Today we’d like to introduce you to Ace Theissen.
Hi Ace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started personal training in 2015 after graduating with a BA in Sociology from the University of Minnesota in 2013. At the time, I was also new to sobriety, and fitness became a healthy outlet that shaped the next chapter of my life.
My favorite part of training was working with adults 65+, especially women who hadn’t grown up with access to sports or were told exercise was only about “getting skinny.” Watching them gain strength was rewarding, but the real magic was in the mental and emotional changes—building confidence, pushing boundaries, and learning to love themselves in a new way.
One of my favorite memories was running a “Silver Sneakers Bootcamp” with 6–10 seniors. We started with basic movements, and within three months, they were doing ladder drills, box jumps, slam balls, and sled pushes. The joy and pride on their faces said it all.
After 8 years in the fitness industry, I realized I needed better work-life balance. I wanted more freedom with my time and to do work that truly lined up with my values. The company I worked for kept changing pay structures, and I found myself craving something more meaningful.
That’s when it clicked—I wanted to support seniors beyond fitness sessions. I wanted to help families spend more quality time with their loved ones while knowing they were cared for. I started offering in-home companion care and home management services. At first, I balanced both jobs, but within a year, word of mouth referrals had grown so much that I was able to go full-time and fully self-employed.
Today, I provide seniors with more than just care—I give them experiences. Whether it’s walking through the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens in summer or visiting the Como Conservatory in the middle of winter, my clients remind me daily why I love what I do. I still train clients of all ages virtually and in-home, but companion care has become my passion and my purpose.
Now I have the balance I was looking for: time for my family, financial stability, and work that doesn’t feel like work. My clients are a blessing, and I’m grateful every day for the chance to bring companionship, care, and joy into their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, the transition has been smooth, but the biggest challenges weren’t the business basics like taxes—it was the mental side of self-employment. No one really talks about that part. I had to face old, ingrained ideas about productivity. Taking time off, for example, felt uncomfortable at first. Even though I had built a life with more freedom, I carried guilt and shame anytime I wasn’t “busy.” I had to unlearn the idea that success only comes from constant hustle.
In my first two years, I struggled with this. Some days I’d have just 5 client hours, and even though that was enough to support my family, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. After years in a fast-paced, high-stress job, my body and mind needed time to adjust to a healthier rhythm. Now, I start each day with movement, meditation, and journaling. These routines keep me grounded and remind me why I chose this path—to connect with families and provide the kind of care and companionship that truly matters.
We’ve been impressed with Age with Ace, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Age with Ace specializes in home management services for seniors. This includes light housekeeping, meal prep, errands, appointments, and—most importantly—companionship. Some days that means an outing or a walk, other days it’s games, good conversation, or simply being present. If I’m with a client over mealtime, I love cooking something tasty and healthy, like salmon. And with my personal training background, I can also guide safe, structured movement to help keep clients strong and steady.
There’s no “typical day” because I meet each person where they’re at, but I always aim for balance—checking in, moving our bodies, sharing meals, and having fun through games like cribbage, Kings Corner, or Casino.
What sets me apart is how I connect. I take the time to learn how each client thinks, what they enjoy, and what makes them feel safe and comfortable. Having someone new in the home can feel vulnerable, so I move at their pace and earn their trust. Life can be heavy at times, but I bring lightness, joy, and a smile that helps lift the room.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The most meaningful mentors in my life came from my time as a personal trainer. Along the way, I met incredible people who became not only clients, but lifelong friends and guides. At the time, I never expected that the people I was coaching would end up teaching and mentoring me—but that’s exactly what happened.
These relationships were never one-sided. While I helped them with their goals, they shared their wisdom, life experiences, and support with me. I feel lucky that my career gave me both mentors and a strong, supportive network.
My biggest advice for anyone looking for a mentor is this: be vulnerable. Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to say what you need. We all need support, and sometimes giving someone else the opportunity to help is exactly what they need too. That lesson ties back to my journey in sobriety—asking for help allows others to step outside themselves and serve. One day, you’ll be asked to do the same for someone else.
Pricing:
- sliding scale $45-60/hour
- minimum 2 hours/week
Contact Info:
- Email: ace@agewithace.com
- Phone: 651.335.9744
