A Ministry Through Fitness: Hayden Clark ’10

Hayden Clark ’10 and his team at Iron Tribe Fitness

by Marguerite Estes

Hayden Clark ’10, owner of Iron Tribe Fitness in Baton Rouge, has a clear vision for his growing business. His aim is to create fitness communities that change lives through three things—fitness, nutrition, and accountability. And for nearly six years, Hayden and his team have done just that by helping people of all ages and walks of life achieve an overall higher quality of life by becoming the healthiest and best versions of themselves.

“Most people need a place to go, people to work out with, and a plan to follow,” he says. “What makes Iron Tribe Fitness unique is that we provide all of the above, resulting in life-changing results.” Hayden’s journey into fitness training began after high school when he managed the front desk and became a personal trainer at Spectrum Fitness Southdowns. While there, he had the opportunity to open Spectrum’s functional fitness area, called Gorilla Fitness, where he led group classes. Despite his background in personal training, becoming a business owner in the industry wasn’t on his original game plan. During his senior year at Dunham, Hayden had a significant experience that changed the course of his life and had him thinking about a career in the ministry.

As he explains, “Pretty simple, I had a road to Damascus conversion to faith on my senior beach retreat. The encouragement, support, and resources I received to grow in my relationship with Jesus and my understanding of true life after that retreat changed my life forever. Honestly, I’m not sure where I would be today given the path I was on prior to that trip.”

It was while completing his degree in Christian ministry at Leavell College in New Orleans that he first became acquainted with Iron Tribe. In 2014, engaged to be married and looking to secure a full-time job, Hayden heard from a friend that newly opened Iron Tribe Fitness in the city’s Central Business District was hiring.

After interviewing and accepting a position, Hayden began to sense that God was connecting the dots between his passion for fitness and his desire to help others. It wasn’t until he received a phone call about a year later, however, that his focus shifted from full-time vocational ministry to ministry through fitness. That phone call was from former Iron Tribe president Jim Cavale inquiring about Hayden’s interest in becoming a franchise owner in Baton Rouge.

“I took the approach of moving forward with the possibility of becoming a franchisee until God shut the door. He never did,” says Hayden, who opened Iron Tribe Fitness on Acadian Thruway in January of 2017. Since then, the company has grown to include 10 full-time team members as well as a second location on Perkins Road that opened earlier this year.

Iron Tribe’s success has been amazing to Hayden, who hopes to add more locations in the future. “I would never have imagined I’d be where I am today,” he says. “God has been very kind to us, and we have been able to change the lives of so many people since opening our doors.”

Reflecting upon his time as a Dunham student, Hayden says he continues to have an ongoing respect and appreciation for the school and especially his teachers. “By God’s grace and my formative time at Dunham I have been prepared to face life with a strong sense of identity and purpose that helps me walk a very centered, steady, and fulfilling life,” he explains. “I have to say that Bible teacher and chaplain Lance Hahn had the biggest impact on my life and has been like a father figure helping me through many ups and downs since graduation.”

When asked what advice he would offer to high school seniors as they consider their college and career options, Hayden recommends that they make those decisions based on their unique gifts and wiring while considering the impact they will have on others. “Money will come and go,” he says, “but elevating other people’s quality of life will last and bring a lot more satisfaction. You will live a life of purpose, generosity, and fulfillment.”

His other advice? Not to be distracted by the pursuits of others. “Find your lane and become the best you can be in that lane,” he says. “You cannot be the best in the world in a multitude of vocations. Stay the course, and the byproduct will often be success.”

Hayden recently signed on to participate in Dunham’s Corporate Sponsorship Program. Explaining the reasoning behind his decision to support the school through a sponsorship, Hayden says, “Our company’s values, mission, and strong sense of community align well with Dunham’s, and it feels great to play a small role in the school’s continued mission given the impact it had on me personally. Also, our new location is a barely a rock’s throw down the road on Perkins, and we would be honored to serve the Dunham community.” Hayden and his wife, Jeneé, have three children, Hayden (5), Harper John (3), and Hazel (8 months). Outside of work and family, he enjoys spending time with friends and his church family. His other pursuits include being outdoors, exercise, reading, and traveling.

Jeneé and Hayden Clark with their children Hazel, Harper John, and Hayden