Company Blog

Strange But True

by Adam Zack — July 27, 2016

BAM!

The following is a true story. No names were changed to protect the innocent. Reader discretion advised. On June 7th, I was driving home from the gym at about 7:45 a.m. It was a Tuesday and I took a different route than normal because I had to go to the post office to mail some important documents. Now I am sure those of you who know me are thinking “You go to the gym? Really?? I wouldn’t have guessed.” So OK, I walk a mile on the treadmill while watching Sports Center on the big TVs and then listen to some punk rock while I do some reps on the weight machines. I don’t really work up much of a sweat, but some workout is better than no workout, right?

Once you step into a gym, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of machines, dumbbells, and people hustling for gains. That’s where a trainer comes in—they can guide you through proper form, build a routine tailored to your goals, and push you safely past plateaus. Trainers also watch for those small adjustments that make a huge difference, like keeping your back aligned during a deadlift or reminding you to breathe through a tough set. Their expertise can turn an ordinary gym session into something far more effective and prevent injuries that could derail your progress entirely.

Of course, trainers themselves aren’t immune to risk, and knowing there’s protection in place is just as important as spotting a perfect bench press. Professionals need to be covered in case an accident happens, which gives them the confidence to focus on helping clients reach their best. For those curious about how insurance supports fitness pros, www.insurefitness.com has their blog that dives into policies, coverage, and peace of mind for trainers. With that safety net, both trainer and trainee can hit the gym knowing they’re in good hands.

So I’m driving home with the windows down (I worked up a light glistening, but not exactly sweat) and I’m driving down Carlsbad Village Drive. As I crest the hill, I can see the ocean. Very nice. I approach the stop light behind this white Ford Ranger truck with a camper shell on it. It’s going kind of slow. Then it starts veering to the right towards the curb and I think “What the hell is that guy doing?” as he goes up the curb and BAM!, right into the stop light pole! He swerves back to the road and makes a right on the next street. Mind you, this is a slow motion collision. Like watching a real crash at 1/10 speed. Still, it’s enough to smash his passenger side head and side lights and totally dislodge his front tire. The stop light pole is swaying like it’s super windy, but doesn’t fall. I’m thinking Damn! This guy maybe just had a stroke or a heart attack! I follow him around the corner where the disabled tire screeches a slow moan and the truck literally limps to the curb. I’m right behind him and jump out to check on him. Right then this kid of about 18 with a mop of dark hair, board shorts and a black and red checked flannel shirt gets out and says “We’re OK”, kind of like this happens regularly. Then, this girl comes around the other side wearing a trucker hat with her shirt unbuttoned and no bra on, saying the same “We’re OK” but definitely looking a little pissed off. Having not seen any naked young girls yet that morning, I was temporarily speechless, recovering just enough to ask if they were sure, before heading back towards the Post Office. At least I had an idea now what had distracted him so much that he veered off the road in slow-mo, and now every night when we take our evening walk right by that very pole I look at the black impact mark and wonder if it was all worth it.

So what’s the point of this story? The point is the story. Telling your customers the story of your foods, your stores, your employees and your history engages them. It gets their attention. It makes them want to be part of the story. Every cheese, every promotion, every signature item is dying to have its story told and be that topless girl! Identify those items and let us help you tell your story.