We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Padilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It was always a dream to own my own gym chain or business. When I was working for the last gym I always thought to myself that I could open up my own business and take things that this current gym did well but make it better. I worked for that gym chain for 4.5 years and when I was 25 years old they offered me an upper management position. Though I didn’t feel like it would’ve been a bad job necessarily, I felt a strong pull and urge to not work for anyone else anymore but myself. I was nervous because I didn’t have any tangible experience in the business world, but I knew I possessed a strong will, a burning passion for fitness, a “whatever it takes” attitude, and the willingness to adapt to whatever challenge I would face to become successful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What makes me different is I play the long game here at THP Fitness. No advocacy of quick fixes, fad diets, crash diets, or short term plans. We’re in it for the long haul. I take a “client centered” approach. Which means I understand that each client comes complete with their own unique goals, circumstances, environments, body composition, stress levels, routines, and habits. There is no “one size fits all” approach. I take the time to understand all of these factors and build a plan of attack that will not only produce change in the short term , but in the long term as well. This attention to details and support I provide to my clients is the reason why I believe they have stuck with me for the long term.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being born and raised in San Diego is truly a blessing. A true melting pot of cultures, people, and food coupled with stunning places to see and things to do. We would visit our beautiful beaches like La Jolla and Coronado, taking in the scenery, people, food, and energy. We would eat at some classics like Hodads, our classic Mexican taco shops, you name it. Our beautiful and numerous hikes would be a must. Visiting places like the legendary San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, or even catching a game at Petco Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
#1 I owe all glory and success to my lord and savior Jesus Christ. He has worked in my life and had blessed me far beyond anything I could ever ask for. It’s through him that I’ve been gifted with a burning passion for health and fitness. And it’s my obligation to develop my gifts and use all the resources he’s bestowed upon me to enable others to tackle the health and fitness obstacles in their life. Anytime I’ve needed money, it shows up. Anytime I’ve needed a specific person, they show up. When I needed to find a place to start my business, the most perfect location showed up. Anytime I’ve ever needed a specific resource, it has showed up. I owe all of this to God, and I know through him anything is possible. This is not my journey, it’s his, and I’m just doing my part. #2 I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the love and support of my parents. They have blessed me with everything I could possibly need in life. From the tangible things like food, water, shelter, to the intangible things like love, discipline, guidance, and support. One of the main reasons I felt confident in starting my own business is them. They gave me the security that if I fell flat of my face I’d still have food to eat, water to drink, a place to stay, and people who believed in me. They’ve instilled valuable qualities and characters traits in me and are still together today and have a loving relationship of 42 years. I don’t overlook how rare that can be nowadays and I am forever grateful to have an example like that in my life. #3 The last shoutout I’d like to give is to all the clients that have stuck by my side and supported me through the years. Their love and support has allowed me to live life in line with my passion and not have to worry about money. They gave me the security that I could start my own business and it’s my duty, obligation, and promise to become the best trainer, coach, businessman, entrepreneur, and friend I can possibly be.

Website: www.thpfit.com
Instagram: @thpfit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thpfit
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/thp-fitness-chula-vista
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNq6TwK4TfrnT3Jaa_homrg

Image Credits
Credit to Thomas Padilla