We recently connected with Joseph Herrera and have shared our conversation below.
Joseph, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
From Immigrant Dreams to Fitness Empire: My Journey to NXTLVL Success**
My name is Joseph Herrera, and I want to share with you the remarkable journey that led me to become the proud owner of NXTLVL Sport and Fitness, a thriving gym in Orange County that will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. This story is a testament to the enduring lessons I learned from my parents, Vivian and George, who immigrated to America from the Philippines and instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Growing up, I witnessed my mother, Vivian, embark on an extraordinary quest to become a pharmacist. She faced language barriers and the challenges of adapting to a new culture head-on. Vivian’s relentless pursuit of her dream was awe-inspiring. Her days were consumed by rigorous studying, and late nights were lit by the dim glow of her study lamp. Through her unwavering determination, she taught me that success is not handed to you; it’s earned through sheer dedication.
My father, George, was a hardworking truck driver, spending countless hours on the road to provide for our family. He showed me the value of hard work, emphasizing that success is often found at the end of a long and winding road. His dedication to our family and his job was a profound lesson in responsibility and tenacity.
My parents’ sacrifices were not lost on me. They worked tirelessly to create a better life for me and my siblings, Vanessa and Gisbert. Their immigrant story served as a constant reminder that hard work knows no boundaries and that dreams are achievable through unwavering effort.
My passion for fitness led me to pursue a degree in sports science. I saved diligently, determined to turn my dream of owning a gym into reality. In 2004, NXTLVL Sport and Fitness opened its doors—a modest facility with only a handful of clients. But I poured my heart and soul into it, driven by the values instilled in me by my parents.
Over the years, NXTLVL Sport and Fitness transformed into one of Orange County’s largest fitness communities. It became a sanctuary for those seeking inspiration and transformation. It was no longer just a gym; it was a second home for our members. My commitment to excellence mirrored the work ethic I learned from my parents.
My wife, the beautiful Heather, has been my pillar of support throughout this journey. Her unwavering encouragement and belief in my dreams have propelled me forward. Together, we navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, sharing the joys and triumphs of NXTLVL’s growth.
As I prepare to celebrate the gym’s 20th anniversary, I’m filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. NXTLVL Sport and Fitness embodies the enduring values of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, which I inherited from my parents.
My legacy extends beyond the gym walls; I’m a proud role model to my four children—Logan, Jasmin, Ava, and Troy. I aim to teach them that success is achieved through relentless pursuit of one’s dreams and unwavering family support. In the midst of my accomplishments, I remain humbled and truly blessed—proof that the American dream is alive and thriving.
Joseph, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
From my early days growing up in the sunny city of Anaheim, California, I was a sports enthusiast and an incredibly active child. Playing, competing, and staying in motion were the defining features of my childhood. However, it was my journey into fitness that truly shaped the course of my life.
My passion for fitness ignited when I first stepped into a gym. It was there, amidst the clanging weights and the rhythm of exercise, that I discovered the transformative power of fitness. I began to shed excess weight and witness the incredible changes in my body that hard work and dedication could bring about. It was a revelation.
Motivated by my own fitness journey, I embarked on an educational path to deepen my understanding of health and well-being. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science, a foundation that would later prove invaluable in my career.
In 2001, I decided to turn my passion into my profession and became a certified personal trainer. This career choice was driven by a burning desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives, to help them achieve their best physical selves, just as I had.
My journey as a personal trainer began at LA Fitness in La Habra, where I honed my skills and discovered the true joy of guiding clients on their fitness journeys. The satisfaction of witnessing their transformations and knowing that I played a role in their success fueled my determination.
After gaining valuable experience and refining my approach over the years, I took a monumental step in 2004. It was the year I decided to open my own independent gym—a modest 700-square-foot space that marked the birth of NXTLVL Sport and Fitness. My vision was clear: to create a fitness sanctuary where individuals could embark on their own transformative journeys.
Fast forward to 2024, and NXTLVL Sport and Fitness has blossomed into an impressive 8,500-square-foot establishment. It has become a thriving fitness community, a testament to the enduring values of hard work and dedication that I’ve carried throughout my life.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of impacting the lives of thousands of individuals, each with their unique fitness goals and aspirations. The satisfaction of knowing I’ve played a part in their success is immeasurable, and it continues to be the driving force behind my love for what I do.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to make a positive difference in the lives of others. My story is a testament to the transformative power of fitness, the unwavering pursuit of one’s passion, and the joy of living a life dedicated to helping others achieve their best selves. I love my life, and I’m excited for the countless more lives we’ll impact together in the years to come.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Building a good reputation in the fitness business has always been a priority for us at NXTLVL Sport and Fitness. My business partner, Conway, and I share a strong commitment to staying true to ourselves and our values as we’ve grown our gym into what it is today.
Conway and I go way back, having grown up together in Anaheim, California, and both of us coming from humble beginnings. From the very beginning, we decided that authenticity would be at the core of our business. We didn’t want to be just another gym that followed every trend and ended up disappointing clients when those trends faded away. We wanted to offer something genuine and lasting.
One of the key decisions we made was about the classes and coaches we brought into NXTLVL. Instead of chasing the latest fitness fads, we focused on what we believed would genuinely benefit our clients. We handpicked coaches who shared our passion for fitness and our dedication to helping people achieve their goals in a sustainable way. This approach allowed us to maintain the integrity of our gym and build a reputation as a place where real results could be achieved.
Another aspect of our commitment to authenticity was our pricing strategy. While we knew we could charge higher fees for our services, we deliberately chose to keep our pricing competitive. We didn’t want cost to be a barrier preventing people from accessing quality fitness training. It’s truly rewarding to know that we can be affordable for most individuals who are seeking to make positive changes in their health and fitness journey.
Our reputation has been built on these principles of authenticity, value, and staying true to ourselves. We believe that by doing so, we’ve not only attracted loyal clients but also created a community of individuals who trust us to guide them on their fitness journeys. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the positive impact we’ve had on so many lives, and we’re committed to maintaining these principles as we continue to grow and evolve in the fitness industry.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In the midst of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, while the world seemed to be closing its doors, NXTLVL Sport and Fitness was determined to remain open, resilient in our commitment to our members and the fitness community.
It was a challenging time for everyone. The uncertainty in the air was palpable as lockdowns and restrictions swept across the globe. Like many businesses, we faced a daunting decision about whether to close our doors temporarily or to stay open despite the challenging circumstances. We knew that fitness enthusiasts and our members needed a place to work out, now more than ever.
After careful consideration and thorough planning, we made the decision to temporarily close our doors for three long months. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the responsible one. We understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of protecting our members and staff.
During those months of closure, we worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that when we reopened, we would provide a safe and secure environment for everyone who walked through our doors. Our team diligently implemented strict health and safety protocols, from enhanced cleaning procedures to social distancing measures and mandatory mask usage.
As the world grappled with the effects of the pandemic, our members and fitness enthusiasts were yearning for a place to get back on track, to shed the extra pounds gained during the lockdowns, and to regain their fitness routines. Their longing for a gym was mirrored by our determination to provide that sanctuary for them.
When the day finally arrived, and we were able to reopen our doors, it was a moment of triumph. Our members returned with gratitude in their hearts, eager to reclaim their fitness journey and rekindle their love for a healthy lifestyle. The sense of community and camaraderie that NXTLVL had fostered over the years was stronger than ever.
We were praised not only by our members but also by our local community for our unwavering commitment to safety and our willingness to adapt during challenging times. The appreciation and support we received were heartwarming and reaffirmed our belief in the resilience of the human spirit.
Staying open during the COVID-19 shutdown was a testament to our dedication to our mission – to help individuals transform their lives through fitness. We knew that fitness was not just about physical health but also about mental well-being, especially during times of uncertainty.
As we reflect on those challenging months and the strength it took to persevere, we are reminded of the incredible sense of community that exists within NXTLVL Sport and Fitness. It’s a community that stands together, supports one another, and never loses sight of the importance of resilience, even in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nxtlvlsport.com
- Instagram: nxtlvlsportandfitness
- Facebook: NXTLVL Sport and Fitness
- Twitter: nxtlvjoe
- Youtube: nxtlvljoe
- Yelp: NXTLVL Sport and Fitness
- Others: http://www.elevatemygym.com/
Image Credits
Conway Ai, Stephen La Carra, Jack May, Heather Herrera, NXTLVL Family, Vivian Herrera, George Herrera, Angie Herrera.