Meet the Team

Dustin Diefenderfer

MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab was founded by Dustin Diefenderfer to help individuals become more mentally tough, believing this is the key for them to reach their specific personal and professional goals. “Ever since I was young, I noticed certain people had something others didn’t. I wanted to know how they got it… and how to help other people get it. That’s why I built MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab. To be the best in the world at mental toughness...ultimately, so our customers can have a better life.”

Dustin’s areas of expertise include ultra running and mountain and hunting conditioning. Dustin has completed numerous ultra marathons and marathons, running 12 in one year to support his work in Africa. He has spent his entire life pursuing his passions in the mountains of the Western United States. “Hunting has always been my passion, and backcountry hunting has tested my mental toughness like nothing else. Without a doubt, it has made me a better man."

Dustin is a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer. His overall philosophy is based on work ethic, grit, and helping his clients learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. “The goal isn't to look fit; the goal is to actually be fit. Endurance and resilience is what we are after, and most importantly resilience of the mind. If you work for it, looking better will certainly happen, but forging an unbeatable mind is the primary objective. It is about training your mind so that it is on your side, not working against you.”

Alex Fichtler

Alex Fichtler was born and raised in the Big Sky state of Montana. He’s a former Navy SEAL that spent time not only in Afghanistan and Africa but has applied his fitness in some of the toughest conditions on the planet. He believes in setting the bar high and living the standard of being forged by the fires of trials so that we can overcome them verses being overcome by them. He’s a husband, a father, and a trainer. “I train in the gym and on the mats, I learn, I hunt, I shoot, and I perform so I can be the best man I can be. Empowering others to find the mental toughness inherent in all of us, to help them dig down and find their grit, and to ultimately become stronger, faster, and healthier is my target.”

Ara Megerdichian

Ara is a retired military officer and Army Ranger. He’s led some of the toughest and best soldiers in the world, trained Rangers and paratroopers, and taught physical education at the United States Military Academy. He believes in pushing the limits of physical, mental, and emotional endurance to find the strength to turn walls into hurdles: “Every time you find a ceiling…it becomes your next floor – so break through it, stand up, and get ready to drive further.”

He’s a husband, a father, and a master coach. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of extremely challenging experiences in my life – it’s part of the journey – and I’ve had to break through a lot of ceilings so my passion is helping others drive through their challenges, learn that boundaries can be crossed, and get stronger in every aspect of their lives: physically, mentally, and spiritually. That’s why I love MTNTOUGH, it’s deeper than just physical training – it’s a 360 degree training plan that opens the door to challenge you on all three dimensions and, over time, teach you the difference between a wall and a hurdle (and hopefully teach you that your boundaries are movable)."

In addition to a bunch of Army leadership schools, Ara holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Criminology from Purdue University, a Master of Education (physical education) from the University of Georgia, and is currently earning a Master of Science degree in Strategic Management as well as an MBA from Indiana University's Kelly School of Business.

Jimmy Alsobrook Jr.

Raised in Bozeman, Jimmy developed a love for the great rugged outdoors that Montana has to offer at an early age. Over the years, Jimmy has developed into an avid hunter and fisherman. From hunting the most treacherous mountains for bighorn sheep to fishing the expansive waters of Fort Peck Reservoir and everything in between. Jimmy has always been interested in fitness, and for the past 12 years he has been a personal trainer. He is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and specializes in functional training, and sports conditioning. He has devoted his career to helping his clients achieve their personal goals in fitness...such as climbing Mount Everest or being able to reach the top of a mountain and pack out their prize hunting trophy. Jimmy's philosophy is that workouts should be fun, productive, and ever-changing to decrease boredom. He'll help show you what to do and more importantly, what not to do.