BACKGROUND
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Although born in Scotland, Ross spent the early years of his childhood living in Saudi Arabia before returning back to the UK permanently to start school at age 5. He grew up in the South Side of Glasgow and, naturally introverted, wasn't the most confident or popular boy in his class. As a teenager, Ross was always very self-conscious of what other people thought of him in terms of his appearance, the way he came across to others or how clever he was. One thing that helped him gain confidence as an adolescent though was sport. He showed a keen interest in all types of sport from a young age - in particular Martial Arts. Although Ross did okay in school in terms of grades, he went on to become a college drop-out as further education just wasn't the route for him. He wanted to work so he could focus on earning money and always had the ambition of running his own business.
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After dropping out of a college at age 19, Ross was offered a role at Morgan Stanley Investment Bank as a modern apprentice - which he was encouraged to take by his parents. He worked there for just shy of 2 years before quitting to become a salesman for an office solutions company as he looked for ways to "escape" the mundane 9am-5pm job. Unfortunately he was then fired from that sales job after only working there a month because, in his boss's words, "he couldn't sell anything."
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With no job and no further education qualifications to his name, he decided to turn to something that he was passionate about - sport & fitness. So, at age 21, he studied to become a Personal Trainer and, once qualified, began coaching clients. It was around this time that he also set-up his own Martial Arts business and, as the saying goes, the rest is history...
BUSINESS
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During his first few years of business, Ross made every mistake in the book. He spent money impulsively, didn't market his services correctly or via the right channels, took advice from the wrong people and didn't earn a penny until the end of year 2. He then had to borrow money and double his efforts to keep his business dream alive. As time went on, he gradually began to learn from his mistakes. He invested in mentors and coaches, networked, developed his craft, learned new skills and gradually managed to turn things around and find success from his efforts.
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Fast forward more than a decade later and Ross is now the owner one of the largest independent Martial Arts gyms in the country and also Co-Founded the fastest growing events company in it's niche.
Ross has been recognised for numerous awards and accolades such as; 'Young Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, "New business of the Year" and "Family Business of the Year" at the East Renfrewshire Business Awards and "Young Person of the Year" at the Glasgow Business Awards.
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Ross' journey in to Business Coaching and Mentoring started when he was head hunted to work as a freelance adviser for Business Gateway when he was judging at a business event hosted by Young Enterprise Scotland.
After completing his Business Adviser qualification through the Academy of Leadership & Management and working with hundreds of clients across a range of different industries, Ross decided he wanred to have more impact in the industry that he owes so much to - the martial arts industry. So he gradually started taking on martial arts school owners who were keen to work with him.
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He quickly realised he had a flare and a real passion for consulting after helping those early clients achieve huge professional success!
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Since then, Ross has continued to deliver value time and time again as a Business Coach & Mentor, focusing primarily working with martial arts school owners and instructors.
In addition to all of that, Ross has invested extensively in to his own personal development through mastermind programmes, private mentors, coaches and qualifications.
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For all the success he has had in business though he has also had plenty of setbacks.
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Therefore, Ross knows the "do's and don'ts" when it comes to business and now utilises his skills, experience and expertise to help other business owners maximise their business potential whilst striking a better balance both personally and professionally.
SPORTING CAREER
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From a young age, Ross was always encouraged to participate in sport by his parents.
As a youngster, he tried virtually every mainstream sport that he could until he finally settled and fell in love with Martial Arts. Ross holds 5th Dan Black Belt ranks in both TaeKwon-Do & Kickboxing and is an Internationally Accredited Examiner in both styles. He also had a very successful competitive career in which he represented his club and country at National & International levels for over a decade, amassing more than x20 National titles, x3 British titles and x6 World titles in a range of different events and competitions.
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Since retiring from competing, Ross' sporting focus has shifted to running his club and developing his team. He's been fortunate enough to not only travel around the world to train, compete and meet lots of people but also to be able to build a business doing something he's incredibly passionate about. He's a huge advocate for training in Martial Arts (regardless of the style) as he has experienced first-hand the benefits that it can offer an individual and just how impactful that can be in one's self-development, fostering growth and overcoming challenges to become the very best version of them self.
PERSONAL LIFE
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Family means everything to Ross. As a loving husband and devoted father, his wife and son are his world. Ross also has two dogs, Mac and Mylo, who he absolutely adores!
When you meet Ross, you'll soon learn that everything he does is for his family. He aims to be a supportive and caring husband to his beautiful wife, Ashley, as well as a role model and real life superhero to his son, Koah.
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The Penmans are a strong family unit and his wife and son are Ross' biggest supporters and inspiration. They motivate him to work hard every day so they can live a wonderful life for them all to enjoy. However, they are also the rocks that keep him grounded and humble when necessary too.
