John Gardner

John Gardner is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickoff, a remote personal training platform designed to make fitness more accessible and affordable. Established in January 2019, Kickoff connects clients with certified personal trainers, allowing users to receive personalized coaching at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional gym memberships. The platform aims to address the global obesity epidemic by bridging the gaps in knowledge and motivation that often hinder individuals from achieving their fitness goals.123

Background and Career

John Gardner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and American History from Columbia University (2004-2008) and an MBA from Dartmouth College (2011-2013). His career began in 2006 with internships at the New York City Economic Development Corporation and Monitor Group, where he advanced to Senior Consultant. He later worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company and served as Senior Vice President at BuildZoom from 2015 to 2019, managing a team of 65.23

In addition to his business acumen, Gardner is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, which reflects his commitment to fitness and wellness. His motivation for founding Kickoff stemmed from personal experiences, including helping his mother get into shape, which highlighted the need for effective support systems in personal training.234

Vision for Kickoff

Under Gardner's leadership, Kickoff has grown rapidly, with over 20,000 coaches joining the platform and more than 10,000 clients achieving their fitness goals. The service emphasizes social accountability and personalized coaching, providing clients with daily check-ins and tailored wellness programs that combine exercise, nutrition, and behavioral insights.13

Gardner's vision is to democratize access to high-quality fitness training, making it available to a broader audience without the premium costs typically associated with personal trainers. This approach not only enhances client outcomes but also empowers trainers to build sustainable careers.13