Matt Gehlbach’s story is one which may very well be a supply of inspiration for a lot of out and in of the health group. A younger California child makes use of sports activities and health as a means to enhance himself, works to turn into a firefighter, struggles by way of adversity and the lack of his job, works his means again as much as be a part of a much bigger division, then takes a leap of religion into entrepreneurship that up to now has been paying off. When requested what recommendation he would provide for somebody in an identical beginning place, his reply was with a query of his personal.
“You’ll by no means know till you attempt, proper?”
Bay Space Beginnings
Gehlbach bought into sports activities because of his grandfather. Rising up within the Bay Space, they had been followers of the 49ers and Giants. Younger Matt performed soccer however was extra obsessed with baseball. He by no means pursued a professional profession however did get into health and weight coaching as he grew up. He loved coaching however struggled to search out the appropriate diet method for him and his objectives.
“I attempted discovering one thing that I may very well be in step with, nevertheless it was simply actually, actually tough. So, I stored making an attempt to coach arduous, do various things. I suppose you possibly can say fad diets.”
He found membership rugby whereas in faculty however an outdated knee harm from his baseball days struck once more, and Gehlbach determined to maneuver on after that. It was then he pursued a profession as a firefighter. It was whereas he was coaching to turn into an EMT and firefighter that he realized his well being and wellness mattered greater than ever.
Gehlbach mentioned, “It wasn’t till I bought to the hearth service the place I noticed that my well being is my duty. And nobody is coming to save lots of me.”
Renewed Dedication that Led to the Stage
Gehlbach was a fan of most of the main web sites of that period and even learn magazines like Muscle & Health to soak in all of the information he may about constructing muscle. His efforts had been spectacular sufficient {that a} pal talked him into getting into a bodybuilding contest. The suggestion coming from somebody who noticed one thing he didn’t see himself served because the catalyst to observe by way of.
“I employed a coach, signed up for a present, and simply began prepping. And I gained, what was it, three out of 4 lessons after that.”
Gehlbach went on to work for an ambulance service in Austin, Texas, however life took a sudden flip when his father all of the sudden handed away and he determined to return house. As tough as that was to course of, Gehlbach did ultimately be a part of a hearth division, then moved on to a much bigger one. Nonetheless, he admits not being in his greatest form at the moment, which might value him his alternative. They let him go throughout his sixteenth week of the 18-week academy. Wanting again, Gehlbach expresses no remorse for a way issues turned out.
“I say to at the present time it’s the smartest thing that ever occurred to me, as a result of it was such a get up name.”
Gehlbach employed a coach and spent the subsequent yr dropping 30 kilos and moving into prime form. Ready for one final shot on the division he really wished, he utilized to the San Jose Fireplace Division and aced the academy because of his renewed health, getting employed in 2018. Reclaiming his profession served as a win that generated vital momentum within the years since.
Going All in On Health
Gehlbach wished to make a distinction past firefighting and begin serving to different males reclaim their our bodies and lives. That idea and his T.R.O.P.H.Y. system would evolve into the Trophy Dad enterprise, and he has since helped many dads get in higher form with out the struggles that he confronted when making an attempt to be taught the ropes of diet. He additionally created his personal preworkout complement known as Morning Would.
The success of each had been what led to him going all in. After 11 complete years within the hearth service, Gehlbach made the daring resolution to resign in April 2026 to focus full-time on his entrepreneurial ventures. The gamble is already paying off.
“It’s been all fuel, no brakes ever since.”
Since then, a spontaneous alternative and partnership with the nonprofit HeroWorks and the “I Imagine in You” encouragement marketing campaign will lead Gehlbach to the celebrated Olympia World Health Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 25 and 26, the place he’ll possible make many new fitness-minded associates at sales space 119 and promote his causes and training in addition to launch a brand new taste of Morning Would.
For the 165-pound skinny child, being part of the Olympia Weekend could have been a far-fetched dream at greatest, however it’s now a actuality for the husband and father of three, and he needs to make use of the chance to share a constructive message whereas serving to dads like him make their desires a actuality as nicely.
“Envision, dream huge. Dream huge of what you need to your life and who you’re. And be obsessive about it.”
Comply with Gehlbach by going to his web site and on Instagram @hypertrophydad.
