In 2016, I took a leap of faith and founded FitPros, a workplace well-being company dedicated to making health and fitness accessible to all. The journey to building this business was anything but smooth, filled with unexpected twists, financial struggles, and moments of self-doubt. But as I reflect on the past nine years, I see how these challenges have shaped both me and the company into something truly impactful.
Written by Lindsay Johnson, FitPros CEO & Founder
Before launching FitPros, I had a stable career in corporate marketing, but I always felt there was more to be done—more people to reach, more lives to change. That entrepreneurial spark led me to quit my job and start my own company, despite having no safety net.
I spent months living off my savings, snack bars, and knocking on doors to sell my vision of workplace wellness. I had no investors, no business blueprint—just grit, passion, and the belief that well-being should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background or job title.
Being a female founder came with its own set of challenges. I had to prove myself to male CFOs, navigate the complexities of running a business without a formal business background, and trust my instincts. Every dollar mattered, and every decision felt monumental. But through it all, FitPros grew, not just as a company but as a movement. We built a platform that helps organizations invest in their employee's well-being, and we made it fun—because health should never feel like a chore.
My journey to this point has been deeply personal and shaped by some of the hardest experiences of my life. In 2013, I made the life-changing decision to get sober from alcohol. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how much that choice would impact my life, but looking back, I see how sobriety gave me the clarity, resilience, and strength to build FitPros. It allowed me to pursue my passion without distraction, to show up for my business and my loved ones in a way I never could have before.
Then, in July 2015, my world was shattered when my brother passed away in a car accident. Losing him was one of the most painful experiences of my life. The grief was overwhelming, and there were moments when I didn’t know how to move forward. But in the depths of that loss, I found a renewed sense of purpose. I channeled my pain into building something meaningful—something that could help others prioritize their own well-being, because I knew firsthand how fragile and precious life is.
Amid this whirlwind journey, little did I know my biggest hurdle was yet to come: starting a family. The road to motherhood was not easy. After years of struggling to get pregnant, enduring losses, and nearly turning to IVF, I was incredibly grateful to conceive naturally just before starting another round of egg retrievals. But even after my children, Jaxson and Skyler, were born, the struggle didn't stop. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship was (and still is) one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There are sleepless nights followed by early morning meetings, moments of guilt for having a short fuse, and missing bedtime stories. Countless times I questioned whether I could give 100% to both my family and my company.
Through it all, I’ve learned that you don’t have to choose between being a successful entrepreneur and a devoted mom. You just have to redefine what success looks like. For me, success is knowing that FitPros is creating healthier, happier workplaces while also being present for the little moments that matter most with my family. It’s about building a life where well-being isn’t just something we preach—it’s something we live.
My journey has been wild, messy, and at times, incredibly tough. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience, commitment, and a sense of humility that can carry you through anything. I founded FitPros to help people live healthier lives and have fun doing it, and that mission has never been more personal. Whether it’s through our workplace programs or in my own home, well-being remains at the heart of everything I do.
To all the women out there chasing their dreams—whether in business, motherhood, or both—I see you. Keep pushing forward. Keep believing in yourself. And never forget to have fun along the way.
Looking for more? Contact a Wellbeing Manager to discuss your organizational wellbeing needs.
We provide workplace teams with mindful practices, personal and professional wellbeing growth, fitness instruction, and opportunities for social connection. We aim to inspire the highest potential in people at work, in life, every day, so they can show up healthy and at their best.