Today we’d like to introduce you to Bob Cline.
Hi Bob, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Sure, I’d be glad to share. A few years back, I was like a lot of guys in their 50s, I was juggling family, work, and everyday responsibilities all the while quietly feeling a bit disconnected from deeper purpose, consistent fitness, and meaningful male relationships. In 2021, I saw a post on our neighborhood Facebook page with a short video about a men’s workout group called F3. I was curious, but hesitant. Still, something about it stuck with me. I decided to give it a shot and showed up one morning at the neighborhood park where the guys were meeting up to do a workout. That decision turned out to be a huge turning point in my life.
In F3, every new guy who posts for the first time, what we call an FNG (Friendly New Guy), receives a nickname at the end of the workout. I was given “P.O.” based on my former job as a Probation Officer. Like every nickname in F3, that’s pretty much what the guys only know me by and in fact most of the guys don’t even know my real name is Bob and if they do, they probably think it’s an acronym for some weird exercise they haven’t heard of yet.
Right away, I knew this was more than just a fitness group. What I found was a brotherhood of men committed to getting better physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I kept posting, started leading workouts, and began to get more deeply connected. I saw guys encouraging each other, challenging each other, and building something much bigger than just a morning workout. It was clear this was something powerful, and I wanted to help take it further.
As I got more involved, I noticed that other F3 regions across the country were growing rapidly and were more intentionally organized. That sparked something in me. I’ve always believed the phrase, “the speed of the leader determines the speed of the pack,” and I felt a strong desire to help F3 Austin grow, not just in numbers, but in structure, reach, and impact. I wanted to find the men who were ready to run fast with me and slowly found a strong group of men, that committed to helping grow our region.
That’s when our Shared Leadership Team really started to take shape. In F3, we don’t have titles with authority. We believe in shared leadership, and each man takes ownership of a specific area based on his gifts and passions. I stepped into the regional communications role, not because I was especially tech-savvy, but probably because I talked too much during the post workout chat (we call the “Circle of Trust”) and would pretty much tell anyone and everyone about F3. As I got into the role, I started helping organize how we operated, from internal communications and event planning to building systems that supported consistent leadership development, while also working to increase our visibility and presence in the broader community.
Together, our SLT began to build. We launched new AOs (workout sites), rolled out leadership development initiatives and created regional events. We also worked to develop Site Qs, support new workout leaders, and give guys the tools to take ownership in their own corners of the region. The growth we’ve seen has been incredible, not because of any one person, but because of what we’ve built together.
Eventually, I was asked to serve as the Nantan, or regional leader for F3 Austin. “Nantan” is an Apache word used in F3 to describe the leader of a decentralized group. In this role, I don’t operate with any formal authority, no one in F3 does. My role is more like a catalyst and an encourager. I try to keep momentum going, keep relationships strong, and keep pointing our men toward the mission.
At the core of all this, our mission is to reach the “Sad Clown” a term we use for the man who looks fine on the outside but is struggling silently on the inside. Too many men feel isolated, burned out, or purposeless. Through F3, we’re trying to offer something different. It starts with fitness, but quickly becomes something deeper: accountability, leadership, service, faith, and connection. It’s a lifeline for a lot of guys including me.
F3 helped me rediscover presence and purpose in my own life. Today, I get to be part of a group of high-impact men who are committed to multiplying that impact across our city. I’m still in the thick of the journey, but I’m grateful every day for what we’ve built and for the lives that continue to be changed by it.
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?
Has it been a smooth road? Not exactly. Like any leadership journey worth having, there have been challenges along the way. Growing a region like F3 Austin means dealing with the complexities of getting the guys to buying fully into the mission, enhance the culture, balancing different personalities, and navigating the natural resistance that comes with change. We’re not a traditional organization with a clear chain of command as our leadership is shared and decentralized, which can be both a strength and a challenge.
One of the biggest struggles has been finding the right balance between moving fast to seize opportunities and making sure we’re bringing everyone along for the ride. You want to push growth and new ideas, but you also want to maintain the culture and values that make F3 special. Sometimes those priorities seem to be at odds.
There have also been moments of burnout, frustration, and the ever-present challenge of recruiting and retaining new men who are ready to commit. That’s why the Shared Leadership Team and more importantly the right guys in the AO ( workout site locations) lead is so critical. It’s not just about one person leading; it’s about building a group of men who can share the load, inspire each other, and keep the mission moving forward together.
At the end of the day, the struggles have made the successes sweeter and have helped me grow as a leader and as a man. They’ve reinforced the importance of patience, persistence, servant leadership and values at the very core of F3.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
This is a little more challenging to answer as my “professional career” is outside of F3, what I consider my most important and impactful work is my leadership within F3 Austin. My role as Nantan (regional leader) isn’t a traditional job….it’s a volunteer position rooted in servant leadership and shared responsibility. What I specialize in is building and empowering teams of men who are ready to step up, lead in their communities, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
While F3 isn’t a traditional industry, I believe we’re on the front edge of a much-needed movement. Over the next 5–10 years, I think we’ll see a growing hunger among men for authentic connection, leadership opportunities, and purpose beyond career or status. We are focused on eliminating the old model of isolated manhood where vulnerability is avoided and community is optional. Movements like F3 will continue to grow because they offer something that’s been missing for a long time: consistent physical fitness, real male friendships, and meaningful opportunities to lead. That combination is transformative. We’re already seeing F3 spread across the country and into communities that are hungry for this kind of connection and growth.
I also think we’ll see more collaboration between movements like F3 and local institutions…schools, churches, and mental health organizations that recognize the value of investing in men who can then invest in their communities. The trend isn’t about building an empire….it’s about building men. And that’s the kind of shift I hope continues to gain momentum. If there is anyone out there reading this and thinking….man, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for and want to be apart of that movement…..they can reach out to me at f3austinpo@gmail.com or visit our regional website www.f3austin.com.
Pricing:
- Its FREE always has been always will be
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.f3austin.com and www.f3nation.com
- Email: f3austincomzq@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/F3Austin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/f3Austin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@f3austin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/f3-austin-austin?osq=F3+Austin
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jack Pedersen’
