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 [email protected]:@itscoachgoodman@[email protected] 72,000+ trailblazers, leaders, and coaches who fuel up with our low-stress, high-impact 5 REPS FRIDAY newsletter at www.5repsfriday.com.The Obvious Choice podcast is presented by QuickCoach - free, professional software for fitness and nutrition coaches that elevates the value of what you do. Join 35,000+ coaches and get your account today at www.quickcoach.fit.Timestamps:0:00 - Playful opening banter about Tiny Toons0:27 - Introduction to the podcast and book announcement0:57 - Discussion of podcast outreach and origin story motivation3:16 - Ball hockey story and Excalibur team anecdote4:29 - Background on growing up in Jewish Toronto community7:26 - University years and working at campus gym9:54 - Early personal training career and client interactions12:09 - Lesson on false economies and development over savings15:23 - Pivotal moment with psychiatrist client Tom giving Rich Dad Poor Dad21:40 - Document compilation leading to first book24:31 - Conversation with Rick about PhD vs writing a book26:27 - Finding an editor and publishing process28:47 - Discussion of optimistic ignorance in entrepreneurship32:05 - Website creation and early marketing efforts38:32 - Building relationships with other fitness professionals41:01 - Learning internet marketing through others' products44:02 - First significant affiliate sale moment47:07 - The "freedom number" concept50:34 - Building community and product development52:58 - Launch of 1K Extra course55:03 - New York wedding story and final launch success59:19 - Follow-up about maintaining relationships with mentors