We had the good fortune of connecting with Reid Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reid, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was an active Firefighter just outside of Philadelphia and I found that I wasn’t able to help people in the capacity that I wanted to. I was introduced to steel bending by my mentor William Sproat 7 years ago and I recognized with this skill set I’d be able to help a lot more people. I firmly believe that the world at large has failed people with mental health battles. My intention became to speak on the subject of mental health in middle schools and high schools implemented with my feats of strength to show kids that the impossible can be done. I saw a need that I had the ability and desire to fill so it just made sense to help as many people as possible. This led to hundreds of opportunities and thousands of people that I’ve gotten to speak to as well as perform for all over the country. My business came to life out of the necessity to help others.


Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Steel bending at large is mind over matter. It’s understanding that our only true limitation is time. I broke my neck when I was 16 years old and in that many opportunities were taken away from me. My future was uncertain and I was terrified. When I met my mentor he made it abundantly clear that I had a gift that it was my responsibility to help others. From childhood, up until I began, and every step since has been incredibly difficult. There have been many times that I wanted to give up, but I recognized that I wasn’t living my life just for me. I’m living my life for the people that aren’t here anymore and to help as many people as possible. I hold two world records for feats of strength currently as well as certifications in suicide prevention and suicide survival. When I’m not bending steel or doing things that are considered impossible, I’m a certified personal trainer. I’m fulfilled in helping others move optimally and feel their best mentally as well as physically. I’ve been able to help many, but the truth is I feel like I’m just getting started.


Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Learned Lemur
Conspiracy Theory Tattoo
Garden of The Gods
Red Rocks
The Cow & Eatery


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
William Sproat
Natalie Higgins
Reid N. Wilson
Betty Wilson
Rick Wilson
Joseph L. Greenstein

Website: babyfacereid.com

Instagram: babyface_reid

Youtube: Babyface Reid

Image Credits
Sean Sidelko
Rebecca Streng
Medusa Raptor Photography
Redlite Photography
Beau Monde Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.