“I never had the opportunity to meet Jack but knew well his counterpart here in Portland, Joe Loprenzi. Joe had a similar TV show here locally for decades, inspiring and teaching people how to live better, and was close friends with Jack. Joe died last year, healthy way past ninety just like Jack. Nobody lives forever but I was so impressed that Joe kept his wits and charm about him until the end. Kept his compassion, his love for others too. He really cared about people, knew that his example would make other lives better so was totally dedicated to setting the right example by teaching what he’d learned. Can’t think of a better way to earn a soul than that! These men were “happy.” It was infectious and they knew it. My shortcoming was their ace in the hole, they could motivate people to get off their asses to exercise and eat right! I did build a better mousetrap, own the federal trademark on “exercise and eat right” but never came close to being able to motivate people like these men did. It’s never too late to start. I’ll work on that.”
The Soloflex Story
Soloflex revolutioned the home fitness industry with the introduction of the Soloflex Muscle Machine in 1978.
Read more about Soloflex’s values, history, and plans for the future.
January 28, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Jerry,
You have absolutely nothing to feel ashamed about. Nothing.
You have inspired those that Jack never got to, myself being one.
We lost a champion in Jack, yes. But he left his legacy in you. Don’t ever forget that.
February 5, 2011 at 2:19 am
Jack is by far a great person who has brought a lot of health
into people’s lives. In my opinion Jack was and we always
be a health (juice) pioneer. Live on Jack, in our hearts!
May 18, 2011 at 9:00 pm
I have never heard of Joe Loprenzi, but I have admired Jack LeLanne since I was a child. He certainly was a great motivator.
You too, are a great motivator, Jerry. You’re not the one in front of the camera, but it is your product and your infomercial that motivated basically anyone and everyone who watched television during the mid to late ‘80s and early ‘90s.
I watched “The Promise” almost every night on some channel or another. I watched it for several months before I was able to actually get a Soloflex of my own. It was the best inspiration I have ever known for making me want to workout and exercise. It also inspired a lot of people who were never able to buy a Soloflex. Almost everyone at my job mentioned watching your infomercial at least once. A lot of guys would do pull-ups on the warehouse racks during our breaks, myself included, solely because your advertising campaign was inspiring.
I even recorded “The Promise” on VHS, along with every other Soloflex infomercial I saw. I watched them for inspiration and when I finally got my very own Soloflex, I watched them for tips and techniques… and inspiration. I watched it so many times, it became unwatchable. Have you ever considered releasing “The Promise” on DVD and selling it in the Soloflex online store? I really think you should. I know it would sell. Maybe even compile all, or at least the best, of the old Soloflex ads onto one DVD and offer it for sale. I’d buy two, just in case I wore the first one out. Please consider it. I promise you that it would sell.
You should also bring it to the main page of the website. It is currently hidden away in an old blog entry. It’s not even on the videos page. This is the single most important bit of advertising in Soloflex history. It created customers and sold thousands if not millions of Soloflex Muscle Machines. It deserves a place at the main page.