Central Maryland – October 19, 2026 – Special Strong, a specialty fitness provider serving individuals with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, is proud to announce the launch and grand opening of Special Strong Central Maryland, owned and operated by local entrepreneur Jeff Hill alongside his leadership team. A family-friendly celebration has been planned on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation, 901 W. Pratt Street in Baltimore.
The community is invited to enjoy the museum, complimentary food, interactive Special Strong activities, and meet the Special Strong Central Maryland team and learn more about its adaptive and inclusive fitness programs. Not only will the celebration introduce Special Strong Central Maryland, but it will also bring together athletes, families, community organizations, coaches, supporters, and others who share a commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Finding a new path: Jeff Hill was led to Special Strong Central Maryland
For Jeff, Special Strong is more than a business; it’s a calling. After more than 40 years of leadership in the construction industry, where he built teams, managed complex operations, and helped develop affordable housing communities, Jeff felt drawn to invest more directly in people. He believes that true fitness transforms the mind, body, soul, and spirit, and that every individual deserves dignity, opportunity, and the ability to live more independently.
Special Strong Central Maryland serves Northern Anne Arundel County, Eastern Howard County, and Southern Baltimore County. Through its relationship with Planet Fitness, Special Strong Central Maryland will provide adaptive fitness training at approximately 20 convenient fitness locations throughout the region, giving athletes and families greater flexibility to access personalized training close to home.
Joining Jeff is a leadership team that brings professional expertise, lived experience, community connection, and a shared commitment to serving individuals with disabilities and their families.
Hector Garcia Jr., Executive Director and Lead Coach, brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, program development, person-centered planning, and trauma-informed care. As the father of an adult son on the autism spectrum, Hector also brings a deeply personal understanding of the needs of individuals and families in the disability community.
Abi Hill, Athlete & Family Success Coordinator, has worked hands-on in special education and autism center settings since 2018. Her family’s experience with cerebral palsy has also shaped her commitment to inclusion and supporting individuals of all abilities.
Kipp Garcia supports Special Strong Central Maryland’s marketing efforts. As an autistic adult, Kipp brings his own lived experience and perspective to the team, helping shape how Special Strong communicates with and connects to the individuals, families, and communities it serves.
Together, the team plans to build strong partnerships with local schools, therapy providers, disability organizations, senior communities, veterans’ organizations, and other community partners to create a broad support network across Central Maryland.
“Special Strong is not simply a fitness program; it is about building a safe, supportive community for athletes and their families,” said Jeff Hill. “We bring professional experience and deep personal connection to this mission. Our entire team is committed to meeting every athlete where they are, helping them build confidence, and supporting them in achieving more than they ever thought possible.”
ABOUT SPECIAL STRONG
Special Strong was founded in 2016 by Daniel Stein, who began specializing in health and fitness for people with special needs after being diagnosed with a learning disability, mood disorder, and autoimmune disease. The company provides adaptive and inclusive fitness programs to individuals around the world with mental, physical, and cognitive challenges, including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, rare genetic conditions, and more.
“When I began franchising in 2020, I was inspired to not only help Special Strong’s clients, but also leaders who share a passion for empowering individuals with special needs through fitness,” said Daniel Stein, CEO and Founder of Special Strong. “Jeff and his team bring a remarkable combination of professional expertise, personal connection, and servant leadership to this mission. We are excited to see the lasting impact they will make across Central Maryland.”
To learn more about Special Strong Central Maryland, visit Special Strong Central Maryland’s website.
