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

Hi Joe, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I think my background in sports had a lot to do with my business success. What it takes to be a successful athlete is very similar to what it takes to being a successful entrepreneur. I have an extreme willingness to endure hardships and make sacrifices so that ultimately I can reach a goal.

I also think my view of people, especially successful people, has been very important for me. I have heard many stories of how successful people got to where they are today. More often times than not, the formula is usually the same. The bulk of the formula is being willing to act on ideas or commitments, not letting a lack of knowledge or skill keep you from figuring it out or asking for help, having a strong network, and continuing to “show up” so that you have more chances of luck being on your side. While listening to these countless stories, the biggest thing that rings true is that they are just people. Sure they have gifts and abilities. But, ultimately, you are just as capable. So I really let people’s success motivate me to do the same, as opposed to have it deter me from trying because of a false impression of not being good enough.

What should our readers know about your business?
Growing up, I played baseball, basketball, and football while also being involved in the theatre. I went to Coastal Carolina University to major in Musical Theatre while playing football. Fitness and theatre were always a part of my life. I started both my professional acting career and personal training business in 2007. While on theatre gigs, it was a natural occurrence that I would fitness train other members of the cast. As I continued to do this, I realized that actors had specific needs in their training that was no different than professional athletes. From then on my goal was to bridge the gap between the Broadway community and informed/purposeful training. As the years went on, I eventually founded Broadway’s #1 Fitness Platform, Built for the Stage. My staff and I have coached actors that have been seen in Hamilton, Lion King, Aladdin, and over 50 other Broadway shows and counting.

Without my unique involvement in sports, fitness training, and theatre, BFTS would never have came about.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d first take them to my old place on the water in Long Island City, NY that faces the NYC skyline with a clear view of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. We’d get coffee from Sweetleaf coffee shop and walk down the water while people watching and looking at all the cute dogs that can be found on every corner.

Then, I’d take them on a 20 minute NYC ferry ride across the water to South Street Seaport for cocktails at The Fulton that looks out at the Brooklyn Bridge.

From there, I’d grab a cab for us to go see a Broadway matinee at my favorite theatre at The Lincoln Center.

After the show, we’d go to Carmines restaurant for some of the best and biggest portions of Italian food in the city.

Honestly, depending on who I’m with, it’d be nothing out of the ordinary to then go catch a second Broadway show that evening. After the show, I’d take them backstage to meet with a client that would give us a tour.

From there, we’d just see where the magical city led us to for the rest of the night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I owe recognition to but, the short-list is: my parents, Kelly Scurich, and Jon Richards.

My parents were always my biggest fans. They never limited me from trying new things and always instilled in me a confident mindset that I was capable of doing great things.

Kelly Scurich was a huge influence in my middle school and high school years. She had one of the more important ten minute conversations of my life during a study hall in the seventh grade. That conversation set me on a path that led me to where I am today.

Jon Richards is a friend and really my only business mentor that I know personally. He’s taught me valuable strategies, always asks me the tough questions, and continuously challenges me to not be scared to succeed.

Website: www.builtforthestage.com

Instagram: @builtforthestage

Twitter: @bftsbroadway

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/builtforthestage

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BuiltForTheStage

Other: TikTok: @builtforthestage (fun page with 23k and growing)

Image Credits
Rebecca Michelson – photographer Tim Hughes – actor in Hadestown on Broadway Jessica Ernest – actress in Chicago on Broadway (lunge photo) Holli’ Conway – actress in Tina the Musical on Broadway

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