Get to know the faces behind Boost!
Tom Allen – Founder & CEO
“Being a small, independent company, we can be completely focused on our customers and making our products more accessible and affordable, rather than on profits.”
• Hometown: Born in London, but grew up in California
• College: Undergrad at UC Berkeley (double major in Political Science & Developmental Studies, member of cross country/track teams); M.S. in Law at UC Hastings
• Hobbies: Soccer, backpacking, camping, traveling with his dog Nina
• Favorite food: Burritos
• Fun Fact: Has never eaten meat or fish in his entire life, and owns a 1994 Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear van that is right-hand drive and imported from Japan
• Favorite quote: “The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts.” – Yvon Chouinard
Jimmy Bean – President & Co-Founder
“It’s a technology everyone can use and benefit from, ranging from highly fit individuals to those in need of assistance to move. And while it’s really amazing in terms of engineering and design, it’s quite intuitive and simple to use. It’s for everyone.”
• Hometown: Chicago, Illinois – but now resides on the West Coast
• College: Undergrad at Greenville College (studied Recreation: Leadership & Sociology); Graduate school at the University of Iowa (studied Athletic Administration, graduate assistant with Iowa Athletics)
• Before Boost: Coached Track & Field at Williamette University for 2 years, then the University of Washington for 3 years
• Hobbies: Spending time with his wife Kelly and bulldog Schwarbo, hiking, playing/watching basketball, baseball, football, and ping pong
• Favorite food: Anything his wife makes, but especially her Italian dishes (shout out to Kelly!)
• Fun Fact: Has been to all 50 states
• Favorite quote: “Don’t ever let the pressure exceed the pleasure.” – Joe Maddon
Bridget Laye – VP Operations
“I am really proud that we put people first at our company. Taking care of our customers, employees, and fellow industry partners as real human beings is so important and often can get lost in the business world.”
• Hometown: Oakland, CA
• College: B.S. in International Political Economy from UC Berkeley, MBA from Boise State
• Before Boost: Branding, marketing & sales in the running industry
• Hobbies: Camping, trail running, swimming, lake days, traveling
• Favorite food: Sourdough toast with butter & jam
• Fun fact: Her luckiest moment was winning a grand prize sweepstakes as an undergrad and her unluckiest moment was being bitten by an elephant on her honeymoon. She also loves tiny houses and owns one in the Idaho mountains.
• Favorite quote: “It’s okay if you fall apart sometimes! Tacos fall apart and we still love them.” – unknown
Layne Anderson – Director of Sports Performance
“I love the impact that the Boost Treadmill technology can offer a program and the individual clients, players, or student-athletes. A game changer with regard to the day-to-day!“
• Hometown: Born in Italy, now residing in Tennessee
• College: The Citadel, member of track & field team
• Before Boost: Coached collegiate cross country/track & field for 22 years
• Hobbies: Spending time with family, working out, and being outdoors
• Favorite food: 2 bean burritos & medium Pepsi light ice from Taco Bell
• Fun fact: Lived in Korea, Panama, and Germany growing up
• Favorite quote: “Don’t let today’s disappointments get in the way of tomorrow’s dreams.”
Calli Coggins – Customer Marketing Program Manager
“I am so thankful to be able to work with a team that is so unique and supportive. It’s also a major plus that we get to promote something that truly anyone and everyone can benefit from, not only athletes.”
• Hometown: Franklin, TN
• College: The University of Alabama – studied Nutrition, member of XC/T&F teams
• Hobbies: Weight lifting, running, hiking, traveling, reading, cooking, listening to music/attending live shows
• Favorite food: Mojo’s tacos
• Fun fact: Has been swimming with sharks in Hawaii
• Favorite quote: “Life isn’t as serious as the mind makes it out to be.” – Eckhart Tolle
Alex Luthman – Director of Field Operations & Technical Support
“Working for Boost gives me the opportunity to bring skills from every part of my life and put them together to provide a truly unique service to our customers. I love everything about it.”
• Hometown: Versailles, Ohio
• College: Thomas Edison State University – Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering
• Hobbies: Racing flat track motorcycles, fishing and sports with his boys Cooper, Grady and Max
• Favorite food: A thick cut steak cooked medium rare, bacon wrapped asparagus, and white rice
• Fun Fact: He was awarded firefighter of the year for the Miami Valley Ohio region in 2016
• Favorite quote: “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
Marc Burns – Director of Sales, Sports
“I became a believer in Boost Treadmills after we bought our first one at Mizzou. Its ease of use and durability for our student athletes was refreshing. I love the vision from the partners and staff – greatest product and service in the space today!”
- Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL
- College: Loyola University, Chicago – B.S. Business Administration & Marketing, member of XC/Track teams
- Before Boost: Head XC Coach at Mizzou for 8 years
- Hobbies: Following his four boys around in their athletic endeavors (corn hole, golf, any kind of card game)
- Favorite food: Ribeye
- Favorite quote: “Success is a passion for excellence that drives effort.”