Follow through. Regardless of how long it takes you to finish something. Get it done or you will live with regret.
Charles Johnson attended Boston University as a scholarship football player and graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Health. He continued at BU as a graduate assistant to the BU Fitness Program while earning his Master’s in Education. He is now the Founder & Owner of Fire & Ice Therapy, LLC, and is celebrating his fifteenth year as a full-time Strength and Conditioning Coach. Charles is also a private Performance Specialist where he administers sessions in strength & speed development for middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes including NFL veterans, NFL draft prospects, and ranked AVP and FIVB beach volleyball players.
Where did the idea for Fire and Ice come from?
After sustaining an injury, I tried everything to speed up the recovery process. The injury held me back from training and was extremely frustrating, after needing three different methods to speed the healing I figured that the industry needed a better way. I looked back on 15 years in the fitness industry and I managed to combine the best of three worlds; the FIT Roller blends the benefits of heat therapy, cold therapy and self massage. Looking back, the injury inspired me to want to teach better ways to prepare for workouts, train effectively, recover and rejuvenate efficiently so that people reduce their chances for injury and improve overall performance.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
As cliche as it sounds, I never have a typical day. Six days a week, I’m a Strength and Conditioning Coach for a local San Diego school. I work with kids of all abilities to help them improve their performance and overall health and well-being. When I’m not working with kids, I am training pro athletes or working on building the FIT business.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Teamwork! I’m happiest when working with a great, thriving fitness community. I’ve spoken with other fitness professionals and they have been excited to try out my prototype.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I am excited about new fitness technology that improves workout quality and makes fitness more enjoyable and efficient. For example, I am confident that rolling at temperature can change people’s lives for the better.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I am a go-getter. I don’t worry about being an entrepreneur, I ignore the fear and when I see a good idea I take the opportunity and go with it. You are not going to feel completely confident and prepared, so just do it!
What advice would you give your younger self?
Read more while you are in your early years. Don’t read content just from your craft, include business and motivation.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
No matter what the situation is, as long as you are prepared it will go well.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Follow through. Regardless of how long it takes you to finish something. Get it done or you will live with regret.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
Marketing on Facebook. Running ads to certain targeted audiences on social media is one of the fastest and most effective ways to build awareness for your brand.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
It was a struggle figuring out how to make my product exactly the way I saw it in my head. I knew it was possible to combine these 3 unique therapies. I just wanted to make sure that I was doing in it in the best way possible. You won’t get it right the first try, keep at it until it’s how you see it!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
My idea is a smart shoe that would combine fitbit capabilities, gps, force-plate, orthotics, wifi, bluetooth, FIT Roller, lojack technology into all types of shoes including athletic, work, and dress shoes. Possibilities are endless. Why have all of those separate gadgets when they can come from one source?
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
My cell phone bill. I can’t imagine trying to run a business without it.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
My entire business is on Google! It’s a free tool and it makes sure that everyone is always on the same page.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
BodyWHealth by Roddy Carter, MD. It is simple and highlights that exercise is the key to abundance. A strong body is a strong mind.
What is your favorite quote?
“Struggles and criticisms are prerequisites for greatness”
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.