Meet Aaron Dence, CPT, Trainer SF, a successful entrepreneur and certified exercise physiologist. He’s built a community of trainers and nutritionists to combine both fitness and food all in one place. – Sarah What attracted you to the field of health and wellness? When I was younger I was fascinated by the circulatory system. I remember learning the functions of the heart in grade school. This interest continued through my university studies, not only from a physical and anatomical perspective but also from other aspects such as mindfulness. I enjoy combining research based and practical approaches with my clients and with my teams. At the same time, I have perfected a coaching approach that I use in my practice to help my clients get results and I also have begun teaching these concepts to a variety of companies. These approaches are integrated in how I interact with my clients and how I see Trainer SF expanding into.

Your Job Title: Owner/Founder of Trainer SF.

Company you are with now: Trainer San Francisco

Website: trainersanfrancisco.com

Social Media: Facebook: facebook.com/trainersf

Instagram: instagram.com/trainersanfrancisco

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: My typical day is varied. I love the balance of what I am currently doing. Most days include leading personal training and nutrition coaching sessions, but a majority of my day is now shifting to focus more on brining on more degreed personal trainers and pairing them up with new clients. I am also working on marketing and partnerships which I am enjoying. And, this month we are opening a new integrated personal training and nutrition coaching studio near 14th and Valencia.

How did you get your current job in health and wellness? I started the company, but I have a strong background in managing fitness centers as well as large budgets. I also have a degree in exercise physiology which has helped me to establish credibility for the type of services that we offer.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I have always been creative and well suited to solve problems which has helped from a business perspective. The things I have learned along the way come mostly from trial and error. I have started other companies that have failed and projects that were successful in certain ways, but which didn’t bring in revenue. I’ve learned to stay focused on the things that have helped Trainer SF grow to where it is at now. Additionally, management experience has played a major role in the skills I have learned.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Everything we do leads to something else or something learned. Don’t be afraid to start towards your own personal goals or ambitions, and keep at it. Success is not generated overnight.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? I’ll never pass up a delicious meal! :)

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.