Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob Almaraz.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jacob. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was finished playing pro baseball, I wanted to continue my career in the sports world. I wanted to stay close to the game. So, in 2014, I started Grind Time Facilities and never looked back I also wanted to continue my education as I left school after 2 years to play baseball in Florida and other parts of the country. I will have a dagree in exercise science as well as strength and conditioning master trainer later this year. My brother, Isaiah’s Almaraz is my partner, he helps with all the training session and programming. We are in the process of trying to lock down a bigger facility as our current location is only 1500 sq.ft. We would like to have more equipment and more things to offer a rehab room with a sports Dr. On hand. Batting cages and a large turf area.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been really tough for us as we only focus on the strengthening and the performance side of the athlete as of now. And, some parents don’t understand how important that is to their athlete. Not only performance but overall health benefits. I feel like the industry of strength and conditioning is over looked, but it’s making some noise now. I have noticed more and more clips on ESPN about the training the pros do in their offseason and even during the season. Also, marketing the business is hard, you don’t really know who your audience is. You think it’s the athlete but it’s not, it’s really their parents and if they see the value in the training. Income has been tough at times in the first 2 years, there would be times, I wouldn’t train a single athlete all day. Really tough when you have a wife and son to support at home. Not that I’m thinking about it, I don’t know how I stood open. It had to be good that kept my doors open.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Grind Time Facilities story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in sports performance, making athletes better from the ground up. Most of our training is based on an injury prevention standpoint. If we can’t keep our athlete’s health and on the field or court then we’re no good to them. We are known for our speed work, getting athletes faster. I would say every one of the athletes that has trained with us for 6 months or longer has gotten faster. Also, our strength program, the thing I hear the most is “coach I have way more pop in my bat now, all my coaches are asking me what am I eating?” So, those little things like let me know we’re having a positive impact on our athletes. What sets us apart, I would say the connection we make with the athlete. We get to know them on a personal level, they share their life with asking us for advice what we think. And to me, if a kid is asking for help you better be ready to help them, once I have there trust I can help them to accomplish their dreams.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
For me, I don’t believe in luck, I believe that I’m am blessed at all times. When times are good like right now, we are working with the most clients we have ever had. And even 2 years ago, when I had only 3 athletes, I was blessed my health was great my wife and son were healthy there was a roof over our heads and food to eat.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11219 First Ave
- Website: www.grindtimefacilities.com
- Phone: 562-755-7181
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Grindtimefacilities
- Facebook: Grind Time Facilities
- Twitter: @gtfbranded
Image Credit:
Isaiah Almaraz
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