Meet Pierre Russell | Entrepreneur & Fitness Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pierre Russell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pierre, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting your own business is quite simple, do it! There is nothing more rewarding than waking up and doing what you love to do. There are countless people who wake up everyday doing the same thing, year after year and calling it a life. That is not living.

Living is embracing the gifts you were given and sharing them with as many people as you can throughout your time on earth. This was the exact thought process I used when starting my own business. I wanted to share my abilities and knowledge to change lives.

“Share your knowledge, it is a way to achieve immortality”-Dalai Lama

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My most recent success is due to my current fitness brand, SPAR Boxing. Which was established in October 2019 as SPAR Houston. Since the beginning of my career, I have mostly been known for my success in the fitness industry, although I have had success in real estate and other small businesses. Make no mistake, fitness has always been my true calling.

Over the course of eleven years I have worked diligently to perfect my craft as a fitness professional. It was not easy, but I would not take back any of the lessons I learned along the way. Before my senior year of college at Sam Houston State University as a Track & Field Athlete, I started working as a USA Track & Field coach and personal trainer for a local fitness club. I created an after school program for the youth of the local community in hopes to scale this idea to schools all across Texas. When this idea did not come to pass, after graduation I relocated to North Houston and rented space from a Sports Chiropractor who opened my eyes to rehabilitation of the body. I fell in love with the idea and thought I wanted to become a Physical Therapist. With not enough money for grad school, I enlisted into the U.S. Navy in hopes to accomplish this goal.

While serving my country my destiny was made clear that my sole purpose was to run my own businesses. I completed my duty, returned home, and then I worked in car sales for a year to save the funds I needed to open my next fitness facility.

On my 25th birthday I purchased a fitness franchise and grew that business for four years before selling it in April 2019. That facility opened my eyes to everything I needed to know about creating a business from the ground up. Those four years of operations put me through every good and bad scenario you could possibly think of, professionally and personally.

However, I can honestly say that time period in my life made me who I am today. It molded me into a different man, businessman, friend, family member and is in my opinion the reason SPAR Boxing is so successful today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a foodie! I love to eat! If my best friend was to visit me in Houston everyday would be eventful.

Favorite Breakfast:
Snooze, Breakfast Klub, Laredo Taqueira

Favorite Brunch:
Bosskat Kitchen and Libations, Lola, Taste Bar

Lunch:
Cookshack, Graces, Stuff’d Wings Foodtruck,Sweetgreen, Mico’s

Dinner:
Schillecis, Perrys Steakhouse, Steak48, Tacos El Toro Foodtruck #1, Mein

Top hangout spots in my opinion will vary based on what vibe you want in Houston:

Upscale: Bisou, Le Colonial,

Elegant/Chill: Trez Wine Bar

Outdoors: The Rustic, Mcintyres, Truck Yard

Energetic: Haze

Party Scene: Washington Ave (Entire Street)

An to top it off you have to pay a visit to the Museum of Natural Science and depending on season catch an Astros, Rockets, Texans or Dynamo Game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The root to my success has always been God and the people closest to me. My family, closest friends and honestly anyone who has ever supported me throughout the course of my lifetime. My great-grandparents and grandparents for always being strong believers in Christ and Education. My parents, aunts and uncles for showing me that those who work hard in life will always be rewarded and to never accept “no” as an answer. My siblings and cousins who have always looked up to me and seek me for guidance and understanding.

My bond of brothers who are my closest friends and have seen me at my lowest, corrected me for my wrongs and will be there for my highest moments.

My members and clients over the years. Thank you! You give me the fire and motivation everyday to become the best version of myself. Not only for you, but for myself and everyone around me.

Website: www.sparboxingclub.com

Instagram: @ pierrerussell_ & @sparboxing

Image Credits
Christopher Vazquez and Christopher Quintainia