About Us 

What is the background story of CFD?

Plymouth Foam’s owner, David Bolland, first learned about CrossFit at a Harvard class which featured CrossFit as one of the many cases the program studied. Impressed by the simplicity of the business model which allows trainers to become entrepreneurs who can own and manage their own gyms, Dave shared the experience with local friends upon his return. One of those friends was Bob Travis, owner of InkWorks, who coincidentally had just joined Sheboygan’s CrossFit Eastern Ridge (CFER) with his wife. Dave quickly joined and like many others, became addicted to the culture and community - one that delivers accountability and results in a fun atmosphere.

Desiring to integrate the positive features into Plymouth Foam’s culture as well as create opportunities for fellow team members to experience, Dave approached two colleagues, Amanda George and Tanya Schad. Amanda and Tanya eagerly joined CrossFit and echoed the same sentiments. Together, they brainstormed ways to bring CrossFit into Plymouth Foam. Working with Marty Harms (CFER’s owner) and Tom Matzdorf (a CFER coach), the Plymouth Foam team helped grow the idea from concept to reality where today the gym welcomes members everyday from Plymouth and the surrounding areas. While many Plymouth Foam team members still belong, general community members represent the majority.

As the venture has grown, so has the need to restructure to support growth. Ownership has transferred from Marty to Dave as of 8/1/2020 and the gym’s operations are directed by a diverse advisory crew (Amanda George, Tanya Schad, Mark Schuh, Aaron Martell, Bob Travis, and David Bolland). Expectations are to expand the product offering to include other types of fitness (i.e. yoga), cater specific classes to demographic niches (i.e. 55+ age range), and create additional ways for varying lifestyles to explore fitness (i.e. alternate work shifts, home workouts).