Name: Christopher Green
Age: 31
Profession: Owner and trainer of Houston’s premiere fitness gym and “Mean Green” outdoor boot camps
One Word That Describes You: Ambitious
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
Being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction is an honor. I believe the fulfillment of this achievement would make my sacrifices well worth it. To know the challenges that I have overcome, the lives that have been changed, and the foundation that I have laid for future generations to invest in a health and wellness plan would make my dream come to reality.
What are some examples of how you turned struggle into success?
Literally, I started from the bottom. I didn’t have the resources or the relationships to teach me how to run my own fitness business. Therefore, I listened to audiotapes and read books that were related to fitness. Instead of having a gym, I started training people at outdoor parks. In order to establish my clientele, I would meet anyone who would meet me at those outdoor parks.
Over time, I was able to create a system that was changing lives. Countless numbers of people believed in my services, so the demand of my training was more than I could personally handle. I soon had to hire other trainers and teach them my system. Now, we have over 15 locations in Houston and opened our first gym this year.
Through the process of struggle, it created something special. I look back now and I can say that I’m grateful for the challenge, and because of that struggle we were able to solidify our brand.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
I have several qualities that I look for in all relationships. My top three would be someone that’s trustworthy, honest, and has integrity.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
In Houston, we once had one of the highest rates of obesity in the country. Right now I am a spokesperson for the American Heart Association where I am responsible for warming up, motivating, and encouraging the Heart Walk participants for their annual 5K. As a result of the positive responses, my team is working on programs to help people become more fit and active in the workplace.
This year, my company Mean Green Training has created a campaign called, “The Fight Against Obesity.” We will have a huge workout for the city where we expect hundreds of Houstonians to come out and get active. Our goal is to educate people on the importance of exercise. Teaching people the importance of staying active is a proven system to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What is the best advice you ever received?
My father once opened up to me about a business he created. “I had a business once son. I fixed air conditioners. I would have been in business over 25 years if I would have never quit.” Those simple words changed my life forever. It taught me something very valuable. As long as I don’t quit, I would move up and become successful. I learned that the key to becoming successful was to never quit.
What is some advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Do not allow other people’s opinions to become your reality. I had people that I called friends who told me I would never be successful as a fitness trainer. Individuals that I looked up to told me they could never see how I could make my passion a successful business. Others told me that I was too young, I didn’t have a gym, and no one would ever pay me to train them outdoors.
Those were the words I was told. However, I learned that my vision was not meant for others to see. It was meant for me, so I worked on my craft daily until it became my reality.
How do you prep for an important business meeting and/or event?
I visualize the environment and literally have conversations to myself about the subject or topics that may occur. I believe in doing my research before arriving to any meeting or event. Whenever I’m a part of a meeting or group, I make sure that my purpose and passion is provided. I never want to walk away from a meeting or an event feeling that I didn’t do my best.
As a busy Modern Man, how do you unwind on vacation? Share a story about your best vacation.
I love to surround myself around family or friends. I’m a big sports fan, so every year I attend an away Houston Texans football game. Last year, my wife and I were able to visit Atlanta to watch the Texans play, but also meet up with my sister and her husband. I was able to see some historical sites in Atlanta, try new restaurants, and attend the football game.
If you could travel and stay anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would love to stay in Italy. I’ve never been to Europe, so it would be great to see another country, and the historical landmarks. I would love to see other cultures and how they operate. I’m intrigued with other lifestyles.
Anything else you’d like to say?
There’s a saying we use in our program. Believe! Achieve! Receive! If you can follow this system, you make possible things happen out of the impossible.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.
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