After attending West Point and being an NCAA athlete, to then serving as a captain in the Army, Dan Murphy wanted to continue to strive for success in his life.
Murphy served in the Army from 1996-to-2001 before he moved to Nashville to attend graduate school at Vanderbilt University. But something in his life was missing.
“Being in the civilian world, the transition was tough,” he said. “I missed the accountability that the Army gave me.”
Along with the military accountability, Murphy said he also missed being on a team and training like he had when playing soccer at West Point. At just the right time, that’s when D1 came into his life.
D1 is an athletic gym that offers customized, state-of-the-art equipment, professional coaches, and sports science-backed programs with a supportive environment for all people; beginners, pros, young, and old.
The company, which opened in 2001, has trained more than 100 NFL Draft picks and more than 1,000 professional athletes, according to its website
Murphy said when he came to Nashville, he came across D1 and immediately was attracted to the gym.
“I quickly became friends with the owner, Will Bartholomew, and later came on as a partner to help grow the business,” Murphy said.
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Serving as the company’s Chief Operating Officer since 2005, Murphy oversees company partnerships and monitors operational and strategic priorities for the D1 franchise management team.
Being an integral part of the company’s expansion outside of the southeast, he has played a pivotal role in turning D1 into a multi-million dollar franchise company.
When Murphy joined the team, there were only two D1 locations at the time. Now, there are 200 facilities opened or in development located in 31 states across the country.
Murphy said the company is more than just a gym with four walls.
“This company represents the pinnacle for athlete achievement,” he said. “Adults know what a D1 athlete looks like, whether one was part of it or not, it’s more of a lifestyle.”
Although being an NCAA athlete helped him prepare for his position with D1, being in the military also gave him the upper hand.
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“I tribute my time in the military to helping me be successful at D1 because being in the military, I learned perseverance and how to stick to the mission no matter what your job is,” he said. “Having discipline in the Army also was a big asset to help me as COO of D1.”
Trying to continue to grow the company is not always easy, but having that perseverance and discipline helps him continue on.
“You’re not classically trained to think like an entrepreneur in the military, but having perseverance is the key,” he said.
Murphy said that the company is always looking for military veterans to help open new franchise locations because they have those positive qualities that naturally give them more experience.
“In my opinion, it’s a competitive advantage by having that military experience,” he said. “Because another strength the vet community has is that they understand SOP and how to follow it and know how to solve issues by being innovative.”
Murphy said that vets should use their experience to their advantage and if they are contemplating opening up a franchise, not hesitate.
D1 offers a military discount for those who want to join the D1 in team and open their own franchise.
“We have the mission to bring these gyms to every community that we can,” Murphy said. “D1 is a unique company where all types of athletes are trying to achieve the same goal and that’s something not every gym has.”