Jay

Jay Pagano grew up in Towson, Maryland, where he developed a lifelong love for athletics through playing football, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, and water polo. These early experiences instilled in him the discipline and competitive spirit that continue to shape his life today.

He went on to attend Iona College, where he competed as a Division I athlete on the men’s water polo team. While earning his bachelor's degree in finance, Jay balanced the rigors of academic life with the demands of collegiate sports, sharpening his leadership skills and commitment to team success.

After college, Jay served in the U.S. Army, where he took on various leadership roles, including squad leader and physical training coordinator. His responsibilities included organizing and leading physical readiness training, coordinating logistics, and mentoring junior soldiers—experiences that deepened his understanding of resilience, accountability, and performance under pressure.

Jay’s passion for fitness extended beyond his military service, leading him to actively compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments. He has medaled in multiple competitions at the local, and he continues to train rigorously in the sport.

He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and holds additional certifications in corrective exercise and performance enhancement. Jay also spent time coaching and training clients at Fitness Together, where he developed customized programs to help individuals achieve their fitness goals through one-on-one attention and evidence-based practices.

Now living in Arnold, Maryland, Jay enjoys hiking, traveling, and embracing every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. He is excited to bring his energy, experience, and dedication to the team at EIF, where he is committed to helping others transform their lives through fitness and wellness.