Meet Levi Jaeckel

We were lucky to catch up with Levi Jaeckel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Levi, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When we first launched Perform24 nearly 10 years ago, I had no idea how to run a business. I had just left a huge strength training facility that I had moved all the way from Texas to Tampa to, in order to help build there strength program. I had a handful of clients that were invested in me and a small gym that was willing to let me train my clients at. I understood the training expect and had a passion for helping people, but was crippled by the fact I had no actual idea how to create and run a business.

The first step in overcoming the crippling feeling of being an impostor and having no idea or even right to start a business, was to acknowledge it. I realized that it’s completely normal to feel out of place when you’re venturing into something new. So, instead of letting it paralyze me, I decided to use it as fuel to learn and grow.

I also surrounded myself with mentors and other entrepreneurs who had been in my shoes before. Their guidance and encouragement meant so much to me. They helped me see that I wasn’t alone in my struggles and that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.

Another thing that really helped with imposture syndrome for me was focusing on my strengths. I might not have known the ins and outs of running a business, but I knew I was a great strength coach who had helped so many people from pro athletes, youth athletes to busy adults, already. So, I leaned into that expertise and let it guide me through the murky waters of entrepreneurship.

Over time, as I gained more experience and saw the positive impact I was having on my clients’ lives, that impostor syndrome started to fade into the background. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having all the answers right away, it’s about having the passion and determination to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In 2014, we started our journey, dedicated to crafting personalized training programs every single day. Our focus? Helping South Tampa locals embrace an active lifestyle for the long haul. But that’s not all—we’ve also had the privilege of working with MLB and NFL athletes, as well as high school stars on the state and national stage.

At Perform24, our mission is simple: we want to help you make your physical routines the anchor for your pursuits beyond the gym. Our logo looks like an audio equalizer with sliders, just like those a DJ tweaks during a set. Each slider represents a key aspect of your life: Physical, Personal, Professional, Psychological, and Purpose.

The name Perform24 symbolizes the 24 hours we all have in a day. Our goal is to help you set your Five Priorities at levels that foster harmony and enable you to excel in every facet of life. These Priorities, or sliders, aren’t fixed. They can be dialed up or down based on your unique circumstances, goals, and the stage of life you’re in.

Out of the 5 priorities, purpose is the pinnacle priority. Your Purpose ties together the other four priorities. Just like a DJ’s sliders need to be balanced for great music, your Physical, Personal, Professional, and Psychological lives should harmonize to drive your overarching Purpose forward. At Perform24, we believe that by taking charge of what we can control—our physical habits and routines—we can better navigate life’s unpredictable twists and turns, empowering us to make meaningful progress in our respective arenas.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say there are three things that really made a difference in my journey. First off, it’s listening and learning. My wife always jokes that I’m an introverted extrovert because I really enjoy going out and meeting people but I tend to be the quieter one in a group. But that’s helped me in business because I’ve learned to really listen to others. When I was starting out, I made it a point to connect with folks who had been successful in business, people I considered way smarter than me. I’d ask questions and really take in what they had to say.

Then there’s building relationships. I’ve always focused more on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to know everyone, I’ve worked on building deep connections with clients and fellow business owners within my community as well as the fitness industry. Some of my clients have been with me since day one, and I still keep in touch with mentors who helped me get started years ago. I believe in never burning bridges, even if things don’t end perfectly. You never know when you might need that connection again.

And lastly, being a lifelong learner has been crucial. I’m always seeking out new information in my field and beyond. I love reading, although with two kids now, I’ve had to switch to audiobooks more often for convenience. But the point is, I’m always hungry for knowledge.

For those just starting out, my advice would be to really hone in on these three things. Listen more than you talk, focus on building strong relationships rather than just collecting contacts, and never stop learning. It’s a journey, and these qualities will serve you well along the way.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The person who has been most instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills for success is without a doubt my wife. It’s funny how we’re complete opposites – I’m the quiet one who avoids conflict and prefers to stick to what I know and love, while she’s assertive and confronts challenges head-on. Her boldness has pushed me to grow, both as a business owner and as a person.

She joined the team at Perform24 last July, and since then, she’s been my biggest supporter and motivator. She’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, urging me to handle situations and tackle challenges I never thought I could. Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am today without her help and support. She’s made me a stronger professional and a better man overall.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Jessica Jaeckel with J Rae Photography

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