Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Lofland.
Matt, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to Houston in March of 2016 after I recently became unemployed. I had just transitioned into the fitness industry, and being from a very small town in Maryland I was seeking opportunities. After sending my resume out online, I was giving an opportunity to move to Houston and start a new career with Orangetheory.
I flew to Texas for the first time in late February, and a week after my interview, I packed all of my belongings into my car and drove to Houston from Maryland (a 25-hour drive!).
At the time, all I had to my name was $500 and a few boxes of clothes. I ended up scoring a deal at a hotel and lived out of a hotel until I made enough money to get on my feet and get into an apartment.
Over the last 3.5 years, I eventually helped build my company (we’ve opened 5 gyms in Houston since then) and I was promoted to Regional Fitness Manager in October of 2018.
It was definitely risky moving 1500 miles away from home to seek opportunity, but I couldn’t be happier and have found my home in Houston.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was definitely a struggle early on. I moved to Houston and did not know anyone. At the time, I just had to keep the mindset of literally taking it “one day at a time.” If I focused too far in advance, I definitely would not have lasted.
My only back-up plan was to move back home (which I absolutely did not want to do) so that motivated me to stay busy.
Eventually, once I started gathering relationships and seeing success at work, things became easier. However, I would say it took almost a year to get to the point where I was comfortable and confident in my decision.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the Regional Fitness Manager for Orangetheory Fitness on the North Side of Houston. I coach High-Intensity Heart Rate Based Interval classes.
I also am in charge of everything fitness related for all (5) of my companies studios.
I am most proud of the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to work with over 4,000 residents throughout Houston, and hopefully, have had a lasting positive impact on their lives.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If you asked me this several years ago, I would say success had something to do with financial gain or professional experience.
Now, that I have had the experience that I’ve had, I would definitely say that success is finding what makes you happy and living your life how you want to live it.
The fact that I’m able to say every day that I am doing what I want to do with my life, and doing it on my terms is what I would define as successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.orangetheoryfitness.com
- Email: tx.gm.5@orangetheoryfitness.com
- Instagram: @mattlofland
Image Credit:
Orangetheory Fitness LLC
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