Barry’s CEO Joey Gonzalez on Transforming Fitness with Passion and Hard Work
In the latest episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton, CEO of Suzy, interviews Joey Gonzalez, the Global CEO of Barry’s. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Barry’s has become a leading health and fitness brand with 84 studios across 14 countries. Joey shares his inspiring journey from childhood actor to global CEO, emphasizing the importance of passion, hard work, and innovation in the fitness industry.
From Hollywood to Fitness: Joey's Early Journey
Joey Gonzalez's career journey began in an unexpected place: Hollywood. Growing up in Chicago, Joey was a childhood actor, appearing in shows like The Untouchables and movies such as Matinee with John Goodman. However, after moving to California to pursue acting further, Joey realized that Hollywood wasn't his true calling. This realization led to a difficult period of self-discovery.
“It's crushing because in order to pursue something like that and to get through so many years of rejection, you have to truly believe that it's what you're meant to do,” Joey recalls. Determined to find a career he was passionate about, Joey tried various jobs, from real estate to massage therapy, until he discovered Barry’s Bootcamp.
Finding Passion at Barry’s Bootcamp
Joey first attended Barry’s Bootcamp as a customer, and the experience was transformative. Despite initial fears about his fitness level, Joey quickly fell in love with the workouts and the supportive community. After six months, Barry Jay, the founder of Barry’s, noticed Joey's dedication and offered him a position as a trainer.
“I knew within a few weeks that this was something I wanted to pursue and dedicate my life to,” Joey shares. He saw the potential for Barry’s to expand beyond Hollywood and took the initiative to invest in and grow the brand.
Scaling Barry’s: From Local to Global
Joey’s commitment to Barry’s led to significant expansion. He opened new studios across the country, proving the concept’s portability and creating the tools to scale it. His biggest leap came when he decided to open a studio in New York City, significantly upgrading the Barry’s experience with premium amenities and a more sophisticated build-out.
“I risked everything in my life,” Joey says, reflecting on the challenges of moving across the country and investing heavily in the New York studio. The gamble paid off, with the studio exceeding financial projections within just a few months.
In 2015, Joey was named Global CEO of Barry’s, formalizing a role he had already been performing. Under his leadership, Barry’s has continued to grow, now operating in 14 countries with innovative new concepts like Barry’s Lift and Barry’s Ride.
The Importance of Hard Work and Innovation
Throughout his journey, Joey emphasizes the value of hard work and dedication. “Even though it's not trendy, the value of working hard is how it all happens,” he says. Joey’s relentless work ethic and commitment to the brand have been key to his success.
Innovation is also a core value at Barry’s. Joey and his team continuously seek new ways to enhance the fitness experience, from developing new class formats to leveraging technology for a more immersive workout.
Post-COVID Trends in Fitness
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for the fitness industry, but Joey notes a strong return to in-person experiences. Barry’s has seen higher attendance numbers in many markets compared to pre-pandemic levels. The company continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, emphasizing the importance of community and high-quality, immersive fitness experiences.
Joey's Leadership Philosophy
Joey's leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, focusing on developing and supporting his team. “I am there to develop the people that report into me,” he explains. This approach has been crucial in building a strong, cohesive leadership team that shares his values and vision.
Conclusion: Embracing Fear and Focus
Joey Gonzalez’s journey from actor to CEO of Barry’s is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and innovation. His story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, emphasizing the importance of taking risks, working hard, and staying focused on one’s goals.
Joey’s mantra, “replace fear with focus,” encapsulates his approach to overcoming challenges and achieving success. As Barry’s celebrates its 25th anniversary, Joey’s leadership continues to drive the brand forward, transforming lives through fitness and community.
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