April/May 2024 Purchasing Guide - 4

GUS RODRIGUEZ
JOINS MATRIX
FITNESS
Matrix Fitness is pleased to announce the addition of
Gus Rodriguez to its team of experienced and talented
salespeople serving the college and high school
strength training market. Gus joins Matrix as West
Regional Athletics Manager - Commercial Sales.
Gus has been working with strength training professionals
for more than 23 years to improve their equipment and
facilities, including 19 years at Life Fitness/Hammer Strength.
He earned his bachelor's of science degree in Clinical
Laboratory Science from the University of Texas Health
Science Center in San Antonio, where Gus currently resides.
Gus shares his views on working with strength and
conditioning coaches, and current trends in the industry.
How has your time in athletics shaped your
approach to equipping weight rooms today?
With this being my 24th year in the industry, I have adopted
this concept which has been the cornerstone of my
approach: How do we maximize time, square footage and
resources? I like to create the largest ROI for a program
that I can. There is a lot on the line for programs that are
creating functional strength and conditioning rooms. Our
product portfolio at Matrix is expansive, and I love that
we can deliver the best the industry has to offer.
What is your favorite part about building relationships
with schools, performance training facilities, etc.?
My favorite part of working with schools and facilities
is the journey-Taking an idea, mapping it out, and
visualizing it all the way through completion. There is
something remarkable about an idea and witnessing
the finished concept. Let's also not forget the
lifelong friendships that are built along the way.
What are some current strength and conditioning
trends in the athletics market?
The common theme right now is, " How can we do more with
our square footage? " Recognizing what we have at Matrix
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with all the customization of racks has me excited.
It is quite clear that Matrix has listened to the customer
needs and has created a system that addresses this
theme. Another emerging trend is Program Branding. It's
incredible what capabilities we have at our Matrix factories
to custom-brand equipment with school colors, logos,
mascots and more. From racks and bridges to training
accessories, the diversity of branding is unique.
Why did you choose to join the Matrix team?
There are several reasons. The most important is,
of course, product. Knowing that we carry product
designed to withstand athletic strength & conditioning
that meets the needs of the coaches and end-users
was number one. To also see the innovation that is
constantly changing is such a reflection on how Matrix
listens to our customer base. The team culture at
Matrix was another key factor. Our leadership has
done a great job of creating a culture that thrives on
the idea of empowering customer success. This is a
fun industry. We should be having a great time in the
journey of equipping strength training facilities.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing
with Matrix in the next five years?
I'd love to be a small part in the journey of making Matrix
number one in the athletic strength and conditioning
market. We have the product, we have the people and
we have the support of our leadership. The future fires
me up. I love hitting the ground hard every day. My family
and I are very blessed to be part of the Matrix family.
" We are so excited here at Matrix Fitness to bring
someone of Gus's caliber to help grow the West Coast
Athletics Market, " said Kelly Neuhauser, National
Athletics Sales Specialist at Matrix. " His 24 years of
experience, relationships, attention to detail and
customer service are unmatched. The addition of Gus
is an integral component in continuing Matrix's growth
and services to meet the needs of college and high
school coaches and strength training facilities. "
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April/May 2024 Purchasing Guide

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