Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Brown
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Huntington Beach, where sports, especially basketball, were a huge part of my life. After wrapping up my college basketball career, I found myself a bit lost without that daily routine. A childhood friend, who’s now an MMA fighter training in Newport Beach, invited me to join him.
Then I switched gears to boxing, and that’s when everything changed for me. I poured myself into the sport, competing as an amateur and aiming to turn pro. During that time, the gym owner suggested I try personal training. I found it intriguing, so I got my personal training certification in 2012 and learned a lot from my mentor, Sean Canova.
Now, I run my own business at Built Different Training Facility in Santa Ana, where I get to help clients of all ages. I genuinely love what I do, and I’m committed to this for the long haul. I’m also excited to share that I plan to open my own facility in early 2025.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been quite a journey, filled with both ups and downs. While there have been some tough times, including a period of homelessness, I’ve also had incredible support along the way. One of my clients really came through for me by covering a couple of weeks in a hotel, which made a huge difference in helping me get back on my feet. After that, I started working at a private training facility in Newport Beach, where my first client was an amazing elderly man named Jay Vanderbie. In addition during Covid, I lost my entire business because my gym had to shut down and we weren’t allowed to train at Parks unless you had permission from the city that took a toll on me. Jay was with me until he passed away, and those experiences have really shaped who I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a personal trainer, I specialize in helping clients achieve their fitness goals through personalized training programs that combine strength training, conditioning, and boxing techniques. I focus on building endurance, improving technique, and boosting overall fitness levels. Whether I’m working with individuals one-on-one or leading small group sessions, I tailor my approach to meet each client’s specific needs and goals. I always certified in helping people with Parkinson’s disease through boxing training . Kids have always been a priority for me and I was luckily enough to help over 9 kids build confidence and fix their bullying problem. My aim is to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and feel empowered in their fitness journey.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was the kid always smiling and making people laugh growing up. Always did chores for my mother and didn’t get in trouble to much. I was raised in Orange County and had an amazing childhood surrounded by a bunch of friends. From fifth grade through college, basketball was a significant part of my life. In high school, I also danced and embraced a diverse range of activities. Summers were spent at the beach, making the most of the beautiful weather and outdoor fun. Overall, my childhood was filled with great experiences and memories.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Bodybyjonny_
Image Credits
Stephanie Cassidy, Alexa. Mario.
