While Covid-19 has been a harsh reality and many people have lost loved ones and livelihoods, my world was moving so fast before the pandemic that I didn’t allow myself to slow down. With more time to reflect, I started to journal again. I loved working at Heat and working with my friends, but I knew I wanted more.

My wife and I just had our first child and the way I saw the world and the meaning of life had completely changed. From all this, Oak + Iron Fitness was born. I used my network and wrote a business plan. I started calling banks and just when I thought I couldn’t hear another no, a bank finally expressed interest in reviewing my business plan. The rest is history. I was able to build a company with a mission rooted in strengthening our community one person at a time.

Our environment is welcoming, inclusive, and aims to help others.

My wife and I decided to have her stay at home and raise our son, which meant a single-income household. I also had to sign a personal guarantee while applying for the loan. At the same time, I was moving on from a close friends’ business and felt as if I was letting them down. I was rejected by several banks that were not even willing to look at my business plans. Once I secured funding there were several months of construction delays related to Covid-19. I was trying to find balance while navigating these bumps in the road. I tend to have a very stoic approach to life. A common mantra that I regularly reiterate to my clients is that “the journey is the way”. Each obstacle was put into our life for a reason whether it’s a lesson in overcoming or learning to deviate your course – it serves a purpose.