Gold’s Gym, the iconic fitness brand, inducted Pete Grymkowski, Ed Connors and Tim Kimber into the Gold’s Gym Hall of Fame—who were instrumental in shaping the history and growth of Gold’s Gym during the 1980s and 1990s and leading the brand to unprecedented success and establishing its global presence.
Pete Grymkowski and Ed Connors first crossed paths in a Florida gym in the late 1970s. Together, they purchased Gold’s Gym in Santa Monica, CA, in 1979. Two years later, Tim Kimber, a close friend of Grymkowski, joined the gym, and the trio relocated to its iconic Venice Beach location, known as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding.” Over the next 20 years, the trio expanded Gold’s Gym into a global powerhouse, launching a licensing program that propelled the brand to over 500 locations worldwide.
Grymkowski, Connors and Kimber’s leadership and vision revolutionized the fitness industry and inspired millions worldwide to pursue their fitness goals. Their contributions extend beyond the gym as evidenced by the publication The Gold’s Gym Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding, which became a staple resource for fitness enthusiasts around the globe at that time.
“There is no question Gold’s Gym would not be the global icon it is today without the vision, passion and leadership of Pete, Ed and Tim,” said Kevin Christie, Gold’s Gym vice president of franchising. “Each of them has left a lasting impression on Gold’s Gym and the fitness industry as a whole. We welcome them into a group of storied Hall of Famers.”
A committee of Gold’s Gym executives and franchisees from the Gold’s Gym Franchise Association select Hall of Fame inductees based on each individual’s substantial leadership, influence and enduring impact on the brand. Grymkowski, Connors and Kimber join fellow Gold’s Gym Hall of Famers, including Gold’s Gym founder Joe Gold, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Gabby Reese, and Laird Hamilton, in addition to several domestic and international franchisees.
The Gold’s Gym Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held on March 6 during a private dinner at the Hotel Per La in downtown Los Angeles to honor the remarkable achievements of these three individuals and their profound influence on the brand’s legacy.
Images courtesy Gold’s Gym, Amazon
