ABOUT US

Many small businesses get their start from modest beginnings. Our story is no different. What began as a passion for fitness turned into a life changing opportunity in a few very short years. I wanted to share our story with you so you can get a better idea as to who and what we are.

In 2011, I was encouraged to attend a Tony Robbins event (Unleash the Power Within) with a very good friend of mine. At the time I wanted nothing to do with a self-help guru. I wasn’t that type of guy. I’ve never read self-help books. I didn’t follow Tony Robbins (although I knew of him) which is to say I was quite skeptical. Begrudgingly, I went.

After four unbelievable days of celebrating life, addressing some of the limiting factors we all have as adults, and getting in touch with my “God job,” I realized my purpose was to relentlessly serve people.

Obviously, it wasn’t Tony Robbins that suggested I open a gym. His UPW event led me to believe that the best avenue for me to serve others was through helping them live longer lives.

I went home after those four days in January of 2011 and had shared my breakthrough with Jenny. With excitement and enthusiasm I declared, “We’re opening a gym in Manassas this year.”

I left a near 20-year career and emptied my retirement to make the time and resources available to give this idea a chance at life. We embodied the “burn your ships” mindset and went all in.

By the grace of God, Jenny’s unwavering support and a little luck, Raise the Bar opened a couple months ahead of schedule in July 2011. We were ready to do the hard work and start helping people live better lives. 

I’ve since learned that brokenness comes in many shapes and sizes – poor health, bad health, eating disorders, low self confidence, poor quality of life, vitality, spirituality, and many others. As we age, the challenges in life mount, all of which are only manageable if our health and fitness are in check.

This is the source of our community and the depth of our commitment to each of our members. While there are times business has to occur to keep our doors open, Raise the Bar, the services we offer, and the relationships we build are a tribute to God.

Raise the Bar is His to succeed or fail. And I’m at peace with either.

I hope this gives you some insight into who we are and what our mission is. We believe in each person who walks through our doors as if the Man Himself sent them to us.

It’s not just a business and we’re not just a gym. Raise the Bar is a community of souls that have been lucky enough to make lifelong friendships doing something we love.

Founder / Raise the Bar, Inc.