Twelve years ago I got the keys to 270 West Road. Opening the gym started much earlier than that, but when I signed the lease and wrote the biggest check I’d ever seen, it all became very real. Since then, November 4 has become my official day to celebrate being in business. As we say with members of the gym, it’s my GAIN-aversary.
Just like in 2014, I believe that strength and conditioning is the key to having freedom and independence in your life. GAIN is the place to learn how to train, build good habits, do it in an environment that supports you, with others who are trying to do the same thing. Gyms that are just opening their doors love to advertise “community,” but we’ve actually built it.
My favorite part about owning GAIN is the freedom to do things the way I think they should be done. GAIN is a very small business, and I intend to keep it that way. Being small allows me to focus on the things I think matter most, without worrying about getting bigger just for the sake of getting bigger.
I originally opened GAIN because I wanted to help people get stronger. I didn't realize how much of the job would involve getting to know the people themselves. I could have never anticipated the relationships I’ve built. I’ve watched people get older, have kids, retire, get new jobs, move, die, and everything else you can imagine.
I've learned a lot about coaching, running a business, and myself over the past 12 years. There's been plenty of stress, challenges, doubt, and things I would have done differently. Regardless, I still love coaching (maybe even more now). I enjoy walking into GAIN every day and am proud of what GAIN has become.
Whether you’ve been here since the beginning, just started with us, or were part of GAIN somehere along the way, thank you for helping make GAIN what is.
Here’s to year 13!
—Justin Miner