Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimbo Pernetti
Hi Jimbo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey in sports performance began with my own experiences as an athlete. I played college baseball at Merced College before transferring to Chico State University, where I was part of a record-breaking team and had the honor of receiving a Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Later, I had the privilege of representing Team USA in men’s fast-pitch softball, an experience that deepened my dedication to sports and fueled my drive to help other athletes achieve their own goals
These experiences inspired me to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s Degree in Biomechanics, creating the foundation for a career dedicated to helping athletes grow, develop, and gain more opportunities in both their sports and their lives.
After completing my master’s, I was hired by EXOS in Texas, where I had the opportunity to work with first-round NFL draft picks, Major League Baseball stars, Olympians, Team USA basketball members, and college athletes across nearly every sport. I also had the chance to learn daily from some of the world’s top sports performance coaches. Working alongside these high-level athletes and elite trainers taught me invaluable lessons on what it takes to develop athletes and drive high-level performance.
While elite athletes have access to a wealth of resources, I noticed consistent barriers that kept youth and high school athletes from receiving the same quality of care as the pros:
1. Nutrition – Few youth athletes (and even adults) had guidance on how to fuel their bodies for training.
2. Price – High-quality training was financially out of reach for many families.
3. Time – Fixed schedules didn’t always fit busy lives.
4. Individualization – Athletes needed tailored programs that aligned with their unique skills and goals, but these were hard to find.
5. Location – Many people didn’t live near a performance facility.
This need for accessible, high-quality training came into focus when I attended a Washing Nationals workout with about 250 high school juniors and seniors. I was speaking with a national scout and cross-checker who observed, ‘Out of all the kids on this field, maybe two could play for a college program, and maybe one could play for us.’ When I asked why, he replied, ‘They don’t pass the eye test’. Just by looking at them, I can tell they don’t have the physicality to compete on a college or professional field.’
This realization led to the creation of Pernetti Sports Performance and Nutrition (SPN). My goal was to build a program that would equip athletes with the coaching and tools they need to reach their goals and compete at higher levels.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding the right balance between creating programs that athletes genuinely need and structuring them in a way that people are willing to invest in. Training and nutrition don’t always come across as flashy or exciting, and they certainly don’t produce instant results.
In a world where people expect rapid progress, it can be tough to communicate that building strength, power, athleticism, and improving body composition is a gradual process. Achieving meaningful results takes time and consistency, but that can be hard for some to accept. But we’re here to help athletes and their families understand that long-term commitment is what brings lasting success. Adjusting to these realities has been a learning curve, but it’s also given us a deeper appreciation for the patience and dedication this journey requires.
However, the entire process has been incredibly rewarding. Building a business from the ground up and seeing it succeed is incredibly rewarding. Watching athletes achieve their goals, whether that’s improving their performance or even earning scholarships, makes every challenge worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pernetti Sports Performance & Nutrition?
Pernetti Sports Performance and Nutrition (SPN) is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality coaching. Expert coaching is the core of what we offer, designed to help athletes improve their performance, nutrition, and overall athletic development. Through our app, we deliver personalized training programs, provide video demonstrations for all exercises, and track each athlete’s progress, making professional guidance available whenever and wherever it’s needed.
What sets Pernetti SPN apart is our commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent youth and high school athletes from accessing the same level of care as elite athletes. We recognized that many athletes face challenges like time constraints, cost, lack of nutritional guidance, and limited access to training facilities. Pernetti SPN was built to eliminate these obstacles, allowing athletes to benefit from expert coaching and individualized programs, regardless of their location or schedule.
Here’s a look at our core services:
• Remote Program: This program pairs athletes with expert coaching delivered through our app, where they receive customized training programs, nutrition plans, and monthly video meetings with their coach. Athletes have access to video demonstrations for all exercises, nutrition tracking, daily check-ins, and weekly assessments. It’s ideal for athletes who need flexibility but still want the benefits of professional coaching.
• Hybrid Program: A blend of remote and in-person training, this program offers athletes monthly in-person sessions for hands-on assessments and 3D motion capture evaluations, along with ongoing support through the app. Available in select areas, it combines the accountability of in-person coaching with the convenience of remote access.
• 3D Motion Capture: Using advanced motion capture technology, we analyze athletes’ movements to identify limitations and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps create highly tailored training plans that address specific needs and help reduce the risk of injury.
• Nutrition Consultations: Our nutritionists provide individualized meal plans and expert guidance on how to fuel for peak performance. We work with athletes to set macronutrient goals, develop meal plans, and build healthy eating habits that support training and recovery.
One of the aspects I’m most proud of is Pernetti SPN’s impact on athletes’ lives. Watching our athletes build confidence, earn scholarships, and achieve goals they never thought possible is incredibly rewarding. Pernetti SPN is more than just a training program—it’s a resource and support system, powered by our coaches, to help athletes and their families navigate the journey to success in both sports and life.
What makes you happy?
What brings me the most happiness is rooted in faith, family, and the chance to make a difference. Glorifying Jesus in everything I do, both in life and in business, is a core part of who I am. It reminds me that every moment has purpose and that the work I do can impact others in a positive way.
Family is also a huge source of joy. My wife, Marissa, is my biggest supporter, and I’m grateful every day for her encouragement and partnership in this journey. Spending time with my parents and my brother is incredibly important to me. My parents have sacrificed so much for me and supported me throughout my life. My brother is my best friend, and we can have fun doing just about anything. He’s also an incredibly talented baseball player, so I get to relive a lot of my athletic journey through his career.
Beyond that, I find joy in working with athletes. I love being able to pass on my knowledge, see them progress, and witness their excitement as they hit new milestones. Being around sports keeps me connected to something I’ve always loved, and it’s rewarding to help athletes develop skills and confidence that go beyond the field or court. Watching them succeed and grow, knowing that I’m part of their journey, brings me a unique sense of fulfillment.
At the end of the day, these aspects of my life—faith, family, and helping athletes—are what keep me driven and grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spnathletes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pernetti_spn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/gAmXZKBCGHBt2faY/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pernettispn?si=uw_3svDlT9uowvKN
- Other: https://linktr.ee/pernettispn
