Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Smith.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Portland, Maine to a single mom and grew up on welfare and surrounded by a lot of poverty. I was a drug addict by the time I was 15 and did not get a passing grade in school beyond the 6th grade. After years of being in and out of jail, getting in fights, and doing intravenous drugs, I finally became so hollow on the inside that I reached out for help. It is a miracle and with a lot of grace that I have been sober since January 15 of 2003. Everything changed for me at that time. Through intensive spiritual work in recovery, I began taking responsibility for my life and what I created in my relationships and the world around me. I went back to college and studied counseling. I got an amazing job in the IT Department at the college and I not only learned the inner workings of hardware and software, but I also learned how to have integrity, be a hard worker and be consistent. I knew I wanted to help people and I also knew I loved business.
By chance and through a close a friend, I was given an opportunity to do marketing for an addiction treatment center and I began my career in the business development world. I worked for Burning Tree Ranch, a Texas addiction treatment center, for 6 years total. It was there that I was able to apply my passion for recovery and also develop a deep understanding of the behavioral healthcare industry. I also met my wife, Heidi, during my time at Burning Tree – she was a counselor and also very passionate about helping people. We were married November 8 of 2008 and we shared a vision for someday owning out recovery program. I started my own consulting firm for a time, where I was able to focus an entire year learning the art of search engine optimization (SEO) and began optimizing websites for myself and other companies at a fast rate. I took a job as the Chief Executive Officer at Granite House in New Hampshire for 2 years before Heidi and I took the leap into business ownership. We began Chapter House, a transitional living program for young adult men in Richardson in 2014.
We started from the ground up and have grown our company today to have a staff of over 22 and a thriving community of young men who are finding hope and recovery from their addiction. The game changer for me after starting Chapter House, was when I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I have always been a huge fan of mixed martial arts and other combat sports and have even trained boxing in the past, but in my mid 30’s I found myself quite overweight. On my journey back to health, I joined Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym in Plano, Texas.
As if I didn’t have enough going on my life, I became completely immersed in the jiu-jitsu community and competitive grappling. It was the piece that brought my life to where it needed to be and completed my journey to recovery in all areas – mind, body and spirit. When we decided to open our own Gracie Gym in Richardson, Heidi and I both knew it was exactly what God wanted for us because all the pieces fell into place perfectly. I am also an avid sports card collector and also have a small sports card business and website that I operate. The love of my life is my 5 1/2-year-old son, Elliott, who just started Kindergarten this year. To sum it up best, I am your typical dreamer that had all the odds stacked against him and found that by thinking less of myself, all my dreams come true.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have been many obstacles in my life and a lot of pain. But it has made me incredibly grateful. I grew up in intense poverty with very little opportunity. I didn’t have a dad who was present in my life. I had to hustle and fight for even my basic needs at times.
The opioid epidemic in America has hit very close to home in my life – my high school sweetheart is dead, my two best childhood friends are dead, my dad is dead and countless other friends from my childhood are dead. All due to overdoses.
My wife, Heidi, was diagnosed with Leukemia when our son was 7 months old. It was the hardest thing her and I have ever had to face, but we got through it and she is in complete remission.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Gracie Gym Richardson – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Gracie Gym is anchored in the legacy of the Gracie Family from Brazil, who founded the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We have two high-level black-belt instructors who are both pioneers in the jiu-jitsu community. We offer a specialized children’s program focused on anti-bullying and self-defense. Our location is perfectly located in the Richardson Heights neighborhood of Richardson. We are bringing the history of Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Richardson and making it possible for anyone to be part of the legacy and learn from the best!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
As a native of Maine, I must say that I love living in Dallas, Texas and having access to anything I could need or want at any time! Both businesses we own are in Richardson and we also live in Richardson. We love how the city is on the forefront of improving the city and making it a desirable place to live and own businesses. We have been privileged to contribute to the growing economy of the city we love. Richardson is safe, has amazing schools and a small community feel that makes it a perfect fit for my family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 819 w. Arapaho rd
Richardson, TX
75080 - Website: http://graciegymrichardson.com/
- Phone: 469.904.0677
- Email: contact.us@graciegymrichardson.com
- Instagram: graciegymrichardson
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GracieGymRichardson/
- Other: https://youtu.be/tfkv1JRY3bQ
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
