FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Central Maryland – May 8, 2026 — Special Strong, a leading adaptive fitness franchise serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, today announced the launch of Special Strong Central Maryland. Franchise owner Jeffrey Hill has secured three territories spanning Northern Anne Arundel County, Eastern Howard County, and Southern Baltimore County, Maryland.
Hill leads a purpose-built team that includes Hector Garcia, a nonprofit disability services leader with more than two decades of professional experience and the father of a son on the autism spectrum, and Abi Hill, a hands-on practitioner with nearly a decade of direct experience supporting individuals in special education and autism care settings. Together, they bring complementary expertise rooted in both professional credentials and deeply personal connection to the mission.
“True fitness transforms the mind, body, soul, and spirit. Every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and the ability to live more independently.”
— Jeffrey Hill, Owner, Special Strong Central Maryland
For Hill, the decision to open Special Strong Central Maryland represents a deliberate second chapter. After more than 40 years leading teams, managing complex operations, and helping build communities through affordable housing in the construction industry, he retired with a clear sense of calling: to invest directly in people. Special Strong offered the structure, mission alignment, and faith-based foundation to make that vision a reality.
“This is not simply a business opportunity — it is a mission-driven model that combines structure, professionalism, and compassion,” Hill said. “Special Strong stood out because it focuses on the whole person, not just physical fitness. It creates real transformation by building confidence, independence, and community.”
A Team Built for This Work
Hector Garcia brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership and program development experience serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His expertise in person-centered planning and trauma-informed care is matched by his personal experience as the father of a child on the autism spectrum — giving him an intimate understanding of the challenges and possibilities that Special Strong’s athletes and families face every day. An endurance athlete himself, Hector blends compassion, discipline, and high performance in everything he does.
Abi Hill has worked directly with individuals with special needs since 2018, including in special education and autism center settings. Her experience spans support for individuals with communication, mobility, and sensory needs. A family member’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy deepened her commitment to inclusion and individualized care. Abi’s strength lies in relationship-building and creating environments where every client feels seen, valued, and empowered.
Rooted in Community, Built for Impact
Special Strong Central Maryland plans to build active partnerships with schools, therapy providers, senior communities, and veterans organizations to create a broader support network across its three territories. The team’s vision goes beyond fitness — it is focused on helping individuals gain confidence, improve communication, and function more independently in their daily lives. Special Strong Central Maryland serves Northern Anne Arundel County, Eastern Howard County, and Southern Baltimore County, Maryland.
About Special Strong
Founded in 2016, Special Strong provides adaptive fitness training for children, adolescents, and adults with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges. Through its rapidly growing franchise model, Special Strong empowers communities to offer inclusive fitness programs that improve health, build confidence, and promote independence. With a foundation built on faith and service, Special Strong continues to expand nationwide, making a lasting impact one life at a time.
