Bon Voyage Party for George and Sarah
Written by C.J. Martin
I dislike writing this post more than any other I have written to date. This is my public thank you and goodbye to one of my best friends, and one of the best things to happen to Invictus since we opened our doors.
As many of you know, this Sunday George Economou and his wife Sarah will be moving to Portland, Oregon where George will begin chiropractic school in the Fall. It’s an exciting move for them and an opportunity for George to become even more learned and effective in his quest to help people live healthier and happier lives. As his friend, I couldn’t be happier for him. As a co-worker, I am devastated.
George has very quietly been a driving force at Invictus that has helped us improve our systems to take better care of each of our members. His official title has been Director of Coaching Operations, but that doesn’t even come close to describing what he has done on a day-to-day basis. His real role has been “Director of Anything That Needs to Get Done.” He has been the person that I have relied on to run the gym when I was focused on coaching athletes for the Games, and frankly, he’s done most of it better than I ever could.
George has also been my most trusted personal advisor. There is hardly a decision made about the gym that I don’t run by him for his opinion. He’s my sounding board, and often my task master to help limit the effects of my attention deficit disorder. He has been the ultimate complement to my strengths and compensation for my weaknesses as a coach and business owner. He is one of the most principled and trustworthy individuals I have ever known, and I will be forever grateful for his influence and dedication as we have grown Invictus.
George will continue to be a member of the Invictus team even while he is in Portland. He will be assisting me with online program design and coaching, administrative projects, and as time allows, will be sharing some of what he learns with you all through our blog. So he won’t be totally gone, but we will not get the benefit of having him around the gym after this week.
There is no replacing someone like George, but our staff will rally to make sure that we honor his good work by maintaining the progress that he has helped start. And of course, George has already been hard at work to help create procedures and pass along information to make his departure as seamless as possible.
This is George’s last week at Invictus, but we cannot let him leave without a proper send-off. This Sunday we will be throwing a farewell party for George and Sarah, and I would love to see all of the Invictus community there to wish them well.
Where: Liberty Station NTC Park
When: Sunday, August 5th from 11am – 1pm.
What to bring: A chair and/or blanket, plus any fun group-type activities you might have, such as a football, frisbee or cornhole/bags.
Food: This will be a pot-luck style party so just bring something to share plus whatever beverages you might want. We will supply the plastic wear, napkins and plates.
Such a heartfelt post! George and Sarah will most definitely be missed!!
George.. I will miss our Saturday am sessions. Best wishes to you and Sarah!
you’ll be missed…both you and Sarah. Congrats on your new endeavor!
George and Sarah-
The 6am classes will not be the same without you both there. *shakes head in disbelief*
You will be missed!
George and Sarah -
miss you both.
George and Sarah – Congrats on your exciting move! Brad and I are so happy we got a chance to know you two through Invictus and wish you the best on your journey up north!
Bon Voyage!
What a nice post. George, I will miss your informative commentary during stretching and warm-up. Where else can I get a quick digest on the latest highlights from the Discovery Channel?
There are no olive oil factories in Oregon, George. You’ll be back.
xoxo
George will be missed. Great attitude, coaching skills and pro tips and a friendlier than friendly disposition.
Not sure what cornhole/bags are, but if they are important for the party I will try to track them down.
Yay! No more bear crawl 50 different ways for warmup. Boo! No more George and Sarah:( Really really really gonna miss you guys, but excited for what’s in store for you in Portland!
All kinds of good wishes to both of you — cheers for new adventures!
George was the coach for the first class I ever took at Invictus during on a Bring A Friend day. Before that I had never seen anyone take the time to teach a fitness class even with individual coaching and training. This type of attention to detail and attention has set Invictus apart from any other crossfit gym I have ever been to. It says a lot when all of the other Invictus coaches follow suit with the same core values in helping people achieve their goals. Wish you the best in Portland!
George – People leaving (transferring) is common in my line of work, but there are always those “special” people that just make an impact on you — you are one of those people in the Invictus community because of your humor, care, and passion for what you do! Hard enough to let you go, but taking another with you…. is just wrong! :-p We look forward to our continued friendship with you guys! 0600 will not be the same, and you know that we will talk of you often! (Ok, I’m doing the sad face now)
Thank you, George, for being an amazing coach and friend. The 6 am’ers are going to really miss you every morning. Who is going to tell us about NPR and Top Shot!? You have helped me become a stronger, better person, and I thank you, and Invictus, for all you have done! Good luck to you and Sarah. I know you will continue to do great things!
I am a very New member of the Invictus community(just moved to SD), and have not gotten to know George or his wife on a personal level. All I can say is George was the 1st person that greeted me when i walked into Invictus for the very first time 2 weeks ago. After his very genuine welcoming, I knew I had found my new crossfit home. What a warm and inviting person. Best of luck to you and your wife as you embark on this journey!
George, You are one of the first faces I remember when I first stepped into the gym (a place I never thought I’d be). You were welcoming and friendly. Thank you, I wish you and Sarah the very best.
George-Gonna miss you!!! 6 am will not be the same!
From on-ramp, to our small group (me, Brent, Lusi, Katie) to 6am . . . you’ve been there through my whole Invictus experience. You introduced me to Paleo . . . and while I have struggled . . . I am sooo much better then I was before. Thank you!
Sarah- Going to miss your smiling face at 6 am.
Best of luck to you two and the pups!
George,
I have only met you for 9 weeks, but you are one of the people who made my stay feel like home.
You helped me with everything you could and were the support I needed during my stay.
I can only second everything Cj wrote down – not all the personal stuff between you
.
It was such a pleasure to meet and work with you.
You leaving will be hard on all the Invicti. So it will be good to hear from you trough the blog.
I hope you and Sarah are going to find as much success in Portland as you did in San Diego.
George – You will definitely be missed. I know you’re going to kick butt in chiro school though and hopefully be back with us before you know it. Best of luck buddy!
George and Sarah you guys are awesome.
Here is my list of things I will miss the most.
1. Sarahs cooking
2. George and Sarah’s positive attitudes and all around awesomeness
3. The way Chuwgach knaws on your arm
4. George’s comments on food
5. Getting to call him by his handle ” rusty nail”
6. And last but not least getting to watch George go to his knees so smoothly doing a snatch.
Seriously George and Sarah I am super excited for you both and wish you nothing but the best. It has been and honor and a privilege getting to know you both. Can’t wait to come visit you guys.
Let’s rephrase number 6.
While performing a snatch.
Nice catch ; )
George, thanks so much for all your nutrition coaching this year. It has made a big difference!
George & Sarah…
You will be so missed. I hope this is just until later.
Big hugs to you both