We were lucky to catch up with Jesse Staton recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jesse, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The inspiration for Golden Army Fitness emerged during a profound moment of personal reflection. While taking psilocybin mushrooms name came to me in a flash of clarity while on a 8 hour high. It symbolized the strength we can harness, even in the toughest times, by uplifting and caring for others. The vision behind Golden Army Fitness is about building a community of resilience, unity, and empowerment

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Golden Army Fitness: A Holistic Approach to Wellness, Strength, and Community

My name is Jesse Staton, and I’m the founder of Golden Army Fitness L.L.C., based in New York City. My journey into the fitness industry took a significant turn during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when the world was reeling from loss and uncertainty, my best friend and I wanted to create a space for hope and connection. We began a free community jogging group to offer support and build camaraderie among those struggling through isolation and stress. That grassroots effort laid the foundation for Golden Army Fitness, which I officially established in 2021.

Golden Army Fitness is built on the principle that true wellness encompasses more than just physical fitness—it includes mental health, nutrition, and community. We offer a variety of services, including in-person and online BootCamp workouts, nutrition consultations, guided meditation, and educational programs focused on mental well-being. One of our most popular offerings is our weekly running club, which hosts runs across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge every Wednesday evening. We also run specialized programs, such as chair workouts for the elderly and our Golden Army Fitness Reader’s event every Sunday, which promotes mental health through reading and conversation. In February, we focus on heart health, running events throughout the month to raise awareness and encourage healthy habits.

Beyond fitness, we offer graphic design consultation services for businesses, and I am a motivational speaker dedicated to inspiring others to live their best lives.

What sets Golden Army Fitness apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just focus on physical strength—we emphasize unity, mental resilience, and overall well-being. The name “Golden Army” reflects this vision: “Golden” represents excellence and brilliance, while “Army” symbolizes the strength of community and collective effort. Together, we help each other grow stronger, healthier, and more confident, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

I am most proud of the community we’ve built and the positive impact we continue to make in people’s lives. For anyone considering joining Golden Army Fitness, I want you to know that you’re not just signing up for a fitness program—you’re joining a community where we uplift and empower each other to reach our greatest potential.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best sources of new clients for Golden Army Fitness have been a combination of ClassPass and community events. ClassPass allows us to reach a wider audience by offering flexible access to our BootCamp workouts and other fitness sessions. It’s been a great way to introduce new clients to our programs who might not have found us otherwise.

In addition to ClassPass, participating in and hosting community events has been key to growing our client base. Whether it’s our weekly running club over the Brooklyn Bridge or larger events like our annual Heart Health February campaign, these gatherings help build connections and spread the word organically.

Finally, leveraging social media platforms has been crucial. By regularly sharing motivational content, workout tips, and event updates, we engage with our audience and attract new clients through the power of community and inspiration.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I stay in touch with both current and past clients through regular email and text message updates. These communications include personalized fitness tips, event announcements, and motivational messages to keep them engaged. I also use these channels to check in on their progress, offer encouragement, and remind them of upcoming classes or community events. By maintaining this consistent and personal connection, I foster brand loyalty and ensure that clients feel supported in their fitness journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Staton1984
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenarmyfitness_j/profilecard/?igsh=Y3QwdmoxZmk2dzRq
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-staton-722006214
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@goldenarmyfitnessj1947?si=G6DW_NkgvBV6nOHv