Inspiring Conversations with Antonio Bryan of Cryo Wake Forest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Bryan.

Hi Antonio, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally from rural downeast Vanceboro, NC. I grew up on a small farm and learned what hard hard work was about early. I was active in playing sports early and throughout HS before entering the military/Army. I joined in August of 1990 and found myself at war in Desert Storm in January of 1991. I served a total of 8 years before I transitioned to civilian life.

After just over a decade in corporate america with MCI, MCIWORLDCOM which later turned into Verizon I was laid off in 2009 and decided to pursue my entrepreneurial desire. I then expanded my inflatable business to an event rental company. After several years of business the mental and physical disabilities took a toll on my body. In addition to a legal issue it became unbearable to continue. i closed the business and after several years of trying to rehab my mind, body and soul on Fathers Day 2020, I tried Whole Body Cryotherapy for the first time. Plain and simple it was the game changer.

In the past I had done massages, acupuncture, physical therapy etc but by far this was the most effective and beneficial treatment I had received. I was so impressed I took my best friend back the following month for his birthday and thought to myself “this is like a dude spa day”. That is when the vision of what would be Cryo Wake Forest started. As a disabled veteran, I saw this as an opportunity  that could really help veterans dealing with mental and physical disabilities “Feel Better”.

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?
It has not been easy or a smooth road for me. There have been challenges with my mental and physical disabilities but I pushed on. There have been people attack my business and me but I pushed on. There have been legal issues that put my freedom in jeopardy but I pushed on. There has been the culture of “The Karens” this pandemic that came out of nowhere but I pushed on. There have been money issues and I’m currently going through a divorce but I’m determined and will continue to push on.

As you know, we’re big fans of Cryo Wake Forest. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cryo Wake Forest is an unique offering of services focused on recovery & wellness in a spa-like setting. We provide services that are often used by professional athletes, movie stars and affluent people. We specialize in Whole Body Cryo (Freeze), Compression therapy (Squeeze), Infrared Sauna (Sweat), Massage (Rub) and recovery products. We call the cryo sauna “The Big Chill” and its known to help people “Feel Better”. Most people quickly state they don’t like the cold but the long list of benefits can’t be ignored. Not to mention that the cold itself is natural and holistic. Doctors, physical therapists, trainers, parents have used ice/cold for treatment since the beginning of mankind. It’s only 3 minutes in the chamber for possible relief of your pain and feeling better. It’s only 3 minutes but you have to try it  to really believe in it. I did and that is why we are here to help others. We try to make your visit fun and tolerable by allowing clients to choose their “inspiration” or “theme music” to help get their mind off the cold and pass time faster. Our infrared sauna is different from steam and hot coal saunas. Infrared sauna has multiple benefits which include detoxification, decreased inflammation and boosted immune system. Compression therapy is great for moving around the lactic acid in legs providing a revivalation. Our massage therapist focuses on fixing people and helping them recover faster.

We are a unique self help, relaxed and spa-like environment setting us apart from others. I’m most proud of us being a veteran-owned and operated business. I like to say we are a “By us, for us” facility as I know the veteran community seeks their “safe place” to fellowship. I want readers to know that there are affordable non-clinical options to help with the pain. People need to know the importance of recovery in their daily lives. We are here to help the community “Feel Better”.

They need to know that these services once only available to professional/collegiate athletes and affluent people are affordable for the everyday community. The need to know the importance of recovery to be at their best. They need to know that they can get recovery treatment and enjoy a spa day outing with their spouse, guy/gals friends, teenagers, co-workers, etc.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You have to surround yourself with a solid team. You really learn who you and your true family & friends are when things aren’t going perfect.

Pricing:

• Whole Body Cryo $39 intro. Regular $-50
• Day Packages available $65 – $120
• Memberships available $99 – $300
• Private Events & Fundraisers
• Military Membership $200 & Discount 15%

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.CryoWakeForest.com
• Instagram: Cryo Wake Forest
• Facebook: https://fb.me/CryoWakeForest

Image Credits
Inspirational Light