What have you accomplished in your life that you're most proud of?
-There are numerous journeys that I am still on life with many proud moments. I know what I hope the end goals should look like and use those proud moments to keep me moving forward and fuel the journey. Let’s get coffee or drinks and talk more in depth about both of our proudest accomplishments.
If you could take 3 months off and do whatever you wanted, what would that time look like?
-Honestly, I am a home body and would call Akron home base during this 3-month period. So, I would buy a jet and pour a landing strip somewhere within 5 minutes of my house and fly somewhere new in the country everyday for the first 45 days. After that, I would spend the next 45 days flying around the other continents. Each 45-day segment would prioritize visiting aunts/uncles and cousins in their respective states/countries before I explored out on my own.
How did you feel before you found TrAk?
-Before I started at TrAk, I had just graduated from Marquette and was eager to establish a routine and get into the best shape of my life. Therefore, I was not in a routine, was not in the best shape, and my body, mind, and heart were probably not as in balance as they are now.
How do you feel now?
-Like a rockstar baby. Physically, I am in the best shape of my life and can definitely keep getting stronger. Mentally, I feel healthily as ease yet still driven with a clear mind and strong heart.
How has TrAk changed your everyday life?
-To put it simply, TrAk is a part of my everyday life, which in turn, has changed my everyday life for the best. While we are in unchartered waters now with COVID-19, the 6am class is what gets me energized for my days. Aside from the workouts (because we all know at TrAk it’s more than just the workouts) the community of GREAT people is what makes me hungry for more time at TrAk and super grateful for all of the coaches and members. Without TrAk, my body, mind, and heart would not go into each day the way it does now.
Goals...personal, professional, family?
-My immediate family of 3 other siblings, 2 loving parents that are incredible role models, and 67 first cousins have all taught me over time that family is everything. Having this outlook has driven me to be the best son, brother, and cousin I can be every day. It’s hard work sometimes but a healthy body, mind, and heart make that so much easier.
-Professionally, I feel like I am challenged tremendously every day in a job that I am very lucky to have. Fortunately, I get to work with the best team in our industry both at a micro and macro level. The support I get from them is definitely to drive our business forward, yet it comes across so unconditionally and infinitely supportive. My goal is to take all I have learned from them and pay it forward to new team members so we can continue to be the industry leaders we are.
-Personally, I could say quite a bit, but I will keep it short. In essence, I have learned that life is all about balance, something I have learned from my immediate and TrAk families in recent years. I’ve planned the work, so now I am just working the plan. If all works out and the spreadsheets stay relatively true, life should stay pretty well balanced.
If you were in a band what existing band/group do you see yourself in?
-Hmmm…I know these are very different but probably Dire Straits or Fleetwood Mac #OldSoul
Best place to travel that you've ever been?
-Ikaria, Greece. It’s one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones and a very special place.
What do your kids remind you that’s ok to do?
-Gosh, I hope I don’t have any kids running around out there yet…. In the meantime, my siblings, closest friends, and quite a few of my elderly friends have taught me it’s really okay to kick back sometimes and chill the heck out. It’s fun. It’s healthy. It’s balanced. The work will still be there later.
What personal failure has helped lead to your ultimate success?
-Without a doubt my lack of success in the College of Engineering at Marquette really encouraged me to turn a College of Business minor into a major. While the experience is one that was unforgettable in Engineering, some key relationships are what brought me back to NE Ohio. I couldn’t be happier with my personal and professional success thus far, all deriving from that failure.
What’s the craziest thing you've seen in the gym?
-It’s probably a tie between Tommy Dare box jumping a box almost as tall as him or watching Brandon Nordmeyer make one hell of a physical transformation that was noticeable almost daily.
What three people [living or dead] would you go camping with next weekend?
-Warren Buffet, Bruce Springsteen, and Creighton Miller (my namesake)
Which sport/activity would you love to do, but are afraid to?
-Paragliding or skydiving. I would love to get that big picture view with the sound of the wind and slowness of falling.
Funniest things you've seen your kid do?
-HA! This made me laugh again. Still hoping there aren’t any little Creighton’s out there yet. BUT, one night I woke up to my dog laying down next to me (normal) but this time he was laying on his back, stomach facing ceiling, doggy paddling, and howling almost like he was trying to sing. Good boy. I wonder what song he was listening to?
Favorite movie?
-The Italian Job (newer version) and Bohemian Rhapsody
Best piece of advice you've ever received?
-“Plan the work and work the plan. The rest will fall into place.” -- Dad
At what age were you in the best shape of your life?
-25… so right now!
Words to live by or favorite quote?
-Impossible is nothing.
What adventure do you plan to have in the future?
-Well, I had an awesome trip booked to Colombia that was cancelled due to that COVID-19 thing. I’d like to take that adventurous trip when this all blows over.
Favorite book and why?
-3 way tie
-Relentless – taught me ways to still be a bulldog freight train on the journey to success in life but without knocking people over along the way.
-Rich Dad Poor Dad – reaffirmed in a new way that my mentors weren’t kidding about building wealth with cash flowing and appreciating assets.
-The Energy Bus – taught me the power of positive energy and how that impacts the people around you, especially the people on your bus.
Something interesting we don't know about you?
-I have a cool little Camaro that I bought when I was 13 and restored for about 8 years. I’ve had a lot going on the last few years but am looking forward to driving it around Akron this summer.
What do you like most about being apart of the TrAk Family?
-That’s it right there; this is family and family is so important to me. I interact with someone from TrAk on a daily basis outside of the daily workout which constantly reminds me that this family and community is sooo much bigger than just a gym.
Biggest accomplishment at the gym?
-My biggest accomplishment is by far the consistency. We all need a break here and there every once in a while, but all in all, the consistency is what allows me to be nimble on a day to day basis personally, professionally, and with my family.
