Lifestyle

Soccer Coach and Fitness Trainer Al Cairns Knew the 9 to 5 Was not For Him After Having an Internship during College, So He Embraced the World of Sports

Published

6 years ago

July 31, 2020

Internships can help make or break our passions. Though not everyone can afford to have an unpaid internship, it can be a very useful stepping stone for finding out what you want to do for the rest of your life or to gain valuable experience. Al Cairns, had an internship at a young age that inspired his passion for non-traditional work after his family moved to California.

“I was admitted to Cal State Fullerton where I studied one of my passions; Media & Production. I actually had a few internships towards the end of it, including one at Paramount Pictures on the set of The Doctors TV Show. An amazing experience seeing professionals who have truly perfected their craft in the entertainment industry. The internships enlightened me that the traditional path being presented maybe wasn’t for me.” recounts Al.

From here, Al decided to move to the Bay area and use his connection to leverage him into the soccer and coaching world. He found it very easy teaching many the wonders of the beautiful game that he experienced as a young kid, and ultimately grew up loving. Progressing his coaching for many years, a different kind of opportunity presented itself to Al.

“Since 2015 I’ve had the privilege to be a coach, leader and mentor to many amazing kids who will inevitably also become leaders for future generations. It’s an amazing and impactful feeling to have the opportunity to help shape the minds and values that will be instilled within our youth. Two years ago, another opportunity presented itself through my very diverse network of colleagues and friends. It was an opportunity to audition for a spot to become a Barry’s Instructor in the Bay Area and potentially a leading instructor at the new Palo Alto and Santana Row locations.” Al explains.

For Al, this was a special privilege for him and something he took up immediately. With a loyal clientele who lean on him to learn more about fitness and soccer specifically. Al is on top of all fitness trends and helps people continue coming back to his classes by connecting to them on many levels.

“Not everyone is cut out to be Barry’s Instructor or play a positive role in the lives of our youth. I have a personality that naturally includes others and a rare ability to not be afraid to make the first step in doing so. No matter one’s age, gender, sexual orientation, race or socioeconomic status, I hold the ability to quickly find common ground and make people feel comfortable. I am now a personal Fitness and Soccer Specific Trainer with programs through Barry’s Bootcamp, private soccer clubs, and my own separate clientele. Soccer is seasonal in nature, while there are more seasonal trends in the general fitness industry which I have an active pulse on.” Al says.

Al is different from many other trainers and coaches out there. As he said, he is able to make people feel comfortable no matter where they come from or what their background is, but even more so, Al has a personality that helps him create bonds through his genuineness and kindness to others.

“My open and genuine personality naturally enables me to differentiate from my peers. I believe to have a high Q – rating and understand it takes less than 30 seconds for someone who doesn’t know you to determine if they like you or not. I truly try to create real relationships with every individual I encounter. It’s not just result driven but learning about clients lifestyles, friendships, fitness goals, life goals, and overall personality to enable me to connect. None are the same and I take a holistic approach to learn as much as I can about each of these people and how I can make a lasting positive impression on their life.” comments Al.

Al’s piece of advice for those looking to start their own business or launch themselves into the fitness world is to not be afraid of hard work.

“People shouldn’t be afraid of hard work and putting themselves out there. I truly want to enable people to live better and more fulfilled lives and I believe I hold unique traits that other leaders hold in their ability to connect people.” advises Al.

To find out more about Al, you can check him out on Instagram @theboyskux

Lifestyle

Kelli Lewis and Her Inspiration Behind KelliWorks

Published

19 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Michelle Langton

Kelli Lewis has made a name for herself through her virtual accounting firm KelliWorks which specializes in dealing with the finances of small and mid-sized businesses. The firm was established, keeping in mind the need for expert and technology-driven accounting services to cater mainly to small and mid-sized businesses. At a time when these small and mid-sized business owners were struggling with the inconsistencies in their accounting work, bookkeeping, and payroll management, Kelli came up with her firm that provided bookkeeping, financial strategy consulting, helping businesses to deal with their finances and giving solutions using technology, and payroll management.

Kelli uses her experience as a small business expert to help businesses still stuck with the conventional methods of accounting. Her firm, KelliWorks is remote and leverages the latest accounting technology and helps these small and mid-sized businesses find accurate and scalable solutions.

Kelli Lewis’ Inspirational Story in Being a Successful Small Business Expert

Born on April 5, 1985, in Orange, New Jersey, Kelli Lewis does not have any formal education, nor has she graduated from an educational institution. Kelli’s early years were spent on her mother’s recovery from a coma after a car accident. It was during that time while spending time with her mother at her rehabilitation, Kelli understood what it meant to be adaptable and perseverant. That, later on, went on to become the qualities she used in her business approach towards entrepreneurs. She built her career through hands-on experiences, an understanding of business operations and financial management, and mentorship.

Kelli’s story is inspiring because despite not having a formal degree, her business KelliWorks was created to encourage entrepreneurs to find their strength and build a team that compliments their workforce. Kelli’s understanding of how to sustain a business, future-proof business models, and implement financial safeguards have helped her guide businesses to navigate their obstacles.

She attributes her success at her business to the values she learned while growing up. She uses the experience gained through back-office management, business consulting, and accounting. That enabled her to understand the need to get rid of outdated accounting systems and come up with a modern one that was technology-based.

Her virtual accounting firm, KelliWorks offers a range of business and accounting consultations, and goes with the catchphrase, “KelliWorks, so you don’t have to”. They include:

● Bookkeeping and Payroll Management – This ensures accurate financial records and smooth payroll operations.

● Business Process Optimization – Helps to implement automated systems that will improve forecasting and financial decision making.

● Financial Strategy and Planning – Assists businesses with budgeting and cash flow efficiency. It reduces reliance on manual processes.

● Technology Integration – It utilizes cloud-based accounting software and financial tools to streamline business operations.

KelliWorks is dedicated to lessening the financial stress of small and mid-sized businesses by giving them support and proper financial guidance. The entrepreneurs are informed about the best practices they can adopt, the long-term successful financial strategies, and technology solutions. Their commitment to stay at the forefront of small business financial consulting is commendable. The firm deals with the financial aspects of the businesses and thereby helps the entrepreneurs concentrate on their business growth.

Running a successful business and managing a family can be a challenge. Kelli Lewis balances her family life with her work life by incorporating the systems that allow her business to function efficiently and effectively. Her boundaries between work and family are well-defined. Kelli sets a good example to those who are business-minded on how to cope with the pressures of being competitive and flexible when it comes to combining her personal and work lives together.