Meet Landon Bergenthal

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Landon Bergenthal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Landon, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up between two single-parent households, I witnessed my parents’ relentless work ethic. From dawn until late into the night, they worked tirelessly, pausing only to prepare meals and tend their garden. When my father passed away, I was eighteen, and there was no inheritance—only the confirmation of a truth I had long understood: if I wanted to get ahead, it was up to me. My parents had nothing handed to them, and I embraced that same reality early on.

For us, resilience and hard work were not aspirations; they were necessities. A strong work ethic wasn’t a choice but an unspoken expectation, leaving no room for hesitation. There was no moment of deciding to work hard—it was simply the way life was. From a young age, I worked in construction, landscaping, and other manual labor jobs to afford what I otherwise couldn’t, and to begin investing in my future. I missed out on many typical experiences of childhood and youth, choosing work over leisure while balancing school and sports.

I have no regrets. Those years of labor forged callouses—both physical and mental—that instilled a relentless work ethic and unwavering resilience. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I own a small business in Del Mar called Ronin Academy, where we specialize in private and small group training focused on fitness, nutrition, and martial arts. What inspires me most is the privilege of guiding individuals through transformative lifestyle changes. Over the past eight years, I’ve had the honor of working with hundreds of clients across all ability levels, helping them achieve lasting improvements in their health and well-being—transformations that continue to benefit them long after our work together ends. Whether supporting individuals facing health challenges or mentoring underprivileged youth, I believe everyone can thrive with professional coaching dedicated to improving their quality of life and achieving their goals.

To enhance our clients’ experience, we’ve recently relocated to an 11,000-square-foot training facility in Del Mar. This state-of-the-art space is equipped with everything needed to help you reach your health and fitness goals.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience, humility, and passion—three pillars essential to turning ideas into reality. Too often, people believe their product or service must be perfect before they begin, which prevents them from taking the leap. In truth, the goal should be to put out the best version of your work you can today, while relentlessly striving for improvement. Nothing will ever be perfect, but embracing the process allows you to enjoy the creative and often challenging journey of taking risks and building something meaningful.

Humility is crucial. It allows you to ask the difficult questions, seek advice, and acknowledge when something is beyond your expertise. The world is too vast to know it all. Carrying yourself with arrogance not only alienates others but also limits your growth. Remember: every master was once a beginner. Be curious, embrace new perspectives, and learn from those more knowledgeable than you.

Passion is what drives the discipline and consistency needed to overcome challenges. You don’t have to be passionate about every detail of your work, but you must find joy in the process itself. As the saying goes, “The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.” If you’re struggling to find your passion, explore as much as you can. Pay attention to what draws you in time and time again—that’s often the sign you’re on the right path.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I start by gaining perspective. I reflect on the blessings I often take for granted and find gratitude in the simple, overlooked aspects of life. If you can wake up, you can get up. Many around the world lack even a fraction of the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, never having the luxury to focus on things like personal growth or business pursuits.

Once grounded in gratitude, I create a roadmap of smaller, actionable tasks that lead to the bigger goal. As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The key is to focus on tangible priorities and start with what matters most. We lose so much time on unimportant activities that even a small bit of momentum can make a world of difference.

If your responsibilities feel overwhelming, write them down, set realistic deadlines, and stick to them. If time feels scarce, audit your schedule to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. If you’re drowning in tasks, consider delegating or outsourcing what you can, or eliminate nonessential commitments to create space for what truly matters.

Ultimately, life is a balancing act that requires sacrifice. No one else can define the right path for you—it’s up to you to cultivate the habits, systems, and skills that align with your goals and allow you to move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.roninacademy.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronin.academy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roninacad/
• Twitter: https://x.com/roninacad?s=21