Why I Opened CrossFit Expedition: From “Horrible Employee” to Gym Owner
If you had told me years ago that I’d own a CrossFit gym, I probably would’ve laughed… then clocked out early. 😅
But here we are.
Opening CrossFit Expedition wasn’t part of some perfectly mapped-out business plan. It came from passion, stubborn determination, a love for helping people, and if I’m being honest…a strong refusal to work a traditional 9–5.
Let me explain.
Reason #1: I’m a Horrible Employee (Ask My Family)
I’ve never been good at sticking with something I didn’t love.
Ask my mom, she used to love doing my taxes back in the day. Different states. At least five different jobs in one year. Absolute chaos.
I tried a lot of things, and none of them felt right. I realized pretty quickly that if I didn’t find my passion and turn it into a career, I’d always feel stuck. I wasn’t built to punch a clock for something that didn’t light me up.
So I stopped trying to fit into a box and decided to build something that fit me.
Reason #2: Helping People Is My Favorite Thing in the World
If I had to name one thing that truly fills my cup, it’s helping people.
Watching someone gain confidence, strength, energy, or belief in themselves never gets old. That feeling when someone does something they didn’t think they could do…that’s magic to me.
I knew whatever I chose had to revolve around helping others. Not selling. Not pushing paper. Helping real humans live better lives.
Reason #3: CrossFit Changed My Life
I’ve been doing CrossFit since 2012, and it completely changed my personal life.
Physically? Yes.
Mentally? Absolutely.
Emotionally? 100%.
CrossFit gave me confidence, discipline, community, and a belief in myself that I didn’t have before. And once I experienced that transformation, I knew it could change other people’s lives too.
Helping people + CrossFit = the perfect match.
And as a bonus? No 9–5.
No thanks. 😄
Taking the Leap (With Zero Business Experience)
Was it easy? Not even close.
When I started CrossFit Expedition in 2021, I knew absolutely nothing about running a business. No fancy background. No MBA. Just two things:
- I love CrossFit
- I love helping people
I’m also not afraid of risk or hard work, so I said, “What the heck…let’s do this and refuse to fail.”
There were long days. A lot of tears. Stress. Doubt. Growth. More long days. More learning the hard way.
But every bit of it was worth it.
Why I Still Love What I Do
Today, the stress and tears are far less. The fun is way up.
And I wouldn’t change this journey for the world.
My favorite clients aren’t always the super athletic ones (though they’re fun too). They’ll usually find their way regardless.
My favorite clients are the ones fresh off the couch.
The ones who are terrified to walk into a gym.
The ones shaking on day one.
The ones who think they don’t belong… and then leave smiling!
Watching someone go from fear to confidence…that’s my favorite thing ever!
Let Me Help You
If you’re nervous about starting…
If gyms intimidate you…
If you feel like you’re “not fit enough” yet…
You are exactly who CrossFit Expedition is for.
Let me help guide you.
Let me show you what you’re capable of.
Let’s take that first step together.
👉 Reach out today and let’s get started.
Nichole Stiles
Owner | Coach | Founder
CrossFit Expedition