We’re proud to announce that Southborough Manager Tom Travers is Gentle Giant’s Athlete of the Month for January!
For the past six years, Tom has spent much of his time outside of work training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He trains at USMMA in Bellingham, Massachusetts, a gym focused on Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and yoga.
Tom’s introduction to MMA marked the end of what he describes as a relatively unathletic period in his life. Peeling himself off the couch and walking into an MMA gym was the first step in a process of growth that has been defined by embracing the uncomfortable.
With a background in football and rugby but no previous experience in wrestling or combat sports, Tom admits that walking into an MMA gym for the first time was intimidating. After visiting USMMA on a friend’s recommendation, however, he quickly found a home away from home.
These days, Tom jokes that if his wife isn’t home, he’s probably at the gym. On a day off from work, he’ll often train twice in one day.
Part of what keeps Tom coming back is how much there is to learn. MMA requires thinking multiple steps ahead while remaining focused through moments of pressure and discomfort. If he misses a session, he knows his teammates will have learned something he didn’t, and he may have to find that out the hard way the next time they train.
Tom has found that same mindset useful at Gentle Giant, particularly in his work with specialty services. Moving novel and complex pieces of furniture or exercise equipment often requires staying calm under pressure, thinking ahead, and problem-solving in the moment.
Beyond the physical and mental challenge, it’s the people and camaraderie that have kept Tom committed to USMMA. Much like moving, he says MMA isn’t something you’d want to do without an excellent team around you. When someone from the gym competes, they can have 15 to 20 teammates there supporting them. Tom makes a point to do the same, whether through coaching, encouragement, or even the occasional job referral.
We’re incredibly proud to have Tom on our team and happy to recognize the commitment, teamwork, and perspective he brings to both his training and his work at Gentle Giant.