Fitness Entrepreneur

Mike's journey from a dedicated athlete to a successful entrepreneur embodies the spirit of perseverance and strategic innovation. Beginning his sports career as a lightweight 103-pound wrestler in eighth grade, Mike's resilience and dedication to excellence quickly became apparent. His high school years were marked by significant achievements, including dual letterman honors, a qualification for states, and being named third-team All-Dade in wrestling. His prowess on the football field was equally impressive, leading his team in sacks (10.5) over just seven games. These early accomplishments laid the foundation for his athletic scholarship at the University of Central Florida, where he excelled as a Defensive End, rotating as a starter in his junior and senior years. Beyond college, Mike extended his athletic career into the professional arena, playing FB/LB for the Arena Football League's Orlando Predators and contributing to their 2001 championship victory.

Transitioning from athlete to entrepreneur, Mike ventured into the fitness industry, becoming a seminal figure in the South Florida CrossFit movement. In 2008, he opened I Am CrossFit, spearheading the brand's expansion to six locations within eight years. His entrepreneurial acumen was further demonstrated through the founding of the Crush Games, transforming it into a nationally recognized fitness competition. In 2011, Mike diversified his business interests by launching Formulx supplements, a company acclaimed for its commitment to natural, grass-fed whey protein products. This venture underlines Mike's dedication to promoting health and wellness, principles that have guided his career.

Mike's entrepreneurial journey is also characterized by a continuous quest for knowledge. He invests significant time in research and travels extensively to attend fitness and nutrition conferences nationwide, ensuring his businesses remain at the forefront of industry trends and innovations. In parallel to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Mike has served as a firefighter/paramedic for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue for over eleven years, recently advancing to the role of Driver Engineer. This dual career path highlights Mike's commitment to community service and personal development, showcasing his multifaceted skill set and leadership qualities.

Mike's story is not just one of athletic achievement but of strategic business growth, innovation, and commitment to health and community service. His ability to leverage his sports background into successful entrepreneurial ventures demonstrates his adaptability, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in both the fitness industry and his community.

MS, RD, FISSN, CSC, CF-L2, CPT, Co-Vice President of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

Erik Bustillo, a distinguished Registered Dietitian and the proud son of Cuban-Colombian immigrants, has carved a niche in the realm of nutrition and fitness through a blend of academic rigor and practical expertise. A Florida International University alumnus, Erik's pursuit of excellence led him to earn the esteemed Registered Dietitian credential, further augmented by his Fellowship and Certification as a Sports Nutritionist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). His credentials are a testament to his versatility and dedication, encompassing certifications as a Strength Coach, CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, and Personal Trainer.

Erik's proficiency extends beyond traditional nutrition, specializing in the nuanced reading of blood/lab values to optimize human physiology and performance. His expertise spans energy enhancement, performance recovery, weight loss, elite athlete collaboration, stress management, and motivational speaking. Renowned for his eloquent oratory, Erik is a sought-after speaker globally, engaging with military factions, including the U.S. Navy and Army, to impart wisdom on nutrition and wellness.

His commitment to education is palpable, demonstrated through varied platforms—from coaching sports teams, guest lecturing at esteemed universities, to enriching tactical athlete groups and mentoring burgeoning dietitians and coaches. Erik's contributions to clinical research and medical nutrition therapy have enriched the scientific community, further solidifying his role as a pioneer in sports nutrition, supplementation, and motivation.

Erik's clientele is as diverse as his skill set, coaching executives, recreational athletes, and tactical personnel, with a special focus on police officers. His influence extends to the digital realm, where he engages an expansive audience under the handle @erikbustillo. Erik Bustillo stands as a beacon of excellence in lifestyle, wellness, and performance nutrition, guiding individuals towards their zenith of physical and mental health.

MS, CSC, CPT, SNS, Lecturer, Writer

With over 15 years of experience, Rob is a highly respected authority in designing workout programs and teaching others to craft and implement effective fitness and Strength & Conditioning programs across the United States.

He is a contributing author on two of the most influential books on Personal Training and Strength & Conditioning and has also traveled the U.S.A., from San Diego to Boston, Portland to Miami teaching others how to program elite workouts for clients and athletes of all capacities. 

Before transitioning into teaching and content creation, Rob competed in the CrossFit Games and was an Olympic Weightlifter. He chose to further his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Strength & Conditioning, leading to a productive tenure under the guidance of Andreu Swasey, the longtime University of Miami Strength Coach. During this period, Rob had the privilege of training various Miami Hurricanes teams and worked with over 30 future NFL players, enriching his expertise and experience in athletic performance training.

Rob's academic contributions extend to teaching at various colleges and universities, where he has shared his knowledge in applied exercise physiology and strength and conditioning, bridging the gap between practical application and academic theory. Since 2010, he has been diligently creating weekly workout programs for Competitive Exercisers, Athletes, and general population clients.

Fun fact, both Mike and Rob started their wrestling careers at 103lbs at age 14. Mike just went on to be a much larger human at 6'3" to Rob's 5'6.75".

Former CrossFit L1, CrossFit Gymnastics, CrossFit Powerlifting, CrossFit Mobility, CrossFit Endurance, CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting, USAW, MD USA L1, Power Athlete L1