Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Dosterschill
Hi Kyle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Hunger in the Wild Gym shortly after moving to Dallas, Texas, from St. Louis, Missouri, in 2016. My journey began long before that, though, shaped by my personal transformation and experiences within the fitness industry.
Growing up, I was overweight, out of shape, and lacking confidence. Fitness completely changed my life—it gave me discipline, self-respect, and the opportunity to excel as an athlete. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about building a foundation for success in every area of my life. Those lessons inspired me to help others achieve their own transformations, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Fitness gave me a purpose: to empower others to become the ultimate versions of themselves.
Before starting my own gym, I worked at several fitness facilities, where I observed the stark contrast between gyms that truly changed lives and those that simply sold empty promises. I saw firsthand how often people were let down by an industry more focused on profit than impact. I knew there had to be a better way.
When I moved to Dallas on June 5, 2016—my 26th birthday—I took a job at a gym in Deep Ellum. At first, it seemed like the perfect place to grow and contribute. I helped start new programs, brought in equipment, and promoted the gym on social media. I worked long hours for minimal pay because I believed in the vision. But everything changed when the owner hired a consultant who prioritized short-term profit over long-term growth. Programs were cut, staff was fired, and the gym’s integrity crumbled. It was a wake-up call for me.
So, I quit. Respectfully, but decisively. I rented a basement space under a CrossFit gym in downtown Dallas and started building my own business from scratch. Over the next three years, I worked tirelessly to grow my client base and create a community, eventually expanding into my own facility.
Six months later, COVID-19 hit, forcing us to shut down. It was a devastating blow, but during that brief pre-pandemic period, we had built something special—a thriving membership base and a world-class coaching staff who shared my vision. Just as we prepared to reopen, disaster struck again: our building burned down due to an electrical fire, and it was condemned with only six days left before reopening.
Despite the setbacks, our community rallied. With the support of my clients and friends, I rented a temporary space from Jeff Horn, a mentor and great friend, and we operated there for two years. Finally, we were able to move into our own facility once again, where we’ve been ever since.
Eight years later, Hunger in the Wild is still standing strong. It’s more than a gym—it’s a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of a shared vision. Every challenge along the way has reinforced my belief that true transformation is possible, not just for individuals, but for the community we’ve built together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth—every step of building Hunger in the Wild has been a battle. I started the business in the basement of another gym with absolutely no money, just one set of weights, no established network in Dallas since I was new to the city, and no clientele because it was a brand-new venture. To say it was barebones would be an understatement. The basement, often referred to as “the dungeon,” had no windows, no HVAC, no electrical outlets—just a cold, raw space that I had to make work. I hustled day and night, pouring everything I had into building something out of nothing.
After a few years of grinding and growing the business, I was able to expand into our own facility. For six months, things were better than I could have imagined—membership was booming, and the team of coaches I had assembled shared my vision of transforming lives. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing us to shut down just as we were hitting our stride. It was a devastating blow, but we adapted and leaned on our community to get through it.
Just as we were preparing to reopen, disaster struck again—our building burned down due to an electrical fire and was condemned. In the blink of an eye, we were back to square one with no location, no equipment, and no clear way forward. It felt like everything I had worked so hard to build was gone. But our community rallied behind us, and I found temporary space at a facility owned by my mentor and friend, Jeff Horn, where we operated for two years.
During this time, I signed a commercial lease on what I thought would be our permanent home. It was a brand-new building, and we were finally ready to take the next big step. We started moving in equipment, setting up sound systems, and promoting the space to build excitement. But just before we were set to open, the landlord terminated the lease unexpectedly. I was faced with an impossible choice: file a lawsuit I couldn’t afford or accept a settlement that covered only about 10% of the money I had poured into the project. It was another crushing blow, and I felt like I had let our community down yet again.
Every one of these challenges—the dungeon, COVID, the fire, the terminated lease—could have been the end of Hunger in the Wild. But each time, I found a way to push forward. I refused to give up on the vision, and our community refused to give up on us. These struggles have shaped who we are today: resilient, relentless, and determined to provide a space where lives are truly transformed.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hunger in the Wild is more than just a gym—it’s a movement that has transformed lives both in-person and online. Over the last 8 years, we’ve helped more than 10,000 people achieve their goals, whether they’re training in our Dallas facility or working with us remotely from anywhere in the world. From young children learning the basics of fitness to Olympians and professional athletes striving for peak performance, and even 80-year-olds lifting weights for the first time, we’ve proven that fitness is for everyone.
Our facility in the Dallas Design District is a world-class space featuring 12 Olympic weightlifting platforms, competition-grade equipment, over 30 squat racks, machines, dumbbells, kettlebells, and more. We offer expert coaching, group classes, customized programming, and a supportive community designed to help every member reach their potential. For those outside Dallas, our online coaching programs deliver the same personalized, results-driven approach, allowing us to support clients around the globe.
What sets us apart is our relentless commitment to transformation—not just physical, but mental as well. We believe that fitness builds confidence, discipline, and a mindset for success that carries over into every area of life. Whether in-person or online, our goal is to help people break through limits, push boundaries, and become the ultimate versions of themselves.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the sense of family we’ve built—not just with our members, but also within our leadership. Today, I have the privilege of working alongside my wife every single day. She’s not only my partner in life but also in business, and her dedication, passion, and unwavering support have been instrumental in making Hunger in the Wild what it is today. Together, we’ve created a space where people feel at home, supported, and empowered to chase their goals.
For readers, here’s what we want you to know: if you’re looking for more than just a place to work out—if you’re ready to push yourself, transform your life, and achieve lasting results—Hunger in the Wild is where you belong. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, someone starting their fitness journey, or looking for a coach to guide you remotely, we have the tools, expertise, and community to help you succeed. Your transformation starts here.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Fitness changed my life in profound ways—it gave me discipline, confidence, and the ability to see my potential—and now my mission is to help others experience that same transformation. Seeing someone achieve what they once thought was impossible, whether it’s physical strength, mental resilience, or a renewed sense of purpose, is what drives me every single day.
I believe fitness is more than just working out; it’s a tool for building the ultimate version of yourself. It’s about empowering people to take control of their lives, break through limits, and achieve lasting change. That’s why I’ve dedicated my life to creating an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow—not just in the gym, but in every aspect of their lives.
On a personal level, working alongside my wife and building this business together means the world to me. She’s my partner in every sense, and sharing this mission with her makes the journey even more meaningful. Together, we’ve built something that’s not just a business but a community, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Ultimately, what matters most is leaving a lasting legacy of positive change—helping people not only improve their health and fitness but also discover their potential and live more fulfilling lives. That’s what keeps me going, through every challenge and every victory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hungerinthewild.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungerinthewild/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hungerinthewild/
- Twitter: https://x.com/hungerwild
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HungerintheWildGym/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hunger-in-the-wild-gym-dallas
