Innovation

Koa Strength Athletic Club was established in 2024 in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood by Tommy Rossi and Sage DoVale, former members of a beloved local gym that had served as a hub for community and connection. When that space closed, Tommy and Sage set out not just to replace it, but to preserve and elevate the spirit it fostered. With support from fellow members, they launched Koa Strength—an inclusive, resilience-focused fitness club grounded in the Hawaiian concept of ‘ohana (family). Community members came together to clean, paint, and transform the new space into a welcoming environment that reflects the club’s core values of empowerment, equity, and belonging.

The innovation behind KOA Strength lies in its community-built model that fuses intentional fitness programming with social impact. It’s not just a gym—it’s a gathering place with strong ties to local businesses, collaborating on events, and supporting a neighborhood-based economy. By emphasizing walkability (many members and staff live nearby), outdoor classes that utilize public spaces, and honoring cultural identity through Hawaiian cultural symbolism, Koa supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly targets 11.4 and 11.7.

KOA also promotes SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by offering inclusive fitness options for all levels. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) is fostered by diverse leadership and ensuring equitable pay, such as employing a lead female trainer who earns nearly double the Philadelphia's average wage for women. Koa Strength is a living example of what happens when community, purpose, and sustainability unite to build a better world—one lift, one neighbor, one story at a time.

IT BEGAN WITH YOU. A PLACE TO BUILD STRONGER BODIES AND COMMUNITIES

Inspiration

When a longtime neighborhood gym in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown closed its doors, it left more than a space—it left a community without its anchor. For Tommy Rossi and Sage DoVale, two devoted members of that gym, walking away wasn’t an option. “Koa changed my life through fitness,” says Rossi. “What we’ve built here is truly special—a community rooted in support and strength that we couldn’t let go.”

Instead of letting the energy and connection fade, they rallied former members to bring something new to life. With paintbrushes, sweat equity, and a shared vision, they transformed the vacant space into Koa Strength Athletic Club: a fitness hub grounded in inclusivity, resilience, and the Hawaiian value of ‘ohana—family. “It wasn’t just about workouts. It was about belonging. That’s what we’re rebuilding at Koa,” Rossi explains.

Overall impact

Since its launch in 2024, Koa Strength Athletic Club has impacted Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood. The gym quickly emerged as a center for physical and mental well-being, welcoming former members of a recently closed facility while also attracting new participants through word-of-mouth, community engagement, and strategic local partnerships. By actively involving members in the renovation and transformation of the space, Koa fostered early trust, loyalty, and a strong sense of ownership, resulting in high member retention and consistent class attendance from the outset. Staff and trainers have also benefited from the gym’s founding principles, receiving fair compensation and opportunities for leadership that align with Koa’s commitment to equity and empowerment.

Long-term, Koa’s innovation lays the groundwork for sustained social and environmental impact. Its focus on walkability, shared public spaces, and reduced operational waste supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), while inclusive fitness programming continues to address SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). Koa’s upcoming B Corp certification efforts will further embed these values into its governance, ensuring accountability and transparency as the business grows. The strength of its community has even begun to ripple outward. Members have brought friends and family into the fold, local businesses have partnered on events, and the gym's model is gaining attention as a replicable blueprint for community-rooted wellness. Evidence of this ongoing impact includes growing membership, stable staff retention, and continued interest from mission-aligned collaborators throughout the city.

Business benefit

Koa Strength was founded with a core focus on community, inclusion, and well-being—not just for members, but for its team. This people-first approach has driven strong internal success, both culturally and operationally. By involving former gym members in the planning and physical transformation of the space, Koa established immediate loyalty and collective ownership, resulting in early memberships and a strong recurring revenue base before the gym officially opened.

Internally, the innovation has had a significant positive effect on employee well-being, engagement, and retention. Trainers and staff are valued not only for their technical skills, but for the energy and community they help shape. By intentionally fostering a safe and inclusive environment, especially for women and underrepresented voices in the fitness industry, Koa has built a passionate, purpose-driven team. This values-based culture has led to low staff turnover, high morale, and a shared investment in the long-term vision of the business.

Koa’s strong internal foundation has also enabled strategic external collaborations, with staff actively contributing to community partnerships, wellness events, and local outreach. With a business model aligned to the UN SDGs and a culture rooted in equity, Koa Strength is positioned for sustainable growth driven by purpose and people.

Social and environmental benefit

Founded in 2024 by Tommy Rossi and Sage DoVale, Koa Strength Athletic Club is a community-based fitness space located in Philadelphia’s Brewerytown neighborhood. Designed with inclusion and accessibility at its core, Koa welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, fitness levels, body types, and gender identities. By removing barriers often found in traditional fitness environments, Koa directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Its flexible membership options, intentional programming, and community events promote physical and mental wellness while strengthening neighborhood connections. Many members walk to the gym, creating a shared sense of place and responsibility that fosters strong social ties and long-term engagement.

Koa’s commitment to sustainability and equity is reflected not only in its culture but also in its physical footprint. Instead of constructing a new facility, Koa repurposed an existing space using reclaimed materials and community volunteer labor, minimizing construction waste and supporting circular, low-cost development. The gym incorporates outdoor classes and local park-based workouts that encourage active transportation and decrease reliance on cars. These efforts contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting walkability, reducing emissions, and revitalizing underused public spaces.

By weaving community, equity, and environmental consciousness into every level of its operations, Koa Strength offers a compelling model for how small businesses can align local action with global sustainability goals—building healthier, more connected urban communities in the process.

Interviews

Tommy Rossi, Co-Founder/CEO

Sage DoVale, CO-FOUNDER / HEAD COACH