Welcome!
This is a new venture for me. My name is Chris Norton and I am the founder and CEO of Norton Fitness. Here, I will be "blogging" for the first time in my life. People all over the country know my trainers, sales people, instructors, and everyone else that makes this company great. Not everyone knows me though. In this blog, I will be connecting with people on whatever my thoughts are going to be at that time. I plan on making weekly posts, although at times there may be more or less. One thing you will learn about me is that I am blunt. This blog is not for sensitive people. Now, that being said, what I post on here will be my opinion. So many times I see trainers doing things they shouldn't and at times doing things they should. I'll be posting things like that on here. Also, you might catch things about "common sense" in the workplace or even in life. Like I said, this is straight from my desk. Norton Fitness is my passion and life's work and I will continue to grow this company into not only a national brand, but someday global. One thing you will learn about me is that when I want something, I will do what it takes. I'm rather short. I'm only five feet and one inch tall, so let's face it, I don't try to play basketball. However, when I believe I can do something, I do it. The same philosophy goes for Norton Fitness. Norton Fitness was designed to unify fitness enthusiasts all over into the same brand. At this company, we strive to make our employees happy in all aspects of life. So many gyms and fitness corporations strive to help their customers and neglect their employees. When I started this company, I was a trainer who worked for a large gym chain and hated how I was treated. I loved, and I mean LOVED training people. I couldn't even make a decent living doing it though. Medical insurance? That never even crossed my mind. One day, I was about to sell a training package to my dentist's assistant, a personal friend of mine. A coworker of mine signed her up since I was busy and took my commission. Legally, I could not do anything about it. I was so furious I couldn't even see straight. That was the LAST straw. I came home and called my father and I will never forget what he said to me. He said, "son, in her mind, she did nothing wrong. This company takes a dollar and makes it work ten." My father, an already wise individual whom I attribute much of my drive to, could not have been more right. I knew nothing would change. I knew that I had to do something. I believe, every so often, God will intervene in your life with a divine prophecy. For some people, they don't listen to this. For me, I'm always praying. I knew at that moment in my life that I was to change the system. That very night, I read my Men's Health as I always did. I read an article focused on Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks. In just three pages I could tell this man was generous and loved his company and employees. The next day, I picked up his book. I read it in three days. I'm not a reader, but I couldn't put it down. I took his book and kept it near me at all times. I knew that Schultz' book would be a tool for me. A guideline, of how to do certain things. Schultz was put down by so many people. I knew what was coming, although I couldn't comprehend it at times. I know that even as I write this blog so many people are just looking at me saying "you're out of your mind" and "you can't change anything." I know some even say "who are you to change the world?" The only one that ever stuck with me was the first person that ever put me down. The first time I mentioned to a "friend" that I was changing the system, he looked at me and said, "You know, it's like David verses Goliath." I simply looked at him and said, "Thank you for the compliment. David won that battle."
Okay, I guess that's it for today...not sure if that is what people are looking for in this "blogging" thing. Not sure if I'm supposed to give some sort of good bye saying or signature. Not sure if I even made sense in this thing. All I can tell you is I'll be sharing what runs through my mind on here and if you've ever had a dream you thought was impossible to achieve, just remember me, and remember that you are not alone.
