Three Years Ago…
From Fitness Director to Full Remodel
For more than a decade, I lived in the university fitness world. I ran programs, hired coaches, built injury-prevention systems, and guided people toward healthier lives. It was meaningful work, until it wasn’t.
Then COVID hit. Like many of us, I was forced to pause and ask: what actually moves me, every single day?
The answer was clear: freedom. Creativity. The chance to serve people directly and leave something tangible behind.
So I walked away. No backup plan. Just a gut instinct: build something new.
The Shift
At first, I thought that “something new” was bathrooms and kitchens. I’d remodeled my own house, room by room, learning through fire each time. It seemed like the obvious path.
But then two colleagues from my fitness days asked me to design their home gyms.
That’s when it clicked.
I could marry my fitness expertise with my obsession for design and construction, and help people create home gyms that actually worked for their lives.
Not corporate-looking boxes. Not dusty afterthoughts in the garage.
But energizing, personal wellness spaces people wanted to show up in.
The Deeper Why
Every Wednesday, my Director of Operations and I kick off the day with a “Wednesday Wonders” chat. Recently, Marvin asked me: “What inspires you to build home gyms?”
On the surface, the answer feels obvious: I love building cool spaces. But the truth goes much deeper. Two motivators stand out, the avoidance of pain and the pursuit of joy.
Growing up, I didn’t feel secure at home. My parents divorced, I had an alcoholic father and an abusive stepdad, and on top of that, I was painfully skinny. As a swimmer, I burned through calories so fast my nickname in high school was “Skinny Bone Jones.”
That insecurity pushed me toward weightlifting, which changed my life. Getting strong gave me confidence, power, and self-esteem, and later inspired me to help others find that same transformation.
The other side is joy. Even with the chaos of my childhood, I was a happy, curious kid. I lived for Legos, K’Nex, and tinkering. I’d take apart my skateboard or bike just to rebuild it better. That builder instinct never left me.
When I lecture at my alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, I always tell students: look back at what brought you joy as a kid, those moments often point to what you’re meant to do as an adult. For me, it was clear: fitness, building, and helping people feel strong.
This Is About More Than a Gym
So yes, I design and build gyms. But what I really do?
I help people take better care of themselves.
Because contrary to what people may think, home gyms aren’t about vanity or keeping up with the Joneses. They’re about creating spaces where you feel safe, strong, powerful, and proud.
Spaces that remove barriers, where wellness isn’t 20 minutes away, it’s five steps from your bedroom. Where lighting makes you want to roll out your mat. Where design makes you proud to show up for yourself.
My clients tell me their kids start mimicking their workouts. That they sleep better. That they finally feel like themselves again.
That’s the good stuff. That’s why I do this.
If You’ve Been Thinking About It…
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a space for movement.
Maybe you’ve been feeling the need for change.
And maybe, just maybe, this is your moment.
I’d be honored to help.
