By: Bethany Myers, Photos Courtesy of TURF and Jessica Bodas Photography

The New Year has passed and we are well into the third millennium. 2023 is known as The Year of the Rabbit, said to evoke an aura of discovery, intuition, and compassion as our society collectively searches for new ways to understand ourselves and the world we live in. Some of us have remained faithful to our resolutions to eat healthier food, use less plastic, or live a more active lifestyle. Others have allowed the distractions of life to sweep us away from our goals. Whether you’re still going strong with your workout routine or you need a bit of motivation to jumpstart your health goals, look no further than TURF, the fitness phenomenon in Newport Beach. Founded in 2017 during the winter holidays, TURF was originally created when Webb Travis, the founder, scribbled on a napkin to jot down his idea. What started in his garage has quickly emerged as the go-to destination for anyone looking to improve their fitness game.

Webb Travis Early Life

Throughout his childhood, Webb Travis and his family faced financial challenges, even living in a trailer for a period of time. Nevertheless, his hardworking parents never gave up on their dreams and toiled for years to eventually acquire a piece of land where they constructed a custom home. As a young child, Webb was always tasked with chores such as cutting firewood, doing laundry, and working at a family-owned restaurant once he was old enough. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for the value of hard work and the importance of financial responsibility - qualities that continue to guide him to this day.

Webb's love for sports and fitness began in elementary school where he played baseball and basketball before transitioning to rugby in college. After finishing his freshman year at his heaviest weight of 285 pounds, he embarked on a fitness journey, shedding an impressive 100 pounds in just one year! During that time, he also became a personal trainer, which initially began as a part-time job, then evolved into a hobby, and eventually led to a second college degree. Today, it is his passion and career.

At the young age of 20, Webb Travis experienced a traumatic loss when his father suddenly passed away due to his difficult battle with cancer and mental illness. Since then, Webb has been devoted to supporting others and ensuring that those around him are healthy and thriving. Webb considers health and wellness a gift, and feels that it is his duty to pay it forward and help others experience the same blessing and fulfillment as he has.

Kacey Taormina Early Life

Kacey grew up in Anaheim, California, in a nurturing and conventional household with two industrious parents. Their family set high standards for academic and personal achievements, and Kacey is immensely grateful for the lessons learned from her parents on how to strive for excellence in oneself and in others.

“There was no whining or coddling in our home, and that helped me develop grit and resilience. I learned that “NO” is rarely a final decision, and with hard work and excellence, there is always a way to achieve what you dream.”

Kacey was a rower in high school and college. In her 20's she began training for figure and fitness competitions, which then led her to discover the high intensity strength and conditioning program known as CrossFit. Now, she is dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and has always loved pushing herself to the physical limit.

About TURF

With private and group training classes for activities like spin, strength training, and more, TURF has everything you need to get your sweat on. With a growing community of over 1,200 clients, TURF has helped many Orange County residents achieve their fitness dreams, from winning competitions to losing over 50 pounds of weight.

But TURF is more than just a gym. It's a community that embodies the core principles of healthy living. From complimentary consultations to customized plans, the team of fitness professionals at TURF is committed to helping you live a healthy life you love. The fitness trainers specialize in everything from CrossFit to Powerlifting to Recovery Work. And with almost 40 coaches, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your fitness journey.

And now, TURF is taking it to the next level with online training and corporate wellness programs. - Allowing clients near and far to train on their own TURF, on their terms. With the help of passionate and knowledgeable fitness professionals like the coaches at TURF, you'll be well on your way to transforming your body, mind, and spirit.

More About the Owners

Webb is a respected, sought-after personal trainer and nutrition coach who is an unstoppable force in the fitness community. Hailing from the Big Apple, Travis holds not one, but two Master's degrees in Business Administration and Kinesiology, and his list of certifications are impressive: NCSF-PT, ACSM Personal Trainer Certification, RKC Kettlebell Certification, Stages Cycling Certification, Pre & Post Natal, PPSC, TRX, ViPR, Precision Nutrition. Webb is a true expert when it comes to helping people reach their fitness goals.

But his accolades don't stop there - Webb has also been recognized as the Top Performer of the Year at his previous employer, Equinox, along with the Group Fitness Instructor of the Year award. Webb generously shares his wealth of knowledge and talent by educating and training other fitness professionals in his industry. He is a devoted husband, and father, and loves helping people transform their entire lifestyle. His wife, Kacey Taormina, is a well-known real estate broker focusing with her team on residential and commercial real estate investments in Southern California. Kacey is also a personality who has captivated audiences as a star on Bravo TV's Real Estate Wars. Dipping her toes into so many successful ventures, she has carved quite the reputation for herself as a savvy entrepreneur.

In addition to her successful business enterprises, Taormina is also a dedicated wife and mother. Alongside her family, she is committed to the noble cause of ending homelessness in California, and her philanthropic endeavors are making a lasting difference in the lives of many.

Family Life

Kacey and Webb have been proud residents of EastSide Costa Mesa since 2018, cherishing their close-knit cul-de-sac community and convenient proximity to TURF and other local amenities. They are passionate about spending time in nature, particularly at the nearby beach, and relish the outdoor lifestyle that Southern California offers.

Giving Back

TURF reaches beyond fitness goals with a heart to give back to the community, as the company proudly supports local organizations like Newport Harbor Football & Baseball Teams, Newport Baseball Association, Illumination Foundation, & Be Well OC.