My Experience
What got me here?
Experience
Personal Trainer/Boxing Instructor
2005 - 2019
I began my professional career as a Personal Trainer, then later as a Boxing Instructor. I became a top trainer, nationwide, at a recognized nation fitness chain. I worked with clients recovering from injuries or fighting diseases and cancer.
Skills acquired…
Time management
Communication with a various range of personalities
Effectively following up and closing leads
Work Train Fight
2009 - Present
At the age of 24 I opened my first business in NoHo, New York City. I created a place where trainers pay to work out of this beautiful facility that offered everything from squat racks to a boxing ring. Over the years WTF has expanded tremendously in size and offerings. We now offer over 50 classes a week, in-house personal training, semi-private sessions and much more. Check out WorkTrainFight.com.
Skills acquired…
Minor construction
Creating a business plan
Forming teams/hiring/firing
Marketing, advertising, branding
Floor design
So much more and still learning
Gym Work/Softwares
2013 - 2017
Since my gym was so unique, I had to create a custom software. At the time 3rd party softwares were not designed to manage independent personal trainers. Later on I created a software to eliminate all paper use from my company. From there it just kept growing. Multiple softwares were created to help us and then others manage their business. However, this was my biggest financial failure to date, but also the reason I am so confident now. I thought I was untouchable. Boy, was I wrong.
Skills acquired…
UX/Mock up designing
Basic Html
Creating Pitch decks
Salsa
2011 - Present
No matter what you want to do in this world, chances are it involves other humans and requires you to be brave. Being a salsa dancer has thought me endlessly how to be kind, soft and not care about the opinions of others who are sitting in the side lines just judging. I love teaching salsa because adults are even more scared of salsa than they are boxing, go figure. In order to have a successful marketing campaign you have to be okay with being in the spot light, it doesn’t make you an asshole to do so.
Skills acquired…
Networking
Performing in front of large crowds
Learned musical timing (very helpful for editing)
Social Media Acting
2010 - Present
I am not a professional actor. However, I do get in front of the camera as well. In a gym environment where only sex and influencers are the main marketing voices we see- I decided to go a different route. Funny + heart is how I market for my gym on social media. I do comedy skits of gym moments that people can relate to. In exchange, we stay relevant without having to sell our souls.
Skills acquired…
Basic video editing
Creating scripts
Courting attention in social media
Noho Swag
2016 - Present
Once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. My gym needed custom apparel to sell. After a few years of ordering from vendors, I decided to learn the process for myself because I wasn’t happy with the quality I was receiving. After purchasing one machine, then another, then another, I launched Noho Swag. Currently, we create custom apparel for clients, as well as the gym. Check out NohoSwag.com
Skills acquired…
Heat press technology
Cameo silhouette vinyl cutter and software
Embroidery
Youth Boxing For Change
2016 - Present
Being an entrepreneur means nothing to me if I am not doing my best to make this world a better place. I’m the founder and president of the 501-c3 certified non profit, Youth Boxing For Change. In this program, under-resourced teens are given free classes, workshops, and gym time. In exchange, they themselves participate in philanthropy work for others in need. Check out YouthBoxingForChange.org
Skills acquired…
Working with youth
Creating partnerships
Fundraising
Fight Night
2016 - Present
I was always disappointed with how local boxing shows treated their boxers and held their events. In mid 2016, I created what would be the top local boxing show in NYC. We film/document our fighters’ journeys, employ ring card boys, DJ, lights, photo booth, and so much more. This is not a huge branding hit but a great revenue stream. This is the reason I was trusted with the MSG gig which can be found under My Work.
Skills acquired…
Event Planning
Live Streaming
Fight Card Promotions
My Skill Sets
I know how to do a few things.
Word/Excel/Docs Etc.– These days everyone should be great this, but I’ll still include it.
Websites/ Html – There are so many easy website creation platforms, but you still need to know how to design and copy write.
Camera Man – I own multiple cameras, the main one being a Panasonic GH5s. Besides knowing how to work a camera, I can also work lighting and sound, EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for videos.
Adobe Premier/Photoshop After Effects & More – I use the whole adobe suite. Video editing is way more comprehensive than just using a video editing software. There are some videos were I’ve used Aftereffects, Photoshop, Illustrator and Audition in conjunction with Premier to get the desired results.
3D Floor planning – Not a skill set I use often anymore, but during gym expansions I learned to create 3D floor plans to give to the contractors to save time and money.
Google/ FB ads – I’ve been in the online advertising game since it started. I attribute most of my gym’s success to it. If done incorrectly, you will waste a lot of money.
Human Management – The hardest skill in this list. Working with others despite their personalities, negotiations, hiring and firing has helped me get where I am today.
Event Coordination – Basically being over prepared and staying calm while everything is on fire.