Steve Block Tribute
A fitness industry entrepreneur
1936 - 2004

Sunday, January 2, 2005 — “The Big Kahuna”, “The Big Pumper”, two of the many nicknames I knew my incredible friend Steve Block by. And, of course, in his fatherly way I was immediately called “The Little Kahuna” and “The Little Pumper.” Just a few days ago, Steve unexpectedly passed away. A day that will affect thousands of people across the USA, many who will undoubtedly feel a great loss when they find out he is no longer on this plane with us.

I met Steve approximately 20 years ago. I was beginning my career in the fitness industry and had just completed my involvement in my first four exercise videos. While working at a spa in Florida, Steve came in to explain to the instructors how “Xercise™ Bands“ could add a new dimension to aerobic exercise classes. I was sold from day one, not just on the equipment but on the man who headed the company called SPRI Products. Within two months I had signed on to become one of his spokespersons. For the next six years I would end up traveling across the U.S., Canada, and Europe extolling the power behind “Pumping Rubber”. Steve became my boss, mentor, and one of the closest and most respected men I had ever met.

I decided to dedicate this day, Sunday, the day he was buried, to him. I arose, went to the gym and then headed to Siesta Key, Florida, a place that he loved more than any other. As I sit on the beach to write about the man who influenced my life greatly, I have to smile and remember how many hours we spent together on these beautiful white sands. For several years I rented Steve’s condo on the beach. During his visits, we would arise, hit the beach, and be there until 5 o'clock. Throughout the day he would remark approximately 1,000 times “I love this place...this little Kahuna is paradise.” After a brief run on the road at 5:30 it would be time to share a glass of wine at sunset and then head out for dinner.

I learned so much from this incredible man. Through Steve I began to understand even more deeply the power of finding resolution to business deals when at first glance it would seem that the two parties were too far apart to make the deal come to fruition. Steve had a saying for every situation and one of his favorites in business was “you attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.” He loved to recite this type of line every chance he had. He taught me patience, which he had an inexhaustible source of. He taught me what it looked like to have an open heart to all who needed one. He rarely told me what to do about any situation I may have faced over the years, but instead would listen intently and then have me look at the options in front of me.

He also taught me about the importance of faith in business. One project we did together was a television infomercial for one of his products. As a spokesperson for a resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I secured a deal to film our TV show on their property. It was a major undertaking as we had to coordinate travel for not only his company but the film crew as well. The distributor of the show required that Steve have 10,000 Pumping Rubber Kits in a warehouse prior to them airing the show. It was a huge gamble for Steve and his company to take, and when the show failed to air as much as expected, he was stuck with this huge debt and inventory. When he and I discussed this gamble a month later, his answer came in another famous Block line...“sometimes you have to throw a lot of wet spaghetti at the wall to get one piece to stick”. He knew that risk was part of an entrepreneur’s life.

What Steve Block taught me will never be forgotten. Part of who I am today is because of his belief in me and my path on this earth. Today on the beach I've spoken on the phone for hours to people who knew Steve, or who knew what he meant to me...I've cried...I've laughed.

At one point this afternoon I got up and began walking the beach, just as Steve loved to. I was told by another very close friend of Steve’s, Troy DeMond, that his wife Lee had placed Steve’s cell phone and a few personal items in the casket with him. I had never heard of that being done, but absolutely loved the idea. I called and left him a message, knowing it was as close to him as I would ever be again. I told Steve how much I loved him, what he meant to me, and that I was on his beach as a tribute to him. With tears I finished, smiled, and looked up to the sky. At this moment a huge gust of wind came from out of nowhere. Steve had answered, which brought another round of joyful tears to my eyes. A true story.

But that was Steve. As big as life could be. A giving man, rarely duplicated. A believer in his purpose here, too. Unselfish, with an incredible, albeit often extremely goofy, sense of humor. A smirk like that of a 12 year old who just may have been up to no good. I laugh as I write this. He was extremely positive and discouraged people from speaking ill of others.

I asked Steve in his spirit form to share with me right now what he would want me and all who knew him to do in remembrance of him while we're still alive. Without hesitation, almost like a whisper, his thoughts came to me.

– Live life, at the very moment, with passion.
– Drop all of the small goals and go after your two biggest ones that you have right now.
– Look daily for ways to help others.
– Look for any reason to laugh and share your joy with everyone.
– Encourage others and their dreams; don't minimize anyone’s hopes.
– Get to the beach every chance you can; you never know when your life will end.

So my Big Kahuna in the sky, I feel your presence right now. I miss you. I thank you for sharing with me your love for life and your belief in me. I will never forget your smile.

I love you, David

P.S. If you believe in angels like I do, be on the lookout for a 6'4", 225 pound one, with an ever-ready smile floating above you. Like here on earth, all you need to do is call him and he'll be there for you.

Reminiscing and Remembrance by Cathy Suh'or