Eight years ago, Joshua Grinstead was laid off from his job in higher education for the second time in two years, and he started to question everything. He began doubting himself, his choice of careers, and most of all, his luck.
Since then, he’s become a successful multi-unit operator of GYMGUYZ, with eight locations across Hudson, Bergen, and Rockland counties in NJ and upstate NY. Earlier this year, he was named a 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association for his success, unwavering enthusiasm, and commitment to promoting the GYMGUYZ business model. Grinstead’s journey was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but everything that knocked him down helped create the mindset and business strategies that drive him today.
Picking Himself Up
In the wake of being laid off, Grinstead recognized his options moving forward: let this setback hold him back or choose to grow from it. Having the security blanket of a job with benefits ripped out from under him not once— but twice, he had a few serious realizations in the wake of his layoff.
“For anyone who has been recently laid off, take a second to be sad if you need it, but don’t let that setback define you or what you do next,” Grinstead said. “Don’t take it personally and recognize that unfortunately, it happens to a lot of people.”
Grinstead has adopted a flexible mindset. Being too comfortable leaves a person vulnerable when their present circumstances inevitably change. Through these challenges, he was looking for the right move. Studying the economic climate set him on a trajectory towards the goals he would set for himself as an entrepreneur rather than those on the corporate ladder.
With no boss to report to but no steady paycheck, he found himself face to face with the daunting but exciting opportunity to forge his own career path.
The risks of running your own business are obvious, but after losing his job twice, he was ready. While reviewing his options, Grinstead realized that part of the value proposition of employment has to be security. He asked himself, “When security is absent, is the risk of starting your own business so much greater?” When he took the leap, it turned out he was a lot more capable than he had previously given himself credit for.
Finding the Right Doors to Open
While diving into a career as an entrepreneur was a solo endeavor for Grinstead, he recognized the value of finding a team in the early days of wanting to own a business.
He soon discovered GYMGUYZ, the largest in-home and on-site personal training company in the world, with a turn-key business model that brings the personal trainer directly to the customer with no gym needed— just some equipment, passionate personal trainers, and a van.
The low financial barrier of entry and high upside was exactly what he was looking for, and since launching his first franchise in 2015, Grinstead has grown alongside GYMGUYZ, growing three initial territories into eight.
Grinstead was an early investor in GYMGUYZ. While there were other franchises out there with hundreds of locations and that seemed more relevant given his background, he loved the GYMGUYZ business structure. He felt that the business model and health-driven mission that welcomed anyone with the right attitude, regardless of their experience as a trainer – was inspired.
“When I started with GYMGUYZ, it was slow at first as we built the brand locally,” Grinstead said. But that did not hold him back, “At the end of the day, if you want to get anywhere, you have to stop tiptoeing and push yourself past your fears. There is no place for analysis paralysis. You have to say yes to everything you can and just ‘do’.”
Grinstead understood the GYMGUYZ model and knew he could make it thrive. He also knew the local marketplace was a fit for it. As the son of an entrepreneur, Grinstead was keenly aware that he would need to handle every role in the company, so he even became certified as a personal trainer. Finally, confident that the investment with GYMGUYZ offered an immense potential return, he hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since. His franchises have provided people of all ages and abilities across New Jersey and New York with over 85,000 sessions and classes to consistent rave reviews and with impressive ongoing growth.
Recalling the Lows to Build Others Up
Having had his life plans overhauled twice because of layoffs, he used that experience to mold his leaderships style and how he communicates priorities to his employees.
Grinstead invests in his current employees. He has found that spending time building up people from within is the best way to grow his business and to give clients their best return on their investment too.
GYMGUYZ offers its team continuing education benefits, health benefits, and pre-tax investment options. It generally pays above market wages to recognize the hard work and commitment required as a personal trainer.
“We want our staff to stay and do our best to give them a reason to. Coworkers are a business’s customers as well. It’s crucial to remember that.”
Grinstead’s employees are certified professionals who dedicate themselves to their careers in what they consider ‘preventative health care.’ Having seen clients transform their fitness and health through training with GYMGUYZ, he applauds the technical knowledge and care of his employees.
Grinstead invests in his team, values those who are mission driven, and refuses to let the unfortunate parts of life dictate his story. He concludes, “Never let anyone else tell you who you are or what you are worth. You get to write your story. No one else. Take the pen back and write a great one. You are more ready, and better, than you think.”
