Staff
Louie Simmons
Founder and CEO of Westside Barbell
Louie Simmons is a world-renowned Strength/Special Strengths coach and the founder of Westside Barbell. He is in the gym every day watching and analyzing all athletic training from all his powerlifters to track and field. Westside Barbell is a living laboratory for Louie where he can undergo constant athletic experiments to push the boundaries of what is possible.
He also has 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 has published over 300 training articles, authored eight books, and produced ten highly respected training videos. Louie Simmons is also the inventor of the Reverse Hyper® machine, Inverse Curl machine, Hip/Quad machine, Static/Dynamic developer and the Virtual Force Swing.
He has been a strength consultant for the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and numerous college football teams. Louie has worked closely with Kent Johnson, Johnny Parker, and Buddy Morris and a host of other professional and top-level strength coaches. Additionally, he has trained 2 Olympic gold medal sprinters, Butch Reynolds and Moe Robinson, both 400-meter sprinters.
TOM BARRY
Chief Operations 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 Louie and all the staff on a monthly basis.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Sled Drag's
Unique Fact
Avid Reader
Favorite Louie Quote
'Weak.Things.Break'
Harold Sharp
Operations 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
Sanjay Soekhoe
Media Manger
Sanjay Soekhoe grew up in the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He gravitated towards weights to improve his performance in the martial arts scene.
After hearing one of Louie's podcasts he was hooked to the world of strength- and conditioning and proceeded to coach athletes in various disciplines.
In 2019, Sanjay had the opportunity to work side by side with Westside Barbell's staff and Louie Simmons himself, improving his knowledge and experience further.
Sanjay became part of Westside Barbell being in charge of the post-production of educational and media content as well as actively coordinating the online community engagement.
Favorite Gym Exercise
ATP Shadow Boxing
Unique Fact
Can juggle up to seven juggling balls.
Favorite Louie Quote
'Heaven and Hell, it's all in your head'
Email: Sanjay@westside-barbell.com
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'
Travis Clark
Youth Development
Travis is a certified Westside Barbell personal trainer and professional boxer. He is a proud father of four boys and one grandson. Travis is a 1998 graduate of Union Local high school where he was an Ohio State wrestling champion and also participated in football.
The "Terrors" career in MMA a has taken him from California to France and included participating in Bellator MMA. Travis held the West Virginia heavyweight boxing title for eight years and has recently expanded his career by opening his own gym Terror Inc.
Currently Travis has focused to work with persons with developmental disabilities and children with autism. He also finds time to focus on youth development, as a strength and conditioning coach for athletes involved in wrestling, soccer, and cross country, all through team terror fitness, located in Morristown Ohio. With all of this, he still finds time to volunteer with various local charities,
Travis is the cofounder of MMMAA, and sits on the board as vice president, he is also a board member for a special wish foundation Ohio Valley, and is a volunteer for the local chapter of the Ark of Ohio. Travis has an amazing passion for helping others.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Bandbell Bar
Unique Fact:
Trains the MMA crew with Louie & Tom
Email: travis@westside-barbell.com
Mike Beckett
Weak.Things.Break Manager
Mike came on board in 2019 as Westside Barbells purchasing manager. His knowledge of screen printing and textile procurement made him a huge asset to the companies growth.
In 2020 Westside Barbell launched a sister printing company called Weak.Things.Break® of which Mike manages its day to day operations while maintaining and building its current portfolio of clients.
Favorite Gym Exercise
Sled Drag's
Unique Fact
Avid Reader
Favorite Louie Quote
'Weak.Things.Break'
Email: Mike@westside-barbell.com
Charlie Cataline
Graphic Design
Charlie Cataline was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and has been making art his entire life.
He has worked in many different areas of art and design, with experience ranging from animation to 3D printing.
In 2019 Charlie joined the Westside creative team and has been developing brand logos and illustrations for media and products.
Charlie has a BFA in Art and Technology from The Ohio State University
Favorite Gym Exercise
Airdyne Bike
Unique Fact:
Has a growing collection of Gundam model kits