Gareth Tichopad, Founder #TeamCommando @GTFitness29
After serving in the Military and as a Bodyguard in some of the world's most hostile locations, Gareth Tichopad decided to start a business that could help others win. Read his fascinating story - including how got his business up and running from a war zone - here.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
After 15 years in Commando Forces and 9 years as a Bodyguard in Iraq and Libya, I decided I needed to call it a day and be home to see my children grow up and be the father they needed.
I have a passion for health and fitness, and I love to help others win. This is second nature to me. I needed a way out, and Network Marketing has given me that.
What kind of work does your role involve?
I find solutions to people's problems.
I love to get to know people and find out where they are struggling in life regarding mental, physical and overall health. I help find solutions that can fit into their daily routine and help them not just win the morning but WIN THE DAY.
What gets you excited about your industry?
The growth we are experiencing. Not just due to COVID, although more and more people now realise the importance of physical and mental health. It is such an important factor in day to day living.
I believe we have finally cracked the code in helping everyone win, from the child right through to the grandparents. Regardless of age, we can all be healthy.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Never quit on a bad day. EVER.
I've been through so much as a young soldier, through to my time as a bodyguard and a business owner. We all have bad days; however, they do not last - tough people do.
Each day is a lesson. As long as we learn from it, we can always progress.
What, or who inspires you?
My Dad. He is the reason I joined the military and the Security Industry. He was a Coldstream Guard, 2nd Battalion, Guard to the Queen. Everything I learned in my life is all about giving back and passing on life skills/hacks to help others win.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
We are active daily and current in all aspects involving our industry.
I work very closely with professionals from a broad range of specialisms, from Personal Trainers and Doctors to Holistic Health Specialists and Nutritionists.
We train, We Coach, We Advise, We Do, WE LEARN.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
I would say building my health business online whilst serving as a Security Project Manager in Iraq during the ISIS Uprising. I was working 16hr days from Kalak, near Mosul. 3,000 ISIS fighters were trying to penetrate Kurdistan, and two of my oil rigs were overrun across the river Tigris.
I built my business up from my mobile phone for 1-2 hours a day for six weeks and experienced huge growth, allowing me to resign from that job. I was doing team Zoom calls wearing a helmet and body-armour as the British Jets were bombing enemy positions just across from my location. Thus #TeamCommando was born.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Find the owner.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
I love fitness, and I also love to listen to Funky House music: the foundation of eternal youth.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
For people to be less competitive and more supportive of each other and of other companies on the same mission.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
There are so many, and, again, it depends on your industry. However, I will say the guys from SAS Who Dares Wins have great value regarding mindset.
I also listen a lot to these guys:
Tony Robbins
Ollie Ollerton
Ant Middleton
Jason Fox
Billy Billingham
How should people connect with you?
Facebook: Gareth Tichopad
Instagram: gtfitness29 Gareth Tichopad
LinkedIn: Gareth Tichopad
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