Today we’d like to introduce you to Daavon Grayson.
Hi Daavon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in 2013 in Bartlett, Tennessee, with a 550-square-foot room and a strong belief in the work. To attract clients, I hung a banner with my photo that asked, “Do you need a trainer?” From that moment, my phone started ringing.
Within a year, I expanded into a 1,000-square-foot space in the same plaza. When the property was sold, I chose not to remain under new ownership and relocated to Cordova around 2015.
What followed was what I call my “bootleg season.” For over a year, I trained clients wherever I could; at Planet Fitness, and other facilities, traveling across the city daily. It wasn’t ideal, but it built resilience, loyalty, and perspective.
Around 2018, an opportunity opened at a small 1,500-square-foot gym looking to bring on trainers. That shift changed everything. For the first time, I had a consistent home base. Clients came to me, and I spent four years building steadily; unknowingly preparing for ownership.
By 2022, I secured my own facility; Body by Daavon, The Glute Factory on Macon Road. There, I was able to run the gym according to my vision and, more importantly, provide other trainers the same opportunity I once received; a place to build, grow, and establish themselves.
Still, I had always envisioned an open gym. I initially searched in areas where my clientele was established, even considering Collierville. Downtown wasn’t part of the plan, until I visited. I saw untapped opportunity and chose expansion over comfort.
That decision led to the launch of Gym 11; not just as another facility, but as an expansion of impact, leadership, and community.
What began in a 550-square-foot room evolved into multiple spaces; all built on discipline, faith, and the commitment to create opportunity for others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all.
Fitness is a luxury industry, and there are inevitable high and low seasons. Early on, slow quarters were financially challenging. But each year, those “down” seasons became less severe as I built stronger systems and clientele.
The challenges weren’t dramatic; they were developmental. Outgrowing spaces, navigating business transitions, and knowing when to bet on myself were all part of the process.
The road wasn’t smooth, but it was necessary.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Master Trainer and IFBB Pro specializing in physique development, competition prep, and high-level performance training. I work with both lifestyle clients and competitive athletes, coaching in person throughout Memphis and virtually across the country and internationally.
I’m known for producing results; including helping 13 athletes earn their IFBB Pro cards, along with multiple overall wins and top three placements on stage. Earning my own pro status was a major milestone, but I take even greater pride in developing others to reach that level.
In addition to coaching, I own two gyms in the Memphis area, where I’ve built not just training facilities, but environments centered on discipline, growth, and opportunity. What sets me apart is my ability to combine competitive-level expertise with leadership; creating a culture where both athletes and trainers elevate.
I’m most proud of the impact. Beyond physical results, I focus on leading and equipping people with the discipline and mindset to build themselves.
What matters most to you?
Growth; personally, and professionally.
I care about building environments where people elevate. Whether it’s an athlete stepping on stage, a trainer finding their footing, or a member transforming their lifestyle, growth is the priority.
Success, to me, isn’t just what you build, it’s what you build in others.
Pricing:
- 59.99 – Monthly Membership
- 99.00 – Family Membership
- 75.00 Customized Meal Plan
- 125.00 Lifestyle Coaching
- 250.00 Contest Prep
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gymelevenbbd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daavongrayson_ifbbpro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B98PFWh1K/
- Threads: https://www.threads.com/@daavongrayson_ifbbpro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaavonIFBBPRO
- TikTok: tiktok.com/@daavon.ifbbpro
