2021 40 Under 40: Spencer Graham

Spencer Graham’s bold entrepreneurial moves at a young age have led to two growing businesses.

Five years ago at the age of 22, Spencer Graham took the leap of opening GP Athletics, a strength-training gym that offers a variety of services including personal training for all ages. At 24, he launched Graham Colorworks Printing and Design, a full-service promotional advertising company.

Since opening, GP Athletics has grown from one 3,000-square-foot gym to a 7,000-square-foot facility in Springfield and a second location in Hollister. It also has expanded its menu of services. Graham says he hopes to soon franchise the concept.

First job? Working at my parents’ resort from a young age, so I always understood what it took to run a business.

Proudest moment? I’ve wanted to make this list since I first went into business. Besides becoming an honoree of 40 Under 40, my proudest moment would be shortly after my wife and I took the leap of faith to move our business and expand when the pandemic started. Being forced to shut down was a struggle for us, so taking this leap of faith was extremely risky. But the day we figured out that it was going to work and that I would be able to support my family and give them a better life was probably one of the proudest moments I have ever experienced.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? There’s not much in life that you can’t fix.