Thursday, February 07, 2008
Each Wednesday the Napa Valley Register’s Business Focus asks “10 Questions” of a local entrepreneur or businessperson. Readers are welcome to suggest business people to be profiled.
Originally from Chicago, John Stewart Jr. moved to California with his family in 2001.
Trained as a competitive power weight lifter, Stewart’s career abruptly ended when he was severely injured in a weightlifting accident.
The incident, and a year of recovery, led Stewart, 26, to think about getting into the fitness business and teaching others the techniques that would help them prevent their own injuries.
What three people would you most like to have dinner with?
Christ: I would have lots of questions about my faith and religion.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: I think that he is one of the original great icons in the sport of bodybuilding and I would love to talk to him about his career and his successes.
My dad: I can never have too many dinners or learn enough from the man that I admire the most in my life.
What job would you like to try/not like to try?
Try: I would love to compete as a race car driver. Just the thought of the incredible high speeds gives me an adrenaline rush.
Not try: I would definitely not want to be the president of the United States. There always seems to be so many problems, so much chaos, and absolutely no privacy.
What was your first job?
My first job was working the food line at Northwest Community Hospital northwest of Chicago. I was the “main guy” in charge of putting Jell-O on the trays.
How did you get into this business?
I have always been intrigued with fitness, strength and the human body. I started working out at age 14 in my bedroom with two 10 pound dumbbells and slowly worked my way up to being a personal trainer, competitive bodybuilder and competitive power lifter.
In 2003, I was training for a power lifting competition, doing a bench press with 600 pounds, when suddenly my pectoral muscle exploded and was torn right off the bone.
My spotters were unable to catch the bar which landed on my chest and crushed me. It was very painful. Next thing I knew I was in the ER and getting scheduled for reconstructive surgery.
After that incident and a year of recovery and surgery, my outlook on life was totally changed. My main goal was to start a fitness business where I could teach and help others accomplish all their fitness goals in a safe environment and with proper technique.
What is the biggest challenge your business has faced?
The biggest challenge would be growing the business from just one-on-one private personal training to a full health club with a staff and all the other challenges that go along with properly serving the public through an exclusive health club. I worked 15 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week to finally get a good solid client base. It was hard work, commitment and drive.
What’s on your to-do list?
To do much more traveling to other countries, and get married next year to my fiancé, Danielle Haywood.
Who do you most admire in the business world?
I am always fascinated with business people who think outside the box and have that entrepreneurial spirit. Michael Dell (of Dell Computer) is someone that I admire, and he has accomplished so much at such a young age. I can only hope to make similar achievements in my lifetime.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I held two power lifting bench press records (600 pounds) in Chicago, Ill. and I used to weigh 295 pounds.
Now I weigh 195.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
I would be on a beach in Cabo San Lucas with my fiancé, Danielle, relaxing and watching the sunset together.
What other business person(s) would you like to see featured in “10 Questions”?
Renee Diekroetger, Payroll Factory
More from John Stewart Jr.
What’s one thing Napa could do to help local business?
I would like Napa to be more accommodating to local business people trying to start their own businesses. I love that the local people in Napa really support each other and it would be great to see more small businesses around to continue that support.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?
I would love to have a successful franchise of health clubs throughout the U.S.
If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be?
I love my business and I am hoping to make it bigger and better to serve everyone in the Napa Valley. I feel very fortunate to have the privilege to help people better themselves for a living.
What’s your favorite gift to give?
My time and commitment to help others achieve their goals.
What’s the worst job you ever had?
The worst job I’ve had was in Chicago, (wheeling) concrete up and down hill all day. I can’t stand mindless activity or boring repetition. I was the low man on the totem pole. I did it for two summers in a row.
What is your favorite charity?
It is hard to pick just one charity that is my favorite. I would have to say that I am very proud to be a member of the Napa Sunrise Rotary Club and I love all the work that we do for many local and world projects, like “If Given a Chance” and “Friendship Bridge.”
What was your childhood ambition?
When I was a young boy, my dream was to be a professional basketball player. I wanted to be just like Michael Jordan.
What’s the most significant project you’ve been involved with in your career?
I would say the most significant project I have done was overcoming all the obstacles of my injury and successfully starting a business at age 22.
After being told I’d never be able to use my arm again, I wanted to prove I could.
To suggest a candidate for “10 Questions” e-mail: jhuffman@napanews.com
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