Today we’d like to introduce you to Desmond Jones.
Desmond, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Conroe, Texas and I use the word “originally” because I lived up and down I-45 throughout my youth. My mother and father were teenagers and high school dropout when I was born. So, naturally my grandparents took me in while my parents did some growing of their own. Breakups are never easy especially when a child is involved, and sadly a lot of that pain falls on the child; but in this case, it’s not a story of a victim but a victor. Although, there was a lack of stability in our home with financial issues and feeding nine mouths all under one roof. We lived humbly together with my grandparent, mom, two sister, two uncles, and a handicap aunt who required 24-hour care. Under these circumstances everyone had a part to play at home. My uncles were in and out of trouble with the law growing up, so while they were away I had to play my part at a young age. By the time I was eight years old I was taking care of the house alone keeping watch over my sisters and handicap aunt after school and during summers until someone made it home from work. I know it wasn’t what anyone wanted, but we made do with the resources we had and it developed the drive and ambition that made me who I am today.
I was shown unconditional love from my grandparents growing up. I was always told to reach for the stars because I was special and I could make a difference. Through all the storms we faced, they have always had faith in my potential. They expected me to be the responsible one in the house and my family needed me, and that’s why stepping up to any challenge has never been an issue for me. When I was 12, my grandmother passed away from cancer. My mother wasn’t in a position to take me in at the time and I moved to Conroe with my dad’s parents who I hadn’t seen since I was six years old. The first time in my life I experienced what it was like to have my own room and see stability at home. I learned what it was to have a sense of tradition and be around family. Once I got established I started playing sports, which changed my life forever. I played throughout junior high and high school; I ended up receiving scholarships in both track and football graduating high school and went off to run track in college.
Showing that being a “statistic” is not a death sentence, but just a circumstance that only has power if you give it power over your life. My grandparents took me into their homes and used me as a second chance at creating what they wanted my parents to be, giving me the opportunity to see what life could be and I couldn’t be more grateful for it all. They taught me to break through limitations and expected my very best. The attention and love that I received from them was all I could have asked for growing up. They couldn’t afford much, but they truly gave me everything with the belief they had in my future and me. Just knowing the belief they had in me still pushes me today to give my all and impact my community with a simple belief. I believe that there are no underdogs, that you can become or do whatever you put 100% effort into regardless of where you started and I thank them for the hardships we faced growing up because without it I wouldn’t have what it takes to succeed today.
I graduated from Conroe High School as a multiple sports athlete. Where after only playing sports for the five years at the time, by the end of my senior year, I achieved 1st team all-district wide receiver honors as a Jr. (2009) and Senior (2010) as well as finishing #9 in the greater Houston area for receptions in 2010. I lead my team to the Texas 5A State track and field championships in 2009 coming in second place in the 4x400m relay and again in 2010 winning the school’s first track and field state title in the 4x400m relay. Went on to receive a scholarship for track and field at Sam Houston State University, where I studied Kinesiology. Showing it doesn’t matter where you start, it’s only about where you finish.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I currently own my own athletic performance facility “Next Up Athletics” in Conroe, Texas. I began my professional training career at local planet fitness in Conroe in 2015. After a year with the company, I set off to elevate my training career to new heights. I started my own business in athletic performance in the Montgomery County area. Where we have been working with athletes ranging from beginners to the professional level improving technique, power, agility, and form. Making a difference in other people lives has always been my goal. Being a positive influence can make all the difference in a person’s success and if I can play that role in anyway I feel like I’ve done my job.
2018 makes my two and a half years being a self-employed business owner in the performance field. It has been a journey, learning more and more about being a businessman over the years, but I feel as if I’ve found my calling and this is where I can contribute to the community best. My goals are to continue to grow in knowledge in the fitness industry and as an entrepreneur. I want to express my passion for athletics by guiding, encouraging, and motivating athletes to reach their maximum potential. If I can just reach one kid who comes from a similar background as I did I am truly satisfied with my efforts. I want to show the same belief I was shown because of how deeply it impacts my life, and I want to do the same for others. Hopefully, as I lead by example my daughters will pick up on it and go out to be a light in this world and seek to make it better. It’s not so much what I can give to my wife and two daughters (materials) that are important, but the legacy that I will one-day leave behind that means the most to me. Instilling drive, hardworking, dedication, and respect into them by my action is a large part of why I even make the attempt to uplift everyone that I come in contact with daily. I know first-hand what just telling someone “I believe in you” can do for his or her life journey and I will continue to do my best to encourage.
Financial challenges often hold people back from pursuing their dreams. Any advice?
Financial challenges can definitely set you back, but that’s why we plan ahead. Make sure that every dollar is being tracked and has a name on it. Proper planning and money management helps you stay ahead of the storms that are coming, so that you are not caught off guard when they hit. Also, the number one rule for me is to always be grinding! There are no off days when you’re an entrepreneur; you constantly must be doing something for your business. It’s not a 9-5 job it’s a 24/7 365 deal, where if you are not staying in tune with what’s going on you will get eaten alive and left behind. If you are grinding every day your hard work will keep you in a position to make something happen for your business. Opportunities come from so many different areas, but if you are not giving your total focus to your craft, you will never be in the right place to receive those chances. If you are struggling never be too proud to ask for help from other motivated people who are doing what you are doing. You don’t know if someone else has already been at the level you’re on and can help you get to the next one. We can never stop learning, no matter if it’s in your individual field or just in business in general. Staying consistent, continue to seek new information, and ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2017 North Frazier st
Suite G11
Conroe, TX 77301 - Phone: 469-328-6076
- Email: nextupathletics18@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Next_Up_Athletics
- Facebook: Next Up Athletics
Image Credit:
Christian Diaz
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