Interviews
Interview with Franchise Partners – Joey and Marian Alvarez of Orange County, California
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…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partners – Thad and Rachel Spates of East Central Alabama
Q: What’s your story, and what led you to Special Strong? Thad: I’ve been part of the special needs community my whole life. My younger brother, Matt, had cerebral palsy. His needs were significant, and back then, there just weren’t resources for families. I watched my mom care for him without much support until she…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partners – Tomi and Mandy Sweet of Fort Worth, Texas
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…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Ruth Polillo of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Tell us a bit about yourself. What does your background look like? I have been a physical therapist for about 20 years, so adaptive fitness is familiar to me through my work. I also have four children, and two of them have special needs. My son Joshua has Down syndrome and my older son, VIncent,…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Liz Trujillo of Greater Waco-Central, Texas
Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to Special Strong. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I’ve always been passionate about serving others. My first bout with hospitality was being part of the opening team of a hotel in Allen, TX in 2001. I later owned a…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Chrissy Gust of Mesa, Arizona
After years in the classroom and the gym, and a lifetime of advocating for her two sons with special needs, Chrissy Gust felt a nudge to take a leap of faith. That leap led her to launch Special Strong Mesa—and to create something deeply personal, powerful, and purpose-driven. Tell me a bit about yourself –…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Marci Day of Greater South Riverside, California
After 31 years of serving adults with disabilities—and as the mother of four, including one with Down syndrome—Marci Day knew she was being called to something more. Tired of long commutes and sedentary life, she began praying for a new opportunity. Her prayer was answered when she discovered Special Strong. Tell me a bit about…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Lissa Merchant of Central Connecticut Valley
After dedicating years to raising and homeschooling her four children, Lissa Merchant found herself in a season of asking, “What’s next?” She wasn’t ready for retirement—but she was ready for purpose. That’s when she discovered Special Strong, and everything clicked. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like? I’m a…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Joe Pahnke of North Dallas, Texas
After a successful career in retail and restaurant leadership, Joe Pahnke knew he wanted more than just profit margins and operations manuals. He was looking for purpose—and found it in Special Strong. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like? For most of my career, I worked in retail and…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner – Sravanthi Patil of Lewisville, Texas
For Sravanthi Patil, launching a Special Strong franchise wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal calling rooted in her experience as the mother of a 14-year-old autistic son. With a background in education and a heart for neurodivergent children, she saw an opportunity to serve families like hers in Lewisville, TX. Tell me a…
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