If there’s one word to describe March’s Member of the Month, Chantal O’Connor, it’s committed. Committed to showing up. Committed to making progress. And committed to building a strong relationship—with her fitness, her husband Billy, and their business.
In this episode of the Breathe CrossFit Podcast, we sat down with Chantal and her husband Billy—our first-ever couples interview. Together, they share how CrossFit transformed their lives, strengthened their marriage, and even influenced how they run their pest control business, Biotech Pest Control.
From Fast Food to First Pull-Ups
Chantal didn’t grow up athletic. “I never played sports,” she said. “I used to go to Planet Fitness late at night just to avoid disrupting family time.” Billy, on the other hand, had a background in high school sports but struggled with staying consistent at commercial gyms.
It wasn’t until Billy joined a nutrition challenge at a CrossFit gym that things started to change. After seeing noticeable results—losing 13 inches and transforming his energy—he convinced Chantal to try it too.
It took a few months, but she gave in. “Of course I was hesitant,” Chantal said. “But once I got started, I was hooked.” She credits the paleo-style nutrition challenge, support from other beginners, and the built-in accountability of group workouts for helping her find her rhythm.
Moving Through Gyms—and Life—Together
Their CrossFit journey included a few different gyms over the years, but the structure of group classes, the supportive environment, and the mental reset of a tough workout kept them coming back. “It’s like date night for us,” Billy said. “You could be irritated on the way here, but we leave laughing and having a good time.”
After years of showing up, Chantal now feels more confident than ever. “The first time someone called me an athlete, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world.”
They both agree that certain foods like soda and pasta used to weigh them down. By learning to fuel their bodies with quality food and consistent workouts, their energy—and mindset—completely changed.
From Partners in the Gym to Partners in Business
Chantal and Billy also run a successful pest control company together. Billy started it after leaving a larger company where he felt limited by corporate systems. Chantal had her own business—a tanning salon—for years before joining him full-time.
“It was scary,” Billy admitted. “I quit my job before I even passed the licensing test. I was pacing around the house, and Chantal had already set up a congratulations party in the driveway.”
They both say the key to making business and marriage work is communication, treating each other like teammates, and giving space when needed. “Billy knows if I’m cranky, it probably just means I need a muffin,” Chantal joked.
Advice for Couples in Fitness or Business
When asked what advice they’d give to other couples juggling fitness, family, and business, their answer was simple: treat your partner like your best friend—not your punching bag.
“Come to the gym together, laugh, challenge each other, and just keep showing up,” Billy said.
Whether you’re trying to improve your health, deepen your relationship, or take a leap into business ownership, Chantal and Billy prove that consistency, support, and a good sense of humor go a long way.
📍 Ready to start your journey? Book a No Sweat Intro at Breathe CrossFit today.
🎧 Or listen to the full podcast episode here.
