We had the good fortune of connecting with Sean Fayard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sean, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a big risk taker—it’s just who I am. As I’ve gotten older (and wiser), I’ve learned to take more calculated risks, and relocating to Ohio was one of them. I believe that taking risks is a necessary part of becoming a successful business owner if you want to keep growing.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is all about empowering individuals to reach their personal and physical development goals. What sets us apart is our personalized approach—combining knowledge of biomechanics, bodybuilding, and powerlifting with practical strategies for self-improvement and time management. We’re not just about building stronger bodies, but also stronger mindsets.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built and the transformations we’ve helped people achieve, both physically and mentally. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients break through barriers they never thought possible.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. Like any business, we faced challenges—whether it was navigating a crowded industry or constantly refining our approach to better serve our clients. We overcame those obstacles by staying true to our core values, learning from each setback, and always striving to improve. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of consistency and adaptability. The fitness industry evolves, and so do people’s needs, so it’s crucial to remain open to change while staying focused on our long-term vision.

What I want the world to know about our brand is that we’re not just a business—we’re a support system for anyone looking to improve themselves, physically and beyond. Our story is one of growth, resilience, and a commitment to helping others unlock their potential. That’s what drives us every day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday
Right off the plane, we’re heading to Pancake House in Westerville for breakfast. Their cornmeal pancakes are unbelievable, and the breakfast quesadilla is second to none. Today’s all about relaxing, so we might go for a hike at Blendon Woods to move around a bit.

Tuesday
Lunch and shopping at Easton are on the agenda. True Food Kitchen serves one of the best meals I’ve had since being here. We could catch an IMAX movie and wrap up the day with a stop at Jeni’s Ice Cream. Fun fact: I used to order Jeni’s once a month and have it shipped to me—it always arrived frozen, just in case anyone’s wondering!

Wednesday
We’ll explore Columbus and find something to do—they always have great events around the city. We can finish the day with a late lunch at North Market, which is heaven for any foodie.

Thursday
We’ll head out to Lynd’s Farm for fresh groceries, grab a bite to eat, and shoot apple cannons. Afterward, we can cook a farm-fresh dinner.

Friday
We’re spending the day at Cedar Point for some rollercoaster fun!

Saturday
Saturday will likely be for recovery, but as any good host, I’m always open to suggestions!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to give a shoutout to my wife and her family. Without their support, I would have never been able to build this into what it is today.

I also want to thank my coaches, Dr. Dani LaMartina and Justin Harris. They’ve been instrumental in my growth as a coach and trainer. When I shared my sudden decision to relocate, they were incredibly supportive and eager to help in any way they could.

Lastly, I want to thank my clients and friends. Without their constant support, Empire wouldn’t have made it this far. I’m so grateful to have such amazing people in my life.

Website: https://empirebuilt.org

Instagram: empirebuilt444

Facebook: Sean Fayard

Yelp: Empire Training and Nutrition

Youtube: empire built

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