Today we’d like to introduce you to David Geslak.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In 2004, I was asked to teach exercise to a boy with autism at my first personal training job. After successfully teaching the 9-year old to skip after four sessions, I was surprised at his parents reaction, “We had been trying to get him to skip for two years; thank you!” As a former student assistant strength coach for the University of Iowa Football Program, I had never felt the same “making a difference” impact.
As word spread, I began working with more children on the spectrum, and continued to witness both physical and emotional breakthroughs. I soon learned that exercise not only impacts the health of those with autism but also improves their self-confidence, social skills, and calms unwanted behaviors.
To better understand autism and follow my passion of helping the autism community I immersed myself at a school for children with autism, Giant Steps (Lisle, IL). As a para-educator, I supported students in the classroom, in various therapies, and throughout the community. In this role, the least paid position in any school district and sometimes unappreciated, I began to understand the many nuances of autism but most importantly the evidence-based strategies to help them succeed and learn.
The school got wind of my background and eventually asked me to develop their first fitness program. I almost said no – because I wanted to start my own gym – but took them up on the offer. Within nine months, I helped the school get a grant based on the program, but more importantly was able to get twelve students working together. This may not sound like a big deal, but the average group class size was four students working together. My program design was making a big impact and I wanted to help more, and I eventually made the difficult decision to leave and started Exercise Connection.
I began Exercise Connection (EC) by doing private training in homes, and group training for local organizations supporting those with autism and other disability. Community Support Services (Brookfield, IL) was one of my first clients. While doing this I began writing a book, developing visuals teaching strategies and speaking at state-wide autism conferences.
To keep a long story short… I am now recognized as the pioneer for using exercise to improve the lives of those with autism. Twelve universities have adopted ExerciseBuddy (the only app designed for autism and exercise) into their Adapted Physical Education and Special Education Programs. I have know trained both parents and professionals on EC protocols in Egypt, Dubai, Barbados, Moscow, Russia, South Korea, Siberia, Kazakhstan and Canada. And just this year, in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine (the largest exercise science organization in the world) I designed the fitness industries first Autism Exercise Specialist Certificate.
Exercise Connection (EC) has grown by adding staff with different skill sets and experience in special education. Recognizing the changing needs of those with autism, we created the first autism employment program that uses exercise as a core component, Autism Workforce. Case-studies are now being done on the Autism Workforce Model because of our unique design and our ability to help more on the autism spectrum gain meaningful employment.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This road has been anything but smooth. While I wanted things to grow faster (and still do) I wouldn’t have it any other way. The many things I have learned through the challenges of building a business have prepared me to be a better manager, team leader, and person.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Exercise Connection – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What sets Exercise Connection and Autism Workforce apart from others is the research done on our programs and university support. Our team is made up of professionals who have also entrenched themselves as educators to help those with autism and that has been the key to our success. Together we want to create standards that other companies and organizations can follow, and while doing so, this will help us impact more children, adults and families lives.
I am proud of many things that have been accomplished with Exercise Connection and Autism Workforce. The first and most important is my team. I have a team that shares the same passion and dedication to this community and we while the road has been bumpy for them too, we continue to preserve, together.
The individuals that we have worked with we are also extremely proud of. We have seen them grow up, go from not wanting to exercise to hitting exercise-related goals they never thought possible. But the most life-changing experience (and proud) for us, them and their families, is playing a role in helping many gain meaningful employment. I can’t put it into words. Maybe I can…I am blessed.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Growth. I have spent the past 14 years educating myself, building the right team, and collaborating with some of the largest and most influential people in the world as it relates to autism. We have the resources, training, and tools to help impact the lives of more with autism and that is what we are going to do. It may now take raising some money but we will see…
Contact Info:
- Address: 1871 N. Clybourn Ave.
Suite 205
Chicago, IL 60614 - Website: exerciseconnection.com / autismworkforce.com
- Phone: 773-575-5100
- Email: david@exerciseconnection.com
- Twitter: @DavidGeslak
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
