Meet Jonathan Pope
Say hi to Jonathan Pope, Facility Director at FirstHealth Fitness-Richmond in NC. Jonathan has been at the facility for the past 5 years.
Jonathan has been independently educated and has had great mentors in his fitness career. He previously served as the Director of Facilities & Operations for O2 Fitness/East Shore Athletic Clubs; Regional Facility Operations Manager for Lifetime Fitness; and Area Facilities Manager for Lifestyle Family Fitness.
Most recently, Jonathan was named the MFA Rising Star for the Southeastern Region at the 2019 MFA Annual Conference. The MFA Regional Rising Star Award program recognizes outstanding individual achievement and significant leadership within the medical fitness community. Rock on, Jonathan!
We caught up with Jonathan recently and here is what he had to say.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy being around people who are in pursuit of self-improvement. Nothing makes me happier than hearing success stories from members that use our facility and services.
What led you to choose this field?
I actually didn’t choose this field, it chose me. In 2003, I was a landscaper. I walked into a fitness facility looking for a part-time job and walked out with a new career. Until then, I had never stepped foot in a fitness facility. I began selling memberships, but was fortunate enough to have some great mentors through my career that helped me learn the industry as a whole.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Hunting and Gaming. I started hunting when I was 8 years old with my Dad and I’m now lucky enough to pass on that knowledge to my children. I’ve been gaming just as long. I love most current video games and collect retro systems and games. To date, I have 16 different gaming platforms and over 300 games.
Are you involved in any charity/community work?
I am the President of the Rockingham Rotary Club and have been in the Club for the past 5 years.
Thank you Jonathan, and congratulations on your MFA Rising Star Award!