Story & Lesson Highlights with Kris Davis of Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Kris Davis and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kris, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day set the tone for everything that follows. I start with the basics — wake up, take care of my hygiene routine, then knock out my daily pull-ups and push-ups. After that, I take my dog for a walk to get some fresh air and clear my head. Once we’re back, I feed my dog and take my vitamins and supplements. From there, the day can go one of two ways: if I’m training, I get ready to hit the gym; if I’m working from home, I head straight into my home office and lock in.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kris Davis, and I’m the owner and CEO of The Fitness Mafia, also known as Mafia Security — a unique business that combines fitness and security services in the Atlanta area. On the fitness side, we offer one-on-one coaching, virtual training, small group sessions, nutrition guidance, and meal prep services. On the security side, we provide armed and unarmed guards for nightlife and private events, personal protection, and retail and residential locations.

What sets us apart is our Mafia Mentality: Protection, Professionalism, Work Ethic, and Team. As a security company, our mission is to ensure everyone on site feels safe and seen — from the janitor to the owner. Our professionalism is unmatched, and we can handle any crowd with zero tolerance for intolerance. We go the extra mile for our clients, and that work ethic distinguishes us from other teams. But above all, we’re more than a team — we’re a family. We celebrate each other’s wins and support one another through challenges. From day one, I tell my team, “You will never have to question if I have your back, and nobody should ever have to question you. We are a team, period.”

An interesting story about how I started my company is that I named it after my dog, Mafia. He was a graduation present from Agnes Scott College and has been my ride or die through it all. I had to put him down this year after seventeen wonderful years together. The bond I had with my dog — that loyalty, love, and devotion — is the same intention and passion I’ve put into building my business. Long Live Mafia.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was 17, a senior in high school trying to decide where I’d go to college, my mom told me something that changed the way I saw the world. She said, “Wherever you go, whatever you do, it should be a better place when you leave simply because you’ve been there.” That moment made me realize how powerful it is to have influence — not in a controlling way, but in how you show up, how you lead, and how you make others feel. From that day forward, I’ve carried her words with me. Through college, business, football, and every creative space I step into, I make it a point to leave a mark — to be a resource, an influence, and a reason things are better than before.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that the only way out is through. You can’t rush it, rationalize it, or rearrange it — you just have to face it. As an entrepreneur, it’s in those moments alone in a silent room, trying to figure out what’s next, that you discover if you’re truly built for this. I’ve never been able to define what “giving up” looks like for me. I’ve tried to imagine it, but I always come up empty. So my only option became to focus on the next step, then the next, then the next. Somehow, if you keep moving, you end up on the other side. It only feels impossible until it’s done.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! My superpower is that I genuinely don’t care what anyone thinks of me — I’ll always be unapologetically me. I have a lot of layers: I’m not only an entrepreneur, but also a spoken word artist and a professional football player. Between the CEO, the creative, and the athlete, it might seem like I’m all over the place, but I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m a passionate soul, living my Truth, on a journey to greatness.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I helped them believe in themselves and reach their goals through The Fitness Mafia. That Mafia Security made them feel safe, or gave them a job and chance to grow. That Mafia Housing gave someone a place to call home. That KrisTruth, the poet, spoke to their heart and opened their mind. And that Kris, the athlete, showed them the meaning of strength and power. I want my story to be one that leaves people inspired, seen, and empowered long after I’m gone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/mafiabusinessatl
• Instagram: kristruthdavis
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-davis-2b325180?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: kristruth
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVA7bhGSS/