My name is Andrew Clayton and I am the founder of “First Called”.

I am a Christ follower, brother, one of seven sons, and all-around strength sports and endurance athlete looking to become a “strong man” in all walks in life. I have a Bachelor of Science in Athlete Training where I accumulated  thousands of hours working with various D-1 Level sports teams and physical therapy clinics. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) as well as a former professional strongman in both the 105kg and Open Categories. After playing various sports in my childhood, I took up serious weight training at 14 years old and have not missed a week since. I competed in strongman beginning in 2009, became a certified personal trainer in 2011 and online coach in 2013. Over more than15 years of training, I have trained and competed with some of the world’s top powerlifters and strongmen. Rubbed shoulders with elite athletes and coaches in CrossFit, weightlifting, ultra-endurance and more.

As a strength athlete, most notable I won the title of 105kg World’s Strongest Man in 2017 and again in 2022 after a three year hiatus after a major knee injury. I podiumed every show as a Professional 105kg Strongman competing in all major shows. I have held numerous world and national strongman records as young as 19, was the U25 USAW Nationals 105kg+ runner up in 2017, and competed internationally as a strongman in both the Arnold Pro Circuit and Giants Live.

On the endurance side of things, I have run multiple half and full marathons (some less than 24 hours after a professional level strongman shows). I have done Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, open water swims, a 62 mile ultramarathon while weighing close to 260 pounds, and I broke the 24 hour ski erg record while competing adapted (no use of legs) in 2020.

I started First Called Strength and Performance on a mission to offer more than just run-of-the-mill coaching but change people’s lives through my God given gifts. I enjoy working with people who have been told they can’t do something and changing their mindset to believe they can. I take tremendous pride in being more than someone who coaches or trains but someone who cares. At the end of the day I want people to feel strong in all areas of life.

My name is Josh Hendrickson. 

Strength sports are my passion. I have been greatly involved in all facets for over 10 years. As a gym owner, coach, athlete, and competition promoter. I’m the owner of 580 Barbell, a gym in Western, PA. I am the 2022 Strongman Corporation National Champion at 175 lbs. In addition to years as a strongman competitor, I have also competed in Powerlifting for years.

I love coaching.  I have been working with high school athletes, strongmen/women, and powerlifters, for 5+ years. When it comes to coaching for First Called Strength, I have been coached by Andrew myself for years, so I understand the expectations and service required. I believe in amazing customer service and attention to detail for every single client who makes the decision to be a First Called Strength athlete. All our athletes receive individualized coaching. I do not believe in cookie cutter, copy and paste style coaching. 

I am a father, husband, and small business owner, so I understand different lifestyles, and how chaotic life can be. I offer coaching that will accommodate you, and anything life throws your way. 

Here at “First Called” we believe in walking the walk.