In this episode of Founders Future, with host Zach Young, we’re joined by Alex Lefever, founder of Adaptable Strength. Alex shares his unconventional journey into coaching, beginning with years of experience working with Special Olympics athletes and later as a 911 dispatcher. Witnessing firsthand the long-term health toll faced by first responders inspired him to shift from reacting to emergencies to preventing them—using strength training, mobility, and individualized programming as tools for long-term health and resilience.

The conversation dives deep into Alex’s highly customized coaching approach for two often-overlooked populations: first responders and Special Olympics powerlifters. He explains why traditional fitness models fail for people with unpredictable schedules, disrupted sleep cycles, and high physical demands, and how true personalization requires flexibility, technical precision, and empathy. Alex also discusses his work in adaptive powerlifting, breaking down complex techniques into accessible systems, and the importance of giving underserved athletes the credit, structure, and coaching depth they deserve to reach their full potential.