My journey is to inspire people, helping them to transform their bodies, strengthening their minds and uplift their spirits. In the early 1990’s, I took a $10,000 venture loan to begin what is now the leading fitness boutique gym in Canada. Soon to corner the U.S. market starting a business from scratch is not an easy task. Everything I learned about business and wellness came from passion, dedication and hard work. My advice to people is to never give up. In 1995, I won the IAKSA World Kick Boxing Championship title and In 2016 “Greco Fitness “ merged with a team of successful Ottawa business investors and the well established New York based company, Integrity Square.
Presently: I am a motivational speaker, celebrity trainer, radio host, life coach and the Founder of Greco Fitness Studios.
I am frequently sought out by some of the biggest names in the NHL. I have trained Claude Giroux (the Philadelphia Flyers), Dan Boyle (New York Rangers) and Mike Fisher (Nashville Predators), just to name a few. I have also created programs for and personally trained Country Star Carrie Underwood and former Supermodel Carol Alt.
Check out my new book: Strong Mind, Lean Body
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest hurdle to building my business was to continue to pursue my path to success despite my closest colleagues and friends doubting me!
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Yes I have dealt with contentious colleagues and competition. I continue to believe that no matter what, the most important thing is to follow your dreams and have the passion for what you do and provide the best experience for my clients no matter what stands in your way.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
The single most influential factor in my business was eliminating those who didn’t believe and surrounding myself with the most successful people who did believe in my vision. Once I got rid of the toxic haters and associated my self with extremely successful people, my path to success only drove forward and upward.
Obstacles don’t make you quit in fact they make you persevere,What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Something I wish I would have known earlier on as a young entrepreneur. Overcoming obstacles only make you stronger both mentally and spiritually.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
The advice I would give to an up and coming entrepreneur is to do something that you love to do and do it well. It is so important to love what you do and wake every morning and be excited to start the day. It’s not about the money, it’s about the fulfilment and being happy when you have the passion, everything will follow.
