Interviews
Interview with Franchise Partner – Mike Bevan of Chicago, Illinois
After decades in corporate marketing, Mike Bevan knew he was ready for something different—something personal. Inspired by his son Mikey, who is intellectually disabled, Mike decided to use his next chapter to serve others through inclusive fitness. Now, as the owner of Special Strong Chicago in the Western Suburbs, he’s combining his lifelong passion for…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partners – Sana Firdose, Deepa Balusamy, and Umama Khan of San Diego, California
Three longtime friends—each with their own journey—came together with a shared mission: to bring inclusive fitness to the special needs community in San Diego. Their franchise, Special Strong San Diego, is as much about community and compassion as it is about strength and strategy. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner Kristina & Dominic Guadagnoli of Emerald Coast, Florida
Kristina and Dominic Guadagnoli weren’t necessarily seeking an opportunity to open a new business, but once they learned about Special Strong, all the signs pointed them in the right direction. Kristina shared their experience with us. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like? My husband and I were both…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner Matt & Tracy Furrey of Folsom California
While Tracy Furrey has a history with the special needs community, her husband Matt has always been athletic, so when they came across Special Strong, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to merge their interests and fill a gap in their community. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like?…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner Wess & Reshae of Northeast Texas
When Wess & Reshae McDonald moved with their family to Northeast Texas, they missed some of the opportunities that they previously had access to in the Houston area. Now, they’re excited to bring Special Strong to their new community. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like? Reshae: All my…
Read MoreInterview with Colin McClowry Akron Ohio
Colin McClowry and his family have always been dedicated to serving individuals with special needs. Now, they’re excited to bring Special Strong to Ohio to further support their community. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background look like? I was very athletic when I was younger. In high school, I did…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partners Hunter & Cassidy Bauer South Dakota
Cassidy and Hunter Bauer were recently awarded the first statewide Special Strong territory. With firsthand experience of how people in rural communities often have more limited access to critical resources, they’re excited to bring Special Strong to communities in South Dakota. Tell me a bit about yourselves – what do your backgrounds look like? Hunter:…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partners Teri Dunn and Tamara Ishee West Houston, Texas
Teri Dunn and Tamara Ishee adopted their daughter Abby when she was six weeks old and she’s been the backbone of their family ever since. Their desire to support their own community and provide more resources for Abby to stay engaged is what led to their decision to open their own Special Strong location. Tell…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner Manju Nivsarkar of West North Dallas, Texas
When Manju Nivsarkar was considering what her future looked like, it wasn’t easy to find an option that incorporated all of the elements of her history with the special needs community that she’d become so passionate about. We’re so pleased that she’s now able to share her skills and dedication with the Special Strong community…
Read MoreInterview with Franchise Partner Mike Lutey of Southeast Houston, Texas
Mike Lutey was our very first Special Strong franchisee. His long history with the special needs community and desire to be doing more rewarding work made him a natural fit to join our team. You can find him at Special Strong of Southeast Houston. Tell me a bit about yourself – what does your background…
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