Tell us a little bit about yourselves. What led you to Special Strong?
Tomi: I worked in special education for years, mainly with high school students who had severe needs. That was my group and I loved them. I have always felt like this is my superpower, knowing how to connect with individuals who sometimes get overlooked. I have followed Daniel and Special Strong since the beginning. I even used his early videos in my classroom to inspire my students. When we saw the opportunity to open a franchise, it just made sense. It felt like God answering a prayer.
Mandy: We also both come from family businesses. We understand the dedication it takes to build something that serves others. For us, this is a way to give back and build something meaningful for our family and our community.
What was it about Special Strong that really stood out to you?
Tomi: The heart behind it. Special Strong is about more than exercise. It is about connection, community, and creating joy through movement. We love that it focuses on the small wins. Sometimes progress can be measured in tiny steps, and that is worth celebrating. This is about helping people feel strong, valued, and included.
Mandy: We also love that Special Strong is flexible in how it serves people. It meets clients where they are, whether that is in their own gyms or through one-on-one sessions. We knew this was something we wanted to bring to Fort Worth.
Were there any concerns you had before becoming franchisees?
Tomi: The biggest challenge was balancing everything. We have kids, careers, and a busy household, and starting a business takes time and energy. But we kept seeing confirmation that this was the right path. Every time we prayed about it, doors opened.
Mandy: It is definitely a leap of faith, but it is also exciting. The support from Special Strong made it easier to take that step.
How was your experience with the Special Strong team during the process?
Tomi: Amazing. From the first conversation, they were upfront about what to expect and how the process worked. Every question we had was answered, and we always felt supported. The other franchisees were welcoming, too, and that made a big difference.
What excites you most about bringing Special Strong to Fort Worth?
Mandy: Fort Worth is a vibrant city, but there are still gaps in services for individuals with disabilities. We are excited to fill some of those gaps and create a community where people can feel seen and celebrated.
Tomi: We also want to create job opportunities. One of our goals is to hire from within the communities we serve. For example, we want to build connections with the deaf community and provide jobs for individuals who might not get those opportunities elsewhere. We want our team to reflect the diversity of Fort Worth.
Do you have a vision for the future of your business?
Tomi: Yes, definitely. Long term, we would love to expand beyond Fort Worth and reach more of Texas. We also have a vision to create group homes in the future. There is a huge need for that, and we believe this can be the first step toward something even bigger.
Mandy: For now, we are focused on creating a positive impact here in Fort Worth, building strong relationships, and serving families with excellence.
How will you define success in your work?
Tomi: Success is seeing our athletes thrive. It is watching someone do something they did not think they could do, no matter how big or small. It is knowing families feel supported and that individuals are experiencing more independence and joy.
Mandy: We also want our trainers to love what they do. When everyone feels valued, from clients to staff, that is success for us.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a Special Strong franchisee?
Tomi: Take the time to pray about it. Think about your purpose and where you feel called to serve. If your heart is in it, you will love it.
Mandy: It is a commitment, but it is worth it. The model works and you have a whole community behind you.
