Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabor Pasztor.
Gabor, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I gave up everything in my country, Hungary and flew to Miami for a Puerto Rican goddess back in 2011. I started a totally new life; by getting married I jumped into the middle of a new family, new city, new apartment, I had to learn the language and find friends… only one thing remained the same, my connection to sport, and the unstoppable passion for creating.
One of the main reasons why I decided to start my own business instead of working for others was that I have some principles in teaching that I just cannot waive in any circumstances.
Unfortunately… or fortunately, in my quest for jobs in this city I did not meet with any organization that was aligned with these norms of mine, or gave me the room to prove my ideas worth a try. Very soon after I opened my organization and I am very glad the community welcomed my “everything, but not ordinary way of coaching” with open arms, and the dream could have started.
Right now we are in the doorway of creating the most exceptional team of educators in Florida by bringing the most successful European youth coaches to our city. There is nothing more important, because coaches – just like the teachers in a school – the core of any sport organization. Everything else, like the field, jersey, and locker room is secondary, because only an exceptional coach can create the environment of LEARNING and WINNING!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, it was super easy! ☺ I think of the business problems as something that gives the spirit for our daily working routine, and therefore our life. During and at the end of complicated days I always try to think about one of my favorite motivational speaker Les Brown’s quote: “Don’t say ‘I’m having a bad day.’ Say ‘I’m having a character building day.'” What it means for me is that every time we face challenge we have to use it for our own personal development. For those who don’t know, Les Brown is from Miami, Liberty City, who came from a very humble family and ended up filling up stadiums with his motivational speeches.
Another reward of the low points is that, frankly, you are only really able to get to know people in times of trouble. In my opinion that’s the true test of most human and business relationships.
Athletic Club Miami – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are European style youth sport club that has a very different philosophy of education. Learning from the successes and mistakes of my sport carrier, I am putting the factors together, piece-by-piece to build a team and create a society that can bring up exceptional people and athletes.
We are building a new home for the Miamian kids; therefore unlike many others we proudly have Miami in our name. By registering your kid to major franchises (what you see every overseas clubs are creating now), they will not have one of the most important feeling sports have to offer, the feeling of belonging somewhere. We are working hard to create a real second family, second home environment for our athletes. They have to always feel they are coming home, no matter how many years ago we have not seen each other. You cannot “go home” to a place that is called after a European City, our home is Miami, and we have to create something better and bigger than just copying something. It is the real American way, isn’t it? ☺
Our club’s motto: More than a practice, it’s a #LIFESTYLE. More than a game, it’s your #SELFEXPRESSION!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
If we are influencing people to get better and happier we are successful. And the amount or volume of your success is how much you change a person for the better, or how many people you reach out to.
We shouldn’t forget that if we only make one person’s life better, but that change is profound, we already make success.
Pricing:
- We organize European Soccer Tour and Tryouts every summer. Participation for the 11 Days is $1000 only.
Contact Info:
- Address: Practice Location:
Legion Park Bayside
675 Northeast 64th Terrace, Miami, FL 33138 - Website: www.acmiami.club
- Phone: 305-877-7186
- Email: gabor.pasztor@acmiami.club
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleticclubmiami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AthleticClubMiami
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