Life and Work with Jodi Stokes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Stokes.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in the Fitness Industry for over 30 years. With a BS in Exercise Science from the U of A, I began my fitness venture at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa and soon after that opened the Scottsdale Princess Resort as the Fitness Manager. After getting married and having two boys, I moved to Valencia, California. I was blessed with working with the Sports Club Company as a trainer, fitness instructor, and member service specialist. Then an amazing opportunity opened up for me at the Paseo Club. As the Fitness Director, I ran the group exercise, training, aquatic and youth programs, I was able to utilize all of my creative skills and began training programs for triathlons, running clubs and boot camps. Not only was this a dream job, but I was able to train others to do something they considered unfathomable such as running a 1/2 marathon or doing a triathlon for the first time.

I lived in Valencia for 17 years, while overseeing all of these projects, I also started Jodi’s Backyard Bootcamp, which had five locations in the Santa Clarita Valley. I won the Elite Trainer and Business Woman of the year. I also joined a woman’s organization call Soroptimist International where I created and chaired the High-Heel-a-thon which went International and I received Senate and local Chamber of Commerce awards and recognition. With all of the focus on women and helping, it only seemed natural that I would come on to join Total Women Gym and Day Spa in Valencia. I worked for them for two years and loved the premise of this 48-year corporate entity, that I set out to return to Scottsdale to open the first franchise of the organization. I worked on the project for about six months and for several reasons ended up going my own direction opening my own gym Goddess Fit. Az’s only Women’s Full-Service Gym. I was so blessed to own and operate my own gym for about 3 years and recently expanded to Jodi Stokes Fitness where I now go mobile and can work with my clients in the water.

With that, I hope to have a book published next year to help people work with water properties!

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having is easy… but if you stay within the realms of your passion you WILL always be successful!
So, go into everything with a positive attitude, fortitude and surround yourself with like-minded people.

There have been many bumps in the road of my journey, but I have been able to come out feeling accomplished and successful because I always had a backup plan and I realized that what I just went through was a conduit to get me to my next successful venture.

The best advice I can give other than the aforementioned is to write a business plan every year for at least the first five years. Add Financials, Goals, Marketing Plans and Budget. Stick to the plan as best you can and add creatively as you grow. Be current on trends and continue to learn within your craft. Network constantly whether with women’s groups or the community. Be service oriented, be fair and both compassionate with your employees, because if they are happy… so will your clients. As a boss, lead by example.

Lastly, make sure that you are not working so hard INSIDE of your business that you are not working ON your business.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jodi Stokes Fitness – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Jodi Stokes Fitness is a mobile personal training operation with individually designed results-oriented program offerings.

As an experienced Fitness Leader in the community, I have developed both professional and personal relationships to assist people in living healthy lives.

I have perfected my craft for over 30 years and am able to train people in a wide variety of exercise techniques including: muscle building, balance, weight loss, stretching, barre, kickboxing, running, triathlon training, water exercise and am still learning new forms of training constantly.

I go to my client’s homes or they come to mine. I also work with corporate entities to assist in a more productive workplace for owners and employees.

I recently have been asked to join Lifescape Premier as their Fitness Expert. I will have an opportunity to work with their Fit3D virtual simulator, which will measure BMI, Body Fat and more! I will then be able to provide an exercise program with their clients or mine, who have had a consult with a Nutritionist and their Physician.
I am looking forward to this experience with them.

What sets me apart from others is the fact that I am mobile. I make it easier for my clients to get a workout in, by showing up at their home. There is no drive time for them, trying to find a parking spot at their gym, worrying about “seeing” people, etc. My experience and accreditation’s give me a wide variety of offerings. I also have had the experience of working with Arthritics, Injury Prevention, Older Populations, and Athletes.

I have also had many opportunities for mentoring others through public speaking events and local podcasts. and in my spare time, I donate my time to Habitat for Humanity and belong to 2 Women’s Organizations.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be Authentic! Go into your business with an attitude of wanting to make a change in the world. Of course, we all want a return on our investment, but If you are authentic in your approach to life and business you will obtain amazing results. By being of service and helping those in need. your life’s work will become genuine and at the end of the day, YOU will know you are making a difference.

Do your Due Diligence! Research your potential competition. Know your audience and who to Market too.
Be prepared for downswings or slow times in revenue and learn to be creative during such times.
If you want respect from your employees, be a leader!

Don’t work so hard “IN” the business that you are not working “ON” the business.
If you don’t take care of yourself, you cannot take care of others. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed so make sure you surround yourself with a network of people who have your back.
Lastly, trust your own instincts!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jodistokes.com
• Phone: 6619933374
• Email: jodi@jodistokes.com
• Instagram: jodi_j_stokes
• Facebook: @jodistokesfitness

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.