Learn a little about the coaching staff at CrossFit Develop
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CHRISTOPHER PEKRUL
Owner – Head Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
USA Wrestling Copper Level Coach
Contact: chris@develop-fitness.com
Education:
Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors of Science in Economics
Minor in Business
Associates Degree in Engine Technology
Why CrossFit you ask? Why not I say…
Human bodies are not unidimensional. We are all very complex beings that live in a complex world filled with unexpected circumstances and situations. Our bodies and minds are adaptive organisms that are capable of more than we could dream is possible. I love the CrossFit methodology of training due to its ability to prepare a person for any and all situations. My passion is sharing what I have learned through my years of training (both mental and physical) with all of you.
I love seeing people break through barriers and mental limitations. I love helping a dad be able to play with his kids or a mom fit into that pair of pants from back in the day. The confidence gained inside the gym along with the physical preparedness can change a person’s life forever.
My CrossFit journey started several years ago now. I was a runner who could not even move furniture without injuring myself. I knew something needed to change so I decided to give CrossFit a try. I immediately fell in love with the community side of the sport. This is what has kept me coming back for years now. I could never replace all the great people I have met and lifelong friendships I have made. We truly are a large family enjoying making each other better every day through fitness.
Likewise, my wife Kelly and I love working out together as well as with our three kids. It’s easy to see that fitness has become a major part of our lives. I’m here to tell you that there are no quick fixes however; we are ready to give you the tools you need to start living a healthier lifestyle yourself. Simply put we will give you the keys. It’s up to you to place them in the ignition and drive. It’s your fitness, your life. We’re here to help you along your journey. So what are you waiting for? Let’s start getting you better today!
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KELLY PEKRUL
Owner – Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM)
CrossFit KIDS Trainer
CrossFit Scaling Certificate
Contact: kelly@develop-fitness.com
Education: Associate’s Degree, Accounting
I married my high school sweetheart in 2005, we have 3 kids, Caleb, Jacob and Kendra, you will see them at the Box. Our family loves wrestling and hunting. When we are not at the Box we are on the wrestling mat or in the woods.
I was one of those people who thought you need to be in shape to start CrossFit, little did I know the workouts can be adjusted for anyone. Chris wanted to try it and I kept coming up with excuses. We started CrossFit in 2014, after Chris bought me a membership for Christmas (you all know how persuasive Chris is). We fell in love with it. CrossFit really is for anyone. We were going to CrossFit boxes in the area and then started working out in our garage.
My goal as a Level 1 Coach is to show you what CrossFit can do for you. Not just for what it can do for the body, but even more so for what it can do for the mind. I love seeing people achieve something they never thought possible, then taking that confidence and mentality into their everyday lives.
I’m excited for this journey with all of you. I’ve witnessed many wonderful changes in myself and in others and I can’t wait to witness many more.
We will make this safe, challenging and fun, you will love what you do! There is nothing like the CrossFit community.
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TYLER RETZLAFF
Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Hello all, allow me to introduce myself. I am one of the coaches here at CrossFit Develop. As such I look forward to working with each of you to fulfill your athletic potential and meet your fitness goals! A little background on myself. I am a Marine Corps Veteran of 2 deployments to the Middle East. I am currently employed as an Automatic Fire Sprinkler Fitter and a Volunteer Firefighter for the Slinger Fire Department. I have a background in physical training through the Marine Corps using that to supplement the training through CrossFit as an athlete and Coach I am excited to use all of my experience in the field of training and fitness to benefit all of the athletes at CrossFit Develop in their pursuit of physical development. I am always available to answer questions so please feel free to ask! Again, I look forward to working with all of you. Thank you for the opportunity to help you all become the best versions of yourselves.
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KATIE GARDNER
Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Minor in Psychology
I walked into CrossFit Develop for the first time in 2018 with one of my closest friends by my side. (It’s always easier to try something new with a friend, right?) I was a runner, but I was not strong. I was somewhat healthy, but I was not fit. I was a mom of three little kids who was tired of basement workouts. l had absolutely no way of knowing how much CFD would change my life for the better. I came for the fitness and stayed for the community — I’ve gained strength, confidence, friends, a healthy body and a clearer mind. I’ve lost pounds, self-doubt, insecurities, and physical and mental weaknesses. There’s nothing quite like leaving your stresses at the door and getting in an amazing workout. I’ve realized through the years that CrossFit Develop is a safe place for so many people — you’re surrounded by positive, like-minded friends with similar goals and outlooks. The atmosphere at CFD is incomparable. We all want to be here, we all want to grow in so many different ways, and it shows. My goal as a coach is to continually improve your life, one hour at a time. My husband, Tommy, and I live in Slinger with our three kids, ages 9, 7 and 7. I’m a wedding and family photographer with a studio in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. In my free time, I love hanging out with my family, watching my kids play sports, traveling, getting together with friends, drinking coffee and old fashioneds, spending time at the lake, running, waterskiing, hiking … and most of all, helping my children become the best little people they can possibly be. 🙂 Give CrossFit Develop a try, it just might be the best thing you ever do for yourself. And if you don’t have someone to walk in with you, please reach out — I will meet you at the front door. 🙂
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AMANDA HARVEY
Coach
CrossFit Kids Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Elementary Education
I have always been an “active” person. From playing on sports teams when I was younger, to running and getting back in shape after having 3 kids, to going to fitness centers and exercise classes, it has also been a part of my life. When life with 3 kids and a career as a full time teacher got busy, CrossFit was one of the things that kept me going no matter how tired or busy I was. The community is so welcoming and there is so much support wherever you are in your fitness journey. There is also something so great about having a community to hold you accountable during the craziness of life. CrossFit is full of little challenges and victories and that is so rewarding. My favorite thing about CrossFit is that I can share it with my family. CrossFit is something we can ALL do together.
I feel blessed to be a teacher in the surrounding Community and to be able to share with kids the importance of making healthy food choices and being active. There are so many benefits to kids being active. What could be better than building your confidence, making friends, becoming disciplined, strengthening your body, and being healthy? It felt like an easy decision to put two things that I am passionate about in life together- teaching kids and Crossfit. That is why I became a CrossFit Kids coach!
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COLIN BROWN
Coach
Barbell Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
CFWL – L1
USA Powerlifting-CC (Club Coach)
My name is Colin and started coaching at CrossFit Develop in July 2022. When I’m not in the box exercising or coaching, I’m working in the fire protection industry or playing club rugby. My journey with CrossFit started back in 2017. Focusing on my career throughout my 20’s, I gained a lot of weight and did not put any effort into my health. My doctor wanted to put me on high cholesterol medication and I knew it was time to make a change. I signed up for a 6-week diet challenge at a local CrossFit gym and was hooked ever since. I lost weight, gained strength, and got to avoid medication to the delight of me and my doctor. The community aspect of CrossFit is something that has kept me coming back for more, and the community at CrossFit Develop is unlike one I’ve ever been a part of. I’ve been a member at a few other gyms and can say the community and programming here is the best I’ve experienced. What I love about CrossFit is that we all have our weaknesses we get to work on, and our strengths we get to highlight. Challenging yourself physically and mentally is something that I think is very important for good health. CrossFit has taught me resilience and mental fortitude, it has taught me how to understand weaknesses and how to make positive changes, and it has taught me how to celebrate victories and strengths while staying humble. There truly is more to CrossFit than flipping tires and protein shakes 😉 – and I can’t wait to see you in the gym!
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ZACK SCHMIDT
Coach
CrossFit Kids Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
Before finding CrossFit in May of 2016, I have always been an “active ”person. This meant either team sports at different levels or individual weight training/ powerlifting. Day one trying CrossFit I knew I was hooked. It encompassed all of the best aspects of team and individual sports. It challenged, pushed, humbled, and motivated me. Fast forward to today, and the only regret is not finding it sooner. Without sounding like an advertisement, I truly believe CrossFit is the “magic pill” that can strengthen both mentally and physically. It will keep you balanced by focusing on flexibility and cardio training while plugging you into a community like no other. This community is half of the “magic” I spoke of earlier. Nobody cares how advanced you are; only how hard you work. The CrossFit community is a brother/sisterhood where we are all the same, trying to be “better than yesterday”.
After training in CrossFit for a little while, I decided to dive deeper into the methodology. This ultimately lead me into coaching and helping others with their CrossFit goals. Seeing an athlete accomplish something that they previously thought impossible is why I love what I do. I am often more excited than my athletes when they set a PR (personal record) or gain a new skill. I truly love what I do.
I live in Jackson with my lovely wife Jennifer and my three children Camden, Emmy , and Charlie. When I’m not in the gym coaching or working on my own fitness, I enjoy sports with the kiddos, fishing and the occasional whiskey drink with friends (it always fits your macros).
Come see me and the other fantastic coaches at CrossFit Develop for CrossFit classes. The music will be loud, the workout tough, the group amazingly encouraging, and the results…… well you’ll just have to come see for yourself… you can thank me later.
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COURTNEY BECKER
Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
Certified WAG Nutrition Coach
Well hey there! My name is Courtney, and I was born and raised here in Slinger. I found CrossFit in 2014 and have been living and breathing it ever since. I met my husband, Christopher, when I started CrossFit in Eau Claire, WI and wouldn’t you know – fitness is a HUGE part of our lives. We have our daughter, Ivy, and have another little lady who will be making her arrival in July of 2023. We had been living in Chippewa Falls, WI since 2014 and moved back to this area the summer of 2022. With being back in my hometown we knew we had to get involved in a gym again. If you know CrossFit, then you know it is the same sport no matter where you go – HOWEVER the community and culture is what makes the difference and…oh my gosh… CrossFit Develop has an unmatched tribe of support and growth!
I graduated from Slinger High School in 2013 and was primarily involved in track (sprints & hurdles!) and musicals. I would consider myself a very active person who wants to stay-on-the-move, so good thing I am a stay-at-home-mom who gets the pleasure of chasing around an active toddler all day!
With CrossFit being a passion of mine from day one, I quickly set out to further my knowledge of the sport. I received my CF Level 1 in 2014, USA Weightlifting Level 1 in 2017, CF Level 2 in 2018 and became a Certified WAG Nutrition Coach in 2020. I love what CrossFit has done for me and can say that I have seen it truly transform the lives of others. It is one of my greatest joys to watch others develop into their healthiest selves and see the impact of this sport in so many aspects of their lives.
I love to be everyone’s biggest cheerleader, so I am excited for you to join our CFD family and see how CrossFit can impact your life!
