before
after
Our Process
Our process of building your perfect room.
Let us take you through our process of building your perfect room—
Our process starts by getting you connected with a salesman who has coaching background specific to what you need. Here at Total Strength and Speed the lines between a salesman and coach are blurred enough for us to offer the exact solution your weight room requires.
We will build out a room with you every step of the way — from a basic drawing to a more advanced render. We will showcase every piece of equipment desired as well as any customized logo elements you may need to have designed.
All this will be done with a sales team that will be only a phone call/email away. Once everything has been finalized, you’ll get your custom Williams Strength equipment delivered and setup by our install team. The sales team will make sure that everything has been delivered and that the room is perfect to the standards you have set.
Our Team
David Abernethy
Director of Sales and Education
David Abernethy
Abernethy, a former Division 1 Athlete and seasoned Coach of 25 years, hails from Lincoln County, North Carolina. From a young age, he was engaged in multiple sports: baseball, basketball, football, and track and field. His childhood years on his grandfather’s farm, working alongside his father, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a foundation of strength, drawing him towards football and strength training.
His football journey began at East Lincoln High School and progressed to Methodist University and Western Carolina University (WCU), where he secured his position as a four-year starter on the offensive line. Post his stint at WCU, he embarked on his coaching career, first as a graduate assistant football coach at his alma mater and later, after a mentorship under John Sisk, as a graduate assistant strength coach at Clemson University.
Clemson paved the way for his association with Ruben Mendoza, leading him to Ole Miss, and subsequently, his first directorial role in Strength and Conditioning at Western Kentucky University (WKU). While at WKU, he accomplished his Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. A subsequent return to Clemson further expanded his network, introducing him to Mike Ramsey, Scott Williams, and notably, Gordon Brown—an expert in fiberglass and composites.
This association with Brown sparked a revolutionary idea: a flexible yet load-bearing barbell that harnessed the principles of physics for resistance. Their brainstorming materialized into the founding of the Tsunami Bar, LLC in 2011, a venture that soon joined hands with Ramsey and Williams for manufacturing and marketing.
The Tsunami Bar needed validation. Furman Health Science’s keen interest led to Abernethy taking up the role of Director of Strength and Conditioning at Furman, resulting in six fruitful years of research. Under the guidance of Dr. Tony Caterisano and Dr. Randy Hutchinson, the bar underwent extensive testing, proving its monumental contribution to strength and speed training.
Recognizing its success, in 2018, Ramsey and Williams integrated Total Strength and Speed, Williams Strength, and Tsunami Bar, inviting Abernethy to spearhead their sales division. By 2022, Abernethy became a significant partner.
Besides his professional achievements, Abernethy pioneered the Speed Force Max Training System and founded The Iron Disciples, a nonprofit initiative assisting young men in making wise life choices. He cherishes a happy family life with his wife, Kelli, and their two children, Madilyn and Brooks.
Mike Armstrong
Regional Sales Manager
Mike Armstrong
With 34 years under his belt, Coach Armstrong boasts a vast background as a strength coach and an offensive line coach across collegiate and high school landscapes. His diverse roles have seen him as the Assistant Athletic Director and the Assistant Head Football Coach. His academic credentials are impressive: a BS in Physical Education and an MEd in Secondary Education from the University of South Carolina, during which time he also lettered in football for the Gamecocks. Furthermore, he earned his doctorate in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy.
A dedicated member of the South Carolina High School Strength Coaches Association (SCHSSCA) for 34 years, Coach Armstrong has nurtured several SCHSSCA All-State Strength State Champions, state record holders, and three National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) All-Americans. His recent accolades include leading two strength teams to SCHSSCA State Championships.
As a pioneering spirit, Coach Armstrong founded the Palmetto Power Clean Championship and Explode Meets. His notable recognitions comprise the NHSSCA SC State Coach of the Year (2020), the induction into the SCHSSCA Hall of Fame as a Strength Coach (2019), a nomination for the NHSSCA Hall of Fame (December 2019), the SCHSSCA 4A Strength Coach of the Year for two consecutive years (2016/2017 and 2017/2018), the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association (SCACA) State Strength Coach of the Year (2016/2017), and the SCHSSCA 5A Strength Coach of the Year (2018/2019).
Beyond his direct coaching accomplishments, Coach Armstrong is a three-time published author. He’s ardently dedicated to professional growth, often speaking at and hosting various clinics to foster peer collaboration and development within his field.
Carl Middleton
Regional Sales Manager
Carl Middleton
Carl Middleton currently serves as the Regional Sales Manager for Total Strength and Speed, where he oversees territories in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and western Tennessee. Middleton’s interest in strength training started in the 8th grade, laying a solid foundation that eventually led him to a 17-year-long career in the strength industry.
He played high school football at the distinguished West Point High School in Mississippi, a school known for its 12 state championships, including seven consecutive wins in recent years. Middleton’s dedication and commitment to football allowed him to walk on at Mississippi State University. There, he earned a scholarship and fulfilled his dream of playing SEC football—a set of experiences that profoundly impacted his life.
What resonates with Middleton about the strength industry is its power to help athletes achieve their dreams. Whether an athlete aspires to play at the collegiate level, transition into a professional career, or simply wishes to excel for their team, Middleton finds joy in watching them harness their innate abilities. This ardent dedication was pivotal in enabling him to realize his own dreams.
Throughout his tenure at Total Strength and Speed, Middleton has understood that his role primarily involves serving coaches. The company’s dedication to product quality and exceptional customer service sets it apart from others. They specialize in collaborating with educational institutions to design and install weight rooms tailored for athletes of all levels.
The mission of Total Strength and Speed, in partnership with Williams Strength Products, is explicit: to equip coaches with the tools necessary to prepare their athletes for modern competition. They offer a range of equipment designed to develop athletes, focusing on making them stronger, faster, and more agile. Safety is a priority in all their products to ensure that athletes remain active participants rather than sidelined spectators.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Middleton enjoys a fulfilling personal life, enriched immeasurably by his faith. His wife, Jill, and their four children—Daniel, Carleigh Anne, John Carver, and McKenzie—are blessings from God that enrich his life immeasurably.
Todd Hagler
Regional Sales Manager
Todd Hagler
Originally from Monroe, NC, Todd Hangler graduated from Piedmont HS in 1986 and further showcased his prowess in football at Lenoir Rhyne College by 1991. During his college years, Todd stood out as a 4-year starter, earning distinctions such as All District 26 in 1988 and 1989, All Conference in 1989, and being named Team Captain in 1989.
Todd’s coaching journey kicked off at Lenoir Rhyne in 1990 as a Graduate Assistant for the Defensive Line and Assistant Strength Coach. From there, he took his expertise to Wilkes Central HS in 1991 and 1992, where he played pivotal roles as the Defensive Line Coach, Defensive Coordinator in ’92, and Assistant Strength Coach. His tenure at Richmond Senior High in Rockingham, NC spanned from 1993 to 1997, managing the Offensive Line and serving as the Strength/Speed Coordinator. Under Todd’s guidance, the team secured 3 Conference Championships and emerged as the 1997 State Champions.
Between 1998 and 2000, Todd contributed to UNC-Chapel Hill as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Football. This period saw a triumphant win in the 1998 Las Vegas Bowl. Beyond football, Todd coordinated strength and conditioning initiatives for Baseball and Softball and lent support to other sports.
Todd’s leadership at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, NC from 2001 to 2020 was marked by overseeing the Offensive Line and spearheading the Strength and Conditioning sector. Under his watch, the school celebrated 11 Conference Championships and clinched the WNC Championship in 2008. Todd ensured that all athletes at the school had access to meticulously crafted training programs. His most recent engagement was at River Bluff High School in Lexington, SC, from 2020 to 2022, where he took charge of Strength and Conditioning as well as the Offensive Line.
With a coaching career spanning over 30 years, what truly resonates with Todd is witnessing the transformation of young athletes. He treasures observing their growth, both physically and mentally, through challenging training regimens. Todd beams with pride when he sees his proteges not only excel in sports but flourish in life, becoming outstanding spouses, parents, colleagues, and leaders.
Beyond the coaching realm, Todd is ardently passionate about fitness and football. Yet, it’s the cherished moments with his family, especially those beach outings, that he holds dearest.
Michael Batson
Regional Sales Manager
Michael Batson
Michael Batson stands as the Regional Sales Manager at Total Strength and Speed, overseeing operations spanning Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Joining our ranks in 2021, Michael carried forward the expertise he garnered during the 2020 season with the Carolina Panthers’ team.
A proud alumnus of Clemson University, Michael’s time there, which culminated in 2019, was marked by excellence in both academics and athletics. As an athlete, he showcased his prowess as a punter, contributing to the Football National Championship in 2016 and the ACC Championships across 2015, 2016, and 2017. On the academic front, he diversified his skill set by acquiring a degree in Audio Engineering, coupled with a minor in Special Education. This academic combination underscores his adeptness at conceptualizing, designing, and executing systems across diverse domains.
Hailing from Greenville, SC, Michael’s early achievements can be traced back to Christ Church Episcopal School, where he clinched four football state championships. His professional acumen is further highlighted by his certifications: he’s a Certified High School Strength Coach through the NHSCA and a recognized Tsunami Bar Specialist. Michael’s exposure to fitness began early, courtesy of his father’s role as a collegiate strength coach. Having spent a lifetime in weight rooms, Michael deeply resonates with the belief that the essence of a program’s culture finds its roots there. His fervor for crafting dynamic, effective, and enduring training facilities stems from this foundational belief. Both on the gridiron and beyond, Michael’s endeavors underscore his commitment to delivering unparalleled service and products to his coaches.
Presently, Michael finds solace in the company of his wife, Veronica, in their Georgia residence.
Will Ellison
Regional Sales Manager
Will Ellison
Will Ellison, an alumnus of Irmo High School (Class of 1999), showcased his passion for sports early on, dedicating 13 years to playing baseball. His educational journey further led him to Lander University, from which he graduated.
Boasting over 15 years of professional experience with Williams Strength, Will possesses a profound understanding of weight equipment and its manufacturing nuances. Over the years, he has collaborated with thousands of coaches, designing weight rooms tailored to their unique training specifications.
Outside of his professional realm, Will is a seasoned outdoorsman. With over 35 years of deer hunting experience, he cherishes moments spent pursuing deer, turkey, dove, and duck. He also harbors an aspiration to venture into hunting Western Big-Game animals.
Bonnie Long
Sales Administrator/
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Manager
Bonnie Long
Bonnie Long, currently serving as the Sales Administrator and Customer Service Manager, joined Total Strength and Speed in 2015. Bonnie brought with her an extensive background in hospitality and Human Resources.
Graduating from Washington High School in 1986, she further honed her skills at Midlands Technical College. Outside of her professional realm, Bonnie’s heart for people is evident. She’s an active member of her church, teaches Sunday school, and fervently advocates for the homeless in her community.
Making her home in Chapin, SC, Bonnie shares her life with her husband Jason and their four cherished sons.