Will Bartholomew

Will Bartholomew is the Founder and CEO of D1 Training, one of the fastest-growing fitness franchises in the United States. With over 155 facilities open, 250 in development, and a presence in nearly every major U.S. market, D1 Training has redefined how athletes train—bringing Division 1-level performance training to people of all ages and fitness levels.

Born and raised in Nashville, Tenn., Will’s passion for training was evident early. He was a three-sport All-State athlete in football, wrestling, and track, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he played fullback alongside Peyton Manning. As a member of the 1998 National Championship team and captain of the 2001 squad, Will developed a deep commitment to structured, high-performance training—an experience that would become the foundation for D1.

After a brief stint with the Denver Broncos, a career-ending knee injury redirected Will’s competitive drive into entrepreneurship. In 2003, he opened the first D1 facility in Nashville with a mission to deliver Division 1-level training in a team-oriented, goal-driven environment.

Under his leadership, D1 Training has earned national recognition, including:

• #390 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s 2025 Franchise 500

• #1,024 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list (Top 5 in fitness category)

• Top 30 Gym in America by Men’s Health

• Named one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in multiple business rankings

Will also hosts "The Turf, Powered By D1," a visual podcast featuring conversations with athletes, coaches, celebrities and influencers on all things training and coaching.

Will is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and frequently speaks on leadership, entrepreneurship, and performance.

Outside of his work with D1, Will is a proud husband to Shelly Bartholomew (former Miss Teen USA) and father to three children: Nolyn, Ty, and Mack.

• Nolyn is a recent graduate of the University of Tennessee, where she was a member of the women’s soccer team.

• Ty currently plays linebacker at Vanderbilt University.

• Mack is the starting quarterback for his high school football team.