Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Jacobson.
Hi Bruce, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Florida, growing up in Maitland and graduating from Winter Park High School. I then earned a degree in Business Management from Western Carolina University, which gave me a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and customer service.
My professional path is unique. I have over 30 years of experience as a horticulturalist, and I’ve always felt that plants and children aren’t all that different—they both need patience, nurturing, and the right environment to grow. That perspective has guided me through every chapter of my work.
In addition to horticulture, I spent about 15 years in martial arts, teaching and working at karate schools. That experience strengthened my discipline, confidence, and ability to motivate and connect with children of all personalities and abilities. As a parent, I was deeply involved in my daughters’ lives, volunteering at their events and spending several years at the Playhouse in Sanford. Today, I’m the proud father of two beautiful daughters who are now two beautiful adults building lives of their own.
My children attended a Montessori school along with the children of a friend who later purchased My Gym Lake Mary and, eventually, My Gym Maitland. He encouraged me to explore My Gym as a natural next step in my career. I took his advice seriously, and that began my journey toward gym ownership.
Owning My Gym for the past 12 years has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It’s allowed me to combine creativity, structure, imagination, and genuine care to create the best possible environment for children to learn and thrive. Over the years, I’ve witnessed incredible transformation in our students and major shifts in teaching and parent engagement, especially through the challenges of COVID.
Although My Gym teachers are limited in providing direct parenting advice, I always do everything I can within those guidelines to support the families we serve. This work has been a true passion and a privilege, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in children’s lives.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges in my life was navigating a major career transition. Moving from a long career in horticulture into owning a children’s enrichment center required me to rethink how I worked and learn an entirely new industry from the ground up. That adaptability was tested even further during COVID-19, which brought some of the most difficult professional obstacles I’ve ever faced. Overnight, I had to redesign our programs, safety procedures, and methods of communication while continuing to support families and keep children engaged and safe.
Another meaningful challenge has been working with many different parenting styles and family dynamics. This has taught me to communicate with empathy, patience, and respect for each family’s unique approach, while ensuring that every child feels supported and welcomed.
At the same time, balancing the demands of running a business while raising two daughters as a single parent pushed me to become even more organized, resilient, and grounded in what truly matters. And finally, My Gym requires a level of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity that not many careers demand. Maintaining that consistency for over 12 years has been both a challenge and a gift. It has strengthened my discipline, fueled my passion, and reminded me daily why I love the work I do.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about My Gym Waterford Lakes?
My Gym is a children’s fitness and enrichment center designed to help kids grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively through movement, structured classes, and imaginative play. Our goal is simple: to create a safe, joyful, and developmentally appropriate environment where children gain confidence, strength, social skills, and a genuine love for learning.
At My Gym, we specialize in structured weekly classes for children ages 6 weeks to 10 years old. We offer gymnastics-based skill building, early gross motor development, strength and agility training, music and rhythm activities, and creative social play. In addition, we offer multiple levels of gymnastics classes for children of all skill levels, as well as our exciting Ninja classes, inspired by the popular TV show. We’re also known for our high-energy birthday parties, Parents’ Night Out events, camps, and special themed programs that keep kids active and engaged year-round.
What truly sets us apart is the way we connect with children. My Gym teachers aren’t just instructors—they are performers, motivators, nurturers, and role models all rolled into one. Everything we do is built on enthusiasm, encouragement, and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Our classes are intentionally designed to build confidence first; physical skills naturally follow.
I’m especially proud of our brand’s consistency and its 40-plus-year history of child development excellence. Locally, I’m most proud of the family environment we’ve created at our gym. After 12 years of ownership, I’ve watched babies crawl for the first time, toddlers speak their first clear words, children overcome fears, and families form lifelong friendships inside our walls. Many of our students come back year after year because they feel like this is “their place.”
What I want readers to know is that My Gym is much more than a class—they’re joining a community. Families choose us because they want a program that is fun, meaningful, and supportive. Whether a child is shy or outgoing, athletic or still finding their balance, there is always a place for them at My Gym. Our mission is to help children become strong, confident, kind, and happy. Every class, every song, every activity is designed with intention, and the joy on the kids’ faces is what keeps us going every single day.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Growing up, I always wanted to teach children and living that dream has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life—second only to raising my own kids. When I look back at the photos, I can see just how incredible this journey has been. From hand-feeding the rescued prairie dogs, to playing Santa Claus, to taking on all the fun roles at the gym, each moment has meant so much to me.
One of my favorites was spending over three hours riding a Segway dressed as the Easter Bunny during COVID. The kids were all stuck at home, and Wilkins Way partnered with us to create “meet and greet” spots throughout the community so families could safely see the Easter Bunny.
Pricing:
- Classes Ages 6 weeks to 10 Years – https://www.mygym.com/waterfordlakes/schedules
- Birthday Parties, two hours, private, amazing fun – https://www.mygym.com/waterfordlakes/birthday-parties/0
- Parent Night Outs, first and third Friday of every month from 6 to 9:30 pm – https://www.mygym.com/waterfordlakes/camp
- Camps – https://www.mygym.com/waterfordlakes/camp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mygym.com/waterfordlakes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygymwaterfordlakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyGymWL/
