In this candid origin story, Jonathan reveals his journey from personal trainer to successful online entrepreneur. Growing up in a traditional professional family in Toronto, Jonathan breaks convention to build the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC) from scratch. He shares pivotal moments including a life-changing book gift from a client, his first affiliate sale that exceeded a day's training income, and a breakthrough $180,000 product launch that came just as he was questioning everything.

Through practical lessons on recognizing talent, choosing development over immediate gains, and the power of optimistic ignorance, he demonstrates how persistence and strategic relationship-building can transform a side project into a thriving business. A must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and fitness professionals looking to expand beyond traditional career paths.

Jon's next book, The Obvious Choice, published by HarperCollins, is now available for preorder on Amazon in Hardcover, Kindle, and Audio. Click here to preorder your copy today.

FREE GIFT - Get a free copy of the Wealthy Fit Pro's Guide to Getting Clients and Referrals (digital and audio. Sells for $22.99 on Amazon.)

HOW - Rate/review this podcast, take a screenshot, and send it to obviouschoicepod@gmail.com

Host:

@itscoachgoodman

@fitnessjonestraining

@amberreynolds.me

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Timestamps:

0:00 - Playful opening banter about Tiny Toons

0:27 - Introduction to the podcast and book announcement

0:57 - Discussion of podcast outreach and origin story motivation

3:16 - Ball hockey story and Excalibur team anecdote

4:29 - Background on growing up in Jewish Toronto community

7:26 - University years and working at campus gym

9:54 - Early personal training career and client interactions

12:09 - Lesson on false economies and development over savings

15:23 - Pivotal moment with psychiatrist client Tom giving Rich Dad Poor Dad

21:40 - Document compilation leading to first book

24:31 - Conversation with Rick about PhD vs writing a book

26:27 - Finding an editor and publishing process

28:47 - Discussion of optimistic ignorance in entrepreneurship

32:05 - Website creation and early marketing efforts

38:32 - Building relationships with other fitness professionals

41:01 - Learning internet marketing through others' products

44:02 - First significant affiliate sale moment

47:07 - The "freedom number" concept

50:34 - Building community and product development

52:58 - Launch of 1K Extra course

55:03 - New York wedding story and final launch success

59:19 - Follow-up about maintaining relationships with mentors