A New Decade of SISU
Welcome to 2020!
If turning the page at year end is reason for reflection on prior year goals and accomplishments, then this year in particular, we need to spend a little more effort reflecting because we are closing out a DECADE!!!
Take a moment and reflect back over the last 10 years. What decision was most impactful to you in your life? At our family Christmas dinner, this year’s ice break question to everyone was, “What is the most impactful thing that happened in your life in the last decade”?
For my wife Marti and I, we both agreed, taking the risk to start CrossFit SISU was by far our most impactful decision. Our lives have been forever enriched as a result; everything revolves around SISU. Our ups and downs, our relationship with each other, our relationships and bonds with new friends, our use of time, and our purpose-focused mindset to serve and to serve others.
Skipping past all the pain and misfires and fast forwarding to today, SISU has grown into a business that feeds 5 full-time employees along with 17 part-time coaches. We have expanded to over 14,000 square feet of workout space in 2 locations. We offer 25 class options per day and average 220 member visits per day. Like all start ups, it took a lot of grit and perseverance to get to where we are.
I am most proud of the community of people that has come together as a result of our decision to start SISU 10 years ago. The countless relationships that continue to grow everyday is nothing short of uncanny. But I can’t take all the credit.
In late 2014, Thomas Richards showed up at the gym on a 10-speed bike. It was pouring rain that day, and after class, I gave him a ride home. He and I became fast friends, and Thomas quickly uncovered his purpose and passion inside of SISU. We would not be where we are today without him. He became a fully vested equity partner in 2017.
Thomas brings an operations mindset focusing on the details and day-to-day while I bring the entrepreneurial aspect. We both saw the need to mold these two pieces together as our team and SISU brand evolves.
A little over a year ago, we engaged with an outside consultant to implement a business system called Traction. Traction has been vital in aligning our team to laser focus on delivering a potent fitness product, while continuing to foster a community-focused environment that delivers remarkable results.
Our mutual sole purpose of existence for SISU is to: “EMPOWER AND TRANSFORM PEOPLE”.
We remain steadfast that CrossFit at its core is the most effective form of fitness available when programmed correctly. Of course, we can’t all like burpees and thrusters, but they are effective!
In 2020, we will continue our search for an additional location. We are focused on acquiring or opening a new location in 2020. Our focus is the southwest suburbs.
We will also put significant effort into expanding our SISU Nutrition program with Christina Schlitz spearheading this effort. Stay tuned for more details! In the mean time, check out the incredible before and after results.
2020 will be a great year for all of us! If for no other reason than the fact that Valentine’s Day is on a Friday, Cinco De Mayo is on Taco Tuesday, the 4th of July is on a Saturday, Halloween is on a Saturday and Christmas will be on a Friday!
But most importantly, we look forward to 2020 as a beginning of the next 10 years of building SISU. Looking through all the photos throughout our website and social media, I get overwhelmed by the richness of all the relationships. As Thomas and I mature and grow as business partners, I get excited for what’s to come in our future. The best chapters are coming!
Save the date for October 3rd! We will be hosting our 10 year celebration party! I hope you will all help us celebrate!!!
We have been blessed with one of the most coveted CrossFit communities around, and we are grateful. I hope you will all help us continue to evolve in 2020.
Make 2020 your best year ever!
3…2…1…GO!
Pat & Thomas