We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the single most important factor behind the success of our business/brand is that our pursuit has been to make Jesus known in every way possible. While we operate our gym and realize that we need members to create revenue we never made it about members or revenue. Instead, we opted to focus on how we can glorify God, and serve the people in our gym as well as the community. In doing so, I believe that we have made a bigger impact than fitness alone ever could. In addition, by keeping a Christ-first mentality we are able to see each person the way He sees them and bestow the same value/importance on each individual that He would.

What should our readers know about your business?
We don’t believe that our gym, CrossFit 15:10 is anything extraordinary. Within our city, we are probably the smallest gym there is. We do believe, however, that our mission is what separates us – to love Jesus, and love people. This has been our goal from day 1. We believe this is what differentiates us from other CrossFit gyms, and gyms in general. The culture that our gym has is a byproduct of keeping Jesus first; everyone is always welcome no matter where you are from, or what you have done. It’s by His grace that we are even here to begin with.

The journey to where we are now has not been easy. I think any entrepreneur would probably tell you that starting their own business involves more work than they had anticipated. That was the case with us. We knew it would take time, and work, but I don’t know that we ever fully understood how much it would require of us to get to where we are today. Ultimately, we refuse to give up on anything. I often say that I will either die or pass out, but I won’t quit. My wife and I are no strangers to hard work, and it doesn’t frighten us to have to put in long hours. This mentality has helped us persevere when perhaps others would not.

Also, in keeping with our mission to love Jesus and love people, we know that the success of our business doesn’t define us. This perspective helped alleviate any “fear of failure.” We understand that whether the gym does well, or it flops, we still belong to Him and this is our anchor.

One of the most valuable lessons we learned early on, and still apply, is that we can always bet on ourselves. We alone know how hard we are willing to work, and what we are capable of. So, when new challenges arise we are confident in our God-given abilities to carry out any task we are faced with.

I would say the most important thing we would want people to know about our brand is what we tell everyone who comes through our doors – God loves you, is for you, only thinks good things about you, is not mad at you, and by His grace, you are what you are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Waco isn’t the biggest city, but depending on the season, I would take them to any Baylor sporting event. BU football, basketball, or volleyball games are a must.

Because we are in Waco, I feel like I would have to take them to see all the Magnolia empire. This would easily take a couple of days.

Top golf would also be a must.

As far as restaurants are concerned, there is a small Mexican restaurant called “La Familia.” They have the best breakfast burritos in Waco. We would also check out Helburg BBQ. It’s near to where we live.

Outdoor activities are a must so disc golf, Cameron Park trails, and of course multiple workouts a day.

There is a small drive-in theatre near Waco in Gatesville, TX. It’s just something different to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Most importantly, I have to give credit to God. I truly believe He is the only reason I am able to do what I love to do. Everything I have is from Him.

After that, all the credit should go to my wife. Without her, I would have probably given up a long time ago. She believed in me when a lot of other people had written me off, and supported this dream when we literally had no members. She is hands down one of the only reasons our gym is doing so well.

My family has also played a huge role in our success. From helping me load and unload equipment when we first secured the location we are currently at, to being members themselves, all of them have supported us.

Lastly, I have always said that I never had a mentor growing up, but there is a man that I have to thank because he is easily the closest thing I have to a mentor – Brint Patrick. He and I worked out together for years at the gym I was at before my wife and I started CrossFit 15:10. When we decided to start our gym, I was on the phone with him for almost every decision we had to make seeking advice and just picking his brain. He also helped me through one of the toughest times in my life by giving me godly wisdom, and speaking life in to me through the process. I owe him a lot. His son, Noah Patrick, was actually our very first coach (in addition to me). I love that entire family.

Website: crossfit1510.com

Instagram: @crossfit1510

Facebook: @crossfit1510

Image Credits
Marc Elieson @templestarphotography Zach Elkins @zach.elkins

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