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Freedom in Motion Parkour Gym Founder Jimmy Davidson Featured on "How I Built This" with Guy Raz

We’re ecstatic to share some groundbreaking news—our very own Jimmy Davidson, founder and CEO of Freedom in Motion Parkour Gyms, was recently featured on the world-renowned "How I Built This" podcast with Guy Raz!


This is a huge moment for Freedom in Motion and the sport of parkour, as it shines a spotlight on the journey of building a thriving community around movement, creativity, and passion.




Jimmy’s Big Question

During the episode, Jimmy had the opportunity to ask a crucial question that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs and leaders everywhere:

“Our parkour gym thrives on a passionate team that inspires our students to fall in love with movement. How can I invest in my most passionate employees to grow their skills, and how do I scale recruitment of passionate and skilled people as we open more parkour gym locations?”

This question isn’t just about growing Freedom in Motion—it’s about finding ways to nurture and expand a culture of passion and excellence in any organization. Jimmy explored this topic with host Guy Raz and fellow guest Chris Ruder, founder of Spikeball. Their advice? Listen to the episode to find out!



Who Is Jimmy Davidson?


Jimmy Davidson’s parkour journey began in 2007 when, as a 14-year-old, he stumbled upon YouTube videos showcasing the then-nascent sport. Captivated, Jimmy and his friends started a parkour club at their high school, which quickly grew to 150 members—the largest club on campus.


By the time Jimmy graduated, he had set his sights on creating a dedicated space for parkour athletes. A meeting with the mayor of Temecula inspired him to pursue a private gym rather than a public parkour park. Just a few years later, Freedom in Motion opened its first location in Murrieta, California.


Since then, Freedom in Motion has grown into a successful chain of gyms specializing in teaching parkour to students of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on inclusivity, community, and the joy of movement, Freedom in Motion has become a hub for athletes, families, and adventurers alike.


Today, the company operates three thriving locations across Southern California, with plans to open many more. With an ambitious goal of reaching 1,000,000 people and building Freedom in Motion into a $100M company, Jimmy has his sights set on bringing parkour to the mainstream.


Overcoming Obstacles and Growing Freedom in Motion


Jimmy’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Launching a business right out of high school with no college experience, Jimmy relied on the guidance of mentors and business coaches, investing over $100,000 in his education as an entrepreneur. His experience running the gyms remotely while supporting his family taught him invaluable lessons in leadership, delegation, and time management.



freedom in motion parkour gyms and jimmy davidson on the podcast How I Built This
Freedom in Motion Parkour Gym in Riverside CA


Jimmy is supported by a team of talented individuals, including COO Christopher Hollingsworth and CFO Nick Blake, as well as general managers and head coaches at each location. Together, they’ve built Freedom in Motion into the most advanced parkour gym in the industry, inspiring students to explore their potential through movement.


Why Jimmy’s How I Built This Podcast Appearance Matters


Being featured on "How I Built This" is a monumental achievement, placing Freedom in Motion alongside iconic brands like Airbnb, Spanx, and Patagonia. For the parkour community, it’s an opportunity to showcase the sport to a global audience and inspire others to take part in this dynamic, creative discipline.


Jimmy’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of community. By sharing his journey and seeking advice from industry leaders, he’s setting the stage for even greater success—not just for Freedom in Motion but for the entire sport of parkour.





Be Inspired: Listen to the Episode

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a parkour enthusiast, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. Hear Jimmy discuss his journey, the challenges of building a business, and the advice he received from two incredible leaders.


Let’s Celebrate Together

Jimmy’s appearance on "How I Built This" is a proud moment for everyone at Freedom in Motion and a milestone for the sport of parkour. We’re excited to share this journey with you and invite you to listen, share, and celebrate with us.

Have you listened to the episode? Let us know what you think by tagging us on Instagram @Freedom_in_motion or @JimmyDavidsonPK. Together, let’s inspire the world to move! Freedom in motion parkour gym jimmy davidson how I built this





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