Meet Gordon Coopman III | Personal Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gordon Coopman III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gordon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was I needed something to build that I can be proud of. I enjoy a challenge, and what is harder than putting it all on the line and walking the path less traveled. I don’t always have all the answers. Making mistakes on this journey is the sole thing that keeps me humble, ambitious, and eager to continue learning. Saint Wrong abbreviated St_rong is my lifestyle brand that teaches others that our wrongs are not mistakes if we don’t continue to repeat them but rather lessons, we use to grow into someone who can teach those lessons to others; what some refer to as a saint.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My openness to take ideas from different perspectives and find solutions. That is likely what sets me apart. I’ve been in private practice as a personal trainer for about 10 years. Some of that was through an employer and some as an independent contractor. I recall one summer when I had 8 clients generating 20 hours of work per week. Then I lost 80 percent of my clients. In the weeks following that occurrence I doubted myself a lot. Questioning if I should keep going on my own or if I should just throw in the towel. I chose to stick with it. I don’t know why maybe I felt like I had something to prove or I had a chip on my shoulder. My mother says that it’s my drive, and that I get it from her.

The people who stayed with me – changed their lives. Losing a combined 100lbs! They are still my friend today. Starting my career as a coach was hard.  Especially when you have minimal life experience and even less name recognition.  I was trying to sell people one of the hardest things that there is to sell and that’s what I call accountability. When a stranger, who still doesn’t trust you yet, tries to tell you something needs to change it usually doesn’t sink in for the first 10 times. Being a teacher or coach requires two things: Patience – Allowing others to make their own mistakes and Understanding – Meeting people where they are.

I want people to know that St_rong is just as much of a philosophy as it is a brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in good old Wisconsin. One of those states that not many people think about vacationing to unless you’re a big fan of the Green Bay Packers. I am not a Packer fan. My vacation to WI would include getting a nice breakfast then checking out a local gym that I’ve never been to and train. After that I would probably find a zombie VR warehouse or go snowboarding/biking. Then in the afternoon/evening I’d have a bonfire, BBQ and have a couple drinks and chill. On some of the other days I’d check out some state parks for some hiking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My fellow entrepreneur and best friend for almost 2 decades Nick McKenzie and also my mom a single mother of two who taught me that if I wanted something it was my responsibility to make that happen.  Lastly my Grandpa Gordy (my namesake) who taught me to work hard. If you do something, do it right the first time so you don’t have to waste time later redoing the same job.

Website: https://st-rong.fit/

Instagram: GordonSt_rong

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/gordon-coopman-670694a7

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gordon.coopmaniii

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJAPe35b8hHJ8w4Jp8GjXEw