Today we’d like to introduce you to TJ McCord.
TJ, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been an athlete majority of my life. Therefore, training and working out was apart of my daily routine. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to have a career that involved improving physical health. Initially, after receiving my Bachelor’s in Recreational Therapy from Grambling State University, I applied for the Physical Therapy program at Alabama State University. That plan was altered after receiving the opportunity to play professional football in the arena league.
While playing football, I used my spare time to complete a personal training certification through the International Sports Science Association (ISSA). I then begin training at a Gold’s Gym in Everette, WA. Shortly after, I moved back to Mobile, AL, and worked as an independent contractor at a local Anytime Fitness. I worked there for two years learning everything I could about operating a fitness business. After two years, I felt it was time to branch off and solely build my own business and receive all the income. I sub-leased a space for the next three years, building relationships, increasing revenue, and also making mistakes. The brand became respected, and I was officially running a business.
Fast forward to today, I currently lease a space along with a business partner, and business is good. I have a team of 2 trainers and 1 administrator. Of course, Im learning every day, but I genuinely feel blessed to be in this position.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like any other business, the road has not been easy. For a while, I struggled with being organized and didn’t understand what systems I should have or how to put them in place. I felt like I was “winging” my business because, yes, I was making money, but there was no structure in place.
I did a lot of reinventing the wheel. I struggle with marketing consistently, whether it was internally or externally. My retention rate would fluctuate, which would cause months of unpredicted income. Lastly, I struggle with getting people in my demographic to understand the value of my service and the benefits of it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about QuikFits Wellness and Fitness – what should we know?
Quikfits Wellness and Fitness is a health and fitness company, which specializes in functional fitness and transformations. We are known for our expertise and knowledge in improving one’s overall health.
As a company, I am proud of the fact that we have beaten the odds, and there has been continued growth. The average business does not last five years for various reasons but despite our mistakes, we have continued to grow.
Honestly, Im not sure exactly what sets me apart from other fitness businesses. But I do know that my clients appreciate the fact that I am honest, professional, and I am a man of my word.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My grandmother, the late Leonis H. Pruitt, helped raise my brothers and me. She was a retired nurse and blessed with many connections in the medical field. She got me my first job when I graduated from college as a Physical Therapy Tech at a local hospital. That jump started my career, and the experience allowed me to excel.
My parents have supported anything I have ever attempted to do. Even as an adolescence, they have been there every step of the way, from youth sports on into adulthood, they have been there, and I am forever grateful. They were my first training clients.
My wife has made many sacrifices to help me reach this point. From borrowing her vehicle to having her type up last-minute info, and even being my most prominent critic when I didn’t want to hear it, she has been there through it all. She gives me enough space to run things on my own, but she steps in when she needs too. Most importantly, she understands the importance of living healthy and ensuring that our family is as healthy as possible.
I have many trainers that have inspired me and guided me, but the few with the most impact has been my cousin Steven Hightower, one of my very first trainers and mentors Wailan Lewis, a guy who is excellent with the science in fitness Vince McConnell, my brother and friend Rosshiki Leatherwood, and last but not least the guy who allowed me to sublease his space, Mike Stalworth.
All of the above mentioned have had an impact on my career. They are upstanding professionals and have years of knowledge and experience. I value there opinions and friendships and confided in them quite often.
Pricing:
- Group Training Classes 2Xs a week -$96
- Group Training Classes 3Xs a week – $120
- Group Training Classes 4Xs a week – $160
Contact Info:
- Address: 1436 W. I65 Service Rd. S., Suite B, Mobile, AL 36693
- Website: www.quikfits.com
- Phone: 251-265-3668
- Email: info@quikfits.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quikfitsfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quikfits/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quikfitsfitness
Image Credit:
Dorvell Ferguson @fergphotography on Instagram
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