1851

Growing up, Josh York knew that future success would require him to work hard, play harder and never quit. That conviction led him to launch <a href="https://www.gymguyz.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=young-ones-to-watch-josh-york-founder-and-ceo-of-gymguyz-2711893#~s5b2k12" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GYMGUYZ</a> in 2008, transforming the fitness brand into a franchise opportunity for gym junkies and those with an entrepreneurial spirit. When York first began proposing his concept for GYMGUYZ in 2007, not everyone was on board with the idea. Now, York, 30, says he’s living proof that, “If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”Currently, GYMGUYZ has nearly 60 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. In an interview with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/">1851 Franchise</a>, York shares what drew him to franchising, his advice to aspiring business owners and how his kids constantly inspire him to be a role model.1851: What initially drew you to franchising?York: I love the concept of franchising because it gives you the ability to surround yourself with people who have similar values as you. Being able to bring entrepreneurs together who are working toward the same goal makes for a successful business model.1851: Where do you see the most opportunities in franchising and why are you excited about the future of the industry?York: Everything is about convenience these days and I wanted to be able to bring a convenient fitness concept to different communities. Fitness is growing fast and it’s only going to continue to grow and get better and better—which is a great advantage for us.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other young up-and-comers in the space?York: Have patience and surround yourself with people who align with your passion and values. Never quit—ever. If you don’t think big, you’re not going to get big. Most people think small, act out of fear and complain rather than take positive action. If you want to be a driver, you can’t be afraid to put in the work. People laughed at my goals, but I didn’t let them get to me.1851: What advice would you give your younger self?York: Honestly, I wouldn’t give myself any advice because I had to learn through failure, and by failing, I learned a lot. I wouldn’t change anything about how I got here because the lessons I learned are extremely valuable.In 2007, I was training this billionaire and when I told him about my GYMGUYZ idea, he laughed in my face and told me, “This concept is like swiss cheese—it’s got too many holes in it. It’ll never be successful.” That’s why I celebrate National Swiss Cheese Day every August 1. I have a picture of swiss cheese hanging in my office and it’s a reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to. You choose your destiny—whatever you believe, you’ll achieve it. You have to be obsessed with an idea and I’m obsessed with GYMGUYZ.&nbsp;1851: Who is someone you look to for inspiration?York: My children inspire me because I want them to have a great life and have things that I never had. I had to really push myself to get to where I am and at the end of the day, I play to win. I want my kids to see what hard work looks like, whether I’m working out or doing work around the house.

Young Ones to Watch: Josh York, Founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ

1851 Franchise

GYMGUYZ founder and CEO Josh York explains how he turned the words of those who doubted him into motivation to become a successful entrepreneur.

young-ones-to-watch-josh-york-founder-and-ceo-of-gymguyz

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

kidstrong-franchise-confident-kids

Image of a kid growing up, developing with kidstrong, high fiving and smiling. 

How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

kidstrong-franchise-opportunity-child-development

Picture of kids for franchise business Kidstrong which focuses on child development and fitness

KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

kidstrong-child-development-program

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Photo of a large group of people standing in a circle, placing hands together in center

Franchise Opportunities for Minorities: Expanding the Franchise Network

franchise-opportunities-for-minorities

Amanda Evans - Stellar Service Brands - Franchise Marketing Leaders 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Amanda Evans — Senior Vice President of Marketing, Stellar Service Brands

stellar-service-brands-marketing-leader-amanda-evans

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

Young Ones to Watch: Josh York, Founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS