We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Webb Travis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Webb, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking risks in life has been a defining journey for me, Webb Travis. I made the bold decision to step away from the familiarity of corporate America, where I had spent over eight successful years at Equinox as one of the top producers. Despite the comfort of a steady paycheck, I realized that I had hit a glass ceiling in terms of my personal growth, skill development, and business mindset.

With a leap of faith, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, paving the way for my own personal brand and fitness company. Through online training and the establishment of a gym community named TURF, I embraced the challenges and uncertainties that came with building something from the ground up. This decision not only expanded my horizons but also allowed me to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.

In the face of fear and uncertainty, I have learned that taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal fulfillment. My journey of self-discovery and innovation has empowered me to make a positive impact on those around me, demonstrating the transformative power of stepping out of my comfort zone and pursuing my passion for fitness with determination and resilience.

One of the biggest fears and risks I took was actually cashing in on my 401(k), to use the money that I had put aside for retirement, to utilize to create my brand, TURF. At this point, it was more than risk it’s believing in myself, the brand, and the people that I am building it with.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At TURF, we offer a comprehensive range of fitness services to cater to diverse needs and preferences. From personalized personal training to engaging small group training sessions, dynamic group fitness classes, and flexible open gym options, we provide a versatile and inclusive environment for individuals of all fitness levels. Our team of coaches and personal trainers is a standout feature of TURF, with a wealth of experience ranging from five to over 30 years in the fitness industry. Each coach brings a unique skill set, including backgrounds in physical therapy, athletic conditioning, sports performance, rehabilitation, and powerlifting, ensuring that our clients receive expert guidance and support tailored to their specific goals.

In addition to our core offerings, TURF extends its services through TURF rx, a specialized team dedicated to holistic wellness and recovery. This team includes professionals in physical therapy, registered dietitian services, massage therapy, and aestheticians, working collaboratively to address the individual needs of our clients. By combining expertise and resources from both TURF and TURF rx, we strive to deliver a comprehensive and integrated approach to fitness and well-being, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality of care and support.

One remarkable success story from our community exemplifies the transformative impact of our approach at TURF. A dedicated client who has been with us for the past year and a half has achieved remarkable results, losing over 100 pounds and surpassing personal records in weightlifting. This client’s journey highlights the importance of a balanced nutrition plan, personalized strength training regimen, and lifestyle habits cultivated through working closely with our coaches. It serves as a testament to the power of dedication, guidance, and a supportive community in achieving sustainable and life-changing fitness goals.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a defining quality in my life, as I have navigated through two major challenges that tested my strength and perseverance. The first instance occurred when I was just 20 years old, and my father tragically took his own life, leaving a profound impact on myself, my mother, and my younger brother. The aftermath of this heartbreaking event brought forth a wave of emotions, including guilt, shame, questions, resentment, and confusion. Despite the overwhelming grief and turmoil, we found the resilience to endure and overcome this devastating loss, a journey that continues to shape us over 15 years later.

Dealing with the aftermath of suicide is a complex and painful experience that can leave lasting scars on the hearts and minds of those affected. The journey of healing involves facing the multitude of emotions that arise, from anger and sadness to confusion and self-doubt. Through the darkness of this tragedy, I learned the importance of resilience in navigating through the complexities of grief and finding strength in the face of despair.

More recently, I have been confronted with the challenging process of a divorce, a difficult transition that carries its own set of emotional burdens and uncertainties. While my experience may not have been as tumultuous as others, the journey through divorce is never easy and requires a resilient spirit to navigate through the complexities of separation and rebuilding. Through both the trials of loss and separation, I have found solace in the power of faith and resilience, acknowledging the role of God’s guidance in helping me navigate through these life-changing events with courage and grace.

Can you open up about how you managed the initial funding?

The journey of acquiring and opening my gym brand, TURF, was a testament to resourcefulness and perseverance. The initial funding for the project came from personal savings and the decision to cash in on my 401(k), demonstrating a commitment to turning my vision into reality. Rather than closing the gym during the rebrand and remodeling process, I opted to keep it open during the week and dedicate weekends to transforming the space. This hands-on approach involved tasks like painting, pest control, equipment upgrades, community outreach, and business development, all while keeping the gym operational and generating profits to fund each phase of the transformation.

The decision to keep the gym open while undergoing renovations allowed for a gradual and sustainable transformation of the space, utilizing profits generated along the way to fund different phases of the project. This strategic approach not only ensured a smooth transition for existing members but also enabled the business to continue operating and serving the community throughout the renovation process. By maximizing resources and prioritizing customer experience, I was able to create a seamless and efficient rebranding of the gym brand, TURF.

Reflecting on the journey, I acknowledge the unique circumstances that enabled the success of opening TURF without starting from scratch. While many gym brands face challenges such as permit processes, space approvals, equipment delivery, and timeline constraints, I am grateful for the opportunity to bring my vision to life in a way that aligned with my goals and aspirations. The experience of opening TURF underscored the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and strategic planning in achieving entrepreneurial success and creating a thriving community space for fitness enthusiasts.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.turfnb.com
• Instagram: Webbtravispt