Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Rubish.
Hi Kelley , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started in fitness simply because I loved it — I loved learning about it, and I loved helping people feel better in their own skin. I’ve been a personal trainer for about 20 years now, and over those years, I got to see how life-changing it can be for people to get stronger — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.
As time went on, I started to feel this pull to create something more — a space that wasn’t just about workouts, but about community. I wanted to build a place where people felt like they belonged no matter where they were starting from. Where you could show up exactly as you are — busy mom, first-time lifter, or someone who’s been out of the gym for years — and know you’d be supported every step of the way.
That’s really how Koa was born. We started small, just trying to serve people well, one person at a time. Over time, word spread, and our little gym family grew. Eventually, that led to opportunities like partnering with Next Level, which allowed us to bring our programs to even more people in the community.
Looking back, it’s really been about relationships — the people we get to serve, the coaches I work with, and the members who’ve trusted us with their health. That’s what keeps me passionate about doing this every single day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not — but I can honestly say the challenges have been what’s helped me grow the most, not just as a business owner, but as a leader and a person.
In the beginning, I was doing everything myself — coaching, programming, running the business side, handling all the behind-the-scenes work — and I was honestly just trying to hold it all together. Learning how to lead meant learning how to let go of some of that control, trust others, and build a team. That was a big shift for me personally. I had to grow into the kind of leader who could pour into others and give them the tools and trust they needed to succeed too.
There have been plenty of hard seasons — times when memberships were low, finances were tight, or unexpected challenges came up. There were even times when I questioned if I was cut out for this. But those moments forced me to get clear on my purpose and my values.
What I’ve learned is that leadership is about staying steady, being willing to adapt, and always keeping the people you serve at the center of what you do.
As you know, we’re big fans of Koa Strength and Fitness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At our core, we’re a strength-based training facility that’s focused on people — not just their workouts, but their lives. We work with everyday people — busy parents, professionals, beginners, athletes — and help them get stronger, healthier, and more confident, both physically and mentally.
What we specialize in is coaching real people. We don’t do cookie-cutter programs. Every person who walks through our doors has their own story, their own starting point, and their own goals. Our job is to meet them where they are, guide them, and build a program that’s sustainable for their life.
We’re known for our small group training model that combines strength, conditioning, nutrition coaching, and personal accountability. We also offer specialized classes and seasonal challenges.
What really sets us apart is the culture we’ve built. Our members feel like family — they know when they walk in, they’ll be supported, encouraged, and challenged in the best way. It’s not just about the hour in the gym — it’s about helping people succeed outside of the gym too, in their health, their families, and their confidence. We want people to walk out of here stronger in every sense of the word.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that we’ve stayed true to who we are. We’ve grown, but we haven’t compromised the personal, welcoming atmosphere that we started with. Our coaches know our members, care about their progress, and are invested in their success.
If I could leave readers with one thing, it’s this: You don’t have to be “in shape” to start. You don’t have to do it alone. You just have to be willing to walk through the door. We’ll take it from there.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For me, it really starts with my faith. That’s the foundation for everything — how I lead, how I serve people, and how I make decisions, whether in business or just in life.
As far as resources, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell has probably been one of the most impactful books I’ve read. I go back to it often. Another one that’s stuck with me is 212°: The Extra Degree. That simple idea of how just a little extra effort — that one extra degree — can make all the difference, really hits home for me. It’s something I try to carry into the way I lead and coach.
I also try to keep learning wherever I can — podcasts, books, conversations with people I respect — but at the end of the day, I think it’s that combination of faith, consistency, and being willing to keep growing that helps me stay grounded and do my best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.koafit.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koastrengthfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063474642700
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@koastrengthandfitness
