Steve and Jessica Pinkerton started their affiliate out of their garage. About 15 people showed up to train there. A few months later—in April 2010—they “pulled the trigger” and opened CrossFit Vitality in Concord, N.C.

“It grew really fast, really quick,” Steve says. “That first year was a blur.”

Before that, Jessica had been a stay-at-home mom.

“This is actually the first time I’ve had a regular outside-of-the-home job,” she says.

Today, the couple has 11 coaches who help run the business, and the pair bring their 3-year-old daughter to the box as much as possible.

“There’s not a better place for (her) to grow up other than a CrossFit box,” Steve says. “She’s around strong, motivating people. It’s teaching her that fitness can be fun, being healthy can be fun.”

He adds: “Plus, if she can snatch 200 lb. and do a double-body-weight squat, I don’t have to worry when she turns 18 or 20 and she starts dating. She can take care of herself, right?”

8min 1sec

Additional reading: One-Year Reflection by Leon Chang and Paul Estrada, published May 30, 2011.