, we’ve combined three insightful hot seat conversations featuring coaches who share their challenges and breakthroughs. From leveraging your local reputation for online growth to creating niche content and finding inspiration, these discussions will resonate with anyone navigating the ups and downs of coaching.
You’ll learn how to:
If you’ve ever felt the emotional rollercoaster of coaching–and wondered how to keep going–this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways
(00:00) Introduction to Nick's Journey
(00:47) Challenges and Emotional Rollercoaster
(01:58) Recalibration and Creativity
(04:52) Targeting Specific Audiences
(06:55) Content Strategy and Networking
(16:55) Expanding Local Market Presence
(21:00) Exploring Business Potentials at the Golf Club
(22:48) Building a Local Clientele
(26:05) Community-Driven Fitness Initiatives
(30:53) Introducing Lauren: A New Coach's Journey
(33:29) Leveraging Personal Stories for Success
(34:56) Creating Effective Freebies and Challenges
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Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.
--
FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)
HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to [email protected]
--
Host:
@fitnessjonestraining
@amberreynolds.me
--
Join 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.
The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.