No-Excuses Attitude and Hustle Power The GYMGUYZ Mobile Personal Training Franchise
Josh York is truly one-of-a-kind — a trailblazer in franchising and fitness with a personality as big as his ambitions. Armed with his New York swagger, boundless energy and a no-excuses attitude, he transformed GYMGUYZ into the world’s largest mobile personal training franchise.
Soon after graduating college, York recognized a gap in the fitness world. As a personal trainer in Long Island, he realized clients wanted more convenience and flexibility. So, he brought the workout to them. With just one van and a few client names in a folder, he started GYMGUYZ in 2008.
York’s energy and determination have always set him apart. “Failure is not an option,” he says. He hustled hard to get people to embrace his new approach, working through challenges with resilience and grit. His vision, combined with his no-nonsense leadership style, turned GYMGUYZ into a brand people trust and franchisees want to be part of.
Building a Legacy
York expects the same passion from his team as he has himself. “I look for people with commitment, integrity and a positive attitude,” he explains. He leads by example through constant hustle and a dedication to continual improvement. At the IFPG franchise broker organization, York is known as one of the most responsive franchisors in the portfolio, known for returning territory check calls with the speed of light. This dedication and his relentless passion for his brand earned him the very first Passion Award at the 2024 IFPG Retreat, where he was recognized for his enthusiasm and commitment to his franchisees.
York remains as committed as ever to making GYMGUYZ a household name. His hands-on approach and constant energy inspire his franchisees and clients alike. The mobile personal training franchise has more than 175 locations worldwide and counting. York is unstoppable. “I started GYMGUYZ to make fitness more accessible, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come,” York says. “But this is just the beginning — there’s so much more to do.”
Q&A: Josh York, GYMGUYZ
Failure is not an option.
Here, York discusses his inspirations, greatest career achievement and more.
1. Please share your favorite mantra or motto in business.
The easy way never pays well. WE DON’T QUIT!
2. What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership is about inspiring and guiding others to achieve their best while working toward a shared vision. It’s not just about giving directions, but about setting an example, empowering others, and fostering an environment where people can grow and succeed. True leadership involves empathy, resilience and the ability to adapt, while always prioritizing the well-being and development of the team. It’s about making tough decisions with integrity and having the courage to stand by them, but also being open to feedback and continuously learning. Ultimately, leadership is about creating a positive impact and leaving a legacy that helps others thrive.
3. How did you discover franchising?
I knew about franchising since I was a little kid. When I started the business, I knew I was going to franchise it.
4. What is your greatest career accomplishment?
My greatest career accomplishment is founding GYMGUYZ and growing it into the world’s largest mobile personal training franchise. Taking an idea that started with just a vision — bringing fitness directly to people — and turning it into a thriving, global brand is something I’m incredibly proud of. It wasn’t just about creating a successful business; it was about disrupting an industry and showing that fitness can be made more convenient, accessible and personalized.
Building GYMGUYZ into what it is today has also meant creating opportunities for countless entrepreneurs through our franchise system, allowing them to pursue their own dreams while improving the health and lives of others. Seeing the positive impact we’ve had on both our clients and franchise owners is what makes this accomplishment truly fulfilling.
5. Who do you admire in franchising?
I admire Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into a global franchise powerhouse. What stands out to me is his vision and ability to scale an idea far beyond its original scope. Ray Kroc didn’t just create a fast-food chain; he built a system that could be replicated with precision, ensuring that every customer, no matter where they were, would have the same consistent experience. His focus on systems, quality control and branding set the foundation for modern franchising.
I also admire his relentless drive and perseverance. Kroc was in his 50s when he came across the McDonald brothers’ restaurant, and he didn’t let age or the challenges of scaling stop him. He took risks, made bold moves and had the tenacity to push through obstacles.
For more information, visit GYMGUYZ’s franchise website.
