Today we’d like to introduce you to Conley Wessel
Hi Conley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into sports performance training and developing TurfBlox began in an unexpected and organic way. It started with my son, who wanted to excel at football. We began weekend training sessions, and as he invited his teammates, I found myself working with more kids and developing a real passion for helping young athletes. That passion led me to pursue a personal training and sport performance certification, as I wanted to better serve the athletes I was working with. Prior to this, I had spent over a decade in the legal industry. For nearly two years, I coached every weekend for free, simply because I loved it. Things changed when a parent asked if their child’s team could join and, for the first time, asked what I charged. Finally, in 2020, I left the legal industry and committed to training. From there, things grew naturally—my knowledge expanded, as did the number and variety of athletes I had the privilege of working with.
The idea for TurfBlox was a byproduct of my drive to find solutions for the athletes I trained. At the heart of TurfBlox are the values of care and commitment. Every unit is hand-built by my son and me, and that personal touch reflects the dedication we have to the athletes who use it. We see sports performance and recovery as deeply personal journeys, and we want every athlete to feel supported by a tool crafted with their needs in mind.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to creating and growing TurfBlox has been incredibly rewarding, but it hasn’t been without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles early on was learning how to create a training tool from scratch. I didn’t have a background in manufacturing, so developing the first prototype involved a lot of trial and error—experimenting with materials, testing designs, and refining the product to ensure it was safe and effective. Each iteration taught me something new, but it was a slow process that required patience and persistence.
Another challenge was balancing my role as a coach and entrepreneur with the demands of building each TurfBlox unit by hand. My son and I put a lot of time and effort into crafting every set to the highest standard, and while it’s incredibly rewarding, it can be labor-intensive. But this hands-on approach has also allowed us to maintain quality and connect personally with the athletes and trainers who use TurfBlox.
Perhaps the most surprising struggle has been understanding the business side of things—how to price the product, brand it, and reach the right audience. Those were things I had to learn along the way, often through trial, error, and guidance from mentors.
Despite these challenges, every hurdle has been an opportunity to grow, and each struggle has made the success of TurfBlox feel even more meaningful. The passion for helping athletes improve has always been the driving force, and that’s what keeps me going, no matter the obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of TurfBlox. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
TurfBlox is a training tool designed with the athlete in mind, focusing on improving lower limb strength, stability, and movement efficiency. Born out of necessity during my work with athletes, TurfBlox bridges the gap between the gym and the field. It’s the only slant boards on the market that allows athletes to train safely in cleats, making it a game-changing solution for field sports like football, soccer, and lacrosse.
What sets TurfBlox apart is its versatility and purpose-driven design. Whether training with cleats, tennis shoes, or barefoot, TurfBlox provides athletes the ability to target specific joint angles, optimize movement patterns, and build resilience against injuries. Its adaptability to different environments—gym, home, or field—makes it an essential tool for athletes and trainers alike.
What I’m most proud of is the personal connection embedded in every set of TurfBlox. Each unit is hand-built by my son and me, reflecting the care, dedication, and passion we have for supporting athletes. This personal touch not only ensures the highest quality but also symbolizes the values of our brand—commitment to excellence and genuine investment in helping others succeed.
What I want readers to know about TurfBlox is that it’s more than a product—it’s a solution designed to empower athletes to reach their full potential. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, refining your performance, or training for the next level, TurfBlox is here to help you perform better and stay stronger. At its core, TurfBlox is a labor of love, built for athletes, by athletes.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those just starting out in new ventures, my best advice would to remember why you’re doing it. When the road gets rough, reflect on the passion and purpose that led you to where you are now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.turfblox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turfblox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@turfblox
