Upper Hand Biz Pod
Ep.04 | Coach Laura Rogers, Top-Notch Training
How Coach Laura Turned Adversity into Opportunity to Build Top-Notch Training
There is something so inspiring about working with people that want to get better. For some, that means improving their athletic skill or performance to make it to the next level. For others, it means looking to improve how they move in their daily life. This desire to be the best version of oneself is what has inspired and motivated Coach Laura Rogers.
And as the saying goes, if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. For Coach Laura, that passion lies in sports performance training.
In this episode of the Upper Hand Biz Pod, Kevin MacCauley sits down with Laura to explore her inspiring journey. As the founder of Top-Notch Training (TNT) in St. Petersburg, Florida, Laura has built a thriving sports performance community. But her story isn’t just about success; it’s about resilience, transformation, and the unwavering commitment to helping others become their best selves.
From navigating professional hurdles to overcoming a life-changing injury, Laura’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance. Click below to listen to the full conversation!
From College Dreams to Founding TNT
Coach Laura’s journey in sports performance began as a student at the University of Northern Colorado. While in college, Laura experienced a pivotal moment during a visit to a sports performance gym with her brother. Watching athletes train in such a dynamic environment left Laura confident that “this is what I want my life to be.” Laura was in love with the workout and the environment, and realized she wanted to spend her life helping others achieve their athletic potential.
Initially a business major, it was her mom who encouraged her to consider a degree in exercise science – a perfect fit given Laura’s love for fitness. And, for her own personal growth and knowledge, she also added a minor in nutrition.
After graduation, Laura began working at a sports performance gym in Florida, which cemented her love for the industry. Over the next several years, she honed her skills, moving between a few facilities and taking every opportunity to learn from seasoned trainers and mentors.
This relentless drive ultimately led her to establish Top-Notch Training – a sports performance gym focused on creating personalized programs for athletes and adults.
“My drive was that I felt like I could do it better. I feel like that’s what everybody says, that’s why we open our own thing. That’s why we invent things. ‘I can do it better than what’s out there.’ So, I tried not to be too naive to that thought of like yes, I can do it better, but how? What am I going to define myself as different? How can I actually do this better?”
Personalizing Training for Everyone
Top-Notch Training started as a traditional sports performance gym, primarily for young athletes. But, over time, Laura expanded TBT’s mission to include non-athletes who simply wanted to move better and feel healthier and more confident.
“I love to work with people that want to be there and want to get better. So if that’s an athlete who wants to be the best athlete they can be, great. Come into the gym. If that’s an adult that just wants to feel good and says ‘hey, I want to get out of pain,’ great.” At the end of the day, Laura believes that we are all striving to move like athletes and feel our best.
Today, Top-Notch Training offers a unique “open-gym” model. Each client follows a tailored program that meets their needs, which allows Laura to accommodate everyone – from competitive athletes to high school students simply looking to stay active.
A Life-Changing Setback
While building Top-Notch Training, Laura faced yet another unexpected challenge. During a weekend trip in 2018, Laura suffered a serious water skiing accident, resulting in a devastating knee injury that severely damaged her vascular system. The prognosis was grim: Laura was told she might lose her leg. Fortunately, after extensive surgery and a long hospital stay, she kept her leg. But, her recovery would be grueling.
This injury forced Laura to take a step back from her business. In fact, she was forced to shut down her gym for over a year. In some ways, this was a natural break in her business, as she was also experiencing zoning issues at her new gym location. Yet, Laura refused to let this setback define her. “I realized I could only go up from here,” she said. “As long as my muscles were still attached, I could make them better.”
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
This time of recovery was also a time for reflection for Laura, as well as cemented her passion and determination to get her business back up and running.
After taking a year and a half to focus on rehabilitation, Laura was ready to relaunch Top-Notch Training. The timing couldn’t have been more challenging, as her return coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Yet, Laura remained optimistic and encouraged to reopen the gym.
Laura began by running outdoor sessions at local parts, slowly rebuilding her clientele. Over time, Top-Notch Training grew into a thriving community once again. This experience also transformed her approach to training, adding another layer of differentiation to her business.
“With the whole process, it taught me so much about the body and injuries and the nervous system. Everyone that knew me before and then after said I was such a different trainer afterwards. And I took that as the biggest compliment because they all said it very nicely, in terms of ‘what a big difference this has done for you.’ I really got to learn a lot. I have a better understanding of the nervous system and the body and stress.”
This understanding is something she now incorporates into her athlete training programs.
What's Next for Coach Laura
Today, Top-Notch Training continues to thrive, as Coach Laura continues to inspire both her clients and her community. From helping athletes unlock their potential to encouraging adults to move pain-free, she’s proving that fitness truly is for everyone.
Laura’s passion, injury, and educational background has also led to another unexpected venture: Bougie Belgians, her line of gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein waffles. While recovering at her parents’ home, Laura experimented with recipes that aligned with her dietary restrictions and supported her healing process. This is a venture she is continuing to perfect and bring to market.
If you’re in the St. Petersburg area, you can connect with Laura at Top-Notch Training or follow her on Instagram at @TrainerLaura1 and @TNTStPete.
Laura’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the toughest setbacks can lead to incredible growth. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or an entrepreneur, her story will leave you inspired to keep moving forward—one step at a time.
To listen to the full conversation, click here!