WILLINETICS

Willie graduated from Tech Memorial High School in 1976. He attended Gannon University and in 1980 was the first in his family to graduate from college. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, he went on to work in 1980 for a public accounting firm called Cooper & Lybrand. He then in 1983 pursued internal auditing and industrial accounting at Hammermill paper Company. Willie was promoted to Controller over one of Hammermill's $50 million dollar lumber divisions, American Hardwood Industries (AHI). He remained there until International Paper Company purchased Hammermill in 1986, and began to divest and down size some Hammermill?s divisions, one of which was AHI. Willie, then went into the banking industry and was hired by PNC Bank in 1987. After being there through October 1994, PNC Bank went through a major consolidation of bank operations. At this point Willie decided to take his life savings and opened up a fitness center.

Blanks' commitment to internal empowerment and enlightenment has been a lifelong process. Throughout Willie's college years and into adulthood, he intensely studied biblical scripture and other media to increase his awareness of God and power of the human spirit. He has worked in the capacity of assistant pastor, and senior pastor, minister, and teacher for the past 20 years.

The transition from these life experiences to Physical Fitness may seem a bit odd, but with the many changes in the banking industry and down sizing of corporate staff in the early 90's, Willie wanted to find something more fulfilling to do with his professional skills, motivational talents and spiritual gifts. His brother, Billy, was making a living in Physical Fitness, so Willie decided to take a chance. He knew if he could make this work, he could help people in a way he hadn't experienced before. Willie trained with Billy (who is now the fitness guru to the world and Tae-Bo creator). Returning to Erie, Willie started the Willie Blanks Learning and Fitness Center, incorporating his personal philosophy on fitness and health. Now the "#1 Personal Trainer and Fitness instructor in the East", Willie gives his students more than a physical workout. He inspires all of us while reaching our spirit, mind and body. Students are empowered with the tools necessary to reach their ultimate potential for a healthy lifestyle including mental and physical fitness.

Willie has conducted several assemblies on "Physical Fitness of the Mind and Body" at high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and corporations such as PNC Bank and Erie Insurance. Recently, he participated in "National Eating Disorder Awareness Week" by speaking to the student body of California University of PA about willing themselves to a healthy lifestyle, and finishing with a fitness demonstration.

Willie received the "1999 Black Pages of Erie Small Business Man of the Year" award and has been nominated by Gannon University for the "2000 Small Business of the Year" award. Willie challenges himself to give back to his community by participating in fund raisers for organizations like MECA, and the American Cancer Society. He was recently the main instructor for the "Cincinnati Workout for Hope", benefiting the "City of Hope" research hospital.

In 1997, Willie made his stage debut in the Hallmark Hall of Fame story "The Boys Next Door", with the part of Lucian P Smith, a mentally handicapped adult man. His part revealed the challenges in today's society, for an adult man with mental limitations

Willie's ultimate goal is to share his new fitness program, Willinetics. Willinetics will motivate young and old to reach their own physical and mental potential through hard work and personal empowerment.