The Next Chapter: Reflecting On 8 Years at Cressey Sports Performance
FYI: this post is approximately 91% about me. Okay, 92%. Good news for those of you who’s favorite topic is Tony Gentilcore!
And good news for me, because I love writing about me.
In case you haven’t heard the news or have been out of the loop for the past week, I am no longer coaching at Cressey Sports Performance.
Contrary to typical fitness industry shenanigans when a co-founder and figure-head decides to part ways with a facility and institution he helped establish and build, the news comes with zero percent hard feelings, animosity, or any semblance of ill will.
In fact it comes with a degree of excitement.
Truth be told: it’s a decision – while not easy to make – has been slowly marinating for a few months (if not several months) on my end.
I reached a proverbial “tipping point” not too long ago when an opportunity arose that I couldn’t really pass up. No, I didn’t come to realization I was a boy wizard. No, I wasn’t asked to be the strength coach for team Victoria Secret. And no, I wasn’t hand selected by director Zack Snyder to play the next Superman.
Legitimate guesses on your end though.
No, an opportunity came up in Boston that will allow me (and my wife) to plan a head for our future while at the same time allotting me a degree of autonomy I couldn’t pass up.
I’ll tell you the details, but you have to keep reading. A little written prose foreplay first.
When It All Started
Some of you reading know the back story of Cressey Sports Performance. For those that don’t it literally started with a phone call.
Things fell through where Eric was working as a coach (as an independent contractor) and he called Pete Dupuis and left a voice mail saying:
“Dude, it’s time. Want to open up a gym?”
It was a well timed and fortuitous call because Pete was, in fact, out playing a round of golf waiting to hear back on another job offer.
If Eric had waited 30 minutes, CSP would have been out of a co-founder and one of the best fitness business minds in the industry.
Yep, that guy.
But just so you know that Pete doesn’t make a habit of living a “sun’s out guns out” lifestyle at the office all time, here he is all cleaned up and professional looking:
Pete once wore sweatpants to a roundtable event at his alma mater, Babson College, geared towards business students who were given the opportunity to pepper local, successful, entrepreneurs with questions. Straight up boss. And he can kick Chuck Norris’s ass.
Eric and I were roommates at the time, and he didn’t even finish the sentence “hey dude, I’m starting a gym do you want to……” before I was tearing off my commercial gym shirt Hulk Hogan style and giving my two weeks notice.
And off we went. The three of us. To start a gym.
Two 25 year olds and a balding 30 year old, all of whom had zero business experience what-s0-ever. The odds of everything panning out where on par with the odds of Godzilla losing a fight to a building made out of wet spaghetti.
7 out of 10 new small businesses last at least 2 years, half at least 5 years.
We ended up finding space to rent inside an indoor batting cage facility in Hudson, MA. We set up shop in the corner with nothing more than a barbell, a few plates, a sled, and one of those forearm gripper thingamajigs that had a weight plate attached to a rope.
And this was what the first iteration of CSP looked like:
You can see the limited gym equipment piled in the middle, but we still managed to train people.
We eventually put up our own walls and office space and stuff – 2200 square ft in all – but our roots were minimal to say the least.
[Best piece of advice to ANYONE interested in starting their own facility: START SMALL!]
We already had a decent sized client roster of local high-school baseball players that Eric had been working with at his previous location, and I had a handful of clients follow me from my previous location as well.
And things ballooned from there.
We started getting some local college players and general fitness enthusiasts (thanks in part to mine and Eric’s growing web presence), and that parlayed into a few local New England based professional baseball players starting to make their way in.
Including Tim Collins.
Little did we know at the time that the quiet, scrawny, 135 lb left-hander from Worcester, MA who wasn’t recruited by any Division I,II, or III college, but was eventually spotted by JP Ricciardi (then the General Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays) at a summer baseball game and signed to a professional contract, would grow into a bonafide Big League pitcher with the Kansas City Royals (not to mention an unofficial – but really official – CSP staff member).
I’m not going to wax poetic on every prospect or nook and cranny of growth we’ve ever accomplished in our history. But lets just say: we’re the shit holy cow I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.
Never in a million years would I have guessed as a teenager growing up in Central NY that I’d have the opportunity to work with hundreds of professional baseball players as a strength coach. Or that I’d get paid to do what I do on a daily basis, and wear sweat pants doing it.
What started as a 2200 square ft. facility which required a tetanus shot to even use the bathrooms (<– only a slight exaggeration) grew enough to warrant three expansions and a renowned reputation as one of the premier strength and conditioning facilities in the world.
Words can’t even begin to describe how grateful and proud I am to have been associated with not only the initial beginnings of CSP, but to have witnessed it’s growth and help foster it’s unique culture as well.
NOTE: sick bicep pose at 0:33. Just sayin….
- We’ve worked with thousands of clients and athletes from all over the U.S and world. Name a sport we’ve (probably) worked with an athlete who plays it. Name an injury we’ve (probably) worked with an individual who’s succumbed to it.
- We’ve had the opportunity to see 100s of interns and coaches walk through our doors – many of which have gone on to successful careers in their own right.
- I’ve made Eric’s ears bleed innumerable times with all the amount of EDM (Electrical Dance Music) I’ve played.
It’s been an amazing ride with an abyss of PRs and laughs.
Did you know wearing CSP gear increases general level of badassery and sexiness by 717%?
Or that we don’t just test deadlift 1RMs?
And that during off-hours these sort of shenanigans take place?
Or that, contrary to popular belief, we don’t just train baseball players?
And, finally, that I can crush a finisher while listening to John Mayer?
All Kidding Aside
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call Cressey Sports Performance my fitness “home” for the past eight years. I’d be remiss not to give credit where it’s due and concede that much of the success in my career has been because of CSP (and by extension, Eric).
Little do people know that Eric and I met on the internet. No lie.
And we didn’t meet at a time when that was just what people did either.
This was pre-Facebook. Pre-Tinder. Pre-text messaging. It was basically Creepy McCreepypants territory to say you met someone online; much less someone you’d inform your family that you’re going to quit your job in NY and move to CT to work and live with.
“Hey family, I’m moving to Connecticut to work with some dude named Eric. Oh, and we met on the internet. He’s totally not an ax-murderer, Mom. Promise!”
I think it’s safe to say that things turned out more than okay.
Eric’s been a major influence on me the past decade – both professionally and personally1– and I’m forever indebted to him for helping to “catapult” my career.
As it happened, it was through him why I pursued writing in the first place. Eric served as my first editor in fact.
It was via Eric that I was able to leave my comfort zone. I never would have left NY if it weren’t for him.
I mean, who knows where I’d be today?
Still a personal trainer at Bally Total Fitness in Syracuse, NY? Maybe a strength coach for a local high school near my home town? Most likely a professional grizzly bear arm wrestler.
Point is: it’s hard to fathom not being where I am today without having crossed paths with Eric.
I could make the case I never would have met my wife, Lisa.
All Of This To Say
I’m nervous to be leaving Cressey Sports Performance. Without sounding overly dramatic, a part of me feels naked and vulnerable to say I won’t be there on a day-t0-day basis anymore.
I know I’ve worked hard and performed the bulk of grunt work to build my own brand and make a name for myself in the industry, but it’s hard to picture myself not coaching with the #CSPFamily insignia hovering over my shoulder.
I’m nervous. Nervous as balls. Whatever that means.
It may sound silly, but a portion of me feels I’m losing a sense of prestige in stepping away.
But it’s that sense or nervousness and uncharted waters that will help propel me to continue to work hard and succeed in turning the page in my life.
I’ll miss a lot of things.
What I’ll miss most, though, is being around the other coaches. I am not kidding when I say I’ve been incredibly lucky to coach alongside some of the best coaches out there: Chris Howard, Greg Robins, Andrew Zomberg, George Kalantzis, Tony Bonvechio, Matt Blake, and Miguel Aragoncillo[/footnote]Chingeda. Sorry, inside joke[/footnote] (in addition to the un-sung hero of CSP, office manager, Stacie Leary).
All of them have kept me sharp as a coach and I was/am always amazed at how passionate, in-tune, and willing they were/are to always strive to get better.
TO ALL OF YOU (as well as past coaches/staff: Brian St. Pierre, George Abele, Michelle Elwell, Brittany Morgan): Here’s hoping I can continue to live up to the high standard of professionalism, integrity, and expectations you all have helped me mold and strive to attain.
I know I will. But thank you nonetheless.
Too, THANK YOU to the endless array of athletes and clients (some of which have become close friends) whom I’ve had the privilege to work with over the last several years.
It’s been a more than rewarding ride for me and I wish you all well.
So, What Now?
- Cry? Did that.
- Binge watch a new television show? Yep, Narcos.
- Hang out with my cat, Dagny? Come on…of course.
What about starting my own “gig” in Boston?
Hell to the yes!
I’ve spent the better part of the past few days purchasing and collecting equipment – plates, barbells, matting, power rack, life size replica of He-Man, you know the important stuff – to outfit a small studio space in Brookline about a mile and half from my apartment2
For now I’ll be sub-leasing space at an already existing studio and blocking off times to train people in a semi-private format (groups of 2-4). I’m still in the throes of figuring out my schedule, but for now here’s what I envision happening:
Techno, techno, techno, AND MORE TECHNO.3
No shirt Saturdays. Kidding.4[
And lots of deadlifts.
My goal is to start this shindig towards the middle-end of October, and of course I have an open client roster.
Soooooooo, [cue bashful pose kicking dirt with feet] call or email me if interested? Please. I’ll be your BFF.
In all seriousness, if you’re interested in hearing more about what I’ll be offering shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to fill you in on the deets.
And on that note
Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you. I have more great memories than I could have ever possibly asked for.
The only way to appropriately summarize what I have to say is to defer to Boyz II Men.
Thanks again Cressey Sports Performance. I will miss you.
Comments for This Entry
Tom Kilgore
Tony - My best wishes for your future endeavor. TomKOctober 7, 2015 at 9:18 am |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Tom. And Lisa and I are forever grateful for your's and your wife's recommendation of The Butcher Shop. To this day STILL the best steak I ever had.October 8, 2015 at 8:08 am |
Jonathan_Goodman1
So happy that this worked out man. Serendipitous that the message popped in about the studio space asking if I knew anybody for sure. Weird how the Universe aligns sometimes.October 7, 2015 at 9:26 am |
TonyGentilcore
Indeed. Amazing how fast things moved. I'm nervous to say the least, but feel it's the right move in the long run.October 8, 2015 at 8:09 am |
Sam Spinelli
This a huge step Tony, one that will help get your life that much better. I'd love to come by your new facility and check it out. (I moved to Worcester from Edmonton in September)October 7, 2015 at 9:44 am |
TonyGentilcore
Any time my man.October 8, 2015 at 8:09 am |
Minna
Tony! Can't believe you won't be at CSP anymore- but I'm so glad I caught you there at the seminar last year. I love following along with you, and it's exciting to watch you flourish even more from the awesome coach you already are. Best of wishes for your new techno-filled endeavors!October 7, 2015 at 10:17 am |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Minna - appreciate the kind words.October 8, 2015 at 8:09 am |
Rob King
Best of luck Tony. I know you will do amazing.October 7, 2015 at 10:25 am |
TonyGentilcore
I appreciate the vote of confidence Rob. It's always nice to know I have the backing of quality coaches such as yourself.October 8, 2015 at 8:10 am |
Biff Torpedo
Good luck, Tony. Saturdays won't be the same without you. My ears say they'll be better but the rest of me knows that's not true!October 7, 2015 at 10:26 am |
TonyGentilcore
Larry! Thanks so much for the note. I'll be around some random Saturday and you'll walk in and KNOW I'm there.October 8, 2015 at 8:11 am |
Kourtney Thomas
You lose zero prestige in stepping away from CSP. Congratulations on the next step in your career! Someday when I visit Boston, I am totally in for deadlifts and EDM :)October 7, 2015 at 10:32 am |
TonyGentilcore
Aw, thanks Kourtney. I really appreciate the kind words. When you're in Boston again, you're more than welcome to stop by.October 8, 2015 at 8:11 am |
Gary H
Best wishes Tony. Know you'll continue to do big things in this industry.October 7, 2015 at 11:12 am |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Gary!October 8, 2015 at 8:12 am |
Trish
I'm kind of sad you're leaving CSP behind because that's where I met you, but I'm pretty pumped to see what you do next. I know you'll kick ass at it. And now you'll be close enough so I can 'drop-in' whenever I'm in Boston and not take the long-ass journey to Hudson. Good luck Tony!October 7, 2015 at 11:23 am |
TonyGentilcore
Shh, shh, shh....don't be sad. But for real, you can TOTALLY stop by the next time you're in Boston. Martini on me.October 8, 2015 at 8:13 am |
John J Brooks
Had to be a difficult decision, but that commute was no joke. I'd wish you luck, but 1) I don't believe in luck, and 2) you don't need it. Have fun.October 7, 2015 at 11:58 am |
TonyGentilcore
Very difficult decision John. But yeah, the commute was no joke. 90 minutes in a car most days. It wasn't horrible (I crushed Audible), but knowing my commute is now a 1.5 mile walk or short ride makes it much more bearable.October 8, 2015 at 8:14 am |
Bret Contreras
I'm a little choked up here myself Tony. Great blogpost and best wishes in the future. You're a class act!October 7, 2015 at 12:57 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks buddy. Appreciate the note and support from high-quality coaches (and human being) as yourself.October 8, 2015 at 8:14 am |
Dimitar Mihov
So... Why?October 7, 2015 at 4:37 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Uh, read the post.October 8, 2015 at 8:14 am |
Justin Gibson
That was an awesome post. I have tremendous respect for you and the good folks at CP, and I'm excited to see the next step in your career.October 7, 2015 at 7:33 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Justin.October 8, 2015 at 8:15 am |
Jeff Sokolov
Good luck, Tony! Thanks for all your help and, of course, movie advice!October 7, 2015 at 8:30 pm |
TonyGentilcore
You're welcome Jeff. Was a pleasure to work with you at CSP.October 8, 2015 at 8:15 am |
John Iscariot
You were a gent on RuggedMag, and it's good to see you continue onwards and upwards. Best wishes to you.October 7, 2015 at 9:13 pm |
TonyGentilcore
WHOA - a RuggedMag reference. Now THAT'S going way back. I sorta miss that place. It's more or less my fitness roots. Thanks John, I appreciate the note and kind words.October 8, 2015 at 8:27 am |
Rachel
As a blog reader, I'm incredibly happy for you. As a hopeful CSP intern, I'm a little sad I wouldn't get to learn from Tony G in person. Congrats and best wishes! Looking forward to hearing about your new journey. Keep us posted! :)October 7, 2015 at 9:55 pm |
TonyGentilcore
No worries Rachel. 1. I'll still be around making cameo appearances at CSP for staff lifts and in-services., 2. You'll still be in VERY good hands with the rest of the coaching staff.October 8, 2015 at 8:28 am |
George Kalantzis
Going to miss you around CSP! Tiesto will stay alive! Thanks for everything over the past few yearsOctober 8, 2015 at 8:35 am |
TonyGentilcore
Been a pleasure to know you as a coach and as a friend George. Thanks for all you do, and see you around. Equinox isn't too far from where I'll be......;o)October 9, 2015 at 7:24 am |
Appearance On the Coach Glass Podcast
[…] offering kudos, congratulatory words of encouragement, and good vibes in lieu of yesterday’s official announcement of me leaving Cressey Sports […]October 8, 2015 at 9:27 am |
Guillermo Muñoz Mireles
Chingada! Haha. Best of luck Tony!October 8, 2015 at 9:46 am |
TonyGentilcore
Dammit. I spelled it wrong.October 9, 2015 at 7:32 am |
Dave Scott-McDowell
Good Luck Tony - looking forward to seeing your growth and innovation with your new spaceOctober 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks so much Dave.October 9, 2015 at 7:32 am |
Art St. John
Thanks for your help and encouragement over the past couple of years. I always looked forward to techno boot camp Fridays and always dreaded but enjoyed the finishers.October 8, 2015 at 3:02 pm |
TonyGentilcore
LOL - thanks Art. You'll see me around here and there. And, who knows, maybe I'll do a guest coaching spot for strength camps down the road. You never know.......October 9, 2015 at 7:32 am |
Steve Roy
Hey Tony, I was very surprised to hear the news and have been secretly hoping you would branch out on your own one day. I know CSP is an awesome facility with a number of excellent coaches, but I always got the feeling you were playing below what you are truly capable of. By this I mean that you have a special gift for writing, coaching, and engaging with people that could be used to build something insanely rewarding as well as insanely profitable. If I lived back in NH, I'd make the trip to see your new digs and I know you'll be kicking ass real soon! Good luck with the transition, dude..October 8, 2015 at 6:47 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks for the kind words Steve. I 100% meant what I said about leaving CSP and the other coaches. I was SO lucky to be able to talk shop with them on a daily basis and always be learning. Not that I won't continue to learn on my own, of course, but it's pretty amazing to have that caliber of coaching knowledge in my back pocket. Thanks again for the vote of confidence from your end. Means a lot.October 9, 2015 at 7:35 am |
Shane Mclean
And he can kick Chuck Norris’s ass. Be careful what you say Tony. Congrats of your new facility . Now that takes some balls, holy cow.October 8, 2015 at 7:55 pm |
Firhan Malik
Congratulations on the move! I have a feeling you will put the same dedication into the new adventure that you have into everything else (e.g., this blog - which actually inspired me to create my own blog), and I hope it will be a success too. =)October 8, 2015 at 10:15 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Oh, wow......to know I inspired you to start your own blog is awesome. Thank YOU for the kinds words.October 9, 2015 at 7:36 am |
Matt Kramer
Looking forward to hearing about dagny....err I mean your next chapter!!!!October 9, 2015 at 9:29 am |
TonyGentilcore
I figured you and Emily would appreciate that video.October 10, 2015 at 2:11 pm |
Jake
Congrats, Tony. As a long time reader of yours, I'm interested to see what the new place looks like and offers. Even though I don't live near Boston anymore :-/October 9, 2015 at 7:23 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Well, if you're ever back for a visit shoot me an email or message and we can work something out to get you some coaching....;o)October 10, 2015 at 2:11 pm |
Jack Yee
Congrats to you! Looking forward to seeing you at your new place. With you there, it will be great! JackOctober 11, 2015 at 7:51 am |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Jack. Appreciate it.October 12, 2015 at 4:02 pm |
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[…] speak to that point, recently I let it be known that I left Cressey Sports Performance to pursue other opportunities and that I’m now using a small studio space in Boston to train […]October 21, 2015 at 6:42 pm |
Andrew Morgan
Tony! (Just found this. Feel like I've been living under a rock.) Best of luck to you my friend, the city of Boston's gain. :)November 10, 2015 at 6:27 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks Andy. I appreciate the vote of confidence and support. Hope to see you soon my friend.November 11, 2015 at 7:32 am |
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[…] Leaving Cressey Sports Performance, a place I helped co-found and build from scratch, and arguably one of the most prestigious and well-known training facilities in North America wasn’t an easy choice to make for a plethora of reasons. […]January 18, 2016 at 12:05 pm |