As conversations around mental wellness gain urgency in sports and beyond, Victor and Lynne Brick stand out as leaders who are turning success into service. As veterans in the fitness industry, Victor and Lynne know what it means to build strong bodies—but they are just as committed to strengthening minds.

After decades of building a global fitness empire—including co-owning over 100 Planet Fitness locations and Brick Bodies Fitness Services—Victor and Lynne turned their attention to a deeper challenge: mental wellness. Inspired by the life and legacy of Victor’s late brother John, who struggled with mental illness, and Lynne’s experience as a shock trauma nurse, Victor and Lynne founded the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation. The foundation’s mission: to change the way the world treats mental health and wellness—by putting the power of healing in the hands of individuals, integrating holistic approaches that include exercise, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle practices.

The Brick’s story is one of social entrepreneurship in action—leveraging business success, personal experience, and compassion to break stigma and open new pathways to mental well-being. For young athletes learning how to use their platform for good, their example shows that strength isn’t just physical—it’s also about showing up for others and building systems that help people thrive.