How I got started: Pike13 for mind, body, and soul

Kevin Houston knew he’d never be happy stuck behind a desk. Seven years in the Navy followed by three years training SEAL candidates for BUDs led him right into practicing CrossFit. He soon realized he’d found his calling.

Four more years of coaching, competing, and managing two CrossFit gyms prepared Kevin for opening his own gym. CrossFit Autonomy opened July 1, 2013 in the Chicago suburb of Highland Park. A few months in, more than 40 members were attending the six classes he offered each day.

Kevin says, “The idea was to bring my expertise to everyone regardless of current fitness level so they could become their best selves.”

Stop explaining

When he managed others’ CrossFit gyms, Kevin got familiar with the management software that was available and its limitations and issues. He knew exactly what he wanted, too.

Kevin learned of Pike13 in a podcast, liked its simplicity and cutting-edge technology, and realized it would grow with him for years to come. He set up his Pike13 business on day one to sign up new clients.

“I love that Pike13 is completely mobile and that I can run it on my iPad. All of my clients are impressed with how simple and intuitive it is—I haven’t had to spend time explaining how it works, and when most people show up for the first time all of the paper work is already completed. This not only saves me a ton of time as the only employee, but it ensures we can get started quickly on the class vs. the registration process.”

Take it out to the ballgame

Pike13 really knocked it out of the park when Kevin was at a baseball game. One of his investors called, asking if he could set up the new CrossFit Kids class in Pike13. At the time they were piloting the class, but it wasn’t yet officially on the roster. A number of people were with the investor and wanted to sign up.

Kevin got off the call, used his phone to set up the class in the Pike13 app, and confirmed that the class was ready for enrolling clients—all from the bleachers in under five minutes. By the time the game ended, he'd received four confirmations and payments for the next week’s classes.

“Part of why I picked Pike13 is that I believe it aligns with the values I aim to instill at my gym—high end, professional, simple, but effective and efficient. These have all held true.”

Now, a little over a year later CrossFit Autonomy’s rapid growth has led to a new location and rebranding. Kevin has renamed it “The Box” and added a new focus on total wellness solutions and sports performance for high school and college athletes.

Kevin believes in helping his clients safely achieve their goals—whether it be weight loss, general fitness, or the right mind, body, and soul balance to lead a happy and healthy life.