Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Davis. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The Origin Story
In the bustling heart of Atlanta, Georgia, amidst the eclectic mix of history and modernity, a vision was born in the mind of a passionate fitness enthusiast and community advocate named Ben Davis. Ben, a former collegiate athlete with a deep understanding of physical conditioning, had always been driven by a singular goal: to make high-quality fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic status.
The Inspiration
Ben’s inspiration stemmed from his own experiences growing up in a low-income neighborhood. He had witnessed firsthand how limited access to fitness resources and knowledge about health could negatively impact a community. Determined to make a change, he spent years working in various gyms and fitness centers, honing his skills and understanding the industry’s landscape. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The exclusive nature of many fitness facilities clashed with his compassionate-driven vision.
The Spark
In 2014, after moving his family to the inner city of Atlanta, Ben encountered a group of underprivileged teens who were eager to learn about fitness but lacked the resources and guidance. Their enthusiasm and potential sparked an idea. What if he could create a space that combined the rigor and quality of high-end fitness training with a mission to uplift the community?
The Birth of Noble Clay
Determined to turn his vision into reality, Ben spent the next three years meticulously planning his venture. He wanted his fitness center to be more than just a gym; it needed to be a hub for community transformation. He envisioned a place where members paid according to their means and where no one was turned away due to financial constraints, but everyone had to commit to doing the work and putting some ‘skin’ in the game.
In 2018, Noble Clay Fitness was born. The name “Noble Clay” was chosen to reflect the belief that within every individual, no matter their background, lies the potential to be shaped and molded into their best self, much like a sculptor with a piece of clay. The term “Noble” highlighted the inherent worth and dignity of every person who walked through the doors, and the term “clay” highlighted our humility as humans in need of help from others to be shaped into the person we could become and to do the good we were intended to do.
Building the Community
From the outset, Noble Clay Fitness set itself apart by adopting a membership model based on income, ensuring that everyone could afford to participate. The gym offered top-notch personal training and wellness programs, all tailored to individual needs. Ben’s ethos of compassion and love attracted a diverse clientele, fostering a unique sense of community and mutual support.
Ben also prioritized hiring trainers and staff who shared his commitment to social impact. Many of them came from the same underserved communities Noble Clay aimed to serve, bringing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by members and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.
Expanding the Impact
As Noble Clay Fitness grew, so did its impact. Ben and his team initiated community training facilities, partnering with local, national, and even global organizations to provide fitness education and promote healthy lifestyles. They hosted free community events and workshops and attended health fairs, extending their reach beyond the gym’s walls.
In 2018, Noble Clay launched a scholarship program funded by member donations and community grants, further ensuring that financial barriers would not hinder anyone’s access to fitness. The gym’s innovative model caught the attention of local media and fitness enthusiasts alike, earning accolades for its commitment to social equality. Partnering with the likes of OPEX Fitness, Yeti, NoBull, Concept 2, Lululemon, and PLAE, Noble Clay has been able to provide the very best in coaching services and top-notch fitness gear to help its members enhance their fitness and well-being.
The Legacy
Today, Noble Clay Fitness stands as a testament to the power of community-driven fitness. It remains a beacon of hope and transformation in Atlanta, with plans to expand its model to other cities. Ben’s unwavering belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and active life continues to drive Noble Clay’s mission, inspiring a movement that redefines what it means to be fit, noble, and truly connected.
“But he who is noble plans noble things, and on noble things he stands” – Isaiah 32:8.
Noble Clay Fitness is more than a gym; it is a revolution in the fitness industry, proving that with vision, dedication, and a commitment to community, we can all be molded into our true selves.
Alright, 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?
No!
Opening in January of 2020 and then closing due to COVID brought its challenges. However, with the support of local grants, corporate sponsors, and a community dedicated to seeing us prosper, we were able to weather the storm and grow our membership base through COVID.
With the complexity of our membership model, having to simultaneously operate two business entities has brought challenges with communication, focus, and structure. However, with the help of EOS (Entrepreneur Operating Systems), we have been able to successfully build infrastructure that has allowed our model to thrive.
New challenges await us as we seek to rock our radius in Atlanta with 5 locations and prepare to launch nationwide in markets like Phoenix, AZ., North St. Loius, MO., Miami, FL., Austin, TX., Nashville, TN., Boston, MA., and Boulder, CO. We have our sites on the nation and will work to successfully serve in all metro cities that have fitness deserts.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Noble Clay Fitness, Inc.?
Noble Clay Ministries, Inc., a 501c3 company, owns and operates Noble Clay Fitness, Inc., allowing all members of the community to have access to world-class fitness coaching and mentorship within a thriving fitness community of affluent and under-resourced members.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. However, I do believe in grace and favor. I don’t deserve the success we have been given. It’s by God’s grace and favor that we have and do what we have done. There are many reasons why we should have failed, but we are still here. I believe it’s because we have sought to honor God in the work and to serve people with compassion and love. Sacrificing our time, talent, treasure, and bodies to ensure people are cared for well.
Pricing:
- $375/month membership for high-income earners
- 1% of net income for low-income earners
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nobleclayfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobleclayfit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nobleclayfit
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11721669/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://x.com/nobleclayfit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYaeSzLKw0FCBy0iRmUC0lw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/noble-clay-fitness-atlanta?osq=noble+clay
Image Credits
nick@grow-culture.com
