Meet William Stevenson

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Stevenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
About a year ago, my wife and I moved from a condo in Glendale to our new home in Tujunga. At the time, I was deep in the restaurant and hospitality world, working as a general manager at a gastropub. As you can imagine, being surrounded by burgers, beer, and vendors constantly dropping off free samples didn’t exactly make it easy to stay healthy.

Before that, I had worked as a personal trainer at a big box gym. I always dreamed of doing my own thing, but living in a condo made training clients from home impossible. Driving all over the city for a session here and there quickly proved to be draining and unsustainable.

What I really wanted was a space of my own—a central location where people could come to me and train in an environment I built from the ground up. After we moved, our garage quickly turned into a storage unit: a giant pile of stuff we weren’t sure where to put or whether we even wanted to keep. I think a lot of people can relate to that kind of clutter—so overwhelming it’s easier to ignore than confront. At the time, I was completely focused on being a new dad and advancing my management career. I didn’t even consider turning the garage into anything more.

That changed after a routine visit to the doctor. We had a real conversation about my health. While I was mostly doing okay, she warned me that if I stayed on the same path—drinking too often, eating poorly—I’d be at risk for serious health issues, including early-onset cancer.

That was a wake-up call.

I knew I needed to make a change. I’ve always been the type to do a little soul-searching—maybe more accurately, I’m just a lifelong learner. I don’t just like learning about the world around me—I like learning how to grow and improve myself. Around that time, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear. It shifted my mindset. It helped me understand that lasting change doesn’t come from sheer willpower, but from making small, intentional adjustments over time. It’s about making bad habits harder and good habits easier—however that looks for you.

That’s when I realized: I already had the space I needed to help others do the same. The garage was no longer just a pile of stuff—it was an opportunity.

I made it my mission to turn that garage into a personal training studio. Now, not only do I have more control over my own environment and lifestyle, but I get to help others take control of theirs. My goal is simple: to help people who are ready to make a real change—starting right where they are.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I run my personal training business out of my home garage. That means clients have the opportunity to train one-on-one with me and get my full, undivided attention. What sets me apart is my energy and my attention to detail. In my experience, just getting it done is a huge part of seeing results—but how you do it matters. It’s the form, the control, the intention behind each rep that allows you to get the most out of your time and effort. I still push my clients to work hard, but I focus on making every repetition count, so their effort translates directly into results they can feel—in the moment and in the days that follow.

Getting to this point has been a process of putting one foot in front of the other. I started by making lists and checking boxes. I handled the legal stuff, the compliance details, and began transforming the garage into a space that not only had what I needed, but used that space in the smartest, most efficient way possible. I had to figure things out as I went. It wasn’t easy—and it still isn’t—but it’s the kind of hard I’ve come to love. It’s meaningful. It’s mine. I’ve had a lot of support along the way, but this business is something I’m building not just for me, but from me. If that makes sense.

My family and friends have been incredible cheerleaders. They remind me I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing—even when I question whether I’m cut out for it. And honestly, I do doubt myself. Every single day. I want to be real about that. But I try to meet that doubt with faith in myself. When those thoughts creep in, I stop and repeat to myself: I can and I will. I can and I will. I can and I will. Having a young daughter and a son on the way gives me even more reason to stay the course. I want to become someone they can look up to. I want to lead by example and become better—not just for me, but for them.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the obstacles I face are often way bigger in my mind than they are in reality. That doesn’t mean the challenges aren’t real, but I’ve caught myself shutting down before I even start, thinking things like, This is impossible, or I don’t have the skills to figure this out. What I’ve come to understand is that I just have to try. Take the first step. Do the thing—even if it’s messy.

I don’t think of myself as extraordinary, and I don’t want to pretend I have it all figured out. What I do believe is that people are capable of amazing growth if they’re willing to believe in themselves and take small, consistent steps forward. I want to look back one day and know that I’ve become extraordinarily better than I was—and I want others to feel empowered to do the same. Not because they’re perfect or special, but because they’re willing.

At the heart of it, I’m just a regular guy trying to be the best I can be for my family, my clients, and my community. I’m not here as a finished product—I’m here as someone who’s still on the journey. And I want people to know I’ll meet them wherever they are on theirs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, for starters, I’m a views and nature kind of guy, so we’re definitely kicking things off with a hike up Strawberry Peak in the Angeles National Forest. The 360-degree views from the top are incredible—you’re surrounded by mountains in every direction. After the endorphin rush from a solid hike, we’ll head down the La Cañada side of the Angeles Crest Highway, stopping at a few lookouts along the way to take in those sweeping views of L.A. and Orange County.

On the way home, we’ll reward ourselves with a well-deserved Mexican meal (and a couple of margaritas) at Joselito’s on Foothill Boulevard in Tujunga—an absolute local favorite.

Next day: beach time. We’re heading to Zuma Beach in Malibu. Why Zuma? Because it’s cleaner and less crowded than Santa Monica, and the drive down Mulholland Highway and the 23 is incredibly scenic. After soaking up some sun and saltwater, we’ll take the slow, traffic-filled coastal route to Brentwood and refuel at Jon & Vinny’s—one of my favorite Italian spots in L.A.

That evening, we keep it simple and nostalgic with a stop at Green Room Billiards on San Fernando Road. We’ll grab a couple beers, rent a table, and catch up over some low-stakes, friendly competition.

On day three, we slow it down and explore Pasadena—my hometown. We’ll start at the Norton Simon Museum, home to world-renowned Van Goghs and other stunning pieces. Then we’ll wander Old Town Pasadena, checking out the original architecture and letting my friend pick where they want to shop or snack. As the day winds down, it’s time for gelato at my personal favorite: Bulgarini Gelato. Leo Bulgarini, the owner, is Roman-born, makes everything from scratch, and is a true artist with ingredients. I worked there at my first job, and I’ve tasted gelato all over L.A.—this place is still, hands down, the best. Plus, Leo’s stories alone are worth the trip. He’s raw, real, and one-of-a-kind.

Day four? Another museum day. I’ll give my friend the choice between the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. They’re both incredible, but I’ll gently nudge toward the Getty Center. The architecture, the view from the ridge, and the gardens make it one of my favorite spots in the city.

That night, we’re back in Pasadena for a classic indulgence: Pie ’n Burger. Established in 1963, it’s old-school in the best way. I always get the Big Ben with fries, a beer, a slice of blueberry pie, and a chocolate malt with their homemade whipped cream on the side. I call it “the knockout combo,” because without fail, I crash right after eating it—for obvious reasons.

From here, I let my friend choose. L.A. is this giant patchwork of cities, neighborhoods, and communities, each with its own vibe and story. There’s always something new to discover. In fact, I’ve found that tourists sometimes know more about cool places to go than locals do—because they’ve done the research and usually bring some solid recommendations of their own.

Oh—and I almost forgot! Before they leave, we have to hit In-N-Out. It’s a California staple, and to me, still the best fast-food burger around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few people I absolutely have to recognize.

First, my wife—my better half. She’s believed in me without question since day one, and her support has been everything. I also want to thank my parents. They’ve always had my back and even helped me financially when I was getting the business off the ground. I know they believe in my dream just as much as I do.

To my current and former clients, and the close friends and family who’ve stuck with me and believed in me throughout this journey—thank you. You’ve helped keep me going more than you probably realize.

And finally, a big thanks to James Clear, author of Atomic Habits. His book didn’t just inspire the name of my business—it’s helped me show up as a better person every day.

Website: https://www.atomicfitness.llc

Instagram: atomicfitnessllc