Sorry for such a late post....but man! Things are definitely heating up for me!!! I find myself working HARDER THAN EVER these days. This week is one of the roughest weeks of my life I am hosting a weapons training camp in addition to running the studio. Its only Tuesday but my brain is totally fried...Regardless I can't complain because we signed up another student and we are getting more walk-ins and sign-ups. I am also in the process of expanding my little empire! I am currently negotiating with my land lord for the suite next to me. Heres my proposal:
.37 Cents per square foot, including triple net! hahah I know its Gangsta! I am still waiting on the counter offer from the Landlord. Unfortunately for both them and myself, if the offer falls through I cannot start the expansion. There will be so many desks, chairs, computers, vans and everything else to go along with the expansion that I will not accept a counter that will exhaust the funds for the primary studio. So fingers are crossed, prayers have been said, and I am just waiting. If the counter is something I cannot agree with...I do know that God has either another plan or he is saying NOT YET. How do I know this? Because he has been with me in every major business decision I have made. I have come to learn that he has the GREATEST BUSINESS MIND.....and me? I'm just his tool =)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Growth in life
Since my last post...much hasnt changed here at the studio. We are steadily growing and our last two months have been PHENOMENAL! May has been so so, it could be better but no complaints just happy that this location is giving me the opportunity to work with so many new clients. Performance Martial Arts Center, Claremont will begin on Friday, June 5th and I am SUPER EXCITED to build another studio from scratch! I want to give my self at least 2 years to build it to 70-80 students before I rent out another suite. By then my awesome staff will be even more equipped and together, we will grow to tremendous heights.
One thing that has changed dramatically is my circle of influence. My circle is much smaller, yet I find my new circle is VERY beneficial for my future. First starting out in 06 I read tons of books, did tons of research on successful people, and the one thing I gathered is that ALL of them had a certain type of circle. They didn't have an open door policy on allowing people to just enter into their lives...ESPECIALLY THEIR BUSINESS LIVES. I would also go on runs once in a while with a new friend I had met here in Rancho, and he probably didn't know it, but he was schooling me with an education that money cannot buy. The man has a BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, GREAT WIFE, AND AWESOME KIDS (who are still my students)! But on our runs we would talk about what we wanted to accomplish and he never failed to say "Take your closest friends incomes and average it out. Take that average and give yourself 20% up or down and there will be your income in the future!" Ofcourse, I asked him "How you figure?" His response was quite simple. Because 90% of the world thinks 1 way and only 10% of the world think another way. 90% go to work, get a paycheck, pay their bills, and then say what can I buy with the rest? Now the 10% do it like this. Get the paycheck, pay for the bills, and with the rest...HOW CAN I GROW IT???? Quite frankly you cant grow it if your not brainstorming with other like minded individuals who share the same goals as you. Do anything alone and you die, have a strong support group and you can climb mountains. It made sense. He then concluded 90%ers get disgusted when 10%ers talk because they say all they think about is money. However they don't realize that they themselves only talk about sports, shopping, celebrities, and stuff like that. Why is it bad for the 10%ers to know whats going on in the stock exchange and business news, when 90&ers know all the stats of Kobe Bryant, when all the games take place and etc? Thats as simple as it gets. I then said to myself....this sucks for me....I dont know anyone I can brain storm with. Either way, I shared with Jane that I am going to be commited to making sure my children will never have to worry about getting loans for school and possibly a car. I want to make sure I put a down payment on my childs first house. I decided to join the 10% group, no support group yet...but my mind was made up. That was 3 years ago!
Currently I have a very small, tight circle where we come up with ideas to help eachother out! Its funny, once I made the decision people started showing up! Ofcourse through the years there were dropouts but my current group is pretty solid. I can freely talk about goals without fearing rejection...also, it is made known to me when I make my mistakes!
To finish off this post...Miley Cirus has a song out...ITS GREAT! She made a song that I feel is the life of a 10%er!
http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-climb-lyrics-miley-cyrus.html
One thing that has changed dramatically is my circle of influence. My circle is much smaller, yet I find my new circle is VERY beneficial for my future. First starting out in 06 I read tons of books, did tons of research on successful people, and the one thing I gathered is that ALL of them had a certain type of circle. They didn't have an open door policy on allowing people to just enter into their lives...ESPECIALLY THEIR BUSINESS LIVES. I would also go on runs once in a while with a new friend I had met here in Rancho, and he probably didn't know it, but he was schooling me with an education that money cannot buy. The man has a BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, GREAT WIFE, AND AWESOME KIDS (who are still my students)! But on our runs we would talk about what we wanted to accomplish and he never failed to say "Take your closest friends incomes and average it out. Take that average and give yourself 20% up or down and there will be your income in the future!" Ofcourse, I asked him "How you figure?" His response was quite simple. Because 90% of the world thinks 1 way and only 10% of the world think another way. 90% go to work, get a paycheck, pay their bills, and then say what can I buy with the rest? Now the 10% do it like this. Get the paycheck, pay for the bills, and with the rest...HOW CAN I GROW IT???? Quite frankly you cant grow it if your not brainstorming with other like minded individuals who share the same goals as you. Do anything alone and you die, have a strong support group and you can climb mountains. It made sense. He then concluded 90%ers get disgusted when 10%ers talk because they say all they think about is money. However they don't realize that they themselves only talk about sports, shopping, celebrities, and stuff like that. Why is it bad for the 10%ers to know whats going on in the stock exchange and business news, when 90&ers know all the stats of Kobe Bryant, when all the games take place and etc? Thats as simple as it gets. I then said to myself....this sucks for me....I dont know anyone I can brain storm with. Either way, I shared with Jane that I am going to be commited to making sure my children will never have to worry about getting loans for school and possibly a car. I want to make sure I put a down payment on my childs first house. I decided to join the 10% group, no support group yet...but my mind was made up. That was 3 years ago!
Currently I have a very small, tight circle where we come up with ideas to help eachother out! Its funny, once I made the decision people started showing up! Ofcourse through the years there were dropouts but my current group is pretty solid. I can freely talk about goals without fearing rejection...also, it is made known to me when I make my mistakes!
To finish off this post...Miley Cirus has a song out...ITS GREAT! She made a song that I feel is the life of a 10%er!
http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-climb-lyrics-miley-cyrus.html
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Jane and Jordy
I'm going to shy away from business talk today and blog about my beautiful daughter and my even more beautiful wife! My 11:30 Personal Training client did not show which freed up some time for me to write about how wonderful my 2 ladies are. From May 5th 2008 until now has been SUPER CRAZY!!! Those of you who are REALLY involved in my life right now can vouch for me. So many transitions, ups and downs......but I'm not complaining =). As crazy and busy as my life is, I love knowing the fact that after my long day...I get to go home and relax with Jane and Jordy. Jordy is now ready to turn one and it LITERALLY seems like yesterday when we were bringing her home from the hospital. I was soooooo excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time! And in a few days she will be 1. Its amazing to experience and see the development of a child from being immobile to having to stop her from digging into everything. I've also seen amazing development of Jane as she started as a new mommy, paranoid about everything to being able to change diapers half asleep! I thank God for having such a STRONG WIFE and a HEALTHY BABY! Some people may say that all I think about is work...they're right! From the minute I wake (which I admit is not early enough), I start to think about what areas need improvement to expand my business, what other business ventures would be beneficial to me, and the list goes on and on. ITS EASY TO DO THAT WHEN YOU HAVE A GREAT FAMILY TO REST WITH WHEN YOU'RE READY TO SHUT YOUR MIND OFF. Thank you Jane, and Jordy for being the best people in the world. Because of your strength, patience, and willingness to sacrifice the parties, Hawaii Trips, and shopping every week now.....very soon you will enjoy all of that on a whole new level. Thats a promise!
...DANG IT! I WASNT SUPPOSED TO BRING UP BUSINESS BUT I DID! DANG IT...
...DANG IT! I WASNT SUPPOSED TO BRING UP BUSINESS BUT I DID! DANG IT...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What is the difference between Dreamers and Doers?
So here we go! Its back to Cycle 1 testing and the essay question is the question on the title....What is the difference between a Dreamer and a Doer! Here is my essay:
The difference between a Dreamer and a Doer is simply this...The Doer will take their dream and make it a reality by taking steps towards achieving their dream! For instance...there is someone who I know who always says stuff like this....."I have so many ideas...Ive thought of this, that, putting my kids in an agency, blah blah blah!" Ok so you have these ideas....what have you done to make these ideas a reality? Nothing...absolutely nothing! A Dreamer goes on about their day telling everyone how great they are, the perfect child, never did anything wrong in their life, the epitome of perfect child! Dream on....No one is perfect...everyone makes mistakes. Doers, Doers admit that they are not perfect but try their very best to fix their mistakes. Doers will take an Idea and the moment their eyes open they will go out and take action. For instance...a year ago I shared with my staff that I wanted to open a second location. The very next day I submitted emails to 3 surrounding cities. Its called taking action! You can say all you want but if you do not do....your saying is worthless. Example 2: I know people who say I want to get my kids into modeling/acting....again they say they want to get certain things done...Ive even offered to pay for headshots if the lists were brought to me. All I hear is this "Oh no...I had the paperwork in my car!" What good is that? Am I going to go out of my way to get the papers in my hands? Especially after I offer to help? Yea right! Rather than saying "I have the papers in my car!" Why not put them in my hands? So...after listening to dreamers...Jane and I took action! We submitted Jordyns headshots to a talent agency and since then shes been booked 3 times. 2 of the were paid work so Jordy will be receiving her checks! Not even a year old and already getting paid. Every day I hear people say Im going to do this or that. Stop making empty promises to others and especially yourself! Start putting your words into action....only then will you become a winner in life! If not...you can live the rest of your life saying stuff like this:
"If only I was married to the right person, I would be more successful!"
"If only I had more time, I could accomplish more!"
"Its because I have 3 kids I can't....."
"If it werent for this circumstance"
Any time you use the word IF....JUST KNOW YOU ARE A LOSER!
DREAMERS ARE LOSERS, DOERS ARE WINNERS!
My apologies if I offend anyone...but if you are offended...My job is done! BE MAD AT ME AND CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!
The difference between a Dreamer and a Doer is simply this...The Doer will take their dream and make it a reality by taking steps towards achieving their dream! For instance...there is someone who I know who always says stuff like this....."I have so many ideas...Ive thought of this, that, putting my kids in an agency, blah blah blah!" Ok so you have these ideas....what have you done to make these ideas a reality? Nothing...absolutely nothing! A Dreamer goes on about their day telling everyone how great they are, the perfect child, never did anything wrong in their life, the epitome of perfect child! Dream on....No one is perfect...everyone makes mistakes. Doers, Doers admit that they are not perfect but try their very best to fix their mistakes. Doers will take an Idea and the moment their eyes open they will go out and take action. For instance...a year ago I shared with my staff that I wanted to open a second location. The very next day I submitted emails to 3 surrounding cities. Its called taking action! You can say all you want but if you do not do....your saying is worthless. Example 2: I know people who say I want to get my kids into modeling/acting....again they say they want to get certain things done...Ive even offered to pay for headshots if the lists were brought to me. All I hear is this "Oh no...I had the paperwork in my car!" What good is that? Am I going to go out of my way to get the papers in my hands? Especially after I offer to help? Yea right! Rather than saying "I have the papers in my car!" Why not put them in my hands? So...after listening to dreamers...Jane and I took action! We submitted Jordyns headshots to a talent agency and since then shes been booked 3 times. 2 of the were paid work so Jordy will be receiving her checks! Not even a year old and already getting paid. Every day I hear people say Im going to do this or that. Stop making empty promises to others and especially yourself! Start putting your words into action....only then will you become a winner in life! If not...you can live the rest of your life saying stuff like this:
"If only I was married to the right person, I would be more successful!"
"If only I had more time, I could accomplish more!"
"Its because I have 3 kids I can't....."
"If it werent for this circumstance"
Any time you use the word IF....JUST KNOW YOU ARE A LOSER!
DREAMERS ARE LOSERS, DOERS ARE WINNERS!
My apologies if I offend anyone...but if you are offended...My job is done! BE MAD AT ME AND CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE!
Friday, April 3, 2009
You only get 1 Shot!
On the way to work today a song came on the radio about you only getting 1 shot at this game we call life. After listening to the song I started to consider the way my life is going at this point in time. Working 6 days a week, battling different problems on a daily basis, taking care of my beautiful daughter, not being able to enjoy weekend getaways, no spring break, but rather a life of work, work, and more work. Am I complaining? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The song hits the nail on the head about us only getting 1 shot at life and I am SO BLESSED that my work involves something I am passionate about. My work causes me to meet WONDERFUL people on a daily basis. My work exposes me to some of the most SUCCESSFUL people in state. Quite frankly, I love what I do.
Was it easy to risk everything we had (which wasnt much) to launch our business? No way. Did I have doubts? You bet! Did I have sleepless nights, go through depression, and have people burn me? Sure! Here's the cool thing about this life. Whenever you are going through a time of darkness....theres always light at the end of the tunnel. Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, if you surround yourself with the RIGHT people they can be your guiding light through the darkness. Lucky for me I had THE LIGHT guiding me and giving me confidence not only in myself but in the One who was truly leading me.
A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation with a very good friend of mine regarding the passing of "MASK." He was the creator of the multi-million dollar clothing company TAPOUT. As my friend and I were talking we were saying that it was such a shame that he died so early. As we continued the conversation we both concluded that although he passed at such an early age, at least he was able to see his DREAM come to FRUITION. Most people can live their whole lives and not accomplish a fraction of what their dreams may of been. This man started his company selling T-shirts out of his trunk, sleeping in his car, and being chased by police. The new slogan the company is now pushing is simply this.........BELIEVE.
So now I ask myself if I were to go tomorrow, would I have any regrets? Regrets no, probably sad that I didn't get to watch my beautiful daughter grow up, get married and have kids. Regrets....NOPE! BELIEVE......BELIEVE IN YOURSELF....BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILTIES.....CHASE YOUR DREAMS.....EXPERIENCE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
Was it easy to risk everything we had (which wasnt much) to launch our business? No way. Did I have doubts? You bet! Did I have sleepless nights, go through depression, and have people burn me? Sure! Here's the cool thing about this life. Whenever you are going through a time of darkness....theres always light at the end of the tunnel. Not only is there light at the end of the tunnel, if you surround yourself with the RIGHT people they can be your guiding light through the darkness. Lucky for me I had THE LIGHT guiding me and giving me confidence not only in myself but in the One who was truly leading me.
A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation with a very good friend of mine regarding the passing of "MASK." He was the creator of the multi-million dollar clothing company TAPOUT. As my friend and I were talking we were saying that it was such a shame that he died so early. As we continued the conversation we both concluded that although he passed at such an early age, at least he was able to see his DREAM come to FRUITION. Most people can live their whole lives and not accomplish a fraction of what their dreams may of been. This man started his company selling T-shirts out of his trunk, sleeping in his car, and being chased by police. The new slogan the company is now pushing is simply this.........BELIEVE.
So now I ask myself if I were to go tomorrow, would I have any regrets? Regrets no, probably sad that I didn't get to watch my beautiful daughter grow up, get married and have kids. Regrets....NOPE! BELIEVE......BELIEVE IN YOURSELF....BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILTIES.....CHASE YOUR DREAMS.....EXPERIENCE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Keep MOVING...and let God do the rest!
2009 is QUICKLY becoming the BEST YEAR OF MY WHOLE LIFE! So many great things are happening in my business and personal life and I am so very thankful for the God of Abraham, the God of Israel, the Living and Eternal God who laid out the plan for my life before I was even born. From about 2001-2005, I taught Taekwondo for the city of Lakewood and successfully produced champions. I initially started teaching that program as an assistant instructor and I only worked with the competition team. At one point the main instructor, Eddie Cha and I decided we should open a studio together. So we finally secured a location...a great one I might add, and the negotiations started to roll! Things were going so well, we were excited and we were ready to blow up. We started the process of a Conditional Use Permit, hired an architect to draw out the plans, and patiently waited for our May 16th, 2004 City Hall hearing. The location was in our hands! All of our students in Lakewood were eagerly waiting for us to confirm the approval from city hall. As the days drew closer to our hearing date, we started to notice that the agent was dodging our calls. So Eddie and I called from a private # and we got through. The agent let us know that they decided to lease the suite to Verizon Wireless instead of us. It was a very dissappointing and humiliating.
A short time after that, I was given the opportunity to take over the whole program and I graciously accepted. So now I was the Chief Instructor of the program which was very new to me, but I adapted well and the program started to really blossom. The classes were overflowing with students so Jane and I decided to try looking for a new location again. This time it was much worse. People were basically slamming their doors in our face. But we kept on moving and looking for other locations and we were SUCCESSFULLY, UNSUCCESSFUL! At this point I was very dissappointed in God, and I remember having some choice words to say to him. After my argument with him I remember turning on the radio and it happened to be on K-Wave 107.9 fm and the Pastor was speaking on how "God's Timing is way better than our timing." As I listened to the sermon, I knew He was speaking directly to me. To sum it up, the message was about the love God has for us. He loves us SO MUCH, that he is willing to block things from our lives because he knows that what we want is NOTHING compared to what He wants to give us! He knows we are probably going to be upset with him, but rather than giving in to our wants....He will make us wait for the perfect time, so He can give us the BEST!
**are you struggling right now? substitute the word us..for me and have faith**
Fast forward to today! 2009, we have been living in Rancho Cucamonga for a little over 4 years now and it hasn't been the greatest 4 years. But that is changing RAPIDLY for us! I look back now and I see why God allowed me to struggle so much...for so long. That struggle of having to dodge collection calls, having our lights shut off, and even having our Gas shutoff (WHICH WAS NOT FUN! Jane, Jordy, and I had to take cold showers for 3 days straight)! If I had the choice of getting to where we are now, but in an easier way.....I WOULD NEVER TAKE IT! Going through the hardships has given me the ability to stand up to adversity and laugh at it in the face! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I love trouble...but I am saying that when it comes, I quietly say to myself "hah, I've been through worse!"
Even when we were struggling, Jane and I said we want to be successful and help our church, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills build churches all around the world. TODAY, he has opened up another opportunity to grow Performance Martial Arts by allowing us to tap into the City of Claremont. I always had the goal of either opening 2 or more locations or 1 mega location. And beginning this summer Jane and I will start building our 2nd location. I know it's going to be tough. I know it will probably overwhelm me. I will be crazy stressed out. I won't be able to really rest and take days off. It might be a strain on my main location. "Hah...I've been through worse!" JUST KEEP MOVING AND LET HIM DO THE REST!
A short time after that, I was given the opportunity to take over the whole program and I graciously accepted. So now I was the Chief Instructor of the program which was very new to me, but I adapted well and the program started to really blossom. The classes were overflowing with students so Jane and I decided to try looking for a new location again. This time it was much worse. People were basically slamming their doors in our face. But we kept on moving and looking for other locations and we were SUCCESSFULLY, UNSUCCESSFUL! At this point I was very dissappointed in God, and I remember having some choice words to say to him. After my argument with him I remember turning on the radio and it happened to be on K-Wave 107.9 fm and the Pastor was speaking on how "God's Timing is way better than our timing." As I listened to the sermon, I knew He was speaking directly to me. To sum it up, the message was about the love God has for us. He loves us SO MUCH, that he is willing to block things from our lives because he knows that what we want is NOTHING compared to what He wants to give us! He knows we are probably going to be upset with him, but rather than giving in to our wants....He will make us wait for the perfect time, so He can give us the BEST!
**are you struggling right now? substitute the word us..for me and have faith**
Fast forward to today! 2009, we have been living in Rancho Cucamonga for a little over 4 years now and it hasn't been the greatest 4 years. But that is changing RAPIDLY for us! I look back now and I see why God allowed me to struggle so much...for so long. That struggle of having to dodge collection calls, having our lights shut off, and even having our Gas shutoff (WHICH WAS NOT FUN! Jane, Jordy, and I had to take cold showers for 3 days straight)! If I had the choice of getting to where we are now, but in an easier way.....I WOULD NEVER TAKE IT! Going through the hardships has given me the ability to stand up to adversity and laugh at it in the face! Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I love trouble...but I am saying that when it comes, I quietly say to myself "hah, I've been through worse!"
Even when we were struggling, Jane and I said we want to be successful and help our church, Calvary Chapel Chino Hills build churches all around the world. TODAY, he has opened up another opportunity to grow Performance Martial Arts by allowing us to tap into the City of Claremont. I always had the goal of either opening 2 or more locations or 1 mega location. And beginning this summer Jane and I will start building our 2nd location. I know it's going to be tough. I know it will probably overwhelm me. I will be crazy stressed out. I won't be able to really rest and take days off. It might be a strain on my main location. "Hah...I've been through worse!" JUST KEEP MOVING AND LET HIM DO THE REST!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
What does it take to roll with Team Performance!?
Today was one of the BEST days of my life! The stress of relocating from our dungeon dojang to our beautiful dojang is now over, the stress of putting together our Grand Opening is over, the stress of making changes to the staff is over, I received half of February's tuition, and thank God he brought us a TON of new students to try out the program this last month to keep us afloat, and I eagerly await receiving the unpaid tuition from Feb. to give our account a nice little boost!
All in all, I was so happy as I watched our little warriors train for the upcoming tournament at Cal State LA.
I was amazed to see the dedication of my team as they continued to cycle through the different cardio stations without hesitation nor complaints. From running laps, to running cone drills, to sprinting with a parachute tied around their waists....the team really rocked it! The team was broken up into 3 groups and they switched from station to station for the duration of an hour with 2 minutes of rest time between cycle switches. It was also great to see that the coaches were running laps as well as performing the sprints with the team. Upon observing the activities, an overwhelming sense of confidence filled my spirit.
I have successfully put together a team that is willing to bleed together, sweat together, and even cry together. BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS! I learned early on that you must lead by example...if you want to be successful. I still remember as if it were yesterday watching Coach, Han Won Lee perform the drills that he commanded us to perfect. Quite frankly, I used to say "Man how does that old man move like that?" That was when I was 17, and today I am probably getting close to the age he was at when I had the privilege of training with him.
I realize that age is REALLY nothing but a number! Your true age is whatever your set your mind for it to be. When we first started, it was me running with the kids and leading by example....4 years later its everyone involved helping the kids become stronger! There are so many Masters, and Instructors who bark out commands when they themselves are unable to perform. Although I joke about being old and falling apart, I know that I will continue to strive to be in the best shape of my life....to set the example....TO MOTIVATE MY TEAM....until the day it is physically impossible for me to continue to train.
I still use the AMAZING drills that I learned from Coach Lee in Colorado and honestly...his drills are still relevant to this day. Those drills have helped Team Performance bring back National Champs for 2 consecutive years and many years to come! TODAY WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY!
My shoutouts:
#1 Coach Rosales: Actually running the sprints with the kids!
#2 Coach Parra: Working with the team on the shuffles!
#3 Deputy Robles: Running for an hour straight with the 3 different groups!
#4 Coach Lopez: Teaching the kids how to sprint with the parachute!
#5 Coach Kratzer: For the continued support of the athletes to be able to transition from station to station without crying.
#6 Myself..for setting standards of what a TRUE COACH is.
My philosophy...."How in the world would you know what to say to someone if you have no idea of what they are feeling? You must know what it feels like to train, to feel pain, or even feel like you are ready to pass out...if you truly want to be a great coach!"
All in all, I was so happy as I watched our little warriors train for the upcoming tournament at Cal State LA.
I was amazed to see the dedication of my team as they continued to cycle through the different cardio stations without hesitation nor complaints. From running laps, to running cone drills, to sprinting with a parachute tied around their waists....the team really rocked it! The team was broken up into 3 groups and they switched from station to station for the duration of an hour with 2 minutes of rest time between cycle switches. It was also great to see that the coaches were running laps as well as performing the sprints with the team. Upon observing the activities, an overwhelming sense of confidence filled my spirit.
I have successfully put together a team that is willing to bleed together, sweat together, and even cry together. BLOOD, SWEAT, AND TEARS! I learned early on that you must lead by example...if you want to be successful. I still remember as if it were yesterday watching Coach, Han Won Lee perform the drills that he commanded us to perfect. Quite frankly, I used to say "Man how does that old man move like that?" That was when I was 17, and today I am probably getting close to the age he was at when I had the privilege of training with him.
I realize that age is REALLY nothing but a number! Your true age is whatever your set your mind for it to be. When we first started, it was me running with the kids and leading by example....4 years later its everyone involved helping the kids become stronger! There are so many Masters, and Instructors who bark out commands when they themselves are unable to perform. Although I joke about being old and falling apart, I know that I will continue to strive to be in the best shape of my life....to set the example....TO MOTIVATE MY TEAM....until the day it is physically impossible for me to continue to train.
I still use the AMAZING drills that I learned from Coach Lee in Colorado and honestly...his drills are still relevant to this day. Those drills have helped Team Performance bring back National Champs for 2 consecutive years and many years to come! TODAY WAS SUCH A GREAT DAY!
My shoutouts:
#1 Coach Rosales: Actually running the sprints with the kids!
#2 Coach Parra: Working with the team on the shuffles!
#3 Deputy Robles: Running for an hour straight with the 3 different groups!
#4 Coach Lopez: Teaching the kids how to sprint with the parachute!
#5 Coach Kratzer: For the continued support of the athletes to be able to transition from station to station without crying.
#6 Myself..for setting standards of what a TRUE COACH is.
My philosophy...."How in the world would you know what to say to someone if you have no idea of what they are feeling? You must know what it feels like to train, to feel pain, or even feel like you are ready to pass out...if you truly want to be a great coach!"
Monday, March 9, 2009
Another one bites the dust...I just wish it wasn't on my birthday.
So here we are. March 9th, 2009 and I turn 28 years old today and I woke up with a smile on my face. I looked to my left and I saw my 2 favorite girls sleeping next to me and I looked to my right and I saw my trusty BlackBerry with the numbers 9:47am and said...life's good! I got ready to start another GREAT week at the studio, breakfast in hand, and most importantly the excitement of knowing that I am going to do what I love to do for the whole week.
Upon arriving, I noticed that the clothing store next to me had taken down their sign, and the store was completely empty. My euphoric moment quickly faded and sorrow filled my heart for the owner whom I spoke with on several occasions. We even split the bill for our balloons we put up every day. This is the second business to close down within 300 ft of the studio and just knowing the sacrifice, the hardships, and financial strain of opening a business is like...I can't even imagine what closing must feel like. I just wish I had a chance to talk to the owner one last time to maybe give him some advice.
Business is business and I think some people get it twisted with Heaven. I've heard this on several occasions...."Oh, I hate my job right now...I just want to open a business of my own so I could be free." or even "Your so lucky to own a business because you get to do what you want to do and spend so much time with family." Here's a good one...."I'm going to open up a business so I could make bank and be a baller for the rest of my life!" I always chuckle when I hear these comments.
I can't blame people for thinking this way because most books are written by people who have made it through the tough part, or they see the lifestyle of those who have done well for themselves. There aren't many TV shows, or books that focus on the hardships and struggles of starting out because quite frankly those wouldn't sell. But heres the truth its not easy. There are ways to do business BETTER than your competitors and those who recognize how to do business better....stay open.
If you are Human and alive, you know that Spring and Summer are wonderful seasons of shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and lemonade! Also, you know whether you like it or not Winter is approaching! So you must always prepare for the winter...Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but be ready for the storms until they pass. It's the same in Business! Many people rode the wave of the housing market by making some poor choices thinking that the money would keep coming. If you know anything about history....it always repeats itself! What goes up....always comes down. But people who truly know history will rephrase it like this...."What goes up....must come down...for just a little while...and then back up we go!"
Faith in God. Preparation. Reality. Sacrifice. Persistence. Humility.
For 8 years Jane and I were pretty much broke. Not poor! Just broke. Broke is a situation....Poor is a way of living. Every dime we made went back into the account to eat, live, and sleep. Every dime went back into the business so that we could eat, live, and sleep...better. There were times where Jane wanted the designer bags and it made me feel so small to not be able to buy them for her. Although I felt small..I knew this was just for a time. Maybe 3 years, or maybe even 20 years..But I knew one day it would come.
We have prepared very well for the balancing act going on in the economy. We take pride in the fact that knowing #1 God is on our side and #2 No one...and I mean No one will work harder than we do. When most take days off, we find ways to grow even more. When we are struggling, we quickly seek out advice from those who have been there and implement their advice quickly, and most of all we don't sit around until something happens...we go out and MAKE things happen!
This is the final entry for Surrounding yourself with Champions and Champions don't cry about things....THEY JUST FIND A WAY! Here are the Champs I roll with:
#1 Jesus Christ
#2 My WIFE
#3 Master Jae Kwon Kim
#4 Master Pely Ferrer
#5 Chris Patterson
#6 Caryn Kratzer
#7 Barnes and Noble =) ........They have a WEALTH of information in their isles.
Special Note to Jordy: Champs don't allow you to cry about your life nor will they allow you to give up on your dreams. Listen carefully to the people around you and you will know what I am talking about. I trust you will make great decisions throught your life. Be confident!
P.S. Those designer bags, cars, homes.....are now on SALE =)
Upon arriving, I noticed that the clothing store next to me had taken down their sign, and the store was completely empty. My euphoric moment quickly faded and sorrow filled my heart for the owner whom I spoke with on several occasions. We even split the bill for our balloons we put up every day. This is the second business to close down within 300 ft of the studio and just knowing the sacrifice, the hardships, and financial strain of opening a business is like...I can't even imagine what closing must feel like. I just wish I had a chance to talk to the owner one last time to maybe give him some advice.
Business is business and I think some people get it twisted with Heaven. I've heard this on several occasions...."Oh, I hate my job right now...I just want to open a business of my own so I could be free." or even "Your so lucky to own a business because you get to do what you want to do and spend so much time with family." Here's a good one...."I'm going to open up a business so I could make bank and be a baller for the rest of my life!" I always chuckle when I hear these comments.
I can't blame people for thinking this way because most books are written by people who have made it through the tough part, or they see the lifestyle of those who have done well for themselves. There aren't many TV shows, or books that focus on the hardships and struggles of starting out because quite frankly those wouldn't sell. But heres the truth its not easy. There are ways to do business BETTER than your competitors and those who recognize how to do business better....stay open.
If you are Human and alive, you know that Spring and Summer are wonderful seasons of shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and lemonade! Also, you know whether you like it or not Winter is approaching! So you must always prepare for the winter...Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts but be ready for the storms until they pass. It's the same in Business! Many people rode the wave of the housing market by making some poor choices thinking that the money would keep coming. If you know anything about history....it always repeats itself! What goes up....always comes down. But people who truly know history will rephrase it like this...."What goes up....must come down...for just a little while...and then back up we go!"
Faith in God. Preparation. Reality. Sacrifice. Persistence. Humility.
For 8 years Jane and I were pretty much broke. Not poor! Just broke. Broke is a situation....Poor is a way of living. Every dime we made went back into the account to eat, live, and sleep. Every dime went back into the business so that we could eat, live, and sleep...better. There were times where Jane wanted the designer bags and it made me feel so small to not be able to buy them for her. Although I felt small..I knew this was just for a time. Maybe 3 years, or maybe even 20 years..But I knew one day it would come.
We have prepared very well for the balancing act going on in the economy. We take pride in the fact that knowing #1 God is on our side and #2 No one...and I mean No one will work harder than we do. When most take days off, we find ways to grow even more. When we are struggling, we quickly seek out advice from those who have been there and implement their advice quickly, and most of all we don't sit around until something happens...we go out and MAKE things happen!
This is the final entry for Surrounding yourself with Champions and Champions don't cry about things....THEY JUST FIND A WAY! Here are the Champs I roll with:
#1 Jesus Christ
#2 My WIFE
#3 Master Jae Kwon Kim
#4 Master Pely Ferrer
#5 Chris Patterson
#6 Caryn Kratzer
#7 Barnes and Noble =) ........They have a WEALTH of information in their isles.
Special Note to Jordy: Champs don't allow you to cry about your life nor will they allow you to give up on your dreams. Listen carefully to the people around you and you will know what I am talking about. I trust you will make great decisions throught your life. Be confident!
P.S. Those designer bags, cars, homes.....are now on SALE =)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Talent get you through the door, BUT CHARACTER KEEPS YOU IN!
Today, Performance Martial Arts Center Inc. held its very first Friday class! Today was the first time we held an OFFICIAL class on Friday because our Mon-Thurs. classes are becoming TOO PACKED! The reason why we never held a Friday class at our old location is simply due to the fact that it was unnecessary. Every class held had a good amount of students where my staff and I felt that the Friday class would do more harm than good. As you know, rest is super important and so we decided not to burn ourselves out by working an extra day. Especially knowing the fact that Saturdays are usually filled with Testings, Demo Team, or Competition Training.
That all changed after moving to our NEW, retail location which brings us an average of 15-20 walk-ins per month. This is something we have been waiting for and now.......after 4 years, we have secured the location that will benefit us greatly! In the past four years I can honestly say that I have cycled through so many different and talented employees. I've employed the super talented, most organized, most energetic people. But this blog is dedicated to the employee who was not the most talented, confident, or even energetic! This blog is dedicated to the my employee who has shown TRUE CHARACTER!
Caryn Kratzer first came in to my place of business and used to sit in the back where she would sit with her baby while her 2 daughters trained. She decided one day that she would start training with her kids and today she is a great instructor as well as a person I can trust. Our journey to this point has been not the prettiest one! On several occasions she was almost relieved her of her position as a staff member because I had set certain rules to ensure that PMAC had the perfect environment for peoples lives to change for the better. I wanted an environment different from most families where the words "I cant!" "Its impossible" or even "I'm too tired" were used on a daily basis. The world I want and continue to create is similar to the world made famous by Peter Pan, Never Never Land!
Not to rub it in her face but she REALLY caused some problems with the environment that I was trying to create...but honestly...there was never a time that she did not apologize...and there was never a time that she did not do her best to remedy the situation. Today, 2 years later...she taught another WONDERFUL class and she continues to be on top of her game! I've had employees from the past...and present who were very talented...but they lacked the character I was looking for. Kratzer now has both Talent and Character! And this amazing ability to trust me even when I sound crazy!
I have never come across someone who I can trust as much as her. What makes her SO SPECIAL TO ME?
#1 She prays for my family and studio on a daily basis.
#2 I have a STRICT rule on where complaints need to go. She brings her comments straight to me and does not share them with my students.
#3 We have had one of the rockiest beginnings yet we are still here today...able to understand one another.
Jane, Jordyn, and I love you and your FAMZ KRATZNER!....HEHE KRATZNER!
That all changed after moving to our NEW, retail location which brings us an average of 15-20 walk-ins per month. This is something we have been waiting for and now.......after 4 years, we have secured the location that will benefit us greatly! In the past four years I can honestly say that I have cycled through so many different and talented employees. I've employed the super talented, most organized, most energetic people. But this blog is dedicated to the employee who was not the most talented, confident, or even energetic! This blog is dedicated to the my employee who has shown TRUE CHARACTER!
Caryn Kratzer first came in to my place of business and used to sit in the back where she would sit with her baby while her 2 daughters trained. She decided one day that she would start training with her kids and today she is a great instructor as well as a person I can trust. Our journey to this point has been not the prettiest one! On several occasions she was almost relieved her of her position as a staff member because I had set certain rules to ensure that PMAC had the perfect environment for peoples lives to change for the better. I wanted an environment different from most families where the words "I cant!" "Its impossible" or even "I'm too tired" were used on a daily basis. The world I want and continue to create is similar to the world made famous by Peter Pan, Never Never Land!
Not to rub it in her face but she REALLY caused some problems with the environment that I was trying to create...but honestly...there was never a time that she did not apologize...and there was never a time that she did not do her best to remedy the situation. Today, 2 years later...she taught another WONDERFUL class and she continues to be on top of her game! I've had employees from the past...and present who were very talented...but they lacked the character I was looking for. Kratzer now has both Talent and Character! And this amazing ability to trust me even when I sound crazy!
I have never come across someone who I can trust as much as her. What makes her SO SPECIAL TO ME?
#1 She prays for my family and studio on a daily basis.
#2 I have a STRICT rule on where complaints need to go. She brings her comments straight to me and does not share them with my students.
#3 We have had one of the rockiest beginnings yet we are still here today...able to understand one another.
Jane, Jordyn, and I love you and your FAMZ KRATZNER!....HEHE KRATZNER!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Stay aware of those who pretend to be a champion! Quickly recognize the fakes so that you may acknowlege the true Champs of Life
Part 2 of surrounding yourself with champions! So basically in the last blog I spoke about your choice of who you surround yourself with. GSP chose to surround himself with people who FORCED HIM to be better than who he was! They forced him to do the impossible which was to train without cease! BJ surrounded himself with FOOLS who lied to his face about having his best interest in their minds!
Yesterday was supposed to be the best day of my life. After surviving the world of operating a successful business for 3 years in the WORST location possible..We, at PMAC held our very 1st Grand Opening in 4 years! The reason we never held a G. Opening before? Because the old location was never fit for a grand opening. The old location was THAT BAD! Yesterday was a dream of over 8 years come true! From my very beginning teaching Taekwondo at the Lakewood Recreation Center for 4 years, to teaching the 4 years in Rancho Cucamonga! I finally was able to get the PERFECT location to operate a Taekwondo studio which started in January of 2009. So with that history in mind you can tell how nervous I was!
All my life, I was told by my dad I would never amount to anything. The only times he would tell me he loved me was when I would win my Taekwondo Tournaments so that he could brag about how his son was a champion. That would quickly change the moment I lost a fight. That pressure taught me to fight very well. My biggest fear during my competition career was what I would have to hear from him after the fight was over. I lived with that fear most of my life until I became 18 and I decided for myself that I was better than what he labeled me as. At that point I refused to compete in Taekwondo because I was so sick of his opinion of what I should have done! I continued to teach, and at that point I decided to live a normal life. A life without sacrifice, a life without pressure, a life where I could be free to make my own choices.
I quickly realized, that the life I was living lead me no where fast!
Then I met my God given wife Jane! She quickly showed me that not everyone was so cynical in the way they lived. She supported me from day 1 and supported to where I am today and SHE taught me that there are Good people in life, there are Bad people in life, and there are SICK people in life.
Good people are your friends who can listen to your dreams and aspirations! Good people are the people who you are able to vent to about the mistakes you have made in life, but still pick you up! Good people will always see your intentions in a positive way and know that you would never do anything to embarrass or humiliate them. Although we may have fun...true friends try their very best not to compete with eachother...its just silly.
Bad people are the ones, the friends, the fakes who always watch what you do and say to you how they could have done it better! I've had people watch what I do and say you could have done it like this.....and that...... My response is "You have NO idea what it takes to live a week in my life!" To have the pressure of knowing that if I fail in any area of my life, my wife and my daughter will be effected my failure. So, I wake up every day and try my very best at what I do. Is it perfect? Probably not but I am still here, not a failing in business, paying bills, paying rent, and not crying about the economy. Its usually the people who are sucking at life that have comments about your life...THATS A FACT!
SICK PEOPLE ARE THE WORST OF THEM ALL! These are the people who preach to you how they want to help make your dreams come true! They allow themselves to benefit from you in every way possible while helping you at the same time. This person is the worst possible person you could find...as my Master Jae Kwon Kim said.....the worst students are the ones who say to your face thank you and helps you build your business while destroying you by saying negative things about you behind your back. Most of the time they don't even realize that they are doing so.
*Special note to my daughter: Be very careful of who you choose as your friends! Keep a close eye and you will see that some will talk bad about you thinking you aren't listening. Some will even help you build your dreams without realizing that there jokes and negative talk talk is slowly destroying the dream that they are trying to help you build. Recognize quickly who your allies are and treat them like Gold. Recognize those who aren't genuine and quickly remove them from your life. Failing to do so will drive you crazy!
Yesterday was supposed to be the best day of my life. After surviving the world of operating a successful business for 3 years in the WORST location possible..We, at PMAC held our very 1st Grand Opening in 4 years! The reason we never held a G. Opening before? Because the old location was never fit for a grand opening. The old location was THAT BAD! Yesterday was a dream of over 8 years come true! From my very beginning teaching Taekwondo at the Lakewood Recreation Center for 4 years, to teaching the 4 years in Rancho Cucamonga! I finally was able to get the PERFECT location to operate a Taekwondo studio which started in January of 2009. So with that history in mind you can tell how nervous I was!
All my life, I was told by my dad I would never amount to anything. The only times he would tell me he loved me was when I would win my Taekwondo Tournaments so that he could brag about how his son was a champion. That would quickly change the moment I lost a fight. That pressure taught me to fight very well. My biggest fear during my competition career was what I would have to hear from him after the fight was over. I lived with that fear most of my life until I became 18 and I decided for myself that I was better than what he labeled me as. At that point I refused to compete in Taekwondo because I was so sick of his opinion of what I should have done! I continued to teach, and at that point I decided to live a normal life. A life without sacrifice, a life without pressure, a life where I could be free to make my own choices.
I quickly realized, that the life I was living lead me no where fast!
Then I met my God given wife Jane! She quickly showed me that not everyone was so cynical in the way they lived. She supported me from day 1 and supported to where I am today and SHE taught me that there are Good people in life, there are Bad people in life, and there are SICK people in life.
Good people are your friends who can listen to your dreams and aspirations! Good people are the people who you are able to vent to about the mistakes you have made in life, but still pick you up! Good people will always see your intentions in a positive way and know that you would never do anything to embarrass or humiliate them. Although we may have fun...true friends try their very best not to compete with eachother...its just silly.
Bad people are the ones, the friends, the fakes who always watch what you do and say to you how they could have done it better! I've had people watch what I do and say you could have done it like this.....and that...... My response is "You have NO idea what it takes to live a week in my life!" To have the pressure of knowing that if I fail in any area of my life, my wife and my daughter will be effected my failure. So, I wake up every day and try my very best at what I do. Is it perfect? Probably not but I am still here, not a failing in business, paying bills, paying rent, and not crying about the economy. Its usually the people who are sucking at life that have comments about your life...THATS A FACT!
SICK PEOPLE ARE THE WORST OF THEM ALL! These are the people who preach to you how they want to help make your dreams come true! They allow themselves to benefit from you in every way possible while helping you at the same time. This person is the worst possible person you could find...as my Master Jae Kwon Kim said.....the worst students are the ones who say to your face thank you and helps you build your business while destroying you by saying negative things about you behind your back. Most of the time they don't even realize that they are doing so.
*Special note to my daughter: Be very careful of who you choose as your friends! Keep a close eye and you will see that some will talk bad about you thinking you aren't listening. Some will even help you build your dreams without realizing that there jokes and negative talk talk is slowly destroying the dream that they are trying to help you build. Recognize quickly who your allies are and treat them like Gold. Recognize those who aren't genuine and quickly remove them from your life. Failing to do so will drive you crazy!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
SURROUNDING YOURSELF WITH CHAMPIONS
When an athlete trains for an event, you will usually find that they surround themselves with other athletes. Heres why:
#1 Athletes are usually on a strict diet! They will only eat food that will help them in their training and those foods are usually pretty boring and bland. That means no sugar and if they're cutting weight....no salt!
#2 They have a rigorous training schedule to keep. Unfortunately, athletes miss a LOT of fun in their lives due to the path they have chosen of being exactly what they are...Humans who train and live a different way in order for them to win the prize, achieve the goal, or hit the mark.
#3 Athletes go through mental breakdowns full of doubt or fear that they are not good enough. Even the best Athletes will go through a brief period of self-doubt regardless of their accomplishments.
But what separates a Champion from an Athlete? Champions will do #'s 1,2, and 3 BETTER! A Champion will not always be a winner because of physical ability. It's because they made better choices during the time that led up to the main event. To give you an example of what I mean...lets break down the UFC Fight between BJ Penn and GSP.
#1 GSP kept a VERY STRICT and CLEAN diet to optimize every training session. Usually 2 per day.
#1 Unfortunately for BJ, he had to go up in weight class so there wasn't much he could do about this. Well, he chose to do battle in a heavier weight class so his body was going to have to take the toll of gaining weight. NOT FUN!
#2 GSP Kept up with a GRUELING SCHEDULE! No breaks, no complaints, at one point he even said, "I feel like I got hit by a truck....5 trucks!" But never used how he "FELT" as an excuse to stop working. He is not one that is influenced by what he "FEELS." He just goes out there and does what he has to do!
#2 BJ "FELT" that his body was shutting down so he "FELT" that he needed to rest. So he and his boys take of to relax in the sun and crack jokes about how GSP is probably stuck in a snow storm.
#3 GSP surrounded himself with people who would definitely push him! Athletes such as Nate Marquardt, Donald Cerrone, and even the current UFC L.H. Champ, Rashad Evans! In addition to the awesome training partners, he had a coach who has won my deepest respect...sorry I don't remember his name. Thats what usually what happens with coaches.....i.e. Tiger Woods...whats his caddys name? HAHA unless you are an avid Golf fan you probably don't know that he is the one who guides Tiger on the course.
#3 BJ surrounded himself with people he could beat! If you saw his training session he was tearing through everyone he was around. It was almost as if, he trained with people who he liked to be around because they made him believe in himself more. I could be wrong, but thats what I saw. As far as coaching goes, I have no comment besides the fact that he got OUT COACHED.
The outcome was GSP delivering a BRILLIANT game plan developed by his Coach, and outclassing his opponent due to the superior training with the help of his training team! And MOST IMPORTANTLY THE GREAT CHOICES MADE BY GSP! I am sure he didn't make everyone happy when he chose to be around those individuals only, there are always haters but hey...He CHOSE to separate himself from the rest so that he could be the best!
***Special Note to my princess: Try not to find friends that make you feel great because you know you are better than them. Make friends that make you want to be BETTER then who you are. Friends that motivate you to be smarter....Friends that motivate you to want to be successful....Friends that motivate you to have a GREAT family. Find a mentor who has a genuine interest in you that can guide you. I love you and remember....complacency kills!
P.S. The mentor better be a female or Daddy will rip his arms off!
#1 Athletes are usually on a strict diet! They will only eat food that will help them in their training and those foods are usually pretty boring and bland. That means no sugar and if they're cutting weight....no salt!
#2 They have a rigorous training schedule to keep. Unfortunately, athletes miss a LOT of fun in their lives due to the path they have chosen of being exactly what they are...Humans who train and live a different way in order for them to win the prize, achieve the goal, or hit the mark.
#3 Athletes go through mental breakdowns full of doubt or fear that they are not good enough. Even the best Athletes will go through a brief period of self-doubt regardless of their accomplishments.
But what separates a Champion from an Athlete? Champions will do #'s 1,2, and 3 BETTER! A Champion will not always be a winner because of physical ability. It's because they made better choices during the time that led up to the main event. To give you an example of what I mean...lets break down the UFC Fight between BJ Penn and GSP.
#1 GSP kept a VERY STRICT and CLEAN diet to optimize every training session. Usually 2 per day.
#1 Unfortunately for BJ, he had to go up in weight class so there wasn't much he could do about this. Well, he chose to do battle in a heavier weight class so his body was going to have to take the toll of gaining weight. NOT FUN!
#2 GSP Kept up with a GRUELING SCHEDULE! No breaks, no complaints, at one point he even said, "I feel like I got hit by a truck....5 trucks!" But never used how he "FELT" as an excuse to stop working. He is not one that is influenced by what he "FEELS." He just goes out there and does what he has to do!
#2 BJ "FELT" that his body was shutting down so he "FELT" that he needed to rest. So he and his boys take of to relax in the sun and crack jokes about how GSP is probably stuck in a snow storm.
#3 GSP surrounded himself with people who would definitely push him! Athletes such as Nate Marquardt, Donald Cerrone, and even the current UFC L.H. Champ, Rashad Evans! In addition to the awesome training partners, he had a coach who has won my deepest respect...sorry I don't remember his name. Thats what usually what happens with coaches.....i.e. Tiger Woods...whats his caddys name? HAHA unless you are an avid Golf fan you probably don't know that he is the one who guides Tiger on the course.
#3 BJ surrounded himself with people he could beat! If you saw his training session he was tearing through everyone he was around. It was almost as if, he trained with people who he liked to be around because they made him believe in himself more. I could be wrong, but thats what I saw. As far as coaching goes, I have no comment besides the fact that he got OUT COACHED.
The outcome was GSP delivering a BRILLIANT game plan developed by his Coach, and outclassing his opponent due to the superior training with the help of his training team! And MOST IMPORTANTLY THE GREAT CHOICES MADE BY GSP! I am sure he didn't make everyone happy when he chose to be around those individuals only, there are always haters but hey...He CHOSE to separate himself from the rest so that he could be the best!
***Special Note to my princess: Try not to find friends that make you feel great because you know you are better than them. Make friends that make you want to be BETTER then who you are. Friends that motivate you to be smarter....Friends that motivate you to want to be successful....Friends that motivate you to have a GREAT family. Find a mentor who has a genuine interest in you that can guide you. I love you and remember....complacency kills!
P.S. The mentor better be a female or Daddy will rip his arms off!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Part 2 of the PMAC fiasco that took place on Wed. Feb 11- Thurs. Feb. 12th 2009
So the very next day I was up bright and early to meet my investor to get the necessary funds to pump life into the bank account and I get a notification on my trusty Blackberry that I had received an email from my billing company regarding the current situation. My heart drops as I am super curious to read that email so I start to check it while I am driving and a quiet voice tells me to put the phone down and focus on the road (Thank you God). So I get the funds, shoot over to the bank and deposit the funds and head home to check the email.
I opened the email and for the first time in my life I could literally feel my blood start to boil. The email read that I had to tell all of the accounts effected to ask their bank to reverse the charge, and then re-enter their accounts to be re-billed! At this point I really want to fly to Canada where my account manager Nima, currently lives and strangle him for continuing to not be be truthful with me. I did not have the greatest reaction upon reading the email and I woke my wife who was suffering from a nasty stomach flu and we decided that she could not be sick THAT day. I jumped in the shower and my nose started to bleed uncontrollably and at the point I knew I needed to calm down. As I got out of the shower I immediately phoned my manager, Caryn Kratzer and told her that today was Def Con 4 status and we needed to meet at the studio early and create a strategy to resolve the problem. As a high ranking employee should be, she quickly dropped everything she was doing...packed her 3 kids and arrived at the studio at the same time I arrived, which was pretty impressive. Within 15 minutes of our arrival my wife arrived at the studio...sick and with Jordyn. We did everything opposite of what my multi-million dollar billing company did...we were completely upfront with our students. Jane had to make over 40 phone calls with each call averaging 10 minutes to explain the situation. On top of the phone calls she had to hold group meetings in my office with my students to explain the situation. As she was attacking the problem of explaining the situation...I was on the phone with the billing company to find a way to ensure that their so-called plan would work. At this point Nima convinced the VP of the company to call me personally to work things out. I told him what we were doing to remedy the situation and he gave me his cell phone number and told me that if the reversals did not work, to call him any time. During all the craziness, Kratzer was teaching classes for me and was doing an amazing job! This situation is still not over yet...It will be over when EVERY client gets their return and when we receive the Feb. tuition that is needed to operate! I pray that God will watch over this situation and see it through! I want to send a special thank you to all of my students who were very understanding! I also want to THANK:
CHRIS PATTERSON and Family...who offered to lend us money if needed to stay open!
EDDIE ROBLES and Family...who offered to use his Jet Skis which were paid off to use it in any way possible to keep the studio open!
SPECIAL NOTE TO JORDY: My wish is for you to develop a GREAT work ethic! People see who you are and what you are capable by how you work. The bible is SUPER CLEAR about work ethic. Jesus says to work as if you are working for God! No excuses, no complaints, just do it! When you work as if God is your boss you will find that people will have faith in you and want to help you because they know that you are someone who will not fail! What happened in the past 2 days was uncontrollable...but hey...thats business! Just know your daddy was blessed to be around great people, and in the arms of Jesus!
I opened the email and for the first time in my life I could literally feel my blood start to boil. The email read that I had to tell all of the accounts effected to ask their bank to reverse the charge, and then re-enter their accounts to be re-billed! At this point I really want to fly to Canada where my account manager Nima, currently lives and strangle him for continuing to not be be truthful with me. I did not have the greatest reaction upon reading the email and I woke my wife who was suffering from a nasty stomach flu and we decided that she could not be sick THAT day. I jumped in the shower and my nose started to bleed uncontrollably and at the point I knew I needed to calm down. As I got out of the shower I immediately phoned my manager, Caryn Kratzer and told her that today was Def Con 4 status and we needed to meet at the studio early and create a strategy to resolve the problem. As a high ranking employee should be, she quickly dropped everything she was doing...packed her 3 kids and arrived at the studio at the same time I arrived, which was pretty impressive. Within 15 minutes of our arrival my wife arrived at the studio...sick and with Jordyn. We did everything opposite of what my multi-million dollar billing company did...we were completely upfront with our students. Jane had to make over 40 phone calls with each call averaging 10 minutes to explain the situation. On top of the phone calls she had to hold group meetings in my office with my students to explain the situation. As she was attacking the problem of explaining the situation...I was on the phone with the billing company to find a way to ensure that their so-called plan would work. At this point Nima convinced the VP of the company to call me personally to work things out. I told him what we were doing to remedy the situation and he gave me his cell phone number and told me that if the reversals did not work, to call him any time. During all the craziness, Kratzer was teaching classes for me and was doing an amazing job! This situation is still not over yet...It will be over when EVERY client gets their return and when we receive the Feb. tuition that is needed to operate! I pray that God will watch over this situation and see it through! I want to send a special thank you to all of my students who were very understanding! I also want to THANK:
CHRIS PATTERSON and Family...who offered to lend us money if needed to stay open!
EDDIE ROBLES and Family...who offered to use his Jet Skis which were paid off to use it in any way possible to keep the studio open!
SPECIAL NOTE TO JORDY: My wish is for you to develop a GREAT work ethic! People see who you are and what you are capable by how you work. The bible is SUPER CLEAR about work ethic. Jesus says to work as if you are working for God! No excuses, no complaints, just do it! When you work as if God is your boss you will find that people will have faith in you and want to help you because they know that you are someone who will not fail! What happened in the past 2 days was uncontrollable...but hey...thats business! Just know your daddy was blessed to be around great people, and in the arms of Jesus!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
THE PATH WE CHOOSE.....
So this the second blog I will be posting....I erased the old blog because with all the negativity in the media, as well as the negativity I hear in peoples conversations...I decided I will focus on everything positive going on in my life and in the world I currently live in. Although I will share my failures and challenges that come my way, one day my beautiful daughter Jordyn will read this blog and learn that her Daddy was the type to look for something positive in every situation he encountered!
On Wed., Feb. 11th 2009...
I noticed a very alarming situation. I was conducting my weekly bank check and I realized that my account was WAY under what it was supposed to be. Upon doing my research, I realized that my trusty Billing Company whom I pay a TON of money failed to transfer my funds. So, I called my account manager Nima, and asked him if he knew what was going on. His response was very classic...."Oh did you not hear what happened yet? ...Basically a bank took your funds and they froze the account because they are in court fighting a legal battle with Alliance (who actually performs the transactions for my billing company...its complicated) and they are unable to release the funds to you." Of course...I was practicing my breathing exercises because my wife was sick and I didn't want to yell at him and wake her up and startle my daughter. So I gently asked "Why wasn't I informed earlier?" his response....."Well I have 600 people to call...." I rudely cut him off with " I DON'T GIVE A ......HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO CALL!!! YOU HAVE 1 EXTREMELY UPSET (of course that is the rated G version) PERSON CALLING YOU RIGHT NOW AND YOU ARE GOING TO FIX THIS NOW!" At this point I blew my top...wife awake...Jordyn looking confused but she was ok because she was playing with her toys. Then Nima says "You have to understand...the economy is no good and the bank is in trouble." Of course my response was a simple.."THE ECONOMY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU NOT CALLING ME WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED (JAN 30)! HAD YOU HAVE CALLED ME I COULD HAVE PREPARED MYSELF TO CALL MY LANDLORD AND MY VENDORS THAT I DEAL WITH! BUT BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO CALL ME...I HAVE SEVERAL CHECKS THAT WILL NOW BOUNCE BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO CALL ME!"
He then proceed with "The funds will be released on the 17th of February." Which gave me some piece of mind but I still had to take action to make rent this month. So I scheduled an emergency negotiation meeting with my investor and I was able to convince him to pump some blood into our account to make rent. Problem 50% solved.
*Note to Jordy: There will be times in your life when you are doing everything right! Working hard..Working Smart and in an instant, your world is threatened by failure. Remember that when failure comes knocking at your door you have a choice. To focus on the problem at hand, or QUICKLY FOCUS ON FINDING THE WAY OUT. I was prepared to do anything to make sure I made rent and rather than continuing my fighting with the Billing Company...I chose to fix the problem first! And then continue my verbal assault on Nima =)
On Wed., Feb. 11th 2009...
I noticed a very alarming situation. I was conducting my weekly bank check and I realized that my account was WAY under what it was supposed to be. Upon doing my research, I realized that my trusty Billing Company whom I pay a TON of money failed to transfer my funds. So, I called my account manager Nima, and asked him if he knew what was going on. His response was very classic...."Oh did you not hear what happened yet? ...Basically a bank took your funds and they froze the account because they are in court fighting a legal battle with Alliance (who actually performs the transactions for my billing company...its complicated) and they are unable to release the funds to you." Of course...I was practicing my breathing exercises because my wife was sick and I didn't want to yell at him and wake her up and startle my daughter. So I gently asked "Why wasn't I informed earlier?" his response....."Well I have 600 people to call...." I rudely cut him off with " I DON'T GIVE A ......HOW MANY PEOPLE YOU HAVE TO CALL!!! YOU HAVE 1 EXTREMELY UPSET (of course that is the rated G version) PERSON CALLING YOU RIGHT NOW AND YOU ARE GOING TO FIX THIS NOW!" At this point I blew my top...wife awake...Jordyn looking confused but she was ok because she was playing with her toys. Then Nima says "You have to understand...the economy is no good and the bank is in trouble." Of course my response was a simple.."THE ECONOMY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU NOT CALLING ME WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED (JAN 30)! HAD YOU HAVE CALLED ME I COULD HAVE PREPARED MYSELF TO CALL MY LANDLORD AND MY VENDORS THAT I DEAL WITH! BUT BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO CALL ME...I HAVE SEVERAL CHECKS THAT WILL NOW BOUNCE BECAUSE YOU FAILED TO CALL ME!"
He then proceed with "The funds will be released on the 17th of February." Which gave me some piece of mind but I still had to take action to make rent this month. So I scheduled an emergency negotiation meeting with my investor and I was able to convince him to pump some blood into our account to make rent. Problem 50% solved.
*Note to Jordy: There will be times in your life when you are doing everything right! Working hard..Working Smart and in an instant, your world is threatened by failure. Remember that when failure comes knocking at your door you have a choice. To focus on the problem at hand, or QUICKLY FOCUS ON FINDING THE WAY OUT. I was prepared to do anything to make sure I made rent and rather than continuing my fighting with the Billing Company...I chose to fix the problem first! And then continue my verbal assault on Nima =)
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