The launch of Salt Lake City Boxing Club

I am trying to raise funds for my husband, Josh, who is trying to open a small boxing gym in Salt Lake City.

Josh owned State Street Boxing Club in Santa Barbara, California, for 20+ years. Josh consistently grew the business and mentored many over the years. SSBC was not a knucklehead environment; instead, it attracted people from all walks of life and allowed them a safe space to exercise, be healthy, learn a skill, and meet people they might not generally meet in their day-to-day life. Josh managed to keep it open through various hurdles (fires, the mudslide that closed the 101, ever-increasing rents, and so on).

Josh ended up handing over the gym last October. Why? Because after the last round of fires, Montecito mudslides, and then COVID-19 shutdowns, it was the perfect trifecta that became too much to bear. Before Josh handed over the gym, I was lucky enough to have an opportunity for a new job, but it meant moving to Salt Lake City and leaving behind the gym and our community. We went from two salaries to one, but Josh was determined to rebuild and open a new gym here.

Josh has a space, signed a lease, and has put thousands in, but it feels unreachable between the City, supply chain, contractor shortages, and various other pitfalls. He signed his lease in June and still cannot start the interior buildout due to setbacks with the City. Anyone that knows Josh knows he hates favors or asking for help - so I am. Everyone needs a little help, and he needs a little breathing room and a minor miracle.

If you can help in any way so he can rebuild what he lost and create that special community once again, it would be deeply appreciated. Throughout the struggles, Josh persevered, but we've reached the point where we need help.

If you love boxing, had someone help you once, believe in supporting small businesses, are in a position to help, or perhaps know Josh from his teaching days or days in the gym with him, please pass this along.