From Infantry to Affiliate Owner: Garrett Bastianelli is on a Mission
Thu Aug 14 2025
Today’s episode is with Garrett Bastianelli — owner, head coach, and GM at CrossFit Prevail. We talk about his journey from military service to gym ownership, the realities of running a CrossFit affiliate, and how he’s balancing coaching, business, and personal fitness.
He shares how his military background shaped his leadership and adaptability, the origin story of CrossFit Prevail (spoiler: it started in a one-car garage), and how the Carolina Summer Games grew from year one to a standout event in the region.
We also talk about:
* The value of building a coaching team
* Letting go of the “Games athlete” identity
* The L3 certification process
* Fitness as a tool for living, not just competing
It’s a real look behind the curtain of affiliate life — from sweaty palms and spreadsheets to finding joy in movement again.
Today’s episode is brought to you by STERLING FITNESS.
Wanna get a little better at lifting? gymnastics? Maybe you want to lose a few pounds or get ready for a big event coming up (Fittest of the Coast anyone?).
Daniel is the coach you need. He’ll design a plan that fits with your goals and schedule. Coach you on the best way to execute, and ensure you’re accountable to yourself.
Book time with him today!
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro to Garrett & CrossFit Prevail03:45 – Recap of the Carolina Summer Games08:20 – Event programming strategy & future ideas13:05 – Garrett’s fitness origin story & military background19:30 – Getting his L1 and L3 certifications25:15 – What it’s like to take (and fail) the L3 exam29:45 – Life after the military: transitioning to gym ownership35:20 – From garage gym to full facility39:55 – Challenges of first-time business ownership44:30 – Fitness as a relationship business48:10 – How Garrett’s personal fitness goals have evolved53:00 – Why he let go of the “Games” dream56:30 – CrossFit’s recent marketing campaign59:15 – Garrett’s take on intensity, community, and longevity01:02:00 – Shoutouts: Randy Moss, The Rock, and what Garrett’s excited about
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productmarket.fitness
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Today’s episode is with Garrett Bastianelli — owner, head coach, and GM at CrossFit Prevail. We talk about his journey from military service to gym ownership, the realities of running a CrossFit affiliate, and how he’s balancing coaching, business, and personal fitness. He shares how his military background shaped his leadership and adaptability, the origin story of CrossFit Prevail (spoiler: it started in a one-car garage), and how the Carolina Summer Games grew from year one to a standout event in the region. We also talk about: * The value of building a coaching team * Letting go of the “Games athlete” identity * The L3 certification process * Fitness as a tool for living, not just competing It’s a real look behind the curtain of affiliate life — from sweaty palms and spreadsheets to finding joy in movement again. Today’s episode is brought to you by STERLING FITNESS. Wanna get a little better at lifting? gymnastics? Maybe you want to lose a few pounds or get ready for a big event coming up (Fittest of the Coast anyone?). Daniel is the coach you need. He’ll design a plan that fits with your goals and schedule. Coach you on the best way to execute, and ensure you’re accountable to yourself. Book time with him today! ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Garrett & CrossFit Prevail03:45 – Recap of the Carolina Summer Games08:20 – Event programming strategy & future ideas13:05 – Garrett’s fitness origin story & military background19:30 – Getting his L1 and L3 certifications25:15 – What it’s like to take (and fail) the L3 exam29:45 – Life after the military: transitioning to gym ownership35:20 – From garage gym to full facility39:55 – Challenges of first-time business ownership44:30 – Fitness as a relationship business48:10 – How Garrett’s personal fitness goals have evolved53:00 – Why he let go of the “Games” dream56:30 – CrossFit’s recent marketing campaign59:15 – Garrett’s take on intensity, community, and longevity01:02:00 – Shoutouts: Randy Moss, The Rock, and what Garrett’s excited about This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productmarket.fitness