Jay's passion for health and fitness took root in high school, where the weight room became a key part of becoming a better athlete. That drive never faded — even after his playing days ended, he stayed in the gym. His first real exposure to CrossFit came in college in 2008, when coaches used it to condition the football team during spring ball.

For the past 13 years, Jay has worked full-time in the fitness industry, spending nearly a decade operating, managing, and coaching at some of the largest CrossFit gyms in the world. He and Francesca opened River and Rail. not just out of a love for fitness, but out of a love for Beacon and its community — and a desire to build a place that brings both together.