Making the final decision last 
month to leave CrossFit Ventura and move forward with my vision & dream for ATM Athletics was anything but easy. Once made though, I did not want to waste a second in bringing my vision to reality. Over the last 3 weeks I have dedicated my life to building the foundation of what will be ATM Athletics. While frustrating and slow at times, I know that the final product will not only be one of a kind; but will also allow me to do things that nobody has been capable of, nor willing to do.
While coaching at CFV, I was capable of running some aspects of my business, but as time went on, and ATM grew the biggest difficulty that I had while coaching there was not being given the ability & freedom to fill the demands of those that wanted to be coached, and or help those athletes that just needed that extra time and effort from me. With that in mind, the first and most immediate step for me was to establish a home base for ATM 
where I could fill this void.
While the idea of having my own box was something that appealed to me, I also knew that establishing another CrossFit Affiliate was NOT something that I wanted. My vision was something very, very different. 
While the thought of having a larger more professional location was appealing, I decided not to seek out something where I would have had overhead, which would have forced me to do some things that I did not want to do, such as group classes in order to create revenue. While a definite possibility down the road, my current vision did not allow for this. So, I held to my guns and made the correct decision and began construction in my garage where I would have virtually ZERO overhead, thus allowing me to execute my business plan exactly how it had been written!
Having this facility would fill a huge hole for me and would now allow me to coach anyone that I wanted, at any time, no restrictions or limitations. At the end of the day, I would have the freedom to help anyone that sought help! I would now be able to place the needs of the client first, while allowing money to be a distance second, which for me, is an absolute must!
Now, with the ATM facility only 
days away from completion I am filled with excitement & anticipation! The last few weeks have been filled with a lot of emotion. Through all of it though, I was constantly reminded of how lucky I have been to be blessed with my amazing wife Lisa, my parents, and incredible friends who have all supported me every step of the way! The biggest hurdle that I have had to overcome in the construction of the facility was the intense pain in my back and leg. There were numerous days when I could not get out of bed, but my wife and friends were there to support me and to get the job done when I could not. A special thank you goes out to one of my best friends Mike, who drove 4 hours south to spend a week with me and help construct the new facility! Mike and I have known each other for well over 10 years and have shared a lot. Thank you my friend, we would not be opening the doors this week or the next without you, its just that simple!
While there will always be work to do, and fires to put out, I am now at a place where I can take the business plan I wrote months ago, from paper to reality! My vision for ATM Athletics includes some very unique and special services that will allow me to take ATM to the top! However, you can 
always count on one very simple thing that will always be at the heart of what I and ATM is all about; simply stated, TO HELP YOU! No matter the time needed or energy expelled our mission at ATM Athletics is to not only always put YOU the client first, but to also provide YOU with the best there is!
As this post comes to a close, I would also like to thank two more groups of amazing people!
First, I would like to thank all of 
the amazing people at CrossFit Ventura. Not only did I find my career path there, but I was exposed to and was able to become friends with some truly great people! While I always was able to have fun, I was also constantly exposed to intelligent, tough, hard working people who I am truly blessed to now call friends! The many, many emails that I have received from all of you over the last few weeks has been a truly humbling experience for me. While I always dedicated my time at the gym to the betterment of each of you; your words over the last few weeks have left me speechless and have further inspired me to continue doing what I love! Thank You!
Second, but definitely not least :) I would like to pay tribute and say thanks to all of my amazing clients! Each day you all inspire me to be the best that I can be. When I say that I have the best job in the world I mean it! Being surrounded by people like you all each and every day is truly unique and special! None of this would be possible without you, and I will never forget that! After all... without you, there is no Akross The Middle Athletics!
Stay tuned, as I expect the final load of equipment to arrive tomorrow. Akross The Middles's new facility will be opening its doors later this week!!!!
THE GAME IS ABOUT TO CHANGE... ARE YOU READY?
