Meet Tony Temple, Ii

We recently connected with Tony Temple, Ii and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’d say finding my purpose was a journey that started with developing an understanding of who I am and what truly drives me. My background as an athlete taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of staying mentally and physically strong. But more than that, it showed me the power of mentorship and giving back.

After my football career, I realized that my passion wasn’t just about winning games—it was about helping others win in life. I saw how many kids and families lacked access to the tools and opportunities that helped me succeed. That’s when I knew my purpose was to use my experience to build something that could inspire and empower others, especially in my own community.

That’s how the Temple Made Fitness team was born. They reflect my commitment to health, wellness, and creating pathways for success, especially for the next generation.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Temple Made Fitness is a health and wellness organization dedicated to transforming lives through fitness, mental wellness, and nutritional education. We provide innovative programs to young children and families in schools, community centers, and events.

Our next phase focuses on two key areas: developing the next generation of leaders, like Coach London Williams and Coach Keyon Hardin, and increasing wellness programming for underserved areas through the Temple Made Foundation. By equipping coaches with the skills to lead and expanding access to movement, mental wellness, and nutrition education in communities that need it most, we’re building a legacy with hopes to inspire young people and their families to choose healthier lifestyles.

Additionally, we’re excited about new initiatives like additions to our Animal Movements Workbook, which will include new animal characters with unique support abilities to help children with disabilities modify existing movements used by characters in the book.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are discipline, resilience, and compassion. These traits weren’t just learned—they were forged through personal challenges and a deep desire to make a difference.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was starting a wellness company in response to a crisis I saw unfolding in Kansas City: too many early deaths from preventable health issues. This wasn’t just a statistic to me—it was personal. Statistics were showing my community dying 10 years earlier than surrounding communities. My own family has battled cancer and other diseases, and I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it can be when people don’t have the tools, resources, or support they need to live healthier lives. Those experiences lit a fire in me to create something that could change lives.

Discipline came from my athletic career, but it took on new meaning when I decided to channel that same focus into building Temple Made Fitness. It’s not easy to create something from nothing, especially when the stakes are so high. Discipline kept me grounded and committed, even when the obstacles seemed overwhelming.

Resilience became my greatest ally. Starting a wellness company isn’t just about fitness—it’s about fighting against generational cycles of poor health and inequity. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but I refused to give up. My family’s struggles taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about finding strength in your purpose and pushing forward.

Compassion is what ties it all together. Losing loved ones and watching others in my community suffer showed me the urgency of this work. Temple Made Fitness isn’t just about teaching people how to move their bodies; it’s about getting kids excited about being and feeling well, showing them that they’re not alone, and helping them believe in their ability to change their lives.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this:

Start with your ‘why.’ When your purpose is rooted in something meaningful, it will sustain you through the toughest times.
Embrace the struggle. The hard times will shape you and teach you lessons that success never could.
Lead with compassion. Whether it’s your family, your community, or the people you serve, caring deeply about others will always be your greatest strength.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

I’d say the number one obstacle we’re currently working to overcome is finding the right support to expand our wellness programming to underserved communities in Kansas City. During financially challenging times, health and wellness programs for youth often take a backseat, leading to preventable health crises—but I firmly believe we can change that.

The good news is that we’re slowly seeing more organizations, and businesses recognizing the urgency of this issue and stepping up to join us. Through the Temple Made Foundation, we’re building partnerships with those who share our passion for creating healthier communities. By collaborating with schools, churches, and local groups who already have strong connections in these areas, we’re ensuring that our programs reach the people who need them most.

This is a time of incredible opportunity. Every new connection, every grant, and every partner brings us closer to making wellness accessible for all. I’m optimistic that we can break through barriers and create lasting, positive change. The momentum is building, and together, we’re creating a healthier, brighter future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.templemadefitness.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/templemadefitness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyltemple/

Image Credits

Temple Made Fitness – Dee Moore
Upper Room KC – Greg Stegall