Meet Our Team
At Montana Performance Labs, our team brings together a unique blend of scientific expertise and high-level coaching experience. With over 15 years of combined experience in strength and conditioning, co-founders Justin Whitten and Zac Salvat have worked with athletes across all levels, from youth and high school to Division I and professional. With deep roots in Montana and a shared passion for athletic development, they’ve built MPL to help athletes move better, get stronger, and compete at their highest level.
Justin Whitten, PhD, CSCS
Co-Founder & Director of Sports Science
Justin blends scientific knowledge with real-world coaching experience. A Minnesota native and former #2-ranked collegiate powerlifter in the nation, he began his career at Big Sky Barbell before moving into performance roles at Prime Performance and Montana State University Athletics. He earned his PhD in Exercise Science, focusing on biomechanics and motor control, and has worked with MSU Football, Basketball, Volleyball, and more as a Strength Coach and Consulting Sports Scientist. He currently teaches in the Strength and Conditioning program at MSU and directs sports performance for Montana State Rugby and Manhattan High School.
Zac “Coach Sal” Salvat
Co-Founder & Director of Sports Performance
Coach Sal is a former All-State football and track athlete, he played running back at Orange Coast College before transferring to Montana State to study kinesiology. A National Champion Olympic Weightlifter (96kg, 2019), Zac transitioned into coaching, leading The Pitt in Bozeman and serving as Head Strength Coach at Gallatin High School. From 2020–2024, he helped produce multiple state championships, D1 recruits, and more Gatorade Players of the Year than any coach in the state. He also volunteers with Big Sky Bravery, a nonprofit serving Special Operations soldiers.