Daily Inspiration: Meet Brady Nowak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brady Nowak

Hi Brady, 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?
I’ve always been drawn to helping people, but I knew I wanted to do it in a way that went beyond the traditional medical model. Growing up in Temperance, Michigan, I was fortunate to have two incredible role model parents who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a belief in pursuing my passions. Athletics were a big part of my life, and I carried that drive with me to Saginaw Valley State University, where I ran track and pursued my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

After graduation, I dove into the intense world of a critical care nurse in a trauma ICU, which was an incredibly formative experience. It taught me resilience and the importance of truly caring for people. But I felt a pull to explore beyond my comfort zone, which led me to Raleigh. This city felt like the perfect blend of energy and opportunity. I spent a year getting to know the area through travel nursing contracts, building a community of friends, and dreaming about what was next. Then, in November 2023, life threw me a curveball. An injury sidelined me for six months, but instead of letting it hold me back, it ignited a new fire. That period of forced stillness became the catalyst for three companies I now own and operate. Activate Fitness and Wellness and PHYT Studios allow me to pour into others’ health and wellness using a holistic approach, something I’m deeply passionate about. And Blue Ridge Golf Co. – That’s my creative playground, a place where I can express myself and indulge in a bit of fun… More on these three projects later. It’s amazing how sometimes the biggest setbacks can pave the way for the most exciting new beginnings.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. And honestly, I’d be wary of anyone who says it has been. Success, whatever that means to each of us, is never linear. It’s a constant evolution, a moving target. Building three businesses simultaneously has definitely amplified the challenges, but it’s also amplified the rewards. Each venture has presented its own unique set of hurdles.

One of the biggest, and most ongoing, challenges is the art of organic team building. Finding the right people, with the right skills and the right values, and placing them in the right roles is crucial, especially in client-facing businesses. It’s a constant learning process. I’m always striving to get better at identifying talent, fostering a positive work environment, and empowering my team. Honesty, hard work, and a strong moral compass are non-negotiables for me, and finding individuals who embody those qualities is essential.

Beyond team building, there’s the constant need to adapt and evolve. Mistakes are inevitable. The key is learning from them, pivoting when necessary, and applying those lessons to future challenges. I’m a firm believer in the philosophy of getting 1% better at my craft each day. It’s about continuous improvement, embracing the learning process, and never being afraid to try new things, even if they might not work out perfectly the first time (or even the second or third time!). Building these businesses has been a masterclass in resilience, and I wouldn’t trade the challenges for anything. They’ve shaped me, my team, and my businesses in profound ways.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Activate Fitness and Wellness (@afwraleigh, activatefitnesswellness.com).
My love for fitness and the incredibly positive impact it has on people’s health inspired me to create a space where I could share that with others. We focus on 1-on-1 personalized training and small group training, helping clients achieve their specific goals. Whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, confidence, or just feeling better overall. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health and well-being in a private space suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Blue Ridge Golf Co. (@blueridgegolfco, blueridgegolfco.com).
This one’s a bit different, born from my appreciation for the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains here in North Carolina and my own newfound love for golf. As I got more into the sport, I noticed a gap in the market for high-quality, stylish golf headcovers that also had a story behind them. So, I decided to create my own! It’s a fun project that allows me to express my creativity while connecting with other golf enthusiasts.

PHYT (Professionals Helping You Train) by Activate Amenities (phytstudios.com).
This is something I’m incredibly excited about, launching in Q1 of 2025. PHYT is all about bringing personal training, group fitness, and wellness programs directly to the corporate world. We’re creating convenient, on-site fitness solutions designed to encourage employees to prioritize their health and well-being, making it a reason to come back into the office. It’s a way to make wellness more accessible and integrated into people’s daily lives.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Two books have been particularly transformational in my entrepreneurial journey: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey and Atomic Habits by James Clear. Greenlights has been a huge source of inspiration, reminding me to embrace the journey, the ups and downs, and to find the “greenlights” even in challenging situations. Atomic Habits provided the practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones, which is essential for any entrepreneur.

On a more personal and spiritual level, books like Kingdom Men Rising by Tony Evans and Wild at Heart by John Eldredge have been incredibly impactful. These books, along with their accompanying Bible studies, have actually become the foundation of a Monday night men’s group I host at Activate Fitness and Wellness. We focus on four key pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances. It’s a way for us to connect, support each other, and grow both personally and spiritually.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradynowak/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-nowak-422910340/