Bringing vision into reality

As the fifth class of FitOps Foundation gets underway this month, it is a great moment to reflect on how we have transformed the lives of veterans in the last two years:

• It began with Matt Hesse's vision to use fitness as a tool to help veterans struggling in civilian life
• I repurposed Rotary's model of RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, a program in use since the 1960s) to create a personal training certification course for veterans
• Selected a camp location in Dallas--centrally located to the rest of the country and near a thriving fitness community in the DFW area
• Thanks to the RYLA model and support from engaged partners from the fitness community, first pilot was fast-tracked, a success after only seven months of design and planning
• Achieved IRS tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) recognized charity
• Employed AI technology to scale and automate our application process using Michelle Zhou's Juji platform
• Full branding and activation of the program through Corr-Jensen marketing, InterBrand Health and 5by5

None of this would have been possible without the hard work of the employees at Corr-Jensen/Performix. Leaders like Ronda Aurand (GM), Shri Iyger (CFO), Donny Jensen (CMO), Ruchir Patel (GC), Kris Soder (VP of Sales)--and each of their respective teams--formed the strong cross-function network that helped bring FitOps Foundation to life. The employees and customers of GNC further helped to amplify the impact with fundraisers like #VeteransMonth--where $350,000 was raised last November alone. 

There is no limit to what can be accomplished when a great vision is translated into thoughtful, measurable action. If you are a business that is looking to bring to life a meaningful CSR or corporate philanthropy strategy the time to start is now. Reach out to me here on LinkedIn or [email protected] if you are ready to take the next step. 

#CSR #Philanthropy #ServiceAboveSelf #MattGerber