Dear Mr. Kelly...

Dear Mr. Kelly,

My name is Nicole Scott Smith. I wrote you an email stating that I oppose Anthos Capitol purchasing Lauren Glassman’s ownership interest in CrossFit. This is the email you sent back to me and I would like to respond:

Nicole, 

Appreciate your concern and for reaching out directly to us.  There is LOTS of incorrect information being circulated regarding our intentions.  Nearly everyone in our office does CrossFit and we love and understand the community.  We recognize affiliates are the lifeblood of this community and we would never do anything to intentionally harm them - in fact, it would be our goal to make affiliates even more successful in the future.  Please see the below letter that provides additional detail about Anthos and our approach to this situation.

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Dear CrossFitters:

My name is Bryan Kelly and I am a Managing Director at Anthos Capital.  As you may have heard, we have entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Lauren Glassman’s ownership interest in CrossFit subject to court approval.  I am writing to tell you about us, respond directly to misunderstandings about our objectives, and to tell you that we will be supportive, non-managing, value-add partners to CrossFit, the affiliates, and the community. 

By way of personal background, I have been CrossFitting for the past two years and know and love the CrossFit community. Like many of you, CrossFit has had a profound positive impact on my wellness and life.  Due to CrossFit, I’m in better shape at 34 than I was at 24 and I hope that I’ll be even healthier at 44 than I am now.  Many of my colleagues are also active CrossFit participants, and feel the same way.  I developed tremendous respect for Coach Glassman and the Affiliates in revolutionizing the fitness industry.  This is what attracted our firm to consider investing in CrossFit.

We got to know the CrossFit team over several years, built a mutual respect, and became interested in the idea of investing.  We learned of Lauren’s interest in selling her shares and reached an agreement with her that we believe will be beneficial to all.  Our investment accomplishes several things: it provides Lauren with a fair and orderly transition out of CrossFit (consistent with her role of co-founder of CrossFit and her 50% ownership interest), it doesn’t create substantial financial obligations for CrossFit in connection with a buy out of Lauren’s interests, and it results in Greg having a partner who respects him and his vision and will support him in his efforts to further build the company.

Grossly inaccurate claims have been made about our intentions.  For clarity, our plan is to help Coach Glassman professionally execute his vision by playing a supporting, hands off role.  Greg will continue as CEO and we will be an investor with no managing responsibilities.  We will own 50%, not a majority.  We will be equal partners. We have absolutely no desire to change the affiliate model by turning them into Globo gyms. Our core philosophy as investors is to be supportive, non-control partners to the companies and teams we back.

 I have met with Greg several times.  It is my style to brainstorm and throw out a variety of ideas that the entrepreneur can take or leave as he/she pleases.  After hearing feedback from several of you affiliates, my suggestion is that affiliates could benefit if CrossFit HQ (or a third party provider) offered optional technology services (website, member billing, member communication) to Affiliates that wanted them – those that wanted to could employ these initiatives, those that did not want to would conduct business as usual.

 We raise ideas, but ultimately the decision is Greg’s and we view our role as one that helps, not directs. More broadly, the reason we are attracted to CrossFit is because of its important Affiliate model.  We have absolutely no intention or desire to create a franchise model, tell you how to run your business, or force you to sell products you don’t believe in.

We know the affiliates are the lifeblood of the community and are critical to the long-term success of CrossFit – both as a fitness revolution and as a business.  In short, why would an investor want to destroy the future of a company in which they invest?  We want to do well in the future by you doing well in the future.

As we all know though, a core tenant of CrossFit is the relentless pursuit of betterment.  We’re confident that our partnership can help do that.

Best Regards,

Bryan

First of all Mr. Kelly, I did reach out to you directly. And personally. Thank you for recognizing that point. I wrote you an email. A very polite one that stated in no uncertain terms that I do not wish to work under the jurisdiction of your company. You sent me a form letter. Now, I understand that you received many emails regarding CrossFit and appreciate that there are only so many hours in the day. But when people reach out to you on a personal level, then don't send them form letters feigning familiarity with the recipient. Just wait till you have time to answer, or do not send one at all. I knew you didn't write it to me. I do not believe that I may have already won $1,000,000 when I get those letters either, so I get that you really didn't look at my email. Someone at your office may have scanned it for information that may be valuable to your purpose, but finding that it was just the opinion of one non-affiliate owner CrossFitter, I am sure it was filed away on your computer somewhere. Or deleted. Next time you send a form letter, make it one from your company as a whole. Or your department. That is what it really was, Mr. Kelly.

Oh, I have read all the things you have posted. Old emails from Coach etc, etc, etc. The threads really go on and on Mr. Kelly and it is not my intention to reiterate those here. They are not my threads and Facebook posts. My intention is to be heard. And, it may sound unfair, but I do not feel I need to hear anything more from you because you got to state your side. I didn't. I got a form letter.

Mr. Kelly, you state that you are a CrossFitter, as are many of your colleagues. I do not doubt that you follow the program. Let me tell you about me. I am a Level 1 Trainer and work under two of the finest men I know, one being my husband. I do not own the affiliate. My husband is partners with another athlete but I proudly work there 7 days a week. In my spare time, of which I have very little, I write. And I network with other CrossFitters. I have been blessed to be able to get to know many athletes in our community. Everyone from housewives to Games athletes. And if I am lucky, I get my laundry done, my errands completed and bills paid. That is pretty much my day. And, I am of no use to you, you may think. Well, you are wrong.

I, Mr. Kelly, am the bread and butter of CrossFit. I go to work, I train, I coach and I love it. I am not a CrossFitter by name. I am a CrossFitter because it is my entire life. It is my passion. I'm not even that great at it. I am pretty average. But my above average love for the sport has helped make the success that I am today. I truly care for each and every person at our Box and for this community at large. I am not here to sell them shoes or supplements or meet sales quotas. I am here to make lives better. And, I do. Every damn day, sir.

We put our faith in Coach to allow affiliates to have the freedom to operate in a manner that best suits the athletes that work out at that affiliate. In giving us that freedom, he has given us the fuel for success. And, I resent Anthos Capitol trying to urinate in our gas tank.

I do not speak for our affiliate or any other affiliate. I speak for myself. I am a CrossFitter in my soul. I am not one in name only. Although I do not speak for anyone but myself, there are thousands who feel the same way. Thousands of us, Mr. Kelly. And we are the numbers on the paper that make the acquisition profitable.

Here is what I resent. I resent you thinking that we would believe that you want to be "hands off." I resent that you feel we are so stupid that we would believe such a statement. I resent that you feel our athlete's personal information is for sale. I am not a fool. You want to help us with "member billing and member communication"? I live in a rural area. We charge $30 for your first month-unlimited. Then, we charge some of the lowest prices for membership in our State. Did I just make Anthos vomit a little in it's mouth? I do not feel that we could continue that under your "hands-off" guidance.

If you really respected Coach Glassman, you would listen to his opinion on wanting Anthos Capitol part of CrossFit. And to all of the affiliates and CrossFitters who have stated that they do not want you involved. Or, do you feel we just don't know any better? You sure don't sound like a CrossFitter, Mr. Kelly.

And finally, I resent that you addressed me as Nicole. Please do not send me form letters feigning familiarity.  You are not my buddy. We did not do Fran together last week. You did not loan me a scoop of Progenex or get me a bucket when I last met Pukie. You are a business man trying to make a business deal. Do not send us letters pretending you are our buddy, Bryan. It is 'backdoor flattery' and it is condescending and unprofessional.I did not invite you to address me as Nicole, as we are not acquainted. I am Mrs. Smith or Ms. Smith. In any business situation, you would be addressed as Mr. Kelly unless and until I was invited to call you otherwise. I expect the same respect. 

Mr. Kelly, I truly wish the best for you personally, but I am not for sale. Nor is this community. I am a CrossFitter. Not a acquisition.

Respectfully, 

Nicole Scott Smith

P.S. For your convenience, you will find a copy of this letter at my blog Pantiesinawod.blogspot.com. 

UPDATE!!

When you tell a 34 year old that you will be posting your letter on the Internet, you can be damn sure he will respond. Here is the email:

Mrs. Smith, 

I apologize that I in any way made you feel disrespected. Throughout my career, I have been accustomed to immediately addressing and signing with first names. I understand what may be customary to me may not be universal. I did not mean in any way to be disrespectful. 

Also, I apologize that the generic response I sent may have made you feel your comments were marginalized. This was in no way my intention, my actual goal was to respond quickly to make you (and others) know that your emails were, in fact, read. 

I hope you know it was never my intention to disrespect you personally or marginalize your email. 

Bryan

Of course, he signed it Bryan. sigh.

Was it polite? Sure. But ask yourself this, CrossFitters...

Would he have responded if I hadn't said I was posting the letter to my blog?

Do you REALLY believe that he read your emails?

I don't.

And for the record, I still think it is condescending that anyone would assume that we would be so foolish as to be swayed by someone that approaches us like they are our 'buddy'. What kind of door to door vacuum salesman tactic is that? Are you telling me that when you are in a meeting or you are introduced to an important client-all clients are important, by the way-that it would behoove you to call them by their first name? You know, I get that you are trying to establish a "Hey, we're all friends here" vibe. But good manners are universal. Where the fuck do you live? I do not call my Doctor by his first name. I do not meet Military and say "Nice to meet you, Larry." And if I am invited to call someone in a business situation by their first name, you can be sure I sprinkle in some 'sir' or 'ma'am' in there. There are titles for a reason. Have some respect for yourself.

And on a related note, and I have said this before...Respect is commanded, not demanded. That is why we call Greg Glassman Coach. With a capitol C. And, I guess that is why you will always be a Bryan.

But, I am still calling you Mr. Kelly.

Oh, and I realize that fuck is not a polite word. But his is my blog and I will do as I please.

We're not buying it.

"Excuse me, I don't think there's anything wrong with the action on this piano..."

Sometimes, I finish last. I'm okay with that. But it has been a LONG time since I've been in what I call the "Circle of Trust." Do you know the Circle? The last one who finishes the WOD is surrounded by everyone else who has finished and they cheer that person on till they are done. Here is the thing....it's been a while since I've been that person. You forget how it feels.
Just because you finish last does not mean that you will be encompassed by the Circle of Trust. But if it is a gruelling WOD and people see you putting up a good fight to finish, the Circle will form.

We see it on every level of competition. You probably saw it happen numerous times while watching the Games last weekend. Remember this?

It happens to newbies, too. Who doesn't like a good fight? You just can't help but root for someone and in CrossFit, you can be last and still feel like you earned the Championship belt.

I went to the LivXFit Coaches Summit, which was great, btw.We had a workout every day. The last day was a partner WOD. Here was my sad strategy. It's fucking hot. All the dashboard pictures on Facebook should have told you that but in case you didn't know.....it's hot.

My strategy was to pick a partner who would be sympathetic to my crapulence. I chose Mary. She is not only a bad ass coach and CrossFitter but a mother to a beautiful baby. I figured she was dialed into sensitivity and perhaps a little sleep deprived. When it is hot, you are a 40 year old woman in a room with younger peeps and you are pretty sure you are the slowest in the pack, you pick strategically. So, I chose her. Because we were doing a cash out of double unders. And, I SUCK at those. We had to collect 250 to end the WOD. I put on my game hat.

Mary was a great partner and didn't mind that we were finishing last. She could get in 20 double unders but made sure that I put in my 10 each time. My sad single double single double single double 10. But, I did it. Now, 40 isn't old. It does not even qualify you for the Masters. But, I went into that WOD feeling freaking old and hot and cranky. Then, as I was stomping through those double unders, the Circle formed. And I felt that surge. They knew I was truly trying my best. And everyone loves a good fight. So that group of coaches stayed with us till the end. Cheering, encouraging and supporting. I finished last but didn't feel like a loser. The Circle of Trust is so genuine and truly almost magical. It's a highly concentrated grief support group. It's immediate and genuine camaraderie and it is one of the things that makes our community great. We help each other through our struggles. We help carry the emotional burden of a soul crushing WOD. As a coach, I may finish last sometimes because my weight is heavier or my movements are more complex. But, this was an even playing field. And it had been a long time since I was that person at the end. That person who you notice is still fighting after you have had time to catch your breath. That athlete that you form the Circle of Trust around and encourage. I'm really glad we finished last that day. The Circle of Trust is one of the foundations of our Community. And as a coach, if we don't go back to foundations every once in a while, we just may drift off the path. It may seem like an awful experience, finishing last in a group of your peers. It sounds worse to KNOW that you WILL be finishing last before you even begin. But it was a gratifying experience.

I often feel misread as an athlete. And a lot of times it is because of my own negative self-talk. I need to remember that the only way I should feel bad after a workout is if I gave up the fight. I'll take one in the jaw but get up and fight back! I feel like the old electric piano at Ray's Music Exchange in the Blues Brothers. I look like hell sometimes, but when played correctly, there is still some action in this piano. I'm lucky to be a member of this great CrossFit community. When pushed and encouraged and cared for, we can do more than we thought we could. And, feel good about the results, no matter where we finish. Even if you sometimes feel like an old, electric piano from Ray's.