Meet Coach Donye’ Mcfadden | Performance Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Coach Donye’ Mcfadden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coach Donye’, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
There are a few ways we accomplish this. We believe that by empowering individuals to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we do our part in contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.

We develop athletes through various programs by providing them with the tools and resources they need to excel in both sports and everyday life. By instilling confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders who will contribute positively to their communities.

Our holistic approach to fitness and performance training goes beyond just physical exercise. We emphasize the importance of mental and emotional stability and regulation, teaching our athletes how to manage stress & conflicting emotions, build strong psychological foundations, and cultivate a balanced lifestyle. By promoting holistic health through our transparent and down-to-earth approach, we help the athletes connected with us lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

The fitness center I partner with, 50 Sports Company, serves as a safe space for the community, bringing people together who share a passion for health and wellness. Through individual & group workouts and events, we grow connections and support networks that cultivate community bonds to promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The aim is to educate and inspire our people to take control of their health & fitness journey while guiding them towards experiencing their most peaceful life. Walking with them through every step of their individual processes will end up taking them and their families to greater heights.

Reform Fit 365 and our partners are more than just a fitness business—it’s a catalyst for explosive positive change in the community and the world. A growing family body. Doing what we know that will bring about a great era of positive change to the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Reform Fit 365 was inspired by something deeply personal. Growing up, I saw the health and fitness of my family and neighbors steadily decline, and many of them had no intention of improving it. As an athlete, I believed that I could only call myself great if I first set the example and then uplifted those around me, no matter where they were starting from. This perspective shaped the way I saw health and wellness—it’s more than just physical; it’s both an internal and external commitment to improve every day. That’s why I named the company “Reform,” because it’s about daily reformation in all of the aspects of our lives.

But it hasn’t been an easy journey. There was a point where I completely stopped working corporate jobs to build this brand, which caused some backlash from my family. I’ve walked miles in all types of weather, carrying my equipment in a book bag, just to train clients. I’ve trained athletes in front of my auntie’s house because I didn’t have access to better facilities, and I’ve lost equipment to the weather because I had no place to store it. I chose homelessness to afford the essentials needed to keep Reform Fit 365 running. Through countless injuries and burnouts from doing everything myself, the only thing that kept me going was the reminder to stay locked in on my mission—improving the quality of life for every single person who trusts in me to elevate them.

What sets us apart is that we don’t just train athletes physically. We work to elevate the entire person—mind, body, and spirit. Health and performance start from within, and we make it a priority to help athletes connect with themselves mentally and emotionally. Then, we can focus on the physical. So many other programs focus only on external athleticism, but we take the time to build from the inside out.

The thing I’m most proud of is the moment I get to see the spark in someone’s eyes when they realize how far they’ve come. It’s that one, swift moment of awareness when they recognize their own growth, and it fills my heart every time. I had one athlete who, after working with me, improved their game, boosted their grades, and thanked me with tears in their eyes because they didn’t know where they’d be without our work together. Those moments are what make all the struggles of business worthwhile.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that we’re the author of our own story. The way we approach training at Reform Fit 365 is to show our athletes how to pick up the pencil and write the experiences they want to see and erase & revise what they don’t. It’s an ongoing process of reformation, and that’s how we help create champions—not just in sports, but in life.

That’s the story of Reform Fit 365, and I couldn’t be more excited about where we’re headed and the lives we’ll continue to impact. Ideally to any of you or your readers.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a big outdoor & nature type of guy. One of the spots that really peak my interest, particularly as a trainer, would have to be Centennial Olympic Park. Having access to a gigantic field to do my studies, while being surrounded by such prestige in the athletic world, is nothing short of inspiring and motivating. It reminds me of the feeling from playing football routinely.

Honestly, as far as eating and drinking goes, I’d rent out a private spot for a kickback and either I or one of my chef partners would cook up some food. I’d have a good mixologist with us for those who enjoy their drinks on the stronger side, while I serve up some fresh fruit juices. We’d listen to some smooth, chill music and just vibe.

The environment that I really moves me is a calm, quiet outdoor space, with people who simply like to chill while sharing and building on ideas. It’s gotta be some food involved too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are four I want to acknowledge:

One, my ace since an infant, Jarrel Ricardo. You’ll see his picture below. I probably wouldn’t be the man I am today without him. He’s been a rival when I needed to pull out my aggression and competitiveness during every building phase of my life. He’s been a brother (though he’s my cousin) when I needed to be kept in check. A friend to lift me up and root me on even in the toughest of circumstances. Truly one who has kept my blood pumping and made sure that I never stopped moving forward, by any means necessary.

Two, my mentor Mr. Chestnut (Cnut) who took a chance on helping me grow as a trainer. I came around during the time of him dealing with people who were either not dedicated, shady, or inappropriate. Understandably, he was apprehensive to coach me at first. However, I expressed that he wouldn’t have to teach me a thing. I’d arrive, assist him when needed, observe, then implement what I saw on my own. This was around the time I was homeless and living out of my car. With no clients, I’d rehearse everything I learned by myself outside as if I were in his shoes. He’d invite me out to workouts with him and his people. We would get to work, I’d help pack up afterwards, and we go our separate ways. I made it a point not to ask about training and just show up in whatever capacity needed. That willingness led him to trust me enough to go against his judgment of not training coaches. Because of that decision, I was granted the opportunity to be a part of his team and I was able to grow as both a trainer and a maturing man at an alarming rate. Even when I was too prideful to ask for help, he took it upon himself to get me food when I didn’t know when I’d eat. He even noticed I needed clothes and went out of his way to bring them to me. He became a great friend that I credit a lot of my recent successes and growth to. And now I’ve grown to the point where I’m close to being able to invest back into him and his family, just as much as he invested in me. If it’s anyone you should connect with, it’s him. Follow him on IG (KingOfResults)

Three, Jordan Roman. When I took a leap of faith, dropped everything I knew and loved back in Tampa, I bet on me fully for the first time. I relocated to Atlanta with nothing but $200 (from Jarrel) for gas & food and a vision of coaching at the highest levels. When I got there, I lived out of the car with my lady and picked up odd jobs just to get through a couple days at a time. After a couple months, an opportunity was presented to me to volunteer at a sporting event at Avondale Stadium. Enter 50 Sports Company. I got the chance to meet Jordan and things took off from that point. He and the rest of the staff welcomed me to their gym and I immediately knew I was where I wanted to be. Not only did he help me with a job, he pulled a Cnut move and opened up his home so I could lay my head somewhere safe plus helped with food, clothes, and transportation. All without me having to ask. And now we are partners in business. I can’t think of any other way to thank him than to shout him and the 50 out whenever I can.

And four, my beautiful lady Brittany Greene. There’s a certain level of growth you must reach in order to manage all that comes with a business like this. All of the habits, patterns, and beliefs taught to me growing up weren’t the best when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Coming from a family of Chicagoans, unfortunately, the lifestyle and mindset ingrained in us was one of survival just to see the next day. Even after relocating to Tampa, the family maintained a life of survival and rejected anything different. So adopting the same mentality unknowingly prevented me from experiencing an abundance lifestyle; the same lifestyle that she’d been blessed to experience. However, my turning point came in meeting her. Someone who came from a similar upbringing as me, and yet moved with a certain gracefulness I’d never seen prior. She opened my eyes to see what abundance was for the first time. Not only did she help me see it, she chose everyday to walk with me as I transitioned from survival to always having and being more than enough. Trusting me enough to complete that journey and truly walk into real manhood. Trusting me to trust myself. Being featured in a space like this wouldn’t be possible without her in my life. There’s no way I couldn’t shout her out. You’d be doing a disservice to yourself by not getting connected with her. (IG: iambrittanygreene)

Instagram: reformfit365llc & champscheatcode

Linkedin: Donye’ McFadden

Other: 470-399-3265 (TEXT)

Image Credits
Vitality Sports Media
Sixxraw