Meet the Team
Mayweather Boxing + Fitness is led by a visionary executive franchise team who puts franchisee success first
Floyd Mayweather – Co-Founder
James Williams – Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
James first started his relationship with Floyd 10 years ago, as he would drive to Vegas and have meetings to discuss Floyd’s plans to build his legacy outside of the boxing arena. As their friendship grew closer, they became ever more excited to start Mayweather Boxing + Fitness together – with a plan to empower entrepreneurs to build their own legacies under Floyd’s iconic brand, through the quality of his workouts, and through the blueprint they could develop as a franchise system. James has been running overall strategy and day-to-day operations of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness from back in those first days of business conception through today.
James was previously an advisor to Beyoncé on her entertainment and management company, Parkwood Entertainment, with a focus on developing Beyoncé’s Ivy Park brand. He also co-founded XPT Life, a performance lifestyle brand created by big-wave surfer and fitness innovator, Laird Hamilton, and professional volleyball player, Gabrielle Reece.
Previously, James had an eight-year career at Bain & Company, where he developed growth strategies and devised business plans for some of the most successful luxury, auto and sports brands in the world. Prior to Bain, James was a corporate lawyer at Clifford Chance, at the time the world’s largest law firm and part of the UK’s “Magic Circle” of elite firms, working in both London and New York.
While studying for his MBA, James founded the non-profit, SOMB, which provides school uniforms to children in sub-Saharan Africa. He has visited Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa on several occasions to oversee SOMB donations.
James holds an LLB with honors from the University of Leeds, a J.D. from Nottingham Law School, both in the United Kingdom, and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
From the day that Mayweather Boxing + Fitness started, James’ passion in life has been the success of our franchisees, the positive impact to our members across the country, and the building of a legacy that everyone associated with it will be immensely proud of.
Burrel Lee Wilks III – Co-Founder, Vice Chairman and Franchisee
Burrel Lee Wilks III is a writer, entrepreneur, speaker, and life coach. He created and trademarked the “Strategies for Millionaire Magnetism” program and became a partner in the property development company, Diamond Developments, Inc. Burrel has owned multiple businesses, including gas station franchises, car dealerships, a grocery store, concert promotion business, and jewelry stores. A long-time friend and business partner of Floyd, Burrel connected James and Floyd and set the wheels in motion for Mayweather Boxing + Fitness. So confident in our system is Burrel, that he purchased his own franchise and opened and operates an incredible Mayweather Boxing + Fitness location in Newport Coast, CA.
Even in the face of success, Burrel has not forgotten his roots, and he continues working with underprivileged and at-risk children, as well as with the nonprofit organization Ready-Set-Work. Burrel communicates his struggles and successes to children that are much like he once was, and he serves as an inspiration to them. Burrel wrote and self-published his memoir, Tattoos on My Soul: From the Ghetto to the Top of the World: A Sizzling Story of Grit, Glitz, and Personal Growth, in 2006. The memoir was written in the hope that Burrel could reach and inspire more people with his remarkable story.
Jessica Yarmey – Brand Strategy
Jessica Yarmey has almost 25 years of marketing experience, 15 of which were spent with franchise brands. Prior to joining the Mayweather family, she was the Chief Executive Officer of KickHouse, growing the concept to 26 locations across the country. Starting her business during the pandemic, Jessica brings a creative approach to fill the void of how studio owners are supported in the fitness space. As an Entrepreneur, Jessica is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs and leaders find and thrive in their passion.
Previously, Jessica served as Chief Marketing Officer at Club Pilates where she established processes to drive awareness and demand both nationally and locally. Under her leadership, the company grew from 225 to over 615 locations in the U.S., Canada, and in Master Franchise countries over a three year period.
In 2012, she overlapped her passion for franchising with her passion for fitness starting as Director of Franchise Marketing at Gold’s Gym. A former college athlete who played Division I soccer at Loyola University in Maryland and ran two marathons in “retirement,” Jessica recognizes the value of fitness and its ability to transform lives. As a result, she aspires to bring more health and fitness opportunities to neighborhoods across the nation. Jessica’s weekly workout routine consists of running, yoga, boxing, and listening to podcasts while walking with her Belgian Malinois.
Nick Abrahams – Director of Franchise Development
Nick Abrahams has over 7 years’ experience as a franchisee and national franchise developer. He joined Mayweather Boxing + Fitness as Director of Franchise Development in November 2019. His passion for an active lifestyle and group fitness was born out of his experience training and playing multiple Team sports including representing Australia in rugby union. Prior to Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, Nick was integral to the Australian and US expansion for F45 Training from 2017 to 2019. Nick understands buying a franchise is a major life decision and can include investing your lifesavings. He is eager to hear about your current situation, ambitions and fears. He will devote significant time with you, be thorough on what to expect as a franchisee, unpack your specific emotional reasons and provide clarity on whether this opportunity is the right fit for your business and personal goals.
Chan Gannaway – Director of Fitness Education and Programming
Chan is a fitness industry veteran with 27 years working in various roles ranging from personal trainer, group fitness instructor, manager, workout developer, regional director, national director, education consultant, curriculum builder, and passionate presenter. He has presented education and fitness certifications in 35 states and 4 countries, representing NASM, ACE, Orangetheory Fitness, Equinox, IDEA, Midtown Athletic Clubs, GRIT BXNG, The Masters Fitness, and of course, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness. Chan brings 12 years of experience working, leading, educating, and developing, specifically in the boutique fitness space. His passion for the brand and future of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness is very clear when you speak to him.
Personally, married to Kerry Anne Hamilton-Gannaway, a master trainer and fitness industry veteran herself and a multi-unit Mayweather Boxing + Fitness franchise owner. They have 5 kids between them. They are Isabel, Logan, Danielle, Joshua, and Gracie Lane. Hobbies include cycling, beach time with the family, hanging in our pool, college football, keeping up with old friends, and – most importantly – taking plenty of boxing and fitness workouts at Mayweather!
Zulma Cortes – Senior Director of Development
Zulma Cortes has over 10 years’ experience in construction management and boutique fitness franchising. She joined Mayweather Boxing + Fitness as Senior Director of Development in April 2021. Prior to Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, Zulma was the Director of Development at Xponential Fitness from 2018 to 2021. Zulma now applies her extensive construction knowledge and experience to lead and direct the design and construction of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness studios, as well as construction feasibility and brand standard compliance.
She is committed to providing support through site selection, design, construction management, and all facets of development for a successful studio build out. Zulma will provide the framework to navigate you from studio inception to grand opening in a structured and seamless process. As an active individual, Zulma enjoys hiking and camping with her husband, where they reside in Orange County, California. She is excited to support you in establishing a facility that embodies the brand, spirit and success of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness.
Reid Silverman – Senior Director of Brand
Reid is the Senior Director of Brand and has been serving as the corporate team’s marketing department since prior to our Grand Opening in June 2018. She is responsible for taking the lead in marketing initiatives and creating content for presale, grand openings and sustained marketing. She oversees branding and studio innovations in conjunction with construction, marketing and sales & ops departments. Reid also assists with the onboarding process and creates, manages and provides support for Franchisee social media. Previously, Reid worked in marketing and public relations for professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Lakers. In 2016, Reid graduated from Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications with a Sports Media minor. Reid will continue to develop the programming and marketing campaigns and provide operational support to franchisees.
