Ed Wilson of I Am My Billboard offers a gym space that welcomes all fitness levels

FLINT, Michigan — In Dec. 2015, the fitness gym, I Am My Billboard, quickly became more than just a place to work out, but a space that welcomes people of all fitness levels. Located at 4067 E Court St. Suite 2 in Burton, members of the gym can find personalized support, accountability, and guidance to achieve their health goals, courtesy of the owner, Ed Wilson.

I Am My Billboard started with a lot of hustle and heart despite facing initial challenges such as lack of funding. Wilson went on to build the gym from the ground up, keeping it independent and profitable. “We opened with all our own money,” says Wilson. “We didn’t have loans or anything like that, and we've been in the black since day one.”

While business has thrived, even through the COVID-19 global pandemic, Wilson's passion lies in the impact I Am My Billboard has on its clients.

The gym is for anyone seeking to improve their fitness, whether they’re just starting out or already seasoned athletes. “It’s for anyone looking to take their body to the next level,” says Wilson. “We help beginners learn how to work out and eat properly, and we work with more experienced individuals who need help pushing further.”

Ed Wilson inside of I Am My Billboard. (Ray Gray | Flintside.com)The gym's emphasis on personalized training and accountability sets it apart as Wilson is firm about one thing: I Am My Billboard isn't for people who aren't ready to put in the work. “If you want results, you’ve got to show up and make the effort,” he says. “It’s a simple philosophy: Consistency beats perfection every time.”

For Wilson, fitness is more than just physical strength — it’s about longevity and being functional in everyday life. As a husband and father of four, he stays active to be healthy and strong enough to keep up with his family. “I need to stay in fighting shape,” he laughs, adding that staying strong is crucial for carrying kids up and down stairs and handling other everyday tasks.

Ed Wilson trains a client at I Am My Billboard. (Ray Gray | Flintside.com)In a world where many people seem to ignore their health despite saying they care about it, Wilson is determined to help shift that mindset. “It's easier to let our loved ones slide into unhealthy habits than to confront them. But we need to have those hard conversations,” he says.

His approach is compassionate and rooted in care for the person's well-being and future. “We need you here, and we want you here for as long as possible.”

Looking to the future, Wilson has plans for growth. “We’re getting into online training, and we’ve recently dropped some new merch,” he says with excitement. He's also aiming for wider expansion. “We’re working on opening to the public in the next year or so, and we're looking to compete with some bigger gyms,” he adds.

Ed Wilson trains a client at I Am My Billboard. (Ray Gray | Flintside.com)At its core, I Am My Billboard is about simplifying the fitness journey. “You don’t have to be perfect, you just need to be consistent,” Wilson emphasizes. The gym’s mission is to take away the guesswork around fitness and nutrition, helping clients not just get fit, but maintain a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

As Wilson sees it, the gym isn’t just about getting in shape — it’s about finding a community of people who are ready to commit to their health. “Our job is to help you get to where you want to be, based on what you tell us. We're here to guide you, fix your training, fix your eating, and stand by you through it all.”

To learn more about I Am My Billboard, visit: iammybillboard.com or call (810) 449-9897. Also, find them on Facebook
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Read more articles by Tia Scott.