Everyone knows the famous expression, “Those who can’t do, teach.” Whoever said this obviously does not know Jordan Black.
As an offensive tackle in the NFL, for teams including the Chiefs, Texans, Jaguars and the Redskins, Black learned just how far work ethic and discipline would get you. “I see the things that allowed me to be successful, but I also see the things that I failed to do — which would have made me more successful — and I implement both into how I teach,” said Black.
After retiring at the end of the 2012 season, Black began volunteering as a line coach at Fort Bend Christian Academy. According to Black, he takes the lessons he learned from both his success and failures in the NFL to teach and inspire these young football players.
“I’m big on work ethic, and I wanted to be able to get in the locker room and get in that environment and be able to teach work ethic and show kids what work ethic can actually do for you in terms of success,” said Black.
Black also had his sights set on a different goal — opening a 5,000-square-foot fitness club of his own. According to Black, he felt the Snap Fitness franchise would be a perfect fit. “I was working out at a Snap Fitness close to where I lived and every time I worked out there was never a crowd,” said Black. “I was wondering how it made money. One day I decided to ask how many members they had at that particular location and I was shocked when the owner said that they had about 700 members. When I heard that number I thought, this is something I really need to look at.”
Black brings the same philosophy to training as he does to coaching — work ethic and discipline are the keys to success. “There is no special program, there is no diet, there is no magic pill for weight loss or muscle gain — it is all about work ethic and it is all about discipline,” said Black. “If you don’t have work ethic and discipline as a foundation, then you will never be successful in what you’re doing.”
Black’s strategy and vision for the club would suggest he is a seasoned veteran at running a fitness facility. In fact, he is new to the industry, having opened his club in October 2013.
“I wanted to create a Snap that was about the customer,” said Black. “I don’t want anyone to feel intimidated. I want the 80-year-old man that’s on a treadmill to stop and tell the guy that squats 500 pounds, ‘Great job.’ I want it to be a family, where everyone is supporting each other and everyone respects each other because everyone has the same goal when they come into a weight room: to be healthy.”
This dedication to providing a personalized customer experience and a welcoming atmosphere seems to be paying off. Black has plans for an expansion that will include indoor turf for springing techniques, possibly a CrossFit program and Mixed Martial Arts training for kids.
Overall, Black’s philosophy for success is a simple one. “Customers first, money second. Take care of the customer, develop genuine relationships and everything will work out just how you want it to.”
By Emily Harbourne
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
