Meet mike stark | owner/head coach HCCF

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

Hi mike, how does your business help the community?
HCCF provides a space where people can come in and check out for an hour, get a fun workout in, and connect with people that are trying to get better every single day. We also provide ongoing fitness/wellness education to all levels and walks of life so that our athletes can take what they learn in the gym out into the world with them. Our goal isn’t to create competitive individuals (although we love to see it), but to teach people to move their bodies in a way that preps them for whatever life throws their way whether its a hike, a surf trip, or helping your buddy move.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
professionally, coaching fell into my lap. We moved to Columbia, SC at the end of 2020 and when gyms opened back up I applied as a personal trainer and found CrossFit in the city shortly after. The coaches at CCF gave me the tools I needed to learn the craft and get as many hours as I could under my belt. I made the jump to coach CrossFit full-time in January 2022 and from there I was connected with so many amazing people and coaches through local comps, seminars, drop-ins and continuing education in the field. I was fortunate enough to be employed by some amazing people at Vertex Strength in Columbia who genuinely wanted their people to excel and not long after that the opportunity to purchase Holy City CrossFit presented itself. I’ve learned so much about coaching since 2020 and even more about business since April. So far I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t have gotten to this point without some amazing people in my corner, fellow coaches who want to uphold the standard, business professionals who have been there and want to see others branch out, or just old friends who are excited to see someone go for it – alone, I don’t think anyone has it down. Holy City CrossFit has been around in Charleston for a while and I hope to keep the legacy alive and keep the community intact, because a box is nothing without its members so, even if we change a little, hopefully we can stick together and continue to grow. I want people to know that CrossFit gyms are there for the common good, not just Holy City, all of them. Come check us out, I hope you dig it.

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.
first thing? check the surf at Folly. If it sucks, hit the gym. Probably heavy squats (my favorite), then coffee. Either at Second State or Kudu. If its good, surf, then coffee, then lift! For food? Barbeque. Anywhere. My favorite has been Home Team lately but it rotates. Lewis’ for sure too. To drink, Revelry Brewing for sure, Edmunds Oast, A.C.’s (daytime for sure), Lucky’s, and Estuary. If they’d never been probably hit the battery just to see and try to get out on the water for sure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jessica Scully for sure. She was one of my first coaches at Holy City CrossFit when I was a walk in member. From day 1 she saw what I had the potential to be and was kind and patient from the start. Without her in my corner I would never have had the opportunity to step into this role and I sure as shit wouldn’t know what to do without her guidance (even if we do butt heads sometimes)

Bobby Geirszal, first coach at Carolina CrossFit in Columbia, SC (go check them out! SERIOUSLY) This dude is the man. taught me to love the process and gave me the opportunity to coach for the first time, if it wasn’t for him I would have been a mediocre personal trainer for who knows how long and I wouldn’t have found this amazing space and community in CrossFit.

All of my friends and family at Carolina CrossFit that truly gave me a home while I was there. I’ll always find my way back and no I will not wear shoes while I’m there

And of course my mom, Jennifer, and my amazing fiance, Jaclyn, who always believe in my adventures and keep me grounded when I need to be

Website: holycitycrossfit.com

Instagram: holy_city_crossfit