Josh Mason of Fame Strength – Why NEPA?

Josh Mason is a South Wilkes-Barre native, entrepreneur and the founder of Fame Strength, a growing training facility with locations in Forty Fort, Dallas and Duryea. What started with a handful of local athletes has grown into a results-driven program known for developing strength, speed and confidence in athletes and adults across Northeastern PA.

Raised by his father alongside his three siblings in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other, Josh grew up playing outside and competing in anything he could, from baseball and track to wrestling, football and basketball. That foundation carried him through a standout athletic career at the former Meyers High School and onto the college level, where he played football on scholarship at the University of Rhode Island and Temple University.

While the NFL was once the goal, his path shifted toward helping others reach theirs. After returning home in 2009, he began training local student athletes, which led to the launch of Fame Strength, opening its first location in his hometown in 2011. The program focuses on developing strength, speed and explosiveness, while also supporting adults in long-term health and fitness.

Josh lives in the Back Mountain with his wife, April, his high school sweetheart, and their three children, and much of his life revolves around youth sports. Whether he’s coaching, training or cheering from the sidelines, time with his family remains at the center of it all.

We met Josh at Fame Strength’s headquarters in Forty Fort, where the energy reflects the culture he’s built, to talk about his passion for training, his role coaching for the Dallas High School football team and, of course, Why NEPA?

How long have you lived in NEPA?

I’m 39. So, 39 years I’ve been in NEPA.

What do you love about your town?

The people, right? There’s a lot of pride and grit with the people. When you have a mission here, when there’s something going on, we have people that stand behind you, rally behind you and support your cause. I have firsthand experience, starting from the ground up. I was a local athlete around here, but without the people and the support, I would not be where I am today. So, I would say to people.

What’s your favorite NEPA restaurant?

I’m a South Wilkes-Barre kid at heart, so I’m sure you’ve probably heard this before, but Gerry’s Pizza definitely takes the title. I mean, you’re raised on that, so it’s tough not to put that there. But to be honest with you, there are tons of restaurants in the Northeast that are great. My wife and I like Rustic Kitchen—it’s great. Love that place and the experience. The Refinery, that’s a great place. But there are a bunch of unique experiences locally.

What’s your favorite thing to do in NEPA?

To be honest with you, my life is surrounded by family and sports. Whether it’s enjoying the outdoors with them, watching them compete in sports, or coaching my kids or coaching athletes and adults here, that’s what I like to do. It’s a big part of my life. And just like my own family, this is my family. The members here, the clients here, are my family too. I would have to say the best thing is time with family and sports.

What’s next for you?

I think just continuing to grow—as an individual, obviously as a business and a brand—but also to kind of widen my impact. At the end of the day, that’s why I did this, right? To impact lives, to help people become their best version. As I continue to do that and develop others—bringing coaches in here and developing them into leaders—and kind of shedding that same light to others, because ultimately, I want to have a positive impact on as many lives as possible. And by doing that, if I can do it through others, then it multiplies.

Where do you see NEPA heading in the future?

I think we’re in an exciting place right now. You’re seeing a lot of young entrepreneurs starting businesses. There’s a lot of businesses being pulled into this Northeastern area, which is great. Obviously, it’s on an uptick, right? I think it’s a place where dreams can happen. You can get started and kind of have a platform to get going. You have a great community that needs businesses and entrepreneurs to bring things into town, and it’s awesome to see people investing back into their communities.

Why NEPA?

It’s home. My family. My roots. This is who shaped me. At the end of the day, this is what I know. I love the seasons, I love the people, I love the diversity here. I think that’s what really helps me feel safe, right? And gives me the confidence to excel. It’s definitely because these are my roots. This is home.