Amen Iseghohi
Paradise Valley resident and father of eight (four sons and four step-children), Iseghohi is making it his personal mission to end childhood obesity. As the founder of Amenzone Fitness and the nonprofit Amenzone Foundation, he strives to make a positive impact on the Valley and the health of its children.
What does “power” mean to you?
I view power as the ultimate privilege to make a difference. The foundation of true power is humility. To acknowledge your power is to accept the responsibility of making a positive difference in your community or life of others. My father often said, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I hold on to this fact in any situation I find that I can make a difference.
What impact do you strive to have on the Valley?
I am intensely passionate about fighting the childhood obesity epidemic that plagues not just the Valley but the nation. By establishing the Amenzone foundation, we are hitting the issue head on, supported by much-needed data as proof that our efforts are changing the lives of thousands and their respective communities. As Amenzone Fitness prepares to launch as a franchise nationwide, we plan to donate a percentage of our revenue to the Amenzone foundation and challenge other businesses and corporations to do the same. Our children are our greatest asset; I began Amenzone with one child, and one tire, at a local park in Scottsdale using the philosophy on self-care adopted from my late grandmother as a child in West Africa. By partnering with outstanding organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Job Corp of Phoenix, and several Native Indian communities, Amenzone continues to positively change the lives of thousands. It is imperative that every child in the Valley knows that “true healthcare is self-care.” As with many other issues, the lack of self-esteem is deeply rooted in the issue of childhood obesity; It is my ultimate goal to empower and encourage every child that participates in our program to live a healthy lifestyle and adopt our philosophy on self-care.
Who is your mentor?
My mentor is my father, Amen Iseghohi Sr. He was educated as an architect but retired early as a successful businessman and now a philanthropist. Most of the lessons I learned as a youth came from my father’s failures, not his successes. Ever the optimist, he looked at each set back as an opportunity to do things right a second time round. He often said when truly committed to an outcome, things may go wrong but in most cases you need not change your goal, just the approach. Stay true to the original vision. Working so closely with my father throughout my teenage years shaped the person I am today. As a youth I found him to be tough, as an adult I often wish I could go back in time and take notes. He is my mentor, a trusted counsel and closest friend.
How do you balance kids, career and community?
I have been very fortunate; my career is also my passion. My family is my inspiration and very involved in all that I do. Our kids all take part and even help me design the kids programs. They are often seen at my place of business, usually to support by bringing friends and taking part in the classes. My partner, Valerie Hervieux, is very much involved behind the scenes of the business and an active member of the Amenzone foundation. As a family we make balancing kids, career and community fun, because they are so involved in all that I do. It is also the way I was raised and cannot imagine it any other way. You have to be the change you want in your community. You will often find my entourage (family) at events that Amenzone is involved in around the Valley, all wearing our signature T-shirts and talking up Amenzone to any that would listen.
Why have you chosen to make Arizona your home?
Outside of the fact that Arizona is a beautiful place, there is a huge potential for growth here, especially in this economy if you dare to be creative and think outside the box. There couldn’t be a better time to take that leap of faith and follow your passion, and there couldn’t be a better place to do it in than Arizona. Often we forget that most of the successful people we admire today paved their way up from the depth of despair, and very tough economic situations.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Outside of family, watching the Amenzone movement take hold and grow as I envisioned it.
What are your future goals?
My immediate goal is to successfully launch our first group of Amenzone franchises by September this year and progressively open several Amenzone franchises in other major cities across the country. Amenzone foundation also plans to partner with reputable organizations nationwide that are committed to a long-term solution pertaining to the obesity issue.
What superpower would you like to possess?
The power to see the future and avoid the major pitfalls that often awaits any entrepreneur during the growth stage, but then that would be no fun. One must take the rough with the smooth; it makes life so much more interesting knowing you conquered against the odds!
