During this time I worked as a mechanic for my brother, Mark, and we ended up going to a large networking event at Chanel Side, here in Palm Coast. We never went to networking events, but this one was different, we were there to support our friend, Shane Bonner, who opened up the Chanel Side venue, and it was here that I met Emily and Zack Shapiro. I had seen them around, and they were the epitome of fitness, health and wellness, I often joked that Zack was born with abs from head to toe. I decided to take the leap, walked over and during our conversation, I told Zack how I needed to lose weight. Zack took the time to ask me questions, not just about me, but my friends and my family. At the end of the conversation, he asked me one question that has stuck out to me all these years, “Are you ready for your life to change?”

I didn’t instantly jump on board, part of me thought I was crazy from trusting total strangers, but the other part of me realized that change needed to happen. I got started on the Herbalife nutrition program with Zack, and then we added walking to the mix. He started getting up and walking the Flagler Bridge with me every day for 120 days straight, we didn’t even take a break for a holiday. I made it a goal to lose 100 lbs in six months, and although it was difficult at times, I made my goal. I lost 100 lbs in six months. During our time walking together he would ask if I wanted to help other people with their journey. Initially, I was against it; I was working on myself to make me healthy, but in the end, after I reached my goal, I realized maybe I did want to help people with their journey. That was how I got started helping people, by asking them what their goals are, and then I was able to work with everyone to help them get there.

I was never truly happy working as a mechanic, but when I started helping people on their journey, that was when I realized my calling. I had never been happier than when I was celebrating someone else’s achievements. God gave me a vision for this nutrition club, and when I say a vision, I mean I saw the paintings on the walls, I saw the bar, the sinks, the military wall, everything for the most part, including the colors. It was at the end of 2019, that Paula, my wife, encouraged me to take the leap and open up the nutrition club. By 2019, both of our boys had moved out, and started living their own lives, and Paula and I both got depressed. We knew we needed something to change, so that was when we started working to bring the nutrition club vision to life.