The Erik Rokeach Interview

Three months ago, I had no idea who Erik Rokeach was, but when he asked me to do a fitness business video interview for his website, I just had to say yes. Well, Erik is making quite the name for himself interviewing all of the top fitness entrepreneurs out there, but nobody had ever interviewed him... that is... until I decided to do it.

Of course, it helped that 1) He has an awesome name (as someone pointed out to me... and, if you were wondering, his last name is pronounced like "teach"); 2) He read my book, legitimately thought it was awesome, and did a video testimonial for me (see top right corner of this page); 3) People think he's attractive (see interview... heheh).

So, without further ado, here is the Erik Rokeach interview...

####
Hey Erik, thanks for doing this interview with me today... I know that at least one of my readers is super excited that you are doing this. So, let's get started...

1. For those who aren't familiar with you, why don't you give us a brief introduction? Who are you, what's the purpose of your website, and what do you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

Well, I am fitness entrepreneur who's main goal is to help as many people as possible. Now I know that sounds cliche, but it is absolutely true. I've run multiple fitness and sports training businesses that helped a lot of people. But I felt that I was limited as to how many people I could reach.

During the time when I was running my last fitness business I ended up getting really sick, and unfortunately had to shut everything down. It was during this time that I I had an epiphany. I realized that I really loved the fitness industry, and since I was physically unable to do anything, I had to turn to the internet to continue trying to just reach and help people.. As I started thinking about what I loved to do, what my background was, and how to really help people, it all merged into what I have now.

www.fitnessbusinessinterviews.com

I realized that by combing my passions and leveraging technology I could help larger numbers of people. But, the one thing I really love, and I know it sounds kind of lame, but I love talking about business. It was then I realized that I could leverage my leverage.

What I mean by that is, I would be leveraging technology to reach more people, but if I could reach the influencers who already had a following and were helping others, then I would be helping them and their followers.

So if I helped lets say a personal trainer who owns a business and has a hundred clients. Not only am I helping that personal trainer, but they would take what they've learned and apply it to their business, which helps all of his current and future clients. I would directly be helping the personal trainer, and indirectly be helping the clients.

So the main purpose of my site is to provide incredible value, education, and entertainment to the folks in the fitness industry who want to build a great business that not only can help them live the lives they want, but to help their clients lead amazing lives.

Through this I hope to accomplish my goal of making an impact on enough people so that they realize that they can be happy, healthy, and live a life they never thought they could.

2. That "life accomplishment" question was a little too heavy for my liking. Why don't we lighten things up a bit. My favorite muscle group used to be the deltoids, but since then, I've evolved. My new favorite muscle group is the gluteus maximus. I often spend hours a day activating them and admiring how far they've come since the days of first realizing I was in anterior pelvic tilt. What is your favorite muscle group and why?

Hahaha... you're a funny guy Tim! You want to know my favorite muscle group? Well, I'm a speed and explosiveness kinda guy so the hamstrings and quads are always favorites, but I've become really fond of the hip flexors. That's because they get no love. I love working with athletes and some of the biggest gains I've seen is when we focus on that area. Especially when it comes to increasing mobility and range of motion.

I know that's not an area probably 95% focus on, but it's so important to so many activities, and that's why I love focusing there.

3. You recently recorded a video testimonial for my book. This was awesome because I finally have the endorsement from a fellow fitness professional and not just a highly successful and therefore biased pro-Tim client. A lot of people don't like to read things anymore because we live in a "youtube" age where reading and comprehending things is just too tiring. If you could tell people why reading my book is a great idea in only 5 words, what would you tell them?

Hmmmm... five words why people should read your book huh? Let me think about that for a second. How about...

This is one helluva book!

Just kidding, although it is one of the best books on the subject that I've read in a really long time, and you've done an amazing job explaining everything! I think it's really going to make a difference for anyone who reads it. As for the 5 words that really describe this book and why someone should read it. I would say..

Content rich, entertaining, priceless info.

4. I couldn't have said it any better myself... and trust me, I've tried! Anyway, about 2 years ago on my old blog, I interviewed Nate Green, who you listed on your "Top 100 Fitness Entrepreneurs" entry. Here is a snippet from that interview and his answer:

Question: I frequently get girls to cook me dinner, make me sandwiches, or bake for me. To date, I think my favorites have been a beef roast and a homemade apple pie. What is the best thing a girl has ever cooked for you, and what do you think I should get cooked up for me next?"

Answer: I like it. My girlfriend makes some mean salmon. Have a girl make that for you. And make it very difficult. Tell her you want it directly from Alaska, it must weight .59 pounds, and be cooked to a temperature of 376 degrees. Don't settle for 375. Anyone can turn the knob there.

I don't know any girls here in Kentucky since I just moved... so I won't ask you the same question. However, I was thinking about implementing some fitness business tactics to generate some "potential girlfriend" leads. So far, I was thinking about putting a lead box in Wal-mart and offering "Free dinner with fitness author Timothy Ward." Then, when I call these leads and meet them for a date, I could implement the "referral at the point of sale" tactic. I would say, "You are incredibly attractive. I love attractive girls, and if you could just write down the names and contact information of 3 of your most attractive friends who I could also take out on a date, I'll give you this free t-shirt with a picture of me on it." Do you think this could work?

Hahaha... that is awesome! Although, I'm not sure if Wal Mart is the best place for attractive girls, and the ideal client. I think we've all seen that website with the Wal-mart people. Pretty funny, sad, and horrifying at the same time.

If you're going to do it, you should take it up a notch! Start with Target and see where that goes. I have a friend who works there. She could hook you up with a great spot for your lead boxes. If you really want to close the deal, give them gift cards for their friends. You'd rack up tons of leads.

5. When I ran that idea by Pat Rigsby, he also told me I should try Target instead. I'm so glad you guys are looking out for me. Speaking of business... I'm a big fan of your fitness business interviews website. Who was your best interview so far, and what are the 3 most valuable things you've learned (it doesn't have to be business related) while running this site?

Wow, thanks for being a fan. That's really cool hearing that from you. My best interview so far? That's tough to answer. Honesty every one I've done has been amazing, but I would say one that really stands out is the one I did with Nick Savage. It was really different, and the guy is a genius. He used to be involved back in the day with creating the first laptop. So it was really cool hearing how he went from that to doing what he's doing now.

As for the three most valuable things I've learned, I'd have to say the number one thing is that really doing something that you truly love is one of the best experiences in life.

The second thing would be how incredible the fitness industry is. I've been a part of a lot of big industries in the past, and they all sucked. This is the only industry that really is based around helping people. Obviously there is money involved, but most of the people I know who got into this industry did it because they had a passion for health and fitness, and they love to help others.

The more I work with my site and connect with great people, the more I love this industry.

The third thing is the power of networking the right way. I've always loved networking and connecting with others, but this site has taught me a valuable lesson in how to network. Not just network with a few people. But power networking.

6. Very awesome. On a completely different note, one of the fans of my website asked me, "Can you hook me up with that cute guy who did that video testimonial for you?" I'm not going to tell you if this is a male or female. Do you want to answer the question?

Hahahaha. good stuff! I don't know how to answer that. But you have me curious. So yeah, I'd like to know!

7. He'll be stoked! Alright, here's a question for you... A lot of things in the fitness industry really bother me. I feel like some people have great integrity and others are just out to make money without caring about their clients results. How would you go about advising my readers on how to hire a personal trainer or join a gym?

That's a loaded question with a simple answer. Just go with who your comfortable with. If your uncomfortable at a new gym, or during the consultation with a trainer, just find another one! Your gut is going to tell you right off the bat if the trainer is full or crap or really cares about you. The most important thing someone can do is ask questions to the trainer or gym owner. If the trainer or club owner doesn't shut up, then they are just trying to sell you.

That's because most people are uncomfortable when they sell, and they talk too much.

But if a gym owner or trainer really stops to listen to you, then chances are they are in it for the right reasons.

8. Excellent stuff! Alright, this interview so far has been a mix of fun and thoughtful reflection. So, I have one more serious question for you. Take your time. If you were a piece of food and Charlie Sheen were to be the one eating you, what food would you be and why?

I wouldn't want to end up in that guys digestive system. Imagine the crap that's in it. So i'd have to be something that tastes horrible and looks scary to eat. Something like the things we used to see on that show Fear Factor. Maybe some sort of insect. Even then he seems crazy enough to eat anything. So I'm guessing there is no way to avoid it.

In that case, I'd be something like beef jerky. That way he at least has to struggle a little bit to chew and eat it!

Erik, thanks for the interview. I look forward to working with you more in the future!
####

By the way, if you haven't checked out the legendary Steve Payne interview, you are missing out. I don't use terms like that lightly! Find it here.

What'd you think? Did Erik make for a good interview? Do you also want to go on a date with Mr. Rokeach? Well, take a look at his picture and let me know by leaving a comment below.

 

Ruggedly Handsome... Enjoys Hip Flexors