The S.B. Questionnaire: Jason Baker

About 13 years ago, I found myself 55 pounds overweight after living an unhealthy lifestyle for a very long time. Fortunately, that’s when I met Jason Baker, a physical trainer who set me on a path to the wellness I enjoy today.

Around that same time, this young health professional founded Fitness 805 to provide individuals and businesses with services ranging from personal training to building small gyms. Jason designed and built the campus gym at Deckers in Goleta, where he trains the staff. His multi-faceted business also specializes in corporate wellness and team building for companies like the Towbes Group, and even helps other health professionals grow their own businesses by offering marketing and other advice.

One of the things I admire about this Santa Barbaran is that no matter how hard he works, he finds time for family and friends. Sitting with the easy-going, always smiling, and slightly mischievous Jason is something I always look forward to.

This health entrepreneur answers the Proust Questionnaire.

Who do you most admire?

My grandfather, Maurice Glasser, is a motivating force in my life. Although he has now passed, he was a tailor and came to America from England with little money in his pocket and his young family in tow. He didn’t know what America had in store for him, but he was successful thanks to tremendous perseverance, and he’s the reason I get to call Santa Barbara home today.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My bold personality. I approach life with a “say how you feel attitude.” It works most of the time, not always. But my passion is making people laugh!

What do you like most about your job?

The ability to create! From building gyms to wellness programs for companies to lifestyle changes for individuals. People helping people — it’s powerful stuff! (That’s also my favorite Vince Vaughn quote.)

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Time to do the things I love. I work hard to achieve the perfect balance between owning a business and maintaining a happy personal life. To me, happiness is spending time with my family and friends and enjoying the great outdoors. And, of course being healthy and fit in the process!

What is your greatest fear?

To have my freedom stripped away from me. I think this is something we may all inadvertently take for granted.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My mortgage! Living in this town is crazy expensive, but so well worth it.

What is your current state of mind?

Currently, I am relaxed. I ran Cold Springs Trail this morning so I’m feeling pretty zen.

What is the quality you most like in people?

Fun personality, hands down, and confidence in knowing who you really are. I guess that’s two things, but they play well on each other.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

I despise people who are fake and/or lie. Again, I know that’s two things, but both really bother me.

What do you most value in friends?

Being real. Life happens to all of us — don’t sugar coat everything.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Some days chicken, some days feathers” and “If people don’t bring you up, they bring you down.” I have been known to throw out the word “Totally” too, but I’m working on that.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to learn to play the guitar and develop a killer singing voice. I think this would be a great ice breaker around the campfire.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My struggle with being punctual. I’m getting a lot better, but it’s always been a challenge. My ability to correctly tell time is skewed.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising my kids thus far. They make me smile every time I think of them. Of course they’re only four and six, so that could change.

Where would you most like to live?

Santa Barbara. I’m one lucky dude.

What is your most treasured possession?

I’m not really into material things, but I think I have to go with my home. It’s my sanctuary from the day-to-day grind, and we take a lot of pride in it.

Who makes you laugh the most?

I have some really close buddies (I don’t have to mention any names because they know who they are) that I’ve been fortunate to grow up with, and every time we get together, it’s straight comedy.

What is your motto?

It’s all about staying balanced in all facets of your life.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

John Muir, for his love of nature and passion to get people away from a materialistic life and into the outdoors.

On what occasion do you lie?

When answering questions like this — just kidding! Sometimes I have to lie to motivate others while working out together. For example: “couple more minutes of uphill before we reach the top!” Or when my wife texts me to find out what time I will be home, again, my time telling is skewed, so I think you can construe that as lying!