We had the good fortune of connecting with Jared Keys and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jared, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success comes down to three things: believing in myself, taking chances, and persevering no matter the obstacles. Believing in myself was the foundation—it allowed me to set big goals and go after them, even when the odds weren’t in my favor. Taking chances has been equally important. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone, leaving college to pursue bodybuilding, or starting my coaching business, I had to bet on myself repeatedly. Finally, perseverance is what kept me moving forward during tough times. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s the ability to keep pushing through challenges that separates those who succeed from those who give up. These three principles are what have shaped my journey so far.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is focused on online bodybuilding and fitness coaching, where I help people achieve their health, physique, and performance goals. What sets my coaching apart is the personalized approach I take with every client. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter plans. Instead, I design programs tailored to their unique goals, lifestyles, and challenges. It’s about creating a long-term strategy that works for them, not just a quick fix.

I’m most proud of the impact my coaching has had on people’s lives. Seeing clients not only transform physically but also gain confidence and mental toughness is incredibly rewarding. What excites me most is the opportunity to keep growing and helping even more people realize their potential.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Building a business from scratch while balancing my own competitive bodybuilding career and family life required a lot of late nights, tough decisions, and sacrifices. Early on, I struggled with finding my voice in an industry that’s so competitive. Over time, I learned to focus on what makes me unique—my story, my journey, and the genuine care I have for my clients’ success.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency and adaptability are key. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and you have to be willing to pivot when things don’t go as planned.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I’m not just here to help people get in shape. My mission is to help people unlock their potential and change their lives through fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone just starting their fitness journey, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. My story is about perseverance, growth, and helping others realize they’re capable of more than they think.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am honestly a big foodie, so if I’m in the off-season there will be a lot of restaurants. I like brunches and later breakfast meals so lots of pancakes, bacon, eggs and potatoes. I like to workout earlier in the afternoon so training at the best gym in town or one of them would be next most days. If not the gym than maybe something more active like a walk around downtown or the pool. I also like museums and aquariums so that might make the itinerary. Night life if I’m feeling energized. People that are chill and can go with the flow or introduce new ideas I wouldn’t think of are the best.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my shoutout goes to my fiancée, Stacey. She has been absolutely instrumental in my successes. Beyond being someone I can always confide in and lean on, Stacey handles so much of the behind-the-scenes logistics that allow me to stay focused on my goals. From managing schedules to helping with day-to-day responsibilities, she’s truly the backbone of everything I do. On top of that, she’s an incredible mother to our two daughters, Zora and Hera, balancing everything with grace and love. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life, and a lot of what I’ve accomplished wouldn’t have been possible without her support and encouragement.

Website: https://Jaredkeys.com

Instagram: @thekeystrengthconditioning /@jaredkeysbodybuilding

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredkeys19/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jaredfitness?si=cob3DYd7Y2GlIEMm

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.