Barbell Shrugged5 Mar 2025

Building a Fitness Franchise w/ Brandon Cullen, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #788

Born into an entrepreneurial family in Ontario, Canada, Brandon Cullen was raised with a front-row seat to hard work and high expectations. Pushed by his father to excel both in life and on the ice, Brandon's grit landed him a spot in the New York Rangers' minor league system. But when a career-ending concussion shattered his hockey dreams, everything he'd worked for disappeared overnight.

Instead of calling it quits, Brandon turned that adversity into fuel. Determined to create something new, he poured his competitive drive into the fitness world, building the type of gym he wished existed: one focused on aging athletically without the distractions of gimmicks or trends. He knew firsthand the power of structured training and wanted to bring that same purpose to others looking for more than just a "workout."

Teaming up with fellow pro hockey player Kirk Dewaele, Brandon's first venture was a CrossFit gym, but they quickly saw a gap in the market for a structured, strength-based system. This insight led to MADabolic: a strength-driven gym built on precision, consistency, and science-backed programming, delivering real results for those who crave more. It was about giving people a place to train like athletes, with a methodical focus that cuts through the noise of fitness fads.

"Cardio will keep you alive but Strength Training allows you to thrive," Brandon explains. "Strength complements and enhances every aspect of your life." For him, MADabolic is more than a business, it's a mission to build strength, confidence, and a relentless drive for better in everyone who walks through the door, no matter where they start.

Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization

Links:

Brandon Cullen on LinkedIn

Anders Varner on Instagram

Doug Larson on Instagram

Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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