Today we’d like to introduce you to Roy Shick.
Hi Roy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After years in the corporate world, I took a leap into something more personal—pursuing opportunities aligned with my passions. That decision led me to found a building and development company, Hewitt Development Group, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, focused on custom remodels and ranch properties.
More recently, I launched Ranch Fit Club, a functional fitness gym designed to serve all ages and disciplines. It’s more than a gym—it’s a place where toughness, growth, and community intersect. Functional fitness is a part of my daily life now, not just professionally but personally.
Along the way, I also earned my certifications as a Texas firefighter and EMT.
Before this chapter, I spent over 20 years as a driven sales and technology leader, helping startups and sports organizations scale teams and revenues. I spent time consulting for a sports streaming platform, Connected Television Group, served as the VP of Business Development at Crave Tech, a high-growth hospitality tech startup, and as VP of Advancement at Snap! Raise, where we shattered fundraising records for schools and teams across the country.
My earlier career was rooted in college athletics. At the University of Texas, I helped modernize the Longhorn Foundation, leading it to over $50 million in annual revenue. Prior to that, I held executive leadership roles at the University of Washington Athletics, playing a key role in their historic $300M Husky Stadium renovation and multiple high-impact fundraising campaigns.
I began in athletics development at Arizona State University, raising funds for top-tier football and basketball facilities. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside elite coaches like Chris Petersen, Shaka Smart, Steve Sarkisian, and Dennis Erickson—each of whom helped shape my leadership style.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throughout my career, there have been both challenges and incredible opportunities for growth. Changing career paths isn’t easy—it requires humility, grit, and a willingness to start over in some ways while carrying forward what you’ve learned.
I began my journey in athletic fundraising, where I spent years sharpening the skills needed to build relationships, lead teams, and drive revenue in high-stakes, high-impact environments. It was a foundational experience that taught me how to listen, how to communicate value, and how to lead with purpose.
Transitioning into the technology sector was a leap. I had to learn new languages—both literal and professional—while applying the same strategic mindset and people-first approach. I had to prove myself again in a new industry, and those early days tested my confidence, but also stretched my abilities in ways I’m deeply grateful for.
Now, as I build Ranch Fit Club, I’m facing a whole new set of challenges—ones that feel personal, meaningful, and incredibly fulfilling. Starting a gym from scratch, especially one rooted in a ranch setting with a vision built around community, is equal parts exciting and uncertain. Every day brings new lessons in leadership, logistics, customer experience, and culture-building. But there’s something powerful about creating something real, from the ground up, that brings people together and makes them stronger—physically and mentally.
Each career chapter has presented its own set of hurdles, and each one has added layers to who I am as a person and a professional. I wouldn’t trade the obstacles for anything. They’ve taught me resilience, perspective, and how to keep moving forward—no matter how unfamiliar the terrain.
We’ve been impressed with Ranch Fit Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ranch Fit Club is a newly created functional fitness gym that blends the power of group training with the raw beauty of the outdoors. Set on a working ranch surrounded by live oak pastures, we offer an experience unlike anything else in the fitness world. While many gyms focus on group fitness, none intersect movement, environment, and community quite like we do.
We specialize in functional fitness for all ages and abilities—delivering structured programming that builds strength, increases endurance, and develops real-life capacity. But what truly sets us apart is the setting: open skies, fresh air, and the energy of nature.
Our mission is to help people unlock their potential in a place that feels real, grounded, and inspired. We believe that grit and wellness aren’t confined to four walls. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just getting started, our training is scalable, challenging, and supportive.
Looking ahead, we’re expanding our offerings to include on-site recovery opportunities such as sauna and cold plunge therapy. Our athletes will not only train hard—they’ll recover smart, with dedicated tools and space to support long-term performance and health. And like everything we do, it’ll happen in a beautiful setting, under the oaks.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Ranch Fit Club wouldn’t exist without the support, vision, and partnership of Paige Barnett (my girlfriend).
Paige is the owner of the land and facility where Ranch Fit Club operates, and the founder of Coraggio Equestrian, the beautiful working horse property we call home. For nearly 15 years, she’s built Coraggio into a respected equestrian training center rooted in discipline, performance, and care. In many ways, Ranch Fit Club was born from her leadership—created as a way to help riders at Coraggio train for the specific physical demands of riding and competing.
She’s not just behind the scenes—she’s also one of our coaches, helping lead classes and grow our membership. Paige’s belief in this project, her trust in our vision, and her day-to-day involvement have been critical to our early success. Her knowledge of athlete development, coupled with her deep understanding of the land and the equestrian community, continues to shape what Ranch Fit Club is becoming.
Pricing:
- Membership Range from $125- $195/mo
- Ranch Fit Kids $129/mo
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ranchfitclub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranchfitclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573620966767
