Coach Dawson's farewell letter to our Rise community

Fire Up Rise Squad! As my wife Abby and I pack up and head out to Colorado, Chase asked me to write a couple thoughts about my time here at Rise. As I considered my time at Rise my only response is thankfulness. I consider myself blessed to have been a part of such a wonderful community. For so many reasons Rise has been so impactful on both Abby and myself. We have felt so cared for and appreciated by both the members and staff. This small reflection will never accurately reflect my genuine thankfulness, but here goes. 

Thank you to the members. To those who made it easy to wake up at four in the morning and get to work. Who in spite of a lack of sleep showed up willing to be coached and pushed. Who were genuinely interested in getting to know us trainers and who desired to support those of us who were either in college or just getting out of it. Your care and generosity made a profound impact on myself and my wife and inspired us to one day give back in a similar way. My final encouragement to you would be to stay with it. There are no short cuts or easy buttons. Our health and fitness is not a one-time choice but the summation of every choice throughout the time we have been given.

Thank you to my coworkers. Chase often says that he wants to work with his friends. After my time at Rise I understand what that means. I am extremely grateful to have worked alongside you all. Your humor, hard work, and diligence were a blessing to be around. Each of you has pushed me to be a better person and employee. Thank you to my bosses. To Chase and Aaron. Thank you for caring for Abby and I so well. It truly was a pleasure and blessing to work for you both. 

Abby and I are very excited for the new opportunities ahead of us. But we will look back fondly on our time in the FM area, and Rise will remain an integral part of those memories. We look forward to visiting when we can.