Social influencer, fitness professional and entrepreneur Marc Andrew chatted about his mental health journey, being a part of the digital age, and his newest gym venture in Massachusetts.
American author, speaker, and leader John C. Maxwell once said: "Dreams don't work unless you do." This quotation applies to Marc Andrew.
On being an entrepreneur and influencer in the digital age, Andrew said, "It is both exhilarating and demanding. I truly believe in the roller coaster comparison, the highs are high and the lows can be quite low."
"It offers incredible freedom, global reach, and the ability to build something meaningful from anywhere, but it also comes with constant pressure to perform, adapt, and stay visible," he said.
"The rewards are personal and fulfilling, yet the journey can feel isolating and mentally draining at times. Success is fast-paced and driven by innovation, but it requires resilience, creativity, and a strong connection with your audience," he elaborated.
"Despite the challenges, the opportunity to inspire, create, and lead on your own terms makes it a uniquely empowering experience," he added.
Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, Andrew shared, "Technology is at the core of my daily routine -- my phone is literally my entire job. It keeps me in constant communication, helps me network, manage projects, and stay connected with clients, audiences, and opportunities in real time."
"My computer is always open, whether I'm researching to expand my general knowledge or learning strategies to grow businesses and stay ahead," he noted.
"Technology is both my best friend and my enemy -- it pushes me to grow and keeps me accountable, but it also overwhelms me at times, making it hard to disconnect," he admitted.
"Some days, I have to physically hide my devices just to take a breath and reclaim a moment of stillness," he added.
Marc Andrew revealed that he is thrilled to announce that he (along with the help of two investors) will be bringing a state-of-the-art gym facility to his local community in Massachusetts.
"My plans for the future are rooted in a project that means everything to me: building a state-of-the-art gym in my hometown," he said.
"After months of navigating the city's permit process, I finally got approved, and now I'm in daily communication with city planners, designers, and contractors to bring this vision to life," he elaborated.
He revealed that his new gym is scheduled to open in the summer of 2027 in the town of Needham in Norfolk County, Massachusetts.
Andrew remarked, "What started as a passion for fitness has evolved into a full-scale $30 million project including me and my two incredible investors/business partners by my side."
"This gym won't just be a place to work out -- it will be a modern, all-in-one wellness destination featuring high-end equipment, dynamic lighting, a med spa, and a unisex recovery lounge with a sports bar atmosphere, complete with TVs everywhere and a protein shake bar instead of cocktails," he expanded.
"I've always seen the gym as a 'safe space' -- a place to escape, reset, and grow -- and my goal is to create that experience for everyone who walks through the doors," he added.
Andrew addressed the importance of mental health in this digital landscape.
"Mental health is more important now than ever, especially in an era where societal pressure and unrealistic expectations are constantly amplified by social media," he said.
"My own personal battle with mental health has shaped who I am today -- it taught me the value of living in the moment and truly appreciating life beyond surface-level success," he explained.
"I wouldn't wish that struggle on anyone, but going through it helped me develop strength, self-awareness, and gratitude for the little things," he said.
"In a world full of outside noise and constant comparison, I want people to realize they can fall in love with the life they want to create -- not the one society tells them to chase," he expanded.
"Prioritizing mental well-being isn't just important -- it's essential for building a life that feels real, grounded, and fulfilling," he added.
He opened up about the stigma surrounding men's mental health. "The stigma around men's mental health often pressures guys to suppress their emotions and 'tough it out,' which only leads to deeper struggles in silence," he said.
"As a former college athlete and military family background the 'tough it out' approach isn't always the best or the safest," he underscored.
"Society has long-equated vulnerability with weakness, but real strength comes from acknowledging what you're going through and seeking support," he noted.
"Breaking that stigma is crucial -- not just for individual healing, but for creating a culture where men feel safe to be honest, open, and mentally well," he added.
He discussed the significance of raising awareness on men's mental health. "This cause is of highest importance to me due to the complicated childhood and adulthood that I have had to face straight on and in a very confronting manner," he said.
"Each person has faced battles, but it's what you choose to learn and do with life's challenges that can make you prosper," he said.
"I'm still far from where I want to be, but if you told me that even a few seconds ago or years ago or when I was born that I'd be a gym owner, I would've told you this was just in my dreams," he elaborated.
"My dream became a reality and this is what I hope people can envision," he added.
For young and aspiring entrepreneurs, Andrew said, "My advice is simple: start before you feel ready, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to fail -- every mistake is part of your blueprint."
"Surround yourself with people who challenge you, stay hungry to learn, and trust your gut even when the path isn't clear. Success takes time, but your work ethic, mindset, and patience will separate you from the rest," he noted.
"For those looking to open their own gym, make sure it's rooted in real passion, not just profit," he said.
"Understand your community's needs, invest in creating an environment that feels welcoming and motivating, and focus just as much on the experience as you do the equipment," he elaborated.
"The gym should be more than a business -- it should be a space where people come to grow, heal, and become the best version of themselves," he added.
Andrew went on to share some of his proudest professional accomplishments in the digital and content creation space.
"Some of these include turning what started as a hobby into a full-time career that not only supports me but also allows me to connect with so many other people," he said.
"Building a strong personal brand through authentic content has led to meaningful collaborations and brand partnerships. Ultimately, all this networking led me to where I'm at today with this gym project.
"Above all, the most fulfilling part has been hearing from people who say my content helped them feel motivated, seen, or encouraged to chase their own goals -- that impact means everything," he acknowledged.
"I will feel accomplished on the day I open those gym doors for the first time and can put a smile not only on other people's faces but finally a smile that will last on my face forever," he added.
Regarding his definition of the word success, Andrew stated, "In my opinion, success and love are the two most complex words. Each person can define these terms in so many different ways."
"Success can be measured in many different ways as well, however, in my eyes, success is what you want it to be. Find out what makes you happy, reach those goals, and then you have brought yourself success," he elaborated.
"Success isn't measured by society or anyone else, it comes from you and you define and write your own success story," he added.
For his fans and supporters, Andrew expressed, "I can promise everyone one thing and the people who surround me on a daily basis can as well; I am the most competitive person and I am motivated to have this project revolutionize the gym community in my city."
"Lastly, if it wasn't for the people who surround me today, none of this would have ever come into play," he admitted.
"My little circle of people who have stuck with me through every trial and error have proven to me that every risk was worth taking and every failed path was one that taught me a valuable lesson," he concluded.
Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Marc Andrew embodies this wise quote.
To learn more about social influencer and fitness professional Marc Andrew, follow him on Instagram.