Joey Gonzalez

CEO, Barry’s Bootcamp | @joeygonzalez

Why Him

He started as a Barry’s Bootcamp instructor in 2004 and worked his way up to the top job at the international fitness brand by 2015. Even with his packed work schedule and family life (he and his husband have two kids), he still makes time to teach classes.

Where does your drive come from?

As the child of two immigrants—a Cuban father and an Italian mother—I developed a deep appreciation for the American dream from a young age. They taught my brother, sister and me to work hard to get what we want and never settle for anything. And, luckily, that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to.

What daily habits that keep you going?

Meditation. Cuddle time with my kids. And Barry’s of course.

What would you say to your 20-year-old self?

Replace fear with focus.

The best memories often result from going off the grid or off schedule. Describe one.

When I was 19, I did a program called Semester at Sea and traveled to 14 countries in 100 days. It was the most enriching experience of my life, giving me a global perspective that I would never have developed without seeing the world at that age.