Tylor Kendall was training young athletes on a Destin beach a couple years ago when he had a realization that would change his career path. 

• Watching his son and other local athletes during speed and agility sessions, the former Campbellsville University football player recognized a gap in the community.

“I can’t find it, so I’m going to have to create it,” Kendall said, reflecting on his decision to establish Foundations 850, an athletic performance training facility that has since become a hub for youth development across Okaloosa County.

Located at 516 Mountain Dr. in Destin, Foundations 850 serves athletes aged 4 through college level across multiple sports including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading and karate. The facility focuses on speed, agility, strength and power training with what Kendall describes as science-backed, results-driven programming. 

Kendall, originally from Campbellsville, Kentucky, studied business and marketing while playing college football. His background in farming and various other work experiences eventually led him to coaching and personal training certifications before founding the gym.

• “I needed a particular coach and somebody to invest in me when I was a child, and I was also really looking for somebody to be that person for my son as well,” Kendall said. 

The facility has formed partnerships with several local schools and organizations. Foundations 850 works with Crestview High School’s football team, where they tracked metrics like 40-yard dash times and vertical jumps, helping athletes progress significantly during team combines. The gym also partnered with Destin High School’s softball team, who tripled their win total from the previous season. 

Coach Martez House, a former Jacksonville State University football player and Crestview High School graduate, serves as a key staff member. Shantel Woodson manages operations and initially started as a client when her son began training at Foundations 850.

The gym offers four membership levels ranging from $240 per month for one session weekly to $400 per month for unlimited sessions. Each membership includes a 10% discount for three-month commitments. Kendall explained that the business model focuses on selling results rather than individual sessions.

• “If you can give me one time a week for one month, I can get you some results,” he said. “But if you can give me two times a week for three months, I can promise you we’re going to be in a better position in three months.”

Beyond traditional student athletes, Foundations 850 works with children across the spectrum, including those with ADHD, autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Kendall says that athleticism isn’t sport-specific but rather encompasses fundamental human movements like running, jumping and lifting.

The facility also runs physical education programs for Destin United Methodist Church’s school program Jacob’s Ladder and their summer Power Plant program. Additionally, they serve as the official strength and conditioning coach for Havoc Athletics 10U softball team and have worked with Hub City Pop Warner programs.

The gym’s philosophy centers around the phrase “trust the process,” which Kendall explains relates to consistency, dedication and long-term commitment despite inevitable setbacks.

• “Trusting in the process is just the path that is already laid out in front of you. You know that it’s not going to be easy and sometimes you have to make the hard choices and get out of your comfort zone,” he said.

Due to growing demand, Foundations 850 is actively seeking a larger facility. Kendall said the current space isn’t quite at capacity but expects it will be by the end of summer with anticipated growth.

Future plans include partnering with additional schools for the fall semester and training more coaches to expand their reach across the area. The gym currently serves families from Destin, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Miramar Beach, Panama City and surrounding communities.

Athletes travel from as far as Panama City and Crestview for weekly training sessions, demonstrating the facility’s regional draw. The program tracks athlete progress through regular performance assessments, providing measurable data on improvements in speed, agility and strength. 

“It is just amazing to watch people grow like that and to be able to grow with them,” Kendall said. “I’m grateful for that and just hoping to continue to add to the resources and impact the community.”

Contact Foundations 850 at 850-543-6016 or foundations850@gmail.com for more information about programs, class times and membership options.