Saying Goodbye to My Gym After 15 Years: A Tribute to the Journey

After 15 years as a gym owner, I recently made one of the biggest transitions of my life. It’s been a ride full of faith, hustle, relationships, and growth. What follows is the full story, unedited, from the heart, and shared with deep gratitude.

Originally shared on Facebook - March 27, 2025

Big news…for real. Something I would have never imagined happening recently went down.

For the first time in 15 years, if I said I was a gym owner I’d be lying.

It was 2010. I had been married for 2 years to Melissa. We were young and dumb and had big dreams and aspirations.

I had been a trainer since I was 18 years old and was heavily involved in BJJ. Training all the time, competing, teaching, and managing a successful Academy called Serra BJJ. That job started 3 years earlier after Matt Serra “shocked the world,” knocking out the unbeatable GSP at UFC 69 in the biggest upset in the history of the sport.

I had started a group fitness program which I called Total Body Fitness in February of 2010. I sub-leased a tiny space in a soccer training facility owned by Gary Sullivan. Gary was referred to me by one of my first clients, Rob Nilsen.

I was broker than broke and needed my mom to co-sign for the ability, not to borrow money, but accept credit card payments.

I couldn’t afford equipment so the clients brought their own. Imagine that! Since there was only so much I could do from a material standpoint, I doubled down on service. One of our core values was and is “Go the Extra Mile.” Right place at the right time plus some hard work multiplied by God’s blessings and things began to take off.

Our first hire was a training partner at jiu-jitsu named Bo Suh.

In June of 2010, I was sitting in a Dunkin Donuts parking lot on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, NY. On the other end was my first fitness business coach, Steve Hochman. He was one of the founders of the Fit Body Boot Camp Franchise.

This is what he told me: “Billy, you have your first kid coming in a couple of weeks. You have about a year before time with the baby becomes even more important. I know you love jiu-jitsu but you need to leave your martial arts job and go ‘all in’ with Total Body.” He proceeded to show me why the math made sense.

I listened to Steve’s advice, gave my notice, and went all in. A couple of weeks later, Melissa gave birth to a precious little girl named Alyssa. We had a newborn, no stable jobs, no money, but a lot of love and faith!

Since we had outgrown the soccer facility, we were now conducting our program at Fireman’s Park in Lindenhurst, NY.

With the NY weather, this wasn’t a sustainable plan.

We needed a place but I had a slight problem. No money.

The same mentor told me to leave my house and pretend someone had a gun to my head. He called this the “gun to head” method.

If I came back with no place, I’d have my brains blown out.

I was young and dumb and I listened.

I walked into Premier Cheer and Gymnastics in Farmingdale, NY owned by Sean Toomey and Kelly.

Kelly was literally flipping kids over her leg and greeted me warmly.

“How can I help you?”

“Uhhhh, I had something I wanted to run by you but I see you’re busy. I can come back.”

“No, it’s OK, what’s up? (continues to flip kids)”

“Well I’m a local personal trainer and am looking for a facility to train my clients. I looked at your website and saw that you have the mornings open.”

On the spot we arrived at a deal for me to train my clients there. Since I had no money, it was based on a percentage of revenue.

A year later we secured our own spot. Then expanded to 2 areas in the same building and a few years later, expanded to Babylon, NY.

It’s been quite the journey and as with all things, there were highs, lows, and tons of growth.

In hindsight, I can see God’s hand at every step. The door that opened in Farmingdale was Him and not the “gun to head” method, although that didn’t hurt.

I have so many fond memories of TBBC over the years.

I think of William Powers' surprise 60th. If you were there you know it was epic.

My book signing for Lose Weight and Feel Great, my first bestseller, was one of the greatest days of my life. It was standing room only, filled with family and friends there to encourage and support me.

KC and Bill Power’s charity event, The Young Buck Vs. The Old (Mature) Bull was incredible. We raised thousands for the Children’s Heart Foundation and had an unforgettable experience

Our 10-year anniversary party stands out as one of my favorite memories. It was packed, full of joy and connection. A few short weeks later, the world shut down.

That brings to mind the struggles. Without them we wouldn’t know the successes.

There was Covid. That was fun.

We had major “people problems.”

We were forced out of one of our locations, had 126 clients, and nowhere to train them.

Once again God provided. But if you’re looking for certainty, gym ownership might not be the deal.

I’m thankful for it all. Every success. Every failure. Every mistake. Every lesson.

There was a tremendous amount of growth and mindset shifts. I learned what it meant to serve people and serve my community.

I’m the son of a postal carrier and in a lot of ways, started behind the line. If I could accomplish what I did with my circumstances, we’re in good shape.

After running the gym for 2 years from Tennessee, it was time to put it in the hands of someone who could give it the attention it needs.

I’m excited for the new owner, Eileen Jacinth to make it even better and that’s saying a lot!

One of my all-time favorite books is Good to Great by Jim Collins. One of the principles is the Hedgehog Concept. You need to have the ability to be the best in the world at something.

God has wired me with the capacity to handle a lot, but running two businesses, being 1,000 miles from one, and raising five children was simply too much.

I’m deeply grateful for so many people. The relationships are what stand out the most to me.

I must start with Melissa. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

To the team over the years: Samantha, Lori Ann, Kathy, Amy, Jessica, Michele, Kenneth, and many more—thank you.

To the OG clients and current community members, you are family. People like Sonji, Bonnie, Natalie, Bill, LisaMarie, Brian, Jackie Salsa, and Vanadis—thank you for your hearts and loyalty.

To my mentors Todd Durkin, Rick Mayo, and Pat Rigsby, thank you for believing in me and helping me shape not just a business, but a life.

Finally, thank you to the wonderful communities of Farmingdale and Babylon. I’m honored to have served you.

So, am I going to kick my feet up, relax, and enter an early retirement? Ha, not a chance, especially with five kiddos to support.

I’m excited to enter the next phase of my life which will include a singular professional focus on my business, Fit Profit Solutions, where I’ll be doubling down on coaching, speaking, and writing.

I also hope to be the best husband and daddy I can be for the people who matter most.

If anything resonated with you or brought back a TBBC memory, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to send a note or connect with me.

The best is yet to come!

Much LOVE,

Billy

If you’re looking for support in increasing profits, minimizing money stress, and adding time freedom, book a quick call with me here. Let’s get to work!

.