GRIND TO FLY
OUR TEAM
Santiago K. Garcia
President & Founder
A U.S. Air Force Officer, Division-1 College Athlete, Author, and Pilot, Santiago Garcia continually sets new standards, pursues his passions, and helps others achieve their goals. Santiago is directly responsible for creating, communicating, and implementing Grind to Fly's vision, mission, and direction.
Santiago founded Grind to Fly in 2018 to enhance pilot’s health and performance by providing insight to leverage technologies and improve aviation fitness. In 2019, he co-authored an introductory training system for aviators to enhance physical and mental performance in the cockpit titled, The Grind to Fly System: An Introduction to Elite Aviation Fitness. In 2020, he co-authored a human performance manual specifically for the 23d Fighter Group (Moody AFB, GA) titled, 23d Fighter Group Pre-Flight Manual for Human Performance.
Santiago has flown as Pilot-in-Command in the F-16, T-38C, T-6A, C-172, C-150, and DV-20, and has flown multiple familiarization flights in the F-15, HC-130J, C-17, DHC-6, TG-16A, and A-29. Santiago graduated U.S. Air Force SUPT in July of 2022, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals in December of 2022, and is currently flying the F-16.
Santiago Garcia received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science & Leadership from the United States Air Force Academy.
When Santiago isn't training, he can be found practicing yoga, surfing, coaching tennis, rolling on the jiu-jitsu mat and spending time with friends and family.
Brandon A. To
Vice President & Co-Founder
An Athlete, Author, and Current Medical Student, Brandon’s innovation, attention to detail, and unique desire to improve other’s lives is unparalleled. As Vice President & Co-Founder, Brandon facilitates strategic decisions and conducts operational oversight for Grind to Fly Inc.
Brandon To co-founded Grind to Fly in 2018 to provide a biological and physiological perspective to aviation performance. His passion for health and fitness, coupled with his background in cellular biology allowed him to co-author an introductory training system to enhance physical and mental performance in the cockpit titled, The Grind to Fly System: An Introduction to Elite Aviation Fitness. In 2020, he led Grind to Fly in its second publication, 23d Fighter Group Pre-Flight Manual for Human Performance.
Brandon's skillsets allow him to provide strategic guidance on Grind to Fly's projects, budget, and long-term objectives. He is solely responsible for coordinating research opportunities, communicating with clients, conducting outreach and maximizing mission effectiveness. Additionally, Brandon facilitates the annual Grind to Fly Scholarship.
Brandon received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and is currently studying medicine at the University of Central Florida.
When Brandon isn’t working out, studying, or helping others, he can be found traveling, tutoring or finding the next best bite to eat.
Tyler O. Riley
Director of Health & Performance
A NASM-Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT) and Medical Student, Tyler utilizes several training modalities to oversee all aspects of Grind to Fly's physical fitness and performance optimization. He aims to educate and train others on proper motor patterns including core stabilization, injury prevention, and range of motion prioritization.
Tyler joined the Grind to Fly team in October of 2020. He uses his experience in functional fitness to provide practical information on strength development and injury prevention. Tyler served as an initial evaluator for The Grind to Fly System: An Introduction to Elite Aviation Fitness, and directly contributed to the 23d Fighter Group Pre-Flight Manual for Human Performance by creating the physical warm-up routine.
Tyler combines scientific research and human psychology to provide actionable recommendations for Grind to Fly. He is ultimately responsible for proposing various mental and physical training modalities/protocols that pilots and operators can leverage to achieve peak performance.
Tyler received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology and Cell Science from the University of Florida and is currently in medical school at the University of Central Florida. Tyler intends to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine.
When Tyler isn't in the gym or studying, he can be found reading, woodworking, or at the beach.