Staff
Louie Simmons
Founder of Westside Barbell
Louie Simmons was a world-renowned Strength/Special Strengths coach and the founder of Westside Barbell. He was in the gym every day watching and analyzing all athletic training from all his powerlifters to track and field. Westside Barbell was a living laboratory for Louie where he conducted constant athletic experiments to push the boundaries of what is possible.
Louie coached 24 athletes who deadlift over 800 pounds and three who deadlift over 900lbs, fifteen members who have a total lifting record over 2500 pounds and seven over 2600 pound total. Westside Barbell is the only gym in the world to have two over 2700 pound totals, plus five over 2800 pounds and one who has the biggest total of all time with 3005lbs.
Louie published over 300 training articles, authored eight books, and produced ten highly respected training videos. Louie Simmons also the invented the Reverse Hyper® machine, Inverse Curl machine, Hip/Quad machine, Static/Dynamic developer and the Virtual Force Swing.
He was a strength consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and numerous college football teams. Louie worked closely with Kent Johnson, Johnny Parker, and Buddy Morris and a host of other professional and top-level strength coaches. Additionally, he trained 2 Olympic gold medal sprinters, Butch Reynolds and Moe Robinson, both 400-meter sprinters.
TOM BARRY
Chief Executive Officer
Tom Barry was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, where he obtained his degree in Exercise and Health Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology. In 2011, Tom had the opportunity to study under Louie. A two-month internship turned into a full-time position at Westside Barbell HQ, where he now oversees all operations and ensures that the team works toward achieving the goals and ethos set forth by Louie.
In 2015 Tom wanted to bring the teaching of Louie Simmons and the success of Westside Barbell into the homes of athletes, coaches, and anyone who wanted to learn how to train optimally.
From this the Conjugate Club was created, which is Westside's first and only membership site that you can obtain specific programming, unique video access and ask direct questions to all the staff on a monthly basis.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Sled Drags
Unique Fact
Avid Reader
Favorite Louie Quote
'Weak.Things.Break'
Harold Sharp
General Manager
Harold grew up on the west side of Columbus. After graduating high school, Harold earned a Bachelor's Degree in business from Devry University.
He previously trained at Westside Barbell for seven years, after competing in jiu jitsu and suffering a back/neck injury.
Tom played a key role in helping with his rehab and avoiding surgery. During this time in the gym Harold earned his personal training and athletic coaching cert from Westside.
Harold serves as the Operations Manager at Westside Barbell. He joined the team in November 2019. On top of overseeing the daily operations he has been involved with the development of the Conjugate Club.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Deadlift
Unique Fact
Photographer for Westside Barbell
Favorite Louie Quote
'Just when your body has all the answers, you have to change the questions. '
Email: Harold@westside-barbell.com
Burley Hawk
Digital Content Manager
Burley Hawk is the Digital Content Manager at Westside Barbell and a Conjugate Method strength coach.
Training and studying under Louie Simmons over the past decade, Burley has attained the experience, knowledge and understanding necessary to master the Conjugate Method.
A longtime member of Westside Barbell, and a loyal student of Louie's, Burley remains dedicated to delivering the Westside Barbell message to the digital world.
Jason Gusic
Conjugate Tactical director
“Gus” came to us officially in early 2013, after attending a seminar here in 2009 and traveling 500 miles round trip for three years numerous times per year to train and learn, which he continues to do today.
Over his 7 plus years here he has worked in a number of capacities based on the needs of Westside Barbell- ranging from our equipment sales manager and member of the official Westside Barbell seminar staff to providing customer care and training information.
In late 2019 he earned the title of Westside Barbell Master Strength Coach and now works alongside the Westside Barbell education team while he continues to develop and grow Conjugate Tactical.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Push Press
Unique Fact
Private gym owner for 12 years
Favorite Louie Quote
'Its a way, not the way'