The Obvious Choice 298 I From Personal Trainer to Online Success: Jonathan Goodman's Origin Story
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