Inspiring Conversations with Dillon Ivey of CTX Home Gyms

Inspiring Conversations with Dillon Ivey of CTX Home Gyms

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dillon Ivey

Hi Dillon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?


CTX Home Gyms began in a humble garage in Jarrell, Texas, during the height of the nationwide quarantine. Before that, Alex and I (Dillon Ivey) were both working at GNC—I was managing multiple stores as an area manager, and Alex was one of my top employees. But despite our love for fitness, the corporate grind just wasn’t fulfilling us. So, we decided to make a change, moving to Jarrell—a rapidly growing small town that felt like the perfect place for a fresh start, especially since we both came from small-town backgrounds ourselves.

We hustled hard in those early days, doing odd jobs and buying and selling things on Facebook Marketplace to make ends meet. Then, COVID-19 hit, and like many, we found ourselves searching for new opportunities in a changed world. That’s when the idea for CTX Home Gyms was born.

We saw the struggle people faced trying to maintain their fitness routines at home with limited options for affordable, quality gym equipment. We started sourcing, restoring, and selling used commercial gym equipment, meticulously ensuring every piece met our high standards. What began as a small, garage-based venture quickly gained traction within a community eager for affordable, high-quality equipment, and soon enough, our operation expanded into a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse.

 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Let’s just say our journey with CTX Home Gyms has been more like an obstacle course than a smooth, straight road! When Alex and I first started, we were juggling multiple odd jobs while trying to get the business off the ground. We were doing everything ourselves—sourcing equipment, hauling it in the back of our truck, repairing and restoring each piece by hand, and then selling it through Facebook Marketplace. There were definitely days when we questioned if we were in over our heads.

One of our biggest challenges was cash flow. We were bootstrapping the entire operation, pouring all of our savings into buying equipment and supplies. Every dollar counted, and there were times when we had to make tough decisions, like whether to buy another batch of equipment or pay ourselves that month. There was also a steep learning curve in terms of logistics—figuring out shipping, storage, and refurbishing processes, all while maintaining the quality and service standards we were committed to.

Then came the supply chain issues, especially during the pandemic. With gyms closed and fitness equipment in high demand, sourcing quality used equipment became a challenge. Prices skyrocketed, and competition was fierce. At times, it felt like we were chasing unicorns trying to find affordable inventory that met our standards.

But our biggest challenge, hands down, has been building trust in a market where people often associate “used equipment” with low quality. We had to educate our customers about the value of refurbished commercial gym equipment and the rigorous process we go through to restore every piece to like-new condition. It took time to establish our reputation, and there were certainly bumps along the way.

 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At CTX Home Gyms, we specialize in providing top-quality new, refurbished, and used commercial gym equipment at unbeatable prices. What sets us apart? Our commitment to affordability, quality, and customer satisfaction. We meticulously restore every piece of equipment, making it accessible for anyone—from home gym enthusiasts to professional gym owners.

Our culture sets us apart from the pack, with our incredibly talented and passionate group of individuals aligned with our vision.

 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?


My mother, Darla, has been our biggest mentor and an invaluable part of CTX Home Gyms’ success. She’s a retired biotech extraordinaire with just the right mix of entrepreneurial spirit and wisdom to dive into our toughest challenges. Whether it’s strategizing through a tricky decision or providing a fresh perspective, she’s always there to lend a hand (or an ear) whenever we need it.

I honestly don’t know where we’d be without her guidance and support. She’s not just a mentor—she’s our secret weapon, cheerleader, and the ultimate problem-solver who has helped us navigate the ups and downs of building this business.

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