Born in Islip, New York, and raised between Fort Lauderdale and Riverview—a small town outside Tampa, Florida—I come from humble beginnings. My parents immigrated from a small town in Guatemala to the United States in search of greater opportunities for themselves and their children.

 

Growing up, I watched them juggle multiple jobs—whether it was working two at once or driving cross-country in an 18-wheeler—to make ends meet. Spanish was my first language, and as the youngest in the family, I was always taught that nothing in life would be handed to me—everything had to be earned.

 

With that mindset, I learned English by watching Saturday morning cartoons and ’90s pop culture reruns, reading captions while in elementary school. As a teenager, I had the chance to travel with my father as he hauled freight across 40 of the 48 continental states. Those road trips opened my eyes to just how big the world is—and how much is truly possible.

 

After high school, I joined the U.S. Army and served as a 92Y—Unit Supply Specialist. There, I learned discipline, structure, and the importance of health and fitness. I worked alongside combat units like the Infantry and Cavalry Scouts in several countries. When my contract ended, I chose to chase my passions rather than settle for job security.

 

I pursued a career in health and fitness, earning my certification as a Personal Trainer specializing in Corrective Exercise—all while working at a Top 40 radio station in Tampa. I loved the energy—free concerts, celebrity meet-and-greets—but I knew my purpose was bigger. I wanted to make a real impact.

 

During the pandemic, the idea of starting a nonprofit gym took root. I didn’t know how to scale it—until I discovered this industry. Since then, I’ve been chasing the American Dream with everything I’ve got.