Meet Ryan Read of Thrive Specialized Training

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Read.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from San Diego and growing up I always had an intense passion for basketball. I started playing at the early age of eight years old and fell head over heels for the sport. I’ve always been athletic but the team aspect taught me a lot about myself. I was an All-American college athlete and then played professional ball overseas for four years. I played for Spain, England, and Cypress until I suffered a career-ending injury at the age of 27.

I was devastated as I felt like my time as an athlete was over. I moved back to San Diego and started wondering what my next step was. I knew I loved being physically fit, athletic and working with people, so I decided to start personal training with my closest family and friends as clients. One of my best friends moved to play basketball for the Suns and had amazing things to say about Scottsdale. I moved out to Arizona and low and behold, Thrive was founded.

It started as just me being an owner/trainer. Through the use of social media, my clients posting before&afters on Instagram, eventually, my schedule was FULL. I had a waitlist of over 50 girls and realized it was time to grow and hire a new trainer. To this day Thrive has expanded to six full-time trainers covering three valley-wide gym locations. We also have expanded nationally with our Online Thrive program, so anyone anywhere can Thrive with me!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, the struggle was REAL. As I’m trying to realize my calling in life after basketball, I was also broke, unemployed, and living with my grandmother. Then Thrive began. Of course, there have been challenges along the way with adding new trainers to the team and growing–but when you’re living your purpose, struggles don’t seem like obstacles, just opportunities to master your craft.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Thrive Specialized Training – what should we know?
So thriving is what we do, day-in and day-out, in every aspect of life. We’re most known for creating an inclusive, loving family environment along with incredible results. We truly love and care about our clients. Our workouts are fast-paced, high intensity with a heavy focus on building Glutes (building that booty)–but they’re also therapy sessions in away. It’s crazy how connected our health is to every other aspect of our lives!

What makes me most proud is seeing my other trainers find success and see the team keep growing. I was the only trainer for six years, and I finally took that leap and hired someone on as an extension of me. Now we keep outgrowing our situation & keep expanding. Thrive San Diego is on the horizon.

A few other things I’m really proud of are getting nominated as the most influential trainer of 2018 by AZ Foothills Magazine. The valley is now where I call home so I love knowing that I’m making a difference. Also, we’ve hosted dozens of successful pop-up events the last few months at places like Hotel Adeline, The W Hotel, etc.

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned over the course of your career?
If anything, I would’ve started growing sooner. For too long, I had been sitting on a waitlist of over 50 girls that wanted to be a part of Thrive. I was so out of my comfort zone trusting someone with my brand, my clients and my business. We definitely have the perfect mix for a team now, but if I could go backwards I would start sooner.

Contact Info:

• Address: Thrive operates out of 3 gyms across the valley.Independence Gym – Trainers Ryan, Jaime, Alex & Quentin
  2980 N Hayden Rd
  Scottsdale Az 85251Tangible Fitness- Trainer Max
  1500 e thomas rd #110
  Phoenix Az 85014STS (Scotts Training Systems)- Trainer Jake
  6100 W Gila Springs Pl #23
  Chandler AZ 85226
• Website: ryanreadthrive.com
• Email: info@ryanreadthrive.com
• Instagram: @ryanreadthrive
• Other: @natttyyymac

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