September 06, 2012|By Andrea K. Walker, The Baltimore Sun
As the two prospered at sports, they drifted further from Brick Bodies. After college, both played overseas rather than go work for the family business. Vicki played for the Sydney Flames in Australia and the national team of the Philippines, where her father's family is from. Jon played for Real Club de Lima in Peru. They also both worked for other fitness firms in Australia. Vicki had goals of becoming a sportscaster.
But eventually, both found themselves stalled in life. Much as they fought it, they found themselves pulled back in to the family business.
There would be no handouts, though. Victor and Lynne wanted their kids to start at the bottom and learn the ropes. Both started off in sales and eventually worked their way up.
Vicki said she felt an instant connection when she started working at her parents' company. She was surprised at how much she liked it.
"I had no idea I was going to feel this rush and get excited about getting out of the bed in the morning," she says.
But rivalry reared its head again.
Working together in the same club for four months, they couldn't separate the sibling roles from the professional roles.
"I don't think he liked me telling him what to do, and I was probably tougher on him then other people on the team," Vicki says.
Moving to different clubs, they say, helped their relationship. Even when bickering, they frequently spent time together outside work. They still go to church as a family and have Sunday dinner together. They hang out with the same circle of friends — Jon grew up with the siblings of his sister's friends.
"Vicki and I have reconciled a lot about those four months and laugh about it now," he says.
They have matured since then, they say, and are preparing to work together in the future.
Mom Lynne also sees her children's relationship changing.
"They really support one another and challenge each other," she said. "It is a very healthy relationship the two of them have."
Brother and sister say they have traits that complement each other. Jon is the Type B to Vicki's Type A. She has a good gut instinct but is detail-oriented; he tends to overthink but can bring calm to a heated situation. Vicki is no ace with technology; Jon is tech savvy and creative to boot.
They share the same quick wit and like being around people.
In their free time, Vicki plays on a coed football team and goes dancing. Jon plays guitar and goes mountain biking. They vacation together, visiting relatives in Florida, where they have family tennis competitions.
Every now and then, they play on the same basketball team together recreationally — and the old rivalries crop up again.
"It's kind of funny to watch because we're still competitive," Jon said. "We yell at each other a lot. I try not to go at her too hard because I don't want to hurt her again."
Lynne and Victor don't know that they will ever fully retire from the business, they say. But they plan to spend more time doing charity work and motivational speaking. Their dream is a lifestyle retreat and wellness center.
In the meantime, Jon said he is not quite ready yet to be in charge. He manages the downtown club, Vicki the Reisterstown location. The two are on the Brick Bodies executive committee and have played a larger role in decision-making. They both helped with decisions about relocating Brick Bodies' first club to a former grocery store early next year. They are featured in the latest television commercials as their parents slowly introduce them to the public as the new faces of the company.
Vicki and Jon have similar visions for the business, moving fitness beyond the walls of the club, perhaps starting a charity or developing programs to raise awareness about fitness to people who don’t necessarily want to join a gym.
"Although Vicki and I have similar personality traits and very similar values, we are both very different people, Jon said. "I believe we complement each other very well. There is a lot of respect there."
And Jon and Vicki say they will be ready when their time comes.
"We make a great team," Vicki says with a smile — and no attempt to take a shot at her brother.
andrea.walker@baltsun.com
twitter.com/ankwalker
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