Meet The Team

Cole Arranaga joined the D1 team in 2020 and currently serves as the Vice President of Operations.

A native of Orange County, California, Cole started his career in the fitness industry with humble beginnings working as a Front Desk associate at 24 Hour Fitness. Cole quickly learned he had a knack for sales and worked his way up the ranks of 24 Hour Fitness, holding roles that included membership sales, sales manager, and General Manager. Throughout his time at 24 Hour Fitness, Cole made his name by going into clubs as a “fixer” ultimately working at 13 locations implementing sales, operations, and retention strategies to lead those locations to success.

His success growing and maintaining profits for gym owners led him to a breakout opportunity in the private group training market with operations consulting company GymLaunch. As Director of Sales, Cole's teams at GymLaunch were experts in helping boutique/small fitness facility owners grow and scale their fitness businesses. He directed multiple sales and support teams that generated revenue of over $45MM+ per year for their clients.

Cole lives in Orange County with his wife, Camille and dog, Kobe.

Fun Facts:

• You can find Cole riding his Waverunner with dolphins.
• Cole enjoys role playing sales with his fiance during their free time.
• Cole's favorite food is a breakfast burrito.

Mat Kite joined the D1 team in 2014 and currently serves as both the Director of Education and Field Support Director.

Mat received his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin where he studied Exercise Science with a minor in Education. Student teaching and coaching at local schools while attending Texas helped Mat develop a foundation of instruction, coaching strategies, and understanding of the learning process. As an Intern Strength Coach for the Texas Football program he expanded his experience working under Master Strength Coaches Bennie Wylie and Donnie Maib implementing conditioning programs, managing nutritional plans, and building rapport with the athletes. Here he realized his passion for improving performance with athletes in the weight room and on the field. Before joining D1 in Dallas, Mat spent 3 years post graduate learning and developing his craft at two high performance facilities; HIT Center Austin and Michael Johnson Performance.

Mat’s love for sport comes from having played and competed through high school in almost every team sport available to him: Football, Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field, and Powerlifting. Mat also completed the walk on process at UT for football, but found his calling joining the Strength staff as an intern. It’s those experiences that drive Mat to be the Coach for others like the ones he had mentoring him throughout his athlete career. #IronSharpensIron

Mat holds numerous accolades such as being a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association USA while also being a Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach (USAW-L1SP). Dr. John Berardi’s Precision Nutrition course member of The D1 Training Panel helps develop the D1 product through programming and direction of continuing education, coaching certification, and exploring new training techniques. Mat is also a writer and contributor for Men’s Health while maintaining a seat on the Fitness Council.

Mat lives in Dallas with his wife Cassie, daughter Callie, and their two dogs, Pepper & Tex.

Fun Facts:

• If you know Mat for 5 minutes, you’ll know he’s from Texas. He’ll tell you.
• Mat enjoys cooking for the family, being on the water, live music, and old country dance halls.
• He will try to convert you to the Texas music scene.

Dillan McCullough came to D1 in October of 2020 as an addition to our Field Support team. Born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dillan cut his teeth in the fitness industry working for Gym Launch, one of the largest fitness business consulting agencies in the world. After holding past positions ranging from business consultant to Director of Sales, Dillan brings an in-depth knowledge of lead generation, sales and retention strategies. After having worked with hundreds of fitness business around the English-speaking world, it’s rare that Dillan encounters a problem he can’t help solve. Dillan’s experience helping fitness business increase their revenue and profit makes him a perfect addition to the D1 team. On the personal side, Dillan and his wife Stephanie are passionate about outdoor sports and can be found mountain biking, cycling, hiking, back packing and just about anything else that takes them to the mountains. Their dog Dixie loves to tag along as well.

Richard Collins joined the D1 family in 2021 as the Director of Franchise Development. Richard has a BS in Kinesiology from California State University of Chico. Prior to joining D1 Richard spent 3 years teaching physical education and health at the high school level. Most recently Richard spent 10 years working for 24 Hour Fitness, which allowed him to hold numerous leadership titles during his tenure. His love for introducing Fitness to young athletes, sales, business and working with like minded people made D1 a natural fit. Richard currently lives outside of Denver with his Wife Amanda, their two kids Cassidy and Declan and their dog Dublin.

Fun Facts:

• Love to snowboard
• I have the biggest calves in the D1 family
• I recently bought a Traeger, and now I think I’m a grill master

Morgan Whitney joined the team in 2021 and currently serves as General Counsel.

Morgan graduated from Florida State University and received her law degree from Loyola University in Chicago where she worked mainly in sports & entertainment law. While in law school, she interned with UFC in Las Vegas in their Legal & Regulatory Affairs department. Upon graduation, Morgan moved to Nashville and worked at a local law firm before her transition to D1.

Morgan lives in Nashville with her husband Ryan, their daughter Scarlett, and their three dogs, Granger, Strider, and Bennet.

Fun Facts:

• Morgan believes no amount of dogs is “too many.”
• You can often find her at the Wizarding World in Orlando with a butterbeer in hand.
• Morgan enjoys a good movie night in with her family and friends

Bryant Howell joined the D1 team in 2021 and currently serves as Franchise Development Rep. Bryant graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a BS in Kinesiotherapy. After graduation, Bryant joined the team at East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, Louisiana where he worked on developing classes and programs for stroke patients. In 2017, he started working as a personal trainer and manager or Braxton Gilbert Fitness in Mobile, AL. His work there gave him the opportunity to open his own gym in 2020. His love for sales and helping people brought him to D1 soon after! Bryant currently lives in Mobile with his wife Alissia and dog Roux.

Fun Facts:

• Coffee is his love language.
• Working out is my favorite time of day.
• Refuses to believe he’s too old to be a pro gamer.