Pete Koeniges
Athletic Training Consultants, LLC
Athletes aren’t the only ones learning at Athletic Training Consultants, LLC. Pete Koeniges, owner of the organization that provides strength training, speed training and post-rehabilitation work to young athletes in north Jersey, admits he and his business are both works in progress.
Pete, who lives in River Vale, has been in the business for 19 years, but has recently changed some of his business practices. Approximately three years ago, he incorporated the name and started taking on private, paying clients.
“My experience with lacrosse led me to focus on young lacrosse players. I took the “velvet rope” approach and only took referrals from local coaches,” Pete explained. Having a full-time athletic training position at a high school and a family, he was comfortable with the small number of athletes he was training.
Pete would also run speed clinics in his area and in conjunction with the professional lacrosse team that he worked with. “Unfortunately, I did not run them with a strong business mind,” Pete added. “Only recently, I learned from Zach Even-Esh and Paul Reddick the concept of community. I was teaching the kids speed technique, but never offered them a place in my community or club. I should have given them an opportunity to strength train with us, take part in our lacrosse activities, games, or outings. I just didn’t see the big picture.”
Pete recently read the book, The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, which also helped him make adjustments to his business strategies. “One of the laws in the book is ‘success is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.’ My velvet rope philosophy was not open to enough people,” Pete discovered.
He has now teamed up with a physical therapist, and they are offering a training program to three club teams in their area. “I plan to train them using some of the drills from Lee’s Groundbreaking 2 DVDs, and with a better business mind, will try to keep some of these athletes around for a little longer.
Pete attended Springfield College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a master’s degree in education. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Youth Fitness Specialist by the International Youth Conditioning Association.
“For almost 20 years, I have been a Certified Athletic Trainer, working with athletes ages 14-30. During my entire career I have helped strengthen and rehabilitate high school athletes, a few college athletes, and most recently, some professional lacrosse athletes,” Pete said. “I have always tailored my programs toward getting the best performance out of my athletes with an eye on injury prevention. My programs are basic, safe, and very effective.”
Pete considers it an honor to be the March 2009 Speed Insider of the Month, but admits it isn’t his most esteemed accomplishment. He takes being a good dad very seriously. “My kids think I’m a pretty good Dad. That’s enough of an accomplishment for me,” Pete said. Of course, Sports Speed, Etc. doesn’t mind being second on the list when it comes to kids.
“I’d like to thank Lee for all of his thoughtful suggestions. His phone calls, videos, and programs are always insightful, and usually answer a question I’ve been pondering. “
On his way to work, you can catch Pete listening to Lee on his monthly audio CDs. “I appreciate the various methods of delivering his message. Whether you like CDs, video, e-mail, snail mail, or teleseminars, you’ll get it all with the Speed Insiders. I appreciate being part of the Speed Insiders and look forward to sharing more information in the future.”
