Today we’d like to introduce you to Graham Parish Corey Wacknov.
Hi Graham Parish, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Graham – I have been a personal trainer for nearly 15 years with experience in various roles intra-club. As my career progressed, I found myself working with the implicit biases of individuals as it relates to their beliefs, behaviors, and actions. Coaching awareness around these things became a primary mechanism for client success. The idea for Gray Wolf started as a passion project rooted in combining physical performance and mental resilience training for people of all ages. Gray Wolf Performance was born out of a deep intention to support clients and athletes at a deeper and more meaningful level to not only improve health, but enhance quality of life, express personal values, and increase overall life performance.
Corey – All I’ve known are sports and personal development. I’ve worked with all levels of basketball – high school, college, and the NBA. My relationship with Graham started in 2015, first as trainer-client. It quickly morphed into mentor, mentee. From there it grew into a brotherhood and now as business partners. We were both on our own paths, independently, and knew we wanted to start something much greater together. Gray Wolf was developed over multiple years of ideation and personal growth. We built this place on everything we’ve learned, and continue to learn, to help not just the next generation of athletes, but anyone looking for real personal change.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Graham – This is a funny question. I truly think this has been one of the most difficult things I’ve taken on personally and professionally. The general process of creating a thriving business is not hard; it’s who I’ve had to become as a person and a leader that has shaped the experience. There are so many moments where I’ve had to check-in with myself and address the intrinsic emotions, perceptions, and energy I created as roadblocks in pursuit of something bigger than myself. I have always been an extremely hard worker; however, being a grinder does not guarantee success in starting and running a small business.
Corey – ha, real funny. No, it hasn’t been smooth. It’s been unbelievably painful but at the same time incredibly rewarding. We’ve risked everything we had, and continue to pour back into the facility to make it the best we possibly can. That creates sleepless nights, stress beyond what I thought was possible, but again, more rewarding and fulfilling than I imagined. Things have broken, people have come and gone, toilets have backed up, ceilings have leaked – hell I almost drove a scissor lift into the building before we even got started. Growth is painful. This process has been non-stop growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Graham – My work is truly a passion project. I specialize in developing and executing large-scale programming, delivery of results, client relationships, and staff development. I am known for being the vision and execution guy. In my previous incarnation I specialized in building strong relationships with clients, understanding their values, providing them with the best service possible based on their values, and following through on my commitments in supporting their vision. Honestly, I am think I am just dumb enough to try everything once. That is why Corey is so important because I can be the dog chasing the ball, and he’ll pull me back from going 100 mph after something.
Corey – My professional career has been rooted in basketball. First as a student manager for the men’s basketball program and the University of Kansas, then in the front office with the Orlando Magic, and lastly as head of strategy and ops for a sports technology company. I’ve had the privilege of learning from great leaders. From those experiences, I’ve learned that leadership is supporting everyone around you and trying to make their jobs as smooth as possible. I enjoy seeing everyone else win – that means I’m doing my job. That’s what makes me the most proud.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Graham – My wife, Valerie, deserves so much credit. She’s an incredible partner, mother, and my best friend. I remember calling her the day I wanted to quit my corporate job to become a personal trainer. She didn’t hesitate for a second and said, “Go for it. We’ll make it work.” She’s honestly been my biggest advocate through all of this and I keep it in mind whenever I step in the gym. Her support allows me to be the very best version of myself for our team members and clients.
Corey – too many people to count. My parents, my grandpa, my previous coaches, Graham as a mentor throughout my adult life, our staff, and our members. Without any of them, we simply couldn’t do this. We’re in a unique business. We’re not writing software and shipping a product. We need people; we rely on so many people every day to continue to make this place operate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.graywolfperformance.com
- Instagram: @graywolfperformance
- Facebook: @graywolfperformance
