John’s Last Love Letter, Passing the Torch, and the Future of JH

To my JH CrossFit Family,

This is one of the hardest letters I’ve had to write.

As you are, or are not, well aware of, with my absence these past few months, I made a choice in my career path for my family’s future earlier this year. With Kristin and my growing family, I was offered and accepted a business development position at John Fayard in January.

I hired Will Beech as our General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations while I focused on this new path.

As the months drew on, it became clear that what was needed to happen for everyone to succeed to the highest degree was for even tougher decisions to be made.

With that being said, after nine unforgettable years of owning and operating JH CrossFit, the time has come for me to step away entirely.

This decision hasn’t come easily, but for JH to thrive long into the future, these hard choices had to be made. I no longer have the time to nurture JH the way it deserves. I could hold onto it simply because it’s “mine,” but that would be unfair to you and the community.

I started JH CrossFit with the goal of building more than a gym. It started as my house with a tiny apartment on the corner where I lived, breathed, and trained CrossFit.

I wanted my house to be a place where people felt welcomed, seen, and challenged to become the best version of themselves. I like to think we did that. What started as a house for me became a home for thousands.

And that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

Now, it’s time to pass the torch.

I’ve made the decision to sell JH CrossFit, and I want you to know it wasn’t made lightly.

The new owners, Will Beech and Jordan Jones, are people I trust deeply. They're not here to change what made this place special — they're here to honor it, build on it, and lead it into its next season of life.

Will will be the managing partner. He is a man of character, grit, and vision. I believe with everything in me that JH CrossFit will not only survive this transition — it will flourish under his leadership.

To all of you — past and present — you have been the soul of this place. Thank you for trusting me, for showing up, for sweating, growing, failing, and trying again.

 You’ve helped me become a better man, a better leader, a better husband, and a better father.

This isn’t just the end of a chapter for us; it’s the beginning of a new one for JH. 

I hope you’ll embrace the change and keep building the kind of gym that lifts people up, inside and out.

Though I’m stepping away completely, you’ll still see me around. I’ll still be a proud member, cheering each of you on from a far or right next to you on the rig.

I owe a lot to you, as you have gotten me this far with your trust and belief in a kid who’s grown into a husband and father doing his best to lead those he loves.

As I leave you, just remember to always be fast, be strong, be powerful. Keep showing up.

Make new friends. Believe in each other. Love one another. And above all else, never stop improving.

With gratitude and love,

 - John Soutullo

**For more information, please see the May 12 gym announcement.