Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Stanton.
Hi Jordan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In my first career I was an ICU nurse, primarily open heart recovery. Following college, and after starting a fairly challenging career, I wasn’t in the athletic shape that I used to be. My ex-wife, Erin, having both been in high school weighlifting classes in the past, decided to give lifting a try once again.
The short story is that she went on to be a multi-world champion and record holder, and I regained the athleticism i wanted, but also began to coach her and multiple others along the way. For a period of time I coached at various gyms, sharpening my skills, and slowly advancing into a side hustle. Eventually I made the decision to convert my 400 square foot garage into a training studio.
Things sorta grew from there. And they grew fast. I moved into a 3 car garage space. And then rapidly it was clear that a commercial space was required. About 8 years ago, Next Level Barbell, in Milwaukie was born. Over the next five years I grew that business, until the opportunity to purchase Strength Union in Portland became available nearly 4 years. ago. I grew both businesses seperately, until this year I combined both of them under the same name, Strength Union.
Strength Union is two gyms, one in Milwaukie, one in Portland. We focus on Strength, community and excellence. We run and open gym, group training, private training, nutrition coaching, and virtual coaching options.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, relatively smooth. Everything happened organically and in the right order.
Covid shutdowns was the largest of hurdles. Gyms were closed with little to none of the assistance that bars and restaurants recieved.
We survived with a bit of cunning, of bit of bending the rules, and a bit of luck.
Other than that, finding good strong coaches is always a challenge. We only hire people that are not only excellent coaches, but excellent people too. And those people are few and far beetween.
I used to think I wanted to continue to expand, but I enjoy the smaller community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Strength Union is known for having an excellent and welcoming community. When you entere one of our gyms, its not like your average globo-gym. Everyone is friendly, supportive, serious about Strength, and wants everyone to succeed.
I’m most proud about creating a gym that is exactly the environment that I want to train at. If feels like something greater.
At Strength Union I am the owner and one of the head coaches. I manage and run the business, but also still operate within some of the day to day of coaching, including personal training clients and group coaching.
The readers should know that anyone can make you sweaty and tired, we can make you stronger. What we do is predictable, repeatable, and awesome! If you just need a gym, we have that. But we highly recommend a coach, either in a small group of with private training to unlock that next level of strength that is in you.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
A juxtoposition of an athlete and a nerd. I grew up very poor. Basketball was my primarily outlet for entertainment and just to keep my focus on something. In my spare time I also enjoyed whateever video games I could get my hands on.
I had very little direction as a youth. That created a bit of conflict with the school systems, but ultimately I was able to find my own discipline and do the things needed to progress my life in the directions that I wanted to go.
Pricing:
- Introduction to Strength Training – Two Hour Session $225
- 24/7 Open Gym – $70/4wks with discounts for Students and First Responders / Vets
- First Group Class is Free!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://strengthunion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strength_union/
