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

Hi Tim, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The first thing that came to mind was being able to create something that my children’s children would be able to benefit from and start setting them up for success. Once I knew that was my goal I took what I loved to do and started to create something that would not just benefit myself but those that I come in contact with on a day to day basis.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve been training for 13 years now and when I look back at the process it was not always an easy one. I first opened my own business Mad Ape Sports out of a physical therapy clinic called Achieve Physical therapy. The owners Steve long and Steve Cole believed in me and gave me my shot. As I grew my business I was approached with an opportunity to work for Geno Pierce at Performance Course as one of their full time strength and conditioning coaches. By taking this step I knew that I would take a financial setback but knew it would be for the best. I was able to learn and add more resources to my craft and network. I worked there for 5 years before leaving and becoming the Director of Performance and Recovery at Performance Medicine and Sports Therapy. I was with them for two years before separating from them and opening a gym with my business partner Kavon Frazier. We put both of our brands together Mad Ape Sports and BUILT4IT to come up with BUILT4IT Athletics. We have been blessed to be in the situation we are in with great people and a supporting cast.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
If my friend was to come in town for a week I think the first place that we’d have to go is the Yard in Downtown mckinney. It’s a nice chill location with good food, drinks and armosphere. I would also take them to one of my favorite burger spots The Grind Burger Bar in McKinney as well. The owner Rob Hede has amazing service and a great staff. After visiting those locations I would take them to Summermoon which is a coffee shop in McKinney that has become a favorite of mine ever since I found out about them and their famous moon milk. For nightlife we would keep it local and go to Concrete Cowboy at the star, Trophy Park, or Earls at legacy west.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person that comes to mind is my Father. My dad being at the top of his industry ever since I was a young child I’ve been able to see his work ethic drive and determination to be at the top. He taught me early on to strive to own my own business and to set a standard in the industry that has not been set. The next person is my Wife, without her support the early mornings and long nights would not have been as easy as they are. She constantly pushed me and motivated me to not give up when times are hard and to push through and persevere during those 15-16hr days.

Website: www.built4itathletics.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/tcook722?igshid=1fn6ouefs80z1 https://instagram.com/built4itathletics?igshid=1t9js0c42pi8t

Image Credits
Jesus Gutierrez