Where are they now – Glenn Kirby (SPC 2007-08)

The College recently reconnected with former boarder Glenn Kirby (SPC 2007-08), who after a brief stint in the Army, opened his first personal training studio at the age of 24 and has not stopped there!

Where has life taken you since leaving SPC?

I enrolled into university straight after school however I wasn’t convinced it was the right course for me, so I joined the army for my gap year. This took me all over Australia and landed me in Queensland where I have stayed.

I studied my Certificate III and IV immediately after my brief stint in the Australian Defence Force and I have owned and operated my own business ever since.

After working in big commercial gyms for a few years, I opened my own Personal Training Studio at the age of 24. Just last year we opened our own gym and physiotherapy clinic with my fiancé Karen, all of this whilst raising our four kids together.
Next year we are looking to open a performance centre aimed at training junior athletes as well as senior athletes and helping them to improve their performance for their chosen sport.

What are your fondest memories of your time at St Patrick’s College?

Definitely my time in the boarding house with all of my mates. Playing football for the school was always special. The football trips to Ireland and Darwin are also great memories for me.

Which teacher from your time at SPC had the greatest impact on you? Why?

Howard Clark. His story was inspirational and whilst I wasn’t the greatest of footballers, he always had the time of day for me.

 

How has your education shaped your professional life?

My education at St Pat’s helped me make wise decisions regarding my business, helped to give me confidence when speaking with new clients and helped me to create a place where people want to spend their time. Some of the work we did with the school such as the homeless sleep outs are also a large reason why we do so many charitable events as a business.

 

How has your time at SPC shaped your personal values and your family life?

Coming from a public school, the biggest impact SPC has had on my personal values is that of caring for others in the community. The trip to Darwin and Tiwi Islands was a huge eye-opener at such a young age and made me not only appreciate how lucky most of us are, but makes you want to give back to your wider community.

 

If you could pass on one message to the students of today, what would it be?
Enjoy your time with your mates and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.