🥹🎉 Celebrating my first year with a company that was once on my BHAG list calls for story time.
TW: immense gratitude and a *little sap.
When I first moved to San Diego NYE 2021, I was broke, jobless (sort of) and living for free with family and friends. Note: I say sort of because I had tried to start my own fitness business, but had no clue how to get it off the ground.
I had no other choice but to hustle. Freelanced podcasting, worked on my little fit biz, whatever I could do to bring in $500 here or there. But it definitely wasn’t enough.
I took a call with a long time friend and colleague of my mom’s (Irene McCormick, MS - if you didn’t know), who’s reputation in the industry is so powerful, I shook with anticipation as the connecting zoom call jingled in the background.
Fabio Comana was honest and brief. He told me the industry was suffering post-COVID, despite the numerous fitness businesses headquartered in San Diego. He said there might be opportunities at a place like IDEA Health & Fitness Association, but hardly anyone was hiring. I took a deep breath.
Never did I think that I was good enough, talented enough, or smart enough to get a job at IDEA.
I checked for job listings on LinkedIn anyway…. Nothing. I tucked the BHAG away.
For another year, I kept going. I kept hustling. I started a magazine that never made it to print, took a job as a Sales Associate at Orangetheory Fitness, worked my way to becoming an Assistant Studio Manager, and had the pleasure and honor of being a part of the team that opened the first downtown San Diego studio in the East Village.
Then at Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) 2023, I met a few members of the IDEA team, who said they were looking for content creators, podcasters, and writers.
I raised my hand immediately! I could do it all.
About a week later, I got an email.
IDEA was looking for a full-time, remote Marketing Coordinator. They would pay me more than I was making at OTF, and I could work from home.
Was I dreaming? My big, hairy, audacious goal was at my fingertips. The rest is 365 and some odd days of history.
In my first year, I’ve been promoted from Marketing Coordinator to Digital Marketing Manager, and I’m now running the show in marketing and PR (with a LOT of help from the team).
The experiences I’ve had and people I’ve met this year have taught me something new each time, and I can’t believe I GET to work for such an inspiring company.
Preparing for 2023 and 2024 IDEA World, the greatest show in the industry, working on initiatives to strengthen our membership base, learning to sell health & liability insurance, the list goes on.
The fitness professionals we support truly are #inspiringtheworldtofitness, one client at a time.
Cheers to ONE YEAR! 🍾🥂
![View organization page for IDEA Health & Fitness Association, graphic]()
Celebrating One Year of Incredible IDEAs and Inspiration! 🎉
Meet Madeleine McCormick, the driving force behind our vibrant marketing initiatives at IDEA Health & Fitness Association. For 365 days, Madeleine has infused our brand with her unique blend of creativity, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm, shaping our narrative and connecting us with fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
In the dynamic realm of marketing, Madeleine stands out as a beacon of innovation and passion. With her ingenious ideas, she crafts compelling campaigns that resonate deeply with our audience, fostering engagement and community-building. Her warm personality radiates through every piece of content she creates, establishing genuine connections with our members and partners alike. But it's not just her creativity that sets her apart; it's her unwavering work ethic and collaborative spirit that truly elevate our team.
Beyond her professional achievements, Madeleine embodies the very essence of our brand. She personifies our commitment to excellence, community-building, and the relentless pursuit of progress in the fitness industry. As we toast to her first year with IDEA, we're filled with gratitude for her contributions and inspired by the promise of many more milestones together. Here's to Madeleine McCormick, a shining example of the passion and dedication that define IDEA Health & Fitness Association! 🌟💪
Link to learn more about Madeleine: https://hubs.ly/Q02tRbHB0
#ideafit #fitpro #fitnessprofessionals #fitnesspro #ideaanniversary #inspiration #fitnessmarketing
Retail, Franchise, Supply Chain and Consumer Lawyer, Partner at Wynn Williams
4moRightly among good company STRONG Pilates 💪🏽