Today we’d like to introduce you to Teodoro Ledesma.
Hi Teodoro, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory?
I studied criminal justice in college with the intention of going to law school. Coaching wasn’t on my radar at all. At the time, I was working as a valet driver in downtown Austin, Texas. A group of us were fit and active, mostly former athletes. The owner of the valet company was doing CrossFit back in 2008 and suggested we try it. We trained with coach, Big Mike, at CrossFit Central.
After about a year, I was recruited and that’s where my coaching journey began. I mentored under great coaches and attended as many seminars as I could. I completed my undergrad, prepped for the LSAT, and even spent a semester in law school. But I realized I wanted a different path. One that felt more natural and fulfilling. That path was coaching.
I continued educating myself, and over time I built my own business, my own brand, and eventually my own gym. I’m now going on 17 years of coaching.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was lucky in how things unfolded. I’m from Austin, Texas, and I lived at home during the early years when most people struggle the most financially. I’m blessed with a supportive family and stayed with my parents until I was 27. That allowed me to invest all my money into education, travel around the U.S., and attend seminars.
The biggest challenge was finding myself. Finding my style and my niche. I’m not a giant, jacked statue, so I needed my knowledge to speak for me. That pushed me to dive deep into education and really understand my craft.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the owner of Hidden Gem Gym, a brand and gym I built from the ground up. I didn’t just lease a space. During COVID, with the help of friends, I built the gym literally from dirt to an air conditioned facility on the back of our 1/4 acre property in East Austin.
I’m a personal trainer who focuses on transforming lives. I meet people where they are and guide them to where they want to go. I specialize in hard cases. People who’ve struggled with fitness, weight loss, pain, past failures, or who are completely new to health and wellness. I love hard cases. The ones that almost gave up.
What I’m most proud of is who people become once their fears are dismantled. Watching someone bloom when they’re placed in the right environment is powerful. I’ve been fortunate to be part of thousands of people’s journeys.
I offer private gym access with one-on-one personal training. Whether someone is preparing for an event or simply tired of not being who they know they can be, I’m there to guide them and, when needed, hold up a mirror.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Show up. Be helpful. Be curious.
Very few people will say no to someone who is helpful and curious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://HiddenGemGym.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teo__ledesma?igsh=ZTJ2aHlpamszcWxm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BqYHKxmuD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Jay Godbole
