Last week, Geo announced to the community that after 12 years of ownership and leadership, he is selling CFH. The decision came with deep gratitude and appreciation for everyone in the IA community (past and present). Below is the letter Geo personally sent to everyone as well as a note from our new owner Kevin Lynch. We would all like to thank Geo for providing us with the best our of our day for the past 12 years!
From Geo:
Athletes,
I am writing to let you know that as of September 1st, I will no longer be the owner of CrossFit Federal Hill. Above everything, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all of the support over the past 12 years.
This decision has not come easily, however I truly believe this is what is best for myself and the community. Kevin Lynch is the owner of CrossFit Nevermore and CrossFit Clipper City and I am turning the reins over to him. I have known Kevin personally for over 10 years. He has been a friend and mentor and I am sure he will do an amazing job with our community. This change in ownership will give our gym more resources and the ability to change more lives. I truly believe it will flourish under his leadership.
I have owned CrossFit Federal Hill for 12 years. It has been an amazing run. It would be nothing without the community of people like you who continue to support the gym. I simply can not dedicate the time and effort to make the gym thrive and grow any longer. Kevin does not plan to change the name or ethos of the gym. He will run each gym as a separate community that has access to all three locations.
This decision did not come easy. I have debated this heavily with Allie for a long time. It was extremely challenging to realize that this is a chapter in my life that I need to close. The ability to program workouts, coach, and help people improve their fitness was truly a gift. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity I received as a leader in our community. The memories will always stay with me, but it is truly the people that mean so much. If you are reading this as a new member or a veteran, thank you so much for all your support over the years.
Kevin will announce any changes, but for now most things are staying the same. Jaclyn will continue to lead the awesome team of coaches that we currently have in place.
I will be coaching every class on Friday 8/23 starting with the 5:30 am. I would love to see you at one of the classes! The evening classes will be slightly adjusted. Kevin will come in for the 4:30 pm class and address the community! After class, we will head to Little Havanas – there will be no other evening classes. I would love to have a big group at the 4:30 pm class and if you can, join for a few drinks at Little Havana after!
As always feel free to email with questions. And if you can, it would be amazing to see you for class on Friday! I will be happy to answer anything in person as well. I’ve included a word from Kevin below.
Thank you for everything,
Geo
From Kevin:
I am honored that Geo has placed the trust in me to carry on the legacy he is leaving with this community and this gym. It’s important that each of you, members and coaches alike, know that my ONLY goal is to carry the torch that Geo is passing. Personally, I have always admired how this place has operated and my promise to you is to maintain that as best I can!
For a little background, I have owned and operated Nevermore CrossFit for 12+ years and Clipper City CrossFit for almost 2. Nevermore was my baby that I have seen grow since birth. Clipper City was founded by one of my first coaches, Matt Ropke and my late wife, Angie Lutz. When Matt was planning his move to Atlanta, the two of us began talking about the possibility of me taking over. It felt full-circle because of Angie’s influence. After she died from breast cancer, I experienced firsthand the power of a CrossFit community. I’m using that inspiration to drive life and gym decisions, including working through this acquisition with Geo. Each spot has and will maintain its own identity and sense of community, while still benefiting from some advantages inherent with having a family of affiliates.
I’m stoked to welcome CrossFit Federal Hill to that family! I am so excited to leverage our three communities to continue to impact our city and surrounding counties in countless, innovative ways. I’ll be leaning on Jaclyn, who will maintain her same role as General Manager, the coaching staff, who will all keep their classes, as well as the entire membership to teach me firsthand what makes CrossFit Fed Hill so special.
Your voices will always be heard and your fitness will always be hard 💪 Haha. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you so much better!
Kevin