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When you meet Jerry, one of ZOOZ Fitness’s dedicated trainers, his energy and easy humor immediately stand out. But behind his upbeat personality is a story of persistence, resilience, and a deep commitment to both his family and the athletes he serves.

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Before ZOOZ, Jerry’s career path was far from the fitness floor. He spent years working in sales — from car dealerships to Verizon — and serving tables at Dave & Buster’s, which he still does part-time. Fitness, however, had always been part of his life. He played football in high school and dreamed of studying kinesiology, but after graduation, life took a different turn.

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“I had to work,” Jerry says. “At first, to help my mom — she was a single parent raising three kids — and then later, to provide for my own children.” His dream of a career in sports medicine or personal training was put on hold for years as he focused on supporting his family.

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Two years ago, at 29, Jerry made a decision that would change everything: he went back to school, enrolling in kinesiology classes at Pierce College. It was during a personal training course that his professor received an email from ZOOZ founder, Jake Weiner, about a coach opening. 

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“At first, I wondered if I could mentally handle it,” Jerry admits, referring to working with people on the autism spectrum and with disabilities. “But I have a cousin with Down syndrome, and I’ve always connected well with him. I thought, why not try?”

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Jerry joined ZOOZ in September of 2024 and quickly discovered that the work was both rewarding and grounding. 

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“In the beginning, it felt really self-rewarding. Now, I just see everyone as people with different personalities,” he says. “I like to joke around with everyone — that’s my style.”

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His days are full — from one-on-one sessions at the ZOOZ gym to Rock Steady boxing classes for people with Parkinson’s, to training visits at the Ed Asner Family Center. And on his “days off,” Jerry runs his own youth sports camp, inspired by his desire to keep his 9- and 10-year-old kids active and engaged.

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For Jerry, ZOOZ is more than a job; it’s a place where he feels both pride and purpose. 

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“Jake is the best boss I’ve ever had,” he says. “He’s relatable, a family man, and he’s built something truly special here. Working at ZOOZ has motivated me to start my own camp and to be a better person.”

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​​Jake sees Jerry as an integral part of the ZOOZ family. 

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“Jerry has such a natural ability to connect with people,” Jake says. “He brings energy, humor, and heart into every session. His dedication to his athletes and his family is inspiring, and he’s a huge reason our community is as strong as it is.”

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The impact Jerry has on athletes — and their families — is clear. He recalls a moment when the father of a young woman he trained told him, in Spanish, “God sent us an angel for my daughter, and that angel is you.” Jerry admits he doesn’t always see himself that way, but the words stuck. “You never know what people are going through or how they see you,” he says.

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While Jerry’s ultimate dream is to one day open his own sports-focused gym, right now he’s focused on continuing to grow at ZOOZ, finishing his degree, and — most importantly — being a strong role model for his children.

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“The best part of my day is dinner with my family,” he says. “We hold hands, we pray, and we eat together. Everything I do is for them — to give them a better life and show them the value of hard work.”

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At ZOOZ, Jerry is more than a trainer. He’s proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion, that persistence matters, and that showing up for others — whether they’re your clients, your coworkers, or your kids — can change lives.

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