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

Home Halo

Home Halo’s 160-Step Launch Process: Setting Franchisees Up for Success

home-halo-franchise-launch-process

VA Reimbursement: A Unique Opportunity for Home Halo Franchisees

va-reimbursement-a-unique-opportunity-for-home-halo-franchisees

Home Halo’s "Frank" Method: Coaching Franchisees to Greatness

home-halos-frank-method-coaching-franchisees-to-greatness

home-halo-dan-deak-personal-journey-headshot

Dan Deak's Personal Journey: From Caring Son to Home Halo CEO

dan-deaks-personal-journey-from-caring-son-to-home-halo-ceo

10 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Home Halo Franchise

10-reasons-why-you-should-invest-in-a-home-halo-franchise

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 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

Dave’s Hot Chicken Sold to Roark Capital in $1 Billion Deal to Fuel Global Expansion

daves-hot-chicken-sold-to-roark-capital-in-1-billion-deal-to-fuel-global-expansion

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

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

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

The Ultimate Guide To Selling Franchises: How to Leverage Franchise Expos

how-franchisors-can-leverage-franchise-expos-to-drive-success

How Franchise Brands Can Prepare for the Rise of AI-Driven Advertising

how-franchise-brands-can-prepare-for-the-rise-of-ai-driven-advertising

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How to Position Your Value Proposition — Point of Differentiation

how-to-position-your-value-proposition-with-a-point-of-differentiation

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

What You Need To Know About Low-Cost Franchise Opportunities

what-you-need-to-know-about-low-cost-franchise-opportunities

Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

sola-salons-franchisee-grows-salon-freedom-into-a-multi-state-powerhouse

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville 

Dan Yangas Brings Family Flooring Legacy Full Circle With Footprints Floors Franchise in Naperville, Illinois

dan-yangas-brings-family-flooring-legacy-full-circle-with-footprints-floors-franchise-in-naperville-illinois

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Sean Phelan & Caring Transitions logo

From Tech to Transitions: Why This Caring Transitions Franchisee Left the Corporate World To Help Families Navigate Life’s Hardest Moves

sean-phelan-caring-transitions-franchise-austin

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS