Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Perez.
Hi Brandon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I come from humble beginnings, growing up in Los Angeles. My father and mother are both from different countries and had me as a teenager. Being raised by parents who were also children for a good portion of my childhood was challenging. However, I am forever grateful that God gave me the parents that he did. My mother, who is my best friend, inspiration, and everything, has been my biggest role model, and no one has had my back more. My father, although growing up in an estranged relationship, is one of the most kind-hearted and hardest-working people I know.
Fast forward 18 years, I joined the Navy as I had set my mind on since I was in the 9th grade. Something about serving my country and putting my life on the line called to me, and nothing was going to change my mind, even as hard as my mom tried. Of course, things don’t always go as planned because I originally wanted to join the Air Force as a combat medic but was medically disqualified before I could join. Therefore, into the Navy, I went without knowing exactly what job I would have, but I knew that I would be working in the aviation field. My overall sense of purpose was to serve my country, so it did not matter at the end of the day which branch I joined as long as I joined.
Life in the Navy molded me into the man I am today. Without my service, I would not be here writing this today. I am grateful that I was able to serve and will forever look to honor the men and women who serve and have served in our military. Through ups and downs, life in the Navy brought me a new family who is spread out throughout the world, but I would do absolutely anything for. At my 2nd year of my contract, I knew that this wasn’t where I was meant to be after my four years were up. I knew I was destined for more without limitations because my ambition has never known patience. I decided to start my first business when I was 20 years old after coming back from deployment. Increased Revenue was born. A digital marketing company that led me to the next chapter in my life. I focused on creating content for companies throughout the South Bay. I would work on base in Point Mugu, CA from 3pm to about 2am the next morning, drive home to Hawthorne most nights, sleep for a few hours then get up and work on my new endeavor until it was time to drive back to base to begin work again. I was determined to make something of myself no matter the sacrifice. I dedicated myself to service yet again, this time for a community I fell in love with. In the beginning stages of Increased Revenue, I didn’t care to make money because I knew I had what I needed from the Navy. I cared solely about making a name for myself as someone who did a great job and took care of your every need.
Eventually, the money came in as I began to acquire many clients in the Beach Cities who became lifelong friends. I took advantage of the time I spent with all my clients by asking them their stories, how they got started, and the things they’ve learned along the way as business owners. Eventually, my four years were up, and I hit the ground running. About 2 months after leaving the Navy, I was introduced to a new client who eventually became my business partner. Ryan had just opened SHIFT earlier that year. We quickly became close, and I decided to mention that I was looking to open/buy a gym, and if he needed investors or a partner, I’d be interested. Sure enough, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. God aligned the stars because there was an opportunity at the other end of me mentioning that.
In early 2019, I partnered with Ryan and bought SHIFT. I vividly recall the day I signed the paperwork. I immediately drove to my mom’s job in Redondo Beach to show her because nothing in the world makes me happier than seeing my mom proud. Within four short months, we outgrew that location and decided to expand into a bigger space. Less than a year after buying SHIFT, COVID shut the world down, and we had to move spaces again because the new space wasn’t working out anymore for various reasons. The next couple of years challenged me in ways I wasn’t necessarily prepared for, but my ambition never wavered.
Ever since, I have focused on growing SHIFT as a business, as a brand, as a staple in the community, and so much more. It’s led to many, many friendships, lessons learned, and the opportunity to help people in more ways than I could have ever imagined.
I eventually started a new venture in 2021 as we were at the tail end of the pandemic. I created my company Bluejacket Inc. which focuses in real estate investments as I had always wanted since I was deployed. I knew then it would take time as I needed capital to get to where I wanted. Since my deployment, everything I did was geared to get me to where I wanted in life. I knew I wanted to become a business owner, an investor, and a valuable member of society. I never stopped to think my dreams were too big, nor did I ever realize that they were big dreams.
Present day, every decision I’ve made, I’ve gone all the way with it. There have been many obstacles, many days without sleep, many losses financially and emotionally, but without all of those, none of this would be possible. I am grateful for having the courage to take risks and grateful for having the people in my life that I’ve had because, without all of them, I wouldn’t be where I am. Nothing has ever been handed to me but I cannot say I’ve gotten here all by myself because that would be a disservice to everyone who gave me an opportunity, advice, friendship and so much more. My story continues every day as I encounter new challenges, new goals, and more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up, I knew I could become anything I wanted in life. It wasn’t something I was prepared for or had examples of, but I never thought that becoming a judge like I wanted to in 8th grade or a combat medic in high school was impossible. Becoming a business owner and investor is what I was born to do. I’ve had to learn the ropes the hard way and that means falling down so I can get back up. Saving up enough money to buy a gym took years because at the time, I was only making around $20,000 a year in the Navy. So I did anything and everything to make more money. From garage sales to starting my first company.
Dealing with the pandemic was a different kind of struggle. It came with no guide, and no one I could ask how to deal with it as everyone was in the same position. Having to take no money home, refund clients, pay my employees while not having the work, all the while trying to make the business survive with my business partner, was far from easy. During the initial few months of being locked down, we had to move the gym to a different location because the old one was already not suited for us, and we had to do whatever it took to survive.
Since then, every struggle along the way has simply been a learning lesson. As any business owner/investor would tell you, there’s too many to tell but each one makes you better than you were before regardless of how unpleasant it can be to deal with at times.
We’ve been impressed with SHIFT South Bay, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SHIFT is a functional training gym. We offer standard gym memberships for members to come use the space as their own as well as semi-private and private training. The bulk of our clients love our Training on Demand memberships. It offers them unlimited personalized training without the hassle of having to schedule. Members are able to come in anytime we’re open and have trainers on site ready to take them through their workout. At the end of every session, every member gets a hypervolt massage by our staff. There’s also suction cupping, Leg compression sleeves, and more available for recovery. Aside from our training, I have truly placed an emphasis on how we treat people. Every single person on our team genuinely cares for everyone in the gym. We all go above and beyond to ensure our members feel welcomed, loved, and like they’re a part of our family. People remember how you make them feel above anything else. I take pride in being able to attend our members’ graduations, birthday parties, games, and so much more. Being able to be in a position to genuinely care for members of our community and their families is what I’m most proud of, and I definitely don’t do it alone. Without our team, it wouldn’t be the same, and I am proud of them each and every day.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
It’s hard to pinpoint an exact favorite memory. However, I truly enjoy playing over my memories of doing life with my family. Prior to my family consisting of my stepfather, my brother, and my sister, it was just my mom and me after she and my dad split. Those days were filled with struggle yet simple and genuine because we had each other.
Growing up, I would spend a lot of time with my aunt and uncle, which created lasting memories and priceless life lessons. I replay those lessons that they taught me every single day as they served me great purpose and gave me a sense of direction in life. I appreciate everything they did for me more than they know, and I don’t know how I can ever repay them.
Present day, I have a very tight-knit family, and we do absolutely everything together. We began traveling when I was in high school because my mom decided to give my siblings and I experiences that she didn’t have. We would go everywhere, and we created lasting memories that I can’t wait to share with kids of my own one day, the way our mom did for us.
Pricing:
- Gym Membership $79.99
- Training on Demand $249.99
- Personal Training $50-$75/session
Contact Info:
- Website: Shiftsouthbay.com
- Instagram: @iambrandonperez
- Other: Instagram: @shiftsouthbay
Image Credits
Dan Winners Zachary Craig
