Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Neely.
Hi Bryan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born in San Diego, California, but grew up as a military kid moving around the country every three years. I have two younger brothers, my parents are divorced, and I’ve had to experience a lot of hard things at a young age, but it has all led me to become who I am today and taught me to turn obstacles into opportunities, which is something I speak to a lot of people about today.
When I was five years old, I was hospitalized for 19 days and at the time of discharge was told by doctors that I would never be able to run long distances because I had lost 40% of my lung capacity due to scarring. Growing up this has been a huge motivator to me and I’ve strived to use it as a way to inspire others and prove that limitations others put on you do not equate to reality unless you let it! From the beginning, I was told I’d never be able to do it, but as of today I have completed an Ironman triathlon, set endurance course records, finished multiple ultra-marathons, obtained a lot of success in the obstacle course racing realm, and most recently (December 2023) won a World Championship.
I am an Amazon #1 New Release published kids book author of Embrace Your Roar, a book written to inspire and empower people all over the world to embrace who they were created to be, to learn the importance of hanging around the right community, to build an overcomer’s mindset, and to be humble. I use the book to speak life and inspiration to students at schools all around the world as well as taking the themes and my unique story of being a Navy and military funeral honors officer, World Champion and ultra-endurance athlete, and business owner to inspire companies and organizations to Rise It Up in everything they do!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
At the age of five, I was told by doctors when discharged from a hospital that I would never run long distances because I had lost 40% of my lung capacity due to scarring.
I experienced my parents divorcing when I was five, then getting back together and divorcing again when I was about 12 years old. I primarily grew up in a single-parent home with my father, who was an Air Traffic Controller in the Navy and stayed extremely busy in and outside of work. From a very young age, I had to step up and be a leader in my household to help my dad and my two younger brothers.
When I was in fifth grade, I was living with my mom because my dad was overseas on a military assignment. We had just moved into a new home we bought around Christmas time. One day our home burned down and we lost nearly everything due to the fire, smoke, or water damage.
I have lost many friends at young ages to tragic deaths (car accidents, summer swimming incidents, suicide), including most recently when I transitioned from active duty to the civilian sector I lost my 21-year-old cousin to suicide as soon as I got back home.
I was processing my transition from active duty, which was tough in itself, I was processing and healing from an extremely difficult four-year relationship breakup that crushed me, and I was trying to get settled into my new job and living situation.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RISE IT UP MISSION:
– Bully-proof youth through self-defense training, mindset coaching, leadership development, confidence building, teamwork activities, and fostering a positive uplifting community.
– Inspire and empower people to embrace who they were created to be to RISE in life and turn their dreams into reality.
– Create a community that inspires, supports, and empowers people to live more joyful and successful lives.
– Spread love and light to people all around the world.
– Provide retreats where people can go to be uplifted spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
- Change the world by impacting one person at a time.
Services provided:
– Inspirational & Motivational Speaking (Schools/Companies/Universities/Organizations).
– Virtual & In-person Coaching.
– Retreats/Private Vacations.
– Freeze Dried Treats (Candy/Healthy Treats & Endurance Athlete Fuel).
– Embrace Your Roar Book & Book Reading/Signing Events.
Considered an expert at inspiring and empowering people to embrace who they are to RISE UP and be the champions they were created to be. I was born in San Diego, California but I call Tennessee home. I grew up in a single-parent home as a military kid moving around the country every three years. My upbringing brought many challenges, but I have learned to turn obstacles into opportunities and truly embrace who I am…That’s been my key to RISING UP in all areas of my life.
At the age of five, I was told by doctors that I would never be able to run long distances because I had lost 40% of my lung capacity. An Ironman triathlon, endurance race course records, and multiple ultra-marathons later…I continue to defy the odds.
Based on my unique background as a Navy and military funeral honors officer, Spartan DEKA World Champion athlete, #1 Amazon New Release kid’s book author, Krav Maga instructor, and YoungLife ministry leader; combined with my impressive ability to see and bring out the best in people and situations, I use my unique story and life experiences to change lives around the world.
Sought out by universities and organizations to uplift and motivate their teams, I have built out a framework to empower people to “RISE UP” in all they do and continue to impact others through the leading of retreats, coaching programs, the Rise It Up podcast, and speaking engagements. I’d love to pour into your group or yourself what I have experienced and learned over the years. It has changed many lives, including my own, and I’d love the opportunity to help you so you can flourish and then help others!
Things to know & I’m super proud of:
Parents of kids in my Rise It Up youth bully-proofing program have said the following:
“I have a completely different and more respectful kid in my house now and the only thing that we have changed is joining your Rise It Up program. Thank you so much!”
“My 10-year-old kid told me that he didn’t want to live before joining your class. I appreciate your help with my big boy!”
“I hope you realize what a difference you are making!!! So proud to know you and these kids are so lucky to have you!!!”
“You’re a gem of a human – Seriously pure gold!!!”
“You have permanently influenced his life. He needs a positive male role model. Thank you for giving him that”
“I could not be more thankful for and proud of you. I wish I had a quarter of you in me.”
“My daughter told me you made her dreams come true!”
“Your kids in class have better form than most of the adults in this gym.”
“We are so lucky to have met you! We love you!”
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I give all glory and thanks to God because without His grace I wouldn’t be here and where I am today!
Growing up my dad has always been my biggest role model. He poured so many life lessons into me and helped shape me into who I am today. When I was in college, Gary Wirsig, a retired Air Force Colonel, met with me once per week to disciple me and pour into me as a spiritual brother, which built the foundation I needed to become where I am today as a child of God, as well as a leader both in and outside of the military.
Ben Pedersen, my best friend, accountability partner, a fellow decorated Navy Officer, and author of the soon-to-be-released book, The Character of Success, has been a tremendous supporter in my journey of growing to Rise It Up and pursuing my goals, both personally and professionally.
Together, we both plan to spread light and love to people all over the world through our speaking businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.riseitup.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryanneely12/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryan.neely.31
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-neely/
- Other: https://www.navyreserve.navy.mil/News/Article-View-News/Article/3393831/profiles-in-professionalism-lt-bryan-neely/
