Behind the Scenes at StretchLab First Coast: David Ramos and the Mission to Transform Community Wellness

At StretchLab First Coast, wellness goes far beyond flexibility — it’s about restoring lives, reshaping habits, and making movement accessible to every body in our community. But behind that mission is a story worth telling: the path, purpose, and people-first leadership of our founder, David Ramos. Recently featured in Voyage Jacksonville’s Community Highlights series, David shared his journey from corporate tech executive to local wellness advocate and business owner. 

From Global Technology to Local Wellness

David’s early career unfolded in the fast-paced world of technology — leading major transformations at Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. What he loved most wasn’t just solving complex problems, but aligning people, purpose, and process to drive real impact. Yet over time, something shifted. He realized his next chapter would need to be more personal and more transformative in the lives of individuals, not just systems. 

That pivot led him to launch StretchLab First Coast, a locally rooted franchise of the nationally recognized assisted stretching and functional wellness brand. For David, StretchLab was the perfect fusion of structure and service — a place where science-backed wellness meets genuine human care. 

Building More Than a Business

From the beginning, David and his family took on a challenge few entrepreneurs embrace: instead of opening a single studio, they acquired and revitalized three underperforming locations, rebuilding teams, restoring culture, and reengaging members in the process. That meant long days, hard lessons, and tough decisions — but also opportunities to fortify the business with integrity, purpose, and heart. 

As David reflects, the journey hasn’t always been smooth — but every bump shaped who StretchLab First Coast is today: a family-owned business anchored in faith, community, and commitment to helping people move and live better. 

What Sets StretchLab First Coast Apart

So what makes StretchLab First Coast different? Beyond assisted stretching and customized mobility plans, David emphasizes the culture of care that defines every studio:

• Personalized one-on-one sessions tailored to the unique needs of each member, whether they’re athletes, desk workers, parents, or retirees. 

• A community-centric environment where team members know clients by name and celebrate progress together. 

• A belief that wellness should be accessible, compassionate, and rooted in relationship, not just transactional. 

• And a mission shaped by the conviction that the marketplace is our mission — and the Kingdom is our purpose, a guiding principle that informs how we serve, lead, and grow. 

Mentorship, Growth, and Community

David also shared powerful insight on mentorship and networking: success isn’t about collecting contacts, but building meaningful connections. His most impactful mentors pushed him to grow not just professionally, but personally — teaching him to be humble, teachable, and purpose-driven. 

Whether it was leaders from the business world, peers in faith communities, or even people encountered in challenging seasons, every voice shaped his perspective on leadership and service. 

Moving Forward Together

At StretchLab First Coast, we’re not just helping people stretch — we’re helping them rediscover movement, confidence, and quality of life. David’s story reminds us that wellness isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, relational, and rooted in community.

We’re proud to be part of the First Coast — and deeply grateful for the support, trust, and connections that make this journey possible. If you’ve ever wondered what drives our mission or who’s behind the StretchLab First Coast story, now you know: it’s a story of transformation, purpose, and serving others — one stretch at a time.

👉 Ready to experience the difference? Visit us in St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Mandarin, or Atlantic Beach, and let’s start moving better together!