The simple truth is… I didn’t start CrossFit Invigorate. It found me.
Much like a girl at a Sadie Hawkins dance, the gym chose me before I even realized it. At the time, I wasn’t looking for my passion to become my career. My focus was on preparing for fatherhood, overcoming some health challenges, and searching for better career opportunities in Huntsville, Alabama. Coaching was something I did on the side, something I loved—but not something I ever thought would become my full-time job.
Then, one random Saturday, while coaching a class, the owners of Invigorate asked me a simple question: “What would it take for you to run a place like this?”
Half-jokingly, I threw out a number and didn’t think much of it. My wife and I were expecting our little girl, and my mind was elsewhere. But the following week, the owners invited my family to dinner. That night, they laid it all out on the table—they trusted me, believed in my character, and saw value in the knowledge I could bring to CrossFit Invigorate as the general manager.
That conversation changed everything.
Turning Passion into a Career
The dream of making a living doing what you love is something most people only imagine. I was no different. I had always fantasized about coaching full-time and running a gym, but I never thought it would be a reality.
Yet, there I was—walking into CrossFit Invigorate every day, sweeping floors, cleaning toilets, coaching classes, and leading foundation sessions. And you know what? I loved it. Every exhausting, sweat-soaked second of it.
I poured myself into the work, putting in long hours without hesitation. But while I knew how to run a great group class, I knew nothing about running a business.
Marketing? Sales calls? Prospect meetings? That was a whole new beast.
Learning to Lead
At first, I dreaded those business responsibilities. I just wanted to coach. But I quickly learned that the “small things”—like following up with leads and consistently marketing—were what helped the gym grow. Those tasks weren’t just chores; they were essential to keeping the doors open and the community thriving.
Even now, I still wrestle with that balance. But every day, I work to improve. I’m constantly learning what works and what doesn’t, leaning on my mentors—including the other three owners and my business coach—to help guide me. They’ve given me invaluable advice in areas where I needed it most, and thanks to them, I’ve grown into both a coach and a business owner.
The Bigger Picture
At the end of the day, I didn’t start CrossFit Invigorate—I inherited it. And with that comes the responsibility to learn, adapt, and lead.
I may not be the most seasoned businessperson, but I believe in what we do. I believe in the power of fitness to change lives, and I’m committed to bringing health and wellness to the people of Huntsville, Alabama.
The vision I have for this small CrossFit gym is big, and I know that by consistently showing up, learning, and doing the little things right, we’ll get there.
That’s why I’m writing this blog. It’s not always as consistent as I’d like, but just like in fitness and business, improvement comes with persistence.
So stay tuned—because CrossFit Invigorate is just getting started.
