Member Spotlight: A Conversation with George Foreman III

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an entrepreneur, and how that’s led you to the business decisions you’re making today?

My journey as an entrepreneur began when I was just 11 years old, running a lawn mowing business to earn extra money for CDs. By the time I was 21, my father hired me as his business manager, and I spent eight years managing his consumer products ventures. During that time, I gained a lot of weight and turned to boxing as a way to get fit, which led me to discover a genuine passion for coaching. I started coaching in my spare time at our nonprofit youth center in Houston, and before I knew it, I became a professional boxer.

Eventually, I stepped back from boxing and focused on opening a for-profit version of our gym in Houston, which became 'EverybodyFights' in Boston, Massachusetts. Over the years, we grew the business to $12 million in annual revenue, operating four gyms and eight franchises. We trained over 3,000 certified trainers, employed 300 staff, and ran 900 classes weekly. The company continues to operate, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted me to transition into a new venture focused on education and licensing, as I felt I couldn’t open gyms fast enough to meet the growing demand for boxing fitness. This company is called Craft Boxing.

After a decade in the fitness industry, I’ve realized that while boxing has been an incredible tool for physical fitness, fewer than half a percent of those who came to our gyms ever competed. Most people were drawn to boxing as a way to build emotional strength and confidence. This insight inspired me to take things a step further with my new nonprofit, 'Corner,' which focuses specifically on helping people achieve optimal emotional health. I launched it as a nonprofit because, while physical wellness is essential, people often suffer more in their minds, and I don’t want to turn anyone away due to financial constraints. In many ways, I’m coming full circle, returning to the nonprofit space where my journey began. 

Q: What does the long-term vision look like for Corner?

Corner is focused on scaling emotional health group discussions, built around a curriculum I’ve developed with renowned therapist Suzi Landolphi. Each session begins with an explanation of an emotional health concept, followed by a group exercise conducted in teams of three. After the exercise, the groups come back together, and each group’s moderator shares key takeaways. Suzi or I will then respond to these insights, ensuring that the core message is clear before the session concludes.

A crucial part of our approach is the in-person element. Participants not only learn from each other but are held accountable by the community they meet with weekly, fostering stronger connections and real-world application of what they’ve learned. Currently, we’re building our first group of moderators, who will lead sessions at our home base in Calabasas.

The long-term vision is to have 3,000+ moderators across local communities across the US.. Each of these small groups will connect virtually to our hub in Calabasas, so Suzi and I can still lead the opening and closing segments of each session. This approach is inspired by a Bible verse where Jesus says: "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20). I’ve always found this idea powerful, as it shows how a movement can grow through small, intimate gatherings.  In my opinion the nimbleness of Christianity because of beliefs like this is what allowed it to spread like wildfire. 

While many mental health services are now available virtually, I believe there aren’t enough options that encourage people to physically come together with their local communities, fostering accountability through relationships. In addition to the group discussions, we’ll offer complementary wellness practices like workouts, breathwork, yoga, meditation, and sound baths. But at its core, Corner is about meaningful group discussion, scaled through our network of moderators, with Suzi and I guiding the way.

Q: Who are the people you want to serve?

We’re here for anyone looking to improve their emotional wellness—especially those feeling isolated, stressed, or just disconnected. Our focus is on people who know they need support but haven’t quite found the right path yet, whether they’re professionals balancing work and life, parents under pressure, young adults figuring things out, or anyone seeking a better emotional balance.

That said, we’re not turning anyone away. If someone needs more specialized care than we can provide, we’ll help them find the right resources. We also offer scholarships, so financial barriers won’t stand in the way. At the heart of Corner is building a community where people feel supported and accountable, while ensuring they get the help they need, whether it’s with us or through a referral.

Q: Being a father and husband, how do you balance work and personal life?

I take my role as a father and husband very seriously, and balancing work with personal life is always a challenge, especially as an entrepreneur. What I’ve found helpful is involving my family in as much of my work as possible when it’s appropriate. I look for business opportunities and nonprofit work where they can engage in meaningful ways that also support their own growth.

I understand that not everyone has the flexibility to do this, but I’m fortunate enough to, and it helps me maintain balance. By making sure they are involved and responsible for supporting our collective efforts, we share a sense of purpose, responsibility, and belonging, and I believe these 3 (I call them the big 3) are the holy grail of emotional health. Sharing these experiences strengthens our bond as a family because we’re working together towards a common goal as a unit.