BT Appreciation Day

Today we have an extra-special post. Dedicated to the one and only - Brad Thorne, founder, owner & head coach at CVSC. As we approach the gym's 7 year anniversary this month & celebrate Brad's big 4-0 today, we want to do a post sharing stories & thoughts about Brad from past and present CVSC trainers. Like a little CVSC yearbook signing for our favorite guy. Be sure to embarrass BT with a few nice words today, he's getting sentimental in his old age. ----------------------------------------------------

Brad is one of the few gym owners that truly cares about people's fitness. In a field where it's easy to look the other way and tell people to go faster, he never would! He gets the big picture! He is a programming genius. That's why he has the best gym around. I'm so glad he took a chance with me, and welcomed us (Shasty and I) into the CVSC family! Happy Birthday!  

-Blake Womack

Brad, has a way of intimidating you but at the same time encouraging to go beyond the limits you never expected from yourself. Brad thank you for always believing in me when at times I did not . Happy Birthday to a true friend!

-Chelsea Funk

BT is one of the most down to earth, hard-working, and innovative people I have met. His ability to put as much thought and time into the community he has created is astounding and inspiring. Staying current on exercise philosophies to provide safe and effective programming is invaluable. On a side note, he is quite a remarkable Princes Leia doppelganger.

-Travis Tourjee

When I began my last semester at USU and my first at Provo College I had this index card from a Saturday workout at CVSC. That day I had stayed after, as usual, to talk with Brad about my future and what would be going on for me the next few months. Afterwards, I saw this quote on the Barbells for Boobs gym banner. It reads, "You are setting yourself up for the future in ways you cannot appreciate until you get there. That is a powerful thing." I have had this on the dash of my vehicle ever since that day.It has carried me through 4 years of school--and as the letters of the quote fade from its paper, the reassurance BT's sage advice is what helped me on the hard days and nights to continue to prepare for my future.

Now that I have graduated and am living that future--I'm grateful for, and can now appreciate the preparation that took place among all my friends at CVSC. Thanks Brad for giving me a chance to expand my thinking and develop as a person under your mentorship. JoJo and I still think about and miss our people in Cache Valley. Hope you have a great birthday and we wish you continued success in everything you do.

-Travis Whatcott

I don't have a single experience in mind, but rather an appreciation for the man. I think all of us that stick around enjoy his dry humor and the smirks that ensue. The best experience I have had with Brad is not singular, but rather this WHOLE experience I am now living. He took me in as a arrogant 20 year old and has given me the opportunity to now make a living off coaching, and to do it the right way. Rarely do I go into the gym and not learn something daily; whether it's spoken or observed.

Thanks for everything Brad and Happy Birthday.

-Darren Hansen

Words I would use to describe Brad: Caring, passionate, Fun-loving, funny, and dedicated! From the first day I met Brad I knew he'd be a part of my life forever. His easy going nature mixed with his passion for helping others just draws people to him. You can't help but love'em. I have so many great memories of Brad from the first time he dressed up for Halloween (he he he), to the "back" WODs at the gym down the street to comp WODs in the current gym. He's always been there pushing us to work harder, move faster and have fun. Thank you Brad for always being there for us! I hope you have a wonderful Birthday!!!

-Tara Alder

My first experience with BT happened to be the first time I signed up for the open.  I was this little college kid that was new to CrossFit and the only person I knew was Whatcott.  We met at CVSC to accomplish the task of 7 minutes of burpees.  I am not the kind of person who throws themselves out there to meet new people… aka I am shy.  Just like others have said I was slightly intimidated by BT because he holds himself with confidence and was a living person of who I would like to become (an accomplished business man, who impacts everyone around him).  Oh and my second encounter with BT was again during the open, but this time I was judging him and was beyond nervous to even say "no rep".  As my experience in Logan has progressed I became friends with BT and look up to him as a mentor and I always will.  Without the help and guidance of BT; I would not be in the position I am in with starting a gym in Salt Lake City.  There are some core values that I have been taught that will never leave me and have helped shaped me as an individual/coach/athlete.  Some of the best advice BT has given me is to come to class and be in the best mood possible even if your day has been shitty… Clients are coming to you and enjoy seeing you and it is your job to make their days better.  I am extremely great full for BT and truly wish him the best birthday!  It is amazing to see how one person can influence so many people.  I thank you BT and am excited for what the future has in store for everyone and I will keep gaining knowledge from a brilliant individual.  

- Surround your self with good people and good things will happen. 

- Do things you love and be happy with the person you are!

Happy Birthday!

-Dillon Edelen

My first interaction with Brad regarding Crossfit was at ...you guessed it...Starbucks. He was talking with my brother about the new gym he was starting. I tried out my first class about a week later. At first I was so nervous. I thought I was in pretty good shape until Brad had me doing 45# jumping bar squats. Just like Chels said, he had a way of being so encouraging while also being super intimidating. After class he told me he was moving into a warehouse and I should check it out then. My first day at the "box" was a memorable one. I've never seen anyone so dedicated and passionate about their "job". He worked from 5:30 in the morning until 8:30 at night. For that first year it was only Brad. I had never had so much fun working out. Brad created an environment that was challenging, intimidating and so amazingly rewarding. He has changed so so many lives, including mine. I truly count him as one of my best friends. Happy Birthday Brad!!! The best is yet to come!!!

-Jami Palmer

"B" is the creative nickname I gave him many years ago. I have so many great memories and experiences with him and Cache Valley Strength And Conditioning that is hard to pick one that stands out. I still remember meeting B for the first time, he took me through baseline just like anyone else, then I attempted Karen for the first time...actually half of Karen was all I could muster up to finish. I remember him staying after class to help me with the kipping pull up that day even though it was his last class before lunch break. I remember him coaching me one day even though there wasn't really a class time for the time I decided to show up for a workout. I remember him believing in me enough to get me certified and help coach at his box.

I remember all of my first great experiences related to CrossFit being established with him. I can still hear the Chevelle blasting through the gym. I remember being pushed to not only be a better competitor, but also to be a great coach. Thank you for my Irish cream lattes, my IP sandwiches, and my first "real" job. Thank you for your support, your coaching, your friendship. Thank you for sharing your passion for personal growth, fitness, and helping others. Most of all thank you for being you and taking a chance on me a long time ago! Happy Birthday to a deserving man!!!

-Taylor Richards-Lindsay

It is difficult to express my thoughts about BT without sounding too cliché or sappy or without using too many pop-culture, song-lyric-y, blog-entry-inspirational-poster-type quotes.  One thing I believe we can all agree on is that Brad is the real deal.  Always quietly leading by example, he has accomplished much greatness in 40 years.  And I’m pretty sure you won’t hear all about it from him.  

The last seven years have brought a lot of change to this community, our community. Through it all, BT’s vision has remained consistent.  

While there is a resounding chorus of appreciation from all who have been affected by BT’s vision, I want to mention some “BT-isms” that have impacted me personally:

            ·          A clean facility “A clean toilet means you care”;

            ·         Tough Love “No hugs for your first 5 consecutive double-unders”;

            ·         Self-Respect “ You can’t outwork a sh**y diet”;

            ·         Patience “…you can’t push the river”;

            ·         Consistency “show up”

            ·          Deadlift “It is socially acceptable to deadlift draped in velvet”

                                         and, of course,

             ·         TUNES “If you need music to motivate you, choose rap”.

Wishing you the happiest of Birthdays, BT!

-Kim Averett