HarborTown Fitness
River City Rising
I believe behind every brick and mortar business is a story so rich in spirit and soul it is always worth digging to reveal them. Behind every Grand Opening someone has dedicated their time, heart and financial resources, hoping that others will at least partly see the great vision to which they are so committed. Here in Memphis we pride ourselves with “buying local,” as evidenced by countless bumper stickers seen on cars around town and displayed on countertops of locally-owned businesses. This week I wanted to share the Grand Opening of a new business not just because it is local but also because of the rich story behind its inception.
HarborTown Fitness is the realization of a goal many years in the making. Owner Kelly Davis left a thirty-year career at a Fortune 100 company to commit his time and energy to sharing with others his passion and knowledge in a field to which he has devoted an incalculable amount of time, heart and resources. He is the walking example of “practice what you preach” and I often challenged him to share with me what it would take to reach my optimum fitness goals. We didn’t know each other personally; I just instinctively knew that if I wanted fitness advice I needed to speak with someone who lived a fitness-centered life.
After it was shared through social media and community boards that HarborTown Fitness had opened, I stopped by to congratulate Kelly. He shared with me part of his story and in doing so reminded me of a few key points to finding success on a sometimes laborious journey.
HarborTown Fitness is the realization of a goal many years in the making. Owner Kelly Davis left a thirty-year career at a Fortune 100 company to commit his time and energy to sharing with others his passion and knowledge in a field to which he has devoted an incalculable amount of time, heart and resources. He is the walking example of “practice what you preach” and I often challenged him to share with me what it would take to reach my optimum fitness goals. We didn’t know each other personally; I just instinctively knew that if I wanted fitness advice I needed to speak with someone who lived a fitness-centered life.
After it was shared through social media and community boards that HarborTown Fitness had opened, I stopped by to congratulate Kelly. He shared with me part of his story and in doing so reminded me of a few key points to finding success on a sometimes laborious journey.
Figure out what it is you love and put in the work necessary to make it matter in your life, and to show others how much it matters to you. As far as fitness is concerned, Kelly walks the walk and talks the talk. He is to fitness what Phillip Ashley is to chocolate (both can co-exist in your life; Kelly will help you with that!)
Be patient, persistent and resilient- not necessarily in that order. For thirty years he worked towards being lucky: being that which happens when preparation meets opportunity.
Speaking of luck: count your lucky stars if you’re blessed with a partner who believes in your dreams, supports your goals and understands there is no “I” in team. Kelly’s story was infused with references to the person who has stood alongside him all these years, insisting that without her he could not possibly have opened HarborTown Fitness.
Writer Mark McCormick recently penned, “Supporting community institutions is important. They disappear when we take them for granted…” Memphis does a darn good job at supporting community institutions so let’s not break the cycle. Don’t take HarborTown Fitness for granted. Don’t take Kelly Davis’ expertise for granted. Do what we Memphians do best: support local and become part of the story.
HarborTown Fitness is located at 710 Harbor Bend Road in Memphis. Kelly Davis can be reached at (901) 522-1559.
Be patient, persistent and resilient- not necessarily in that order. For thirty years he worked towards being lucky: being that which happens when preparation meets opportunity.
Speaking of luck: count your lucky stars if you’re blessed with a partner who believes in your dreams, supports your goals and understands there is no “I” in team. Kelly’s story was infused with references to the person who has stood alongside him all these years, insisting that without her he could not possibly have opened HarborTown Fitness.
Writer Mark McCormick recently penned, “Supporting community institutions is important. They disappear when we take them for granted…” Memphis does a darn good job at supporting community institutions so let’s not break the cycle. Don’t take HarborTown Fitness for granted. Don’t take Kelly Davis’ expertise for granted. Do what we Memphians do best: support local and become part of the story.
HarborTown Fitness is located at 710 Harbor Bend Road in Memphis. Kelly Davis can be reached at (901) 522-1559.