Q: Tell us about your background and how you came to Special Strong.
Joey: We have been in assisted living since 2005, first focusing on seniors. Around 2018, we started supporting younger adults, especially those living with traumatic brain injuries. That experience opened our eyes to the need for more activities, connection, and opportunities for growth for people who often get overlooked. Marian formed a nonprofit, Up and Out Social Club of America, to help residents from dozens of homes come together for daily social activities, fitness, and real community.
Q: Do you have a personal story or experience that led you to join Special Strong?
Marian: I saw Special Strong on Instagram and it caught my eye because it aligns with our purpose and commitment to serving the disabled community. So I filled out the interest form and we flew to Dallas to learn more about it. Next thing we know we signed up to be part of Special Strong. We want to expand on helping the disabled community by helping them with adaptive fitness. Currently, our residents have been going out and already on a routine of social activities, going to the gym, paddling etc. Since we have helped younger adults with TBI, this made me think that maybe we can tap into new potential clients and help other people with special needs to get involved with adaptive fitness. We want to learn new ways of reaching out more out into the community so that the disabled community has more access to adaptive fitness.
Q: What drew you to the Special Strong mission and values?
Joey: Special Strong’s mission lines up with everything we care about. They welcome people of all ages and abilities. Their foundation in faith and service spoke to us.
Q: How has your background prepared you for running this franchise?
Marian: Years of experience in assisted living taught us how important it is to treat everyone with respect, patience, and creativity. We have worked with physical therapists, doctors, and specialists to make sure our clients get the best care and access. Organizing daily outings, finding resources, and adapting to every situation have all helped us build the skills needed to serve Special Strong clients.
Joey: We are committed to staying healthy and active, I hope to learn more about adaptive fitness through Special Strong and help the disabled community and inspire them to stay active and healthy as well.
Q: What excites you most about serving your local community through Special Strong?
Marian: I love seeing someone try something new for the first time. Watching clients gain independence, confidence, and real joy is the best part of this work. We get to create a space where people can connect, build skills, and celebrate progress together. I love seeing them happy when they are engaged in our daily social activities of Bingo, going to the movies, going to the gym, feeling happy when we all have community meet ups at the local park. Seeing our members happy at Up N Out Social Club brings me joy.Â
Joey: The opportunity to reach more people in Orange County who have never had access to these kinds of programs is exciting. It is about giving hope, not just help.
Q: What is your vision for the Orange County franchise?
Joey: We want to build a community where everyone, no matter their challenges, can set goals and work toward them. We want people to feel included, respected, and motivated. Our goal is to expand access to adaptive fitness across the region, whether someone is living in a group home, with family, or independently.
Marian: I hope every client who joins us feels like they belong, that their goals matter, and that every measurable goal that has been met is something to celebrate. The key is consistency to see results.Â
Q: How will you define success in your work with Special Strong clients?
Marian: Success is different for each person. Sometimes it is about making a new friend, sometimes it is about picking up a weight, and sometimes it is just about showing up. Every milestone is worth celebrating.
Joey: We will measure success by the progress our clients make—however they define it. We listen, adapt, and encourage at every step.
Q: Are there any specific goals you have in terms of impact or growth?
Joey: We want to expand Special Strong’s reach throughout Orange County and find new potential clients to help.
Q: What personal values guide the way you run your franchise?
Marian: Compassion, faith, and respect guide every decision. We want everyone to feel safe, welcome, and valued.
Joey: Honesty and service are at the center of what we do. We are here to serve the community.
Q: How do you create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all clients?
Marian: We meet every client where they are, without judgment or expectations. Our programs are adapted to each person’s ability, and we make sure everyone can participate and feel included.
Joey: We work closely with families and care providers to make sure everyone’s needs are addressed.
Q: What makes Special Strong special, and how do you bring that to life?
Marian: Special Strong stands out because it is about more than exercise. It is about building community, confidence, and real life skills. We bring that to life by celebrating every success and never giving up on anyone.
Joey: The support network, resources, and shared mission across all the franchises help us stay focused and inspired.
Q: Why should potential clients choose to work with you?
Marian: We truly care about every person we serve. Our experience means we know how to help, and our commitment means we will not give up until we find what works for each client.
Joey: We have seen what a difference adaptive fitness can make. We bring heart, experience, and the willingness to go the extra mile for our clients.
Q: From start to finish, what was the process like becoming a franchisee?
Joey: The process moved quickly, with clear steps and a lot of support. From the first conversation to training and launching, we felt like the team wanted us to succeed.
Marian: We are excited to learn more about adaptive fitness and what Special Strong is about.Â
Q: What would you tell someone else who is considering becoming a franchisee?
Joey: If you care about serving others and want to make a real impact, this is a great opportunity. You will have support and training, and you can help change lives.
Marian: Be ready to learn. The work is meaningful and rewarding.
Q: What made you say yes to Special Strong?
Marian: We knew it was the right fit for us. The mission, support, and opportunity to reach more people all came together at the right time.
Joey: Seeing the need in our community made the decision clear. We wanted to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Q: What did you think about the startup costs and fees?
Joey: We were glad the costs were attainable for a family business. The investment gives us a chance to build something lasting for the community, so it is worthwhile.
