Telling the Truth in Torrance

For me, going to the Reebok CrossFit Games is one of the best times of the year. But, that’s not because I get to watch athletes perform incredible feats and prove themselves to be living, breathing superheroes.

OK, it’s a little bit of that.

But mostly, I love the Games because it’s a chance for me to meet Box owners I’ve only ever talked to via phone or email. And one of those Affiliates is Forrest Jung.

When I started with Box Pro in 2014, I met Jung via email. We chatted. He helped with stories about layout and liquid profits. And life went on. But this past July when I went out to Carson, I took a jaunt down to CrossFit South Bay’s Torrance location to meet with the Affiliate.

Walking in, I was in awe. I hadn’t ever seen a Box like his before. Garage doors were open on both sides, letting in a beautiful cross breeze. There were studios for Pilates and yoga and cycling. It was a different breed of Box than I’d seen.

Then I sat down with Jung and recorded an episode of Box Pro’s newest venture, the podcast Box Talk. And he got real.

He explained he actually didn’t have ownership in the Torrance location anymore due to a falling out with an investor. I was shocked at first. I hadn’t heard anything about it. But a change in ownership does happen more often than you might think. Personally, I can think of several instances when I have reconnected with an Affiliate, only to find out they’ve sold their Box. Or closed down.

Jung’s story was a disheartening one, though I appreciated his honesty. However, he did explain how he’s come full circle in his thoughts on the matter, pulling himself from a dark place. Although his experience is something you wouldn’t wish on anyone, I couldn’t help but feel Affiliates would benefit from hearing about his positive outlook.

Check out “The Life and Death of a CrossFit Box… Sort Of” with Forrest Jung. I hope it gets you thinking about maybe even sharing your own story, Affiliate. You never know: You might just help someone!