From the Garage to Greatness: John Bartholomeo - Mohawk Valley Wellness | Ep 20 – Make an Impact

In this episode, Stephen sits down with John Bartholomeo, owner and operator of Mohawk Valley Wellness, to talk about his journey from a two-stall garage to a 14,000 sq. ft. wellness powerhouse. John opens up about the lessons he learned in the U.S. Marine Corps, the early grind of entrepreneurship, and how mindset, discipline, and clear expectations have shaped his business and life.

John shares:
● How his time in the Marines built the structure and discipline that shaped his future
● Why failure, discipline, and resilience are the foundations of success
● The story behind starting Mohawk Valley Wellness in a garage with sand-filled medicine balls
● How “reverse engineering” goals creates consistent, measurable progress
● What it really takes to sustain growth through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship
● The importance of honesty, communication, and realistic expectations in business and fitness
● How Mohawk Valley Wellness helps clients across the country transform their health through structure and accountability
● Why small wins and continuous effort create lifelong impact

Mentioned in this episode:
📍 Mohawk Valley Wellness — https://www.mohawkvalleywellness.com
📍 Your Best Week Yet App — Available on the App Store
📍 Follow John Bartholomeo on Facebook & Instagram @MohawkValleyWellness

HEADS UP:
▶ New episodes every Wednesday — Subscribe & turn on notifications
LIKE this episode if you believe discipline and consistency beat motivation every time

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one goal you’re ready to reverse engineer today?
🎧 We’re on SPOTIFY: Make an Impact Podcast

ABOUT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Based in Central New York
Follow us on Instagram: @MakeAnImpactPod
Thanks for tuning in. Let’s go out & MAKE AN IMPACT.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome & intro: John Bartholomeo of Mohawk Valley Wellness
2:05 – The moment that changed Stephen’s life — and John’s advice that sparked T5
5:15 – John’s story: from local trouble to U.S. Marine to entrepreneur
9:45 – Lessons from the Marines: structure, discipline & routine
13:00 – Discovering purpose after the service and creating a new path
17:15 – Starting a business in a garage and the first members who believed
21:30 – Growing from 1,500 sq. ft. to 14,000 sq. ft. and a nationwide impact
25:40 – Mindset, goals & the power of progress over perfection
30:25 – Reverse engineering goals and building momentum through small wins
34:50 – Breaking things in business and learning from the setbacks
40:10 – Expectations vs. reality in fitness and entrepreneurship
45:00 – How honesty and data build trust with clients
50:20 – Why consistency beats motivation every time
55:10 – Your Best Week Yet App & coaching nationwide
58:30 – Closing thoughts: Don’t wait for perfect — just start and learn as you go