Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Jackson.
Hi Bobby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My professional journey started right after graduating from Minnesota State University, in 2010, with my degree in Biology; Health & Medical Sciences. Still not sure what area of health sciences I wanted to pursue, I got board certified as a phlebotomist and began working at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota.
After establishing myself as a proficient Phlebotomist, even earning an instructor position in the hospital’s phlebotomy training program, I decided that I needed to transition into a more active area of health sciences. Physical Therapy became my new direction. I moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, for a Physical Therapy internship, to gain the required shadow hours for 2 of my DPT schools of interest.
One of the Physical Therapists at my internship was also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), allowing him to provide performance fitness training to collegiate and professional athletes. Once I saw the functions of a CSCS I knew that was exactly what I was meant to do with my life.
I immediately shifted away from Physical Therapy and locked onto the Strength & Conditioning path, becoming certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in 2013. In 2017, I opened my own performance training facility, The Custom Fitness Institute, and as they say, the rest is history.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road for me, but I am grateful for every bump in that road, as it has made me a stronger Coach and Business Owner along the way. Before becoming a CSCS, I didn’t have any formal fitness coaching experience.
I knew I needed to compound as much knowledge and experience as I could, as quickly as possible, if I was to survive in such a competitive industry. I immediately began working as a general personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and stretch therapist. That strategy allowed me to work with the broadest range of clientele, with the highest volume of clients possible.
That exposure, combined with the Physical Therapy internship, had also allowed me to develop a strong injury-prevention strategy that even translates to my current professional athlete clients. Almost all of the struggles I have experienced have been solved by a willingness to invest time, even when not being compensated, in order to learn or improve a skill set.
The amount of knowledge to be gained simply by helping others is incalculable. Just make sure to listen more than you speak and check your ego at the door.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Custom Fitness Institute?
The Custom Fitness Institute specializes in athletic performance training. I have the privilege of being the Strength & Conditioning Coach for collegiate football, lacrosse, golf, and basketball athletes as well as professional MMA, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing athletes.
With some extra “free time” at the beginning of 2020, I was able to start the Health is Wealth podcast (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, etc.) with a fitness mentor of mine, Jason Schibley. Health is Wealth is meant to help answer common fitness questions for beginners in the gym.
My hope is that the combination of my facility and our podcast gives people at any fitness level something to improve their quality of life.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up on a farm in rural Minnesota, I have always been very active outdoors. I first got into organized sports in middle school. Starting with basketball, I quickly added football, track, and eventually wrestling. I was also very passionate about snowboarding.
Being more naturally introverted, the involvement in sports was incredible for starting to develop stronger teamwork and communication skills. Sports and training also began to pique my interest in physical sciences at a young age.
I owe my early involvement in sports, and the interactions with coaches and teammates, for so much of my professional and even personal successes to this day.
Contact Info:
- Email: bobby@customfitnessfl.com
- Website: www.CustomFitnessFL.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/CustomFitnessFL
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CustomFitnessFL
