FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From Personal Mission to Community Impact: Mike Bevan Launches Special Strong in Western Chicagoland
River Forest, IL – April 1, 2025 – Special Strong is proud to announce its newest franchise location in the Chicago Western Suburbs, led by franchise owner Mike Bevan. With more than 30 years of corporate marketing experience and a personal passion for fitness, Bevan is committed to building an inclusive fitness community for individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges.
Throughout his career, Bevan has held leadership roles at companies including Midas, Life Fitness, Chamberlain Group, and Caterpillar Inc.. A lifelong fitness enthusiast and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer, he now brings both professional expertise and personal heart to Special Strong—driven by his son, Mikey, who is intellectually disabled. Together with his wife Holly, daughter Lauren, and their dog Buzz, Bevan is determined to create a future where individuals of all abilities can thrive.
“When I discovered Special Strong, I knew it was exactly what I was meant to do,” said Bevan. “This is about more than fitness—it’s about building a place where people feel supported, included, and empowered to become their strongest selves.”
Special Strong founder and CEO Daniel Stein welcomed Bevan to the franchise family. “Mike brings an incredible mix of experience, passion, and heart to our mission,” Stein shared. “His dedication to creating opportunities for individuals with special needs will make a powerful impact in the Western Chicagoland community.”
Special Strong Chicago is built on Bevan’s belief that fitness should be accessible to everyone. His vision is to create a welcoming, empowering space where individuals can grow stronger, healthier, and more confident—while knowing they are supported every step of the way.
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.
