BRAGGING RIGHTS: MY DAUGHTER CHELSEA GARFIELD, GOOD FRIENDS GROUP FITNESS IN TALLAHASSEE

A LITTLE PIECE OF GOOD NEWS IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS.

I take the liberty of straying from our usual topics here to herald the accomplishment of my daughter, Chelsea Lauren Garfield and her best friend from birth, Ally Merzer Fleming. Chelsea was at the zenith of her career in IT management, having launched the most successful government website in the nation, and making herself into a “hot” commodity in the world of technology.

Yet Chelsea’s first love was teaching fitness and nutrition to others and creating an environment where people not only worked out, they improved their chances of sticking with it because they made new friends. Wanting to see those friends again overcame the usual obstacles of rationalization and avoidance of effort before, during or after a difficult work day. Making new friends also has carries the benefit of finding new networking opportunities in a declining economy and nearly impossible retail  market. It’s the personality of GFGF, driven by the dynamic energy of Chelsea and Ally that made the place a success.

In a dramatic turnaround and an incredible display of courage, commitment and determination Chelsea and Ally started GOOD FRIENDS GROUP FITNESS IN TALLAHASSEE on January 1, 2010. In just 17 months, despite a sagging economy, the Rick Scott effect laying off government workers, and dozens of other obstacles, GFGF was named this week as Tallahassee’s Emerging Business of the Year. Pursuing a counter-intuitive business model that depends upon members actually coming in to participate in classes instead of the usual numbers game of selling memberships in the hope that they never come in again, GFGF has proved that a mission with a message is possible in a highly competitive environment.

I take this opportunity to congratulate my daughter and my de facto daughter on their guts and their success. Chelsea and Ally have demonstrated that regardless of the odds, if you pursue what you love with a sense of mission, anything is possible.

Chelsea, Ally, I Love You and I’m proud of you.

Love

Dad

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