Daniel Gundert | Author, Gym Owner, Coach, Judge, Father, Public Speaker
From addiction and homelessness to building an eight-figure company and raising six children, Daniel Gundert helps families build strength, discipline, and purpose through gymnastics and leadership.
Quick Facts About Daniel Gundert
Over 25 years in gymnastics coaching and leadership
National gymnastics judge
Father of five competitive gymnasts (and one infant as of May 2026)
Built an eight-figure gymnastics company
Best-selling Author of Baby Gorilla
Speaker on leadership, parenting, and recovery
Serving more than 6000 students weekly
Donates 50% of his real estate commission to child-related nonprofits
Over 1500 five-star reviews
Has served over 100,000 total families
Staffing team of over 100 employees
More About Daniel Gundert
Daniel Gundert is the owner of North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids, one of the most successful and highest-rated gymnastics programs in the country. He is a lifelong gymnastics coach, a national gymnastics judge, a public speaker, and a parent of five competitive gymnasts and a new baby.
His perspective is built from real-world experience across every level of the sport and business. Daniel has coached thousands of athletes, helped develop state champions, regional qualifiers, and nationally ranked gymnasts, and scaled Gyminny Kids into a leading children's activity center serving thousands of San Diego families each week.
From Couchsurfing to CEO
Daniel's path to success was not traditional.
In his early adulthood, he struggled with severe addiction, mental health challenges, and instability. He faced homelessness, financial hardship, and legal consequences. There were periods where he relied on public transportation, couch-surfed in Los Angeles, and questioned whether he would live long enough to meet his children.
One of the lowest points came after a near-fatal overdose that resulted in hospitalization. Even after that moment, the cycle continued.
What changed was not a single event, but a decision to rebuild his life through discipline, accountability, and community. Through Alcoholics Anonymous, mentorship, and daily commitment, Daniel found a path forward.
A Defining Belief
"There is great strength in pain." The hardest moments in life often become the foundation for who we are meant to become."
That experience is not something he hides. It is the foundation of how he leads, connects, and serves others today.
Building Gyminny Kids Into an Industry Leader
Daniel began working at Gyminny Kids in 2003 and has held nearly every position inside the company, starting as a camp and class coach.
In 2015, he stepped into leadership while still coaching over 30 hours per week. Over time, he transitioned from working in the business to leading it, learning how to build systems, develop leaders, and scale operations.
He fully acquired the company from the founders in 2021, who believed in him before he believed in himself.
Under Daniel's leadership:
The business has grown into an eight-figure annual revenue company
Gyminny Kids has been named to the Inc. 5000 list multiple consecutive years
The company now serves thousands of students weekly across San Diego
Multiple locations have been opened and expanded, including high-profile facilities in Carlsbad, La Jolla (UTC), and Solana Beach, with more on the way
The organization continues to grow with a long-term vision of 20 to 30 Southern California locations by 2033
Daniel's leadership philosophy is grounded in execution, accountability, and the development of others. His focus is not just growth, but building a company that creates opportunities for employees, delivers consistent value to families, and operates at a high standard across every location by implementing an EOS business system and creating Gyminny Kids Academy, ensuring all employees are well-trained through an in-house training model.
A Gymnastics Expert With a Complete Perspective
Daniel's experience in gymnastics is well-rounded and deeply practical.
He has spent decades coaching athletes at every level, from toddlers in their first class to high-level competitive gymnasts. As a national gymnastics judge, he understands scoring, progressions, and technical execution at a level that directly influences how programs are designed.
He has also built competitive programs from the ground up, including launching both boys and girls teams at North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids that now consistently produce top results at the state and regional level, along with national qualifiers and elite athletes, some of whom are his level 10 son's, Audio, and Axel, and his youngest son Rocket, who is a Junior Elite and is competing nationally.
His philosophy is consistent:
Build a strong foundation first
Progress athletes at the right pace
Prioritize safety and longevity
Use gymnastics to teach life skills
Build character through sport
Gymnastics is the foundation for all sports
This approach is embedded into every program, coach, and system inside Gyminny Kids.
A Father of Five Competitive Gymnasts
Daniel is not just a coach and business owner. He is a parent raising five athletes in the sport.
His children compete across multiple levels from Xcel through Elite DP, giving him firsthand experience with:
The commitment required from families
The importance of the right coaching environment
The balance between pushing and protecting young athletes
This perspective keeps his leadership grounded. Every decision made inside Gyminny Kids is filtered through the lens of a parent, not just an operator.
Author of Baby Gorilla
Daniel is the author of Baby Gorilla, a best-selling memoir that tells the story of addiction, recovery, fatherhood, and redemption.
The book is centered around a defining moment with his daughter during a relapse in 2020, a moment that ultimately became a turning point in his life.
The message is powerful:
There is great strength in pain.
Through his writing and speaking, Daniel shares that message with others, using his story to help people who may be struggling and to show that change is possible.
Public Speaker and Advocate for Growth and Recovery
Daniel regularly speaks on topics including:
Leadership and accountability
Youth development through sports
Parenting and building strong families
Addiction recovery and mental health
Turning adversity into purpose
His speaking is grounded in lived experience. Whether in business settings, recovery communities, or youth environments, his message is consistent. Do the work. Stay accountable. Build something meaningful. Give back.
Daniel speaks to organizations, leadership teams, schools, and recovery communities, helping audiences build discipline, accountability, and resilience through real-world experience.
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Daniel believes that success should lead to service.
Through Gyminny Kids and personal initiatives, he has supported organizations such as:
Rady Children's Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Local schools
Girl Scouts
Events like the Coaches Cup and other community efforts have helped raise over $150,000 for children and families in need.
In addition, Gyminny Kids actively partners with schools and local organizations to provide access to programs, host community events, and create positive experiences for families across San Diego, giving close to a million dollars since 1987 through raffles, auctions, events, sponsorships, staff hours, and direct contributions.
A Philosophy Built Through Experience
Daniel's leadership is guided by principles shaped through both success and adversity:
Do your job at the highest level, and the results will follow
Discipline creates freedom
Service creates purpose
Progress over perfection
There is strength in pain
Why This Matters for Families
When families walk into Gyminny Kids, they are stepping into a program built by someone who has:
Coached at every level
Judged the sport nationally
Built an eight-figure business
Raised five competitive athletes
Overcome adversity and rebuild his life
That perspective shapes everything, from coaching standards to safety systems to how children are supported through their journey.
Connect With Daniel
Daniel regularly shares insights on the Gyminny Kids blog, where he helps families make informed decisions about their children's development through gymnastics.
His work continues through coaching, leadership, writing, speaking, and serving the community.
Daniel Is on the Speaking Circuit
Daniel speaks to organizations, teams, and communities on leadership, parenting, youth development, and recovery.
For speaking inquiries, partnerships, or media opportunities, please contact: danielgundert@gyminnykids.com or visit danielgundert.com
Life Outside the Gym
When Daniel is not in the gym or working with his team, he spends his time with his wife and six children, supporting their athletic journeys, traveling for competitions, and building a life centered around family, discipline, and shared experiences.
He believes that success is not measured by business alone, but by the relationships built along the way.
A timeline of key milestones in Daniel's journey from coach to owner and industry leader:
1987: Gyminny Kids was founded by Liz Mullarkey and Rob Bryson
1999: Daniel began coaching gymnastics at Aztec Gymnastics at SDSU
2003: Began coaching gymnastics at Gyminny Kids
2015: Stepped into leadership at Gyminny Kids 4S ranch
2021: Became full owner of Gyminny Kids
2022: Opened Gyminny Kids Poway
2023: Opened Gyminny Kids La Costa & Gyminny Kids Carlsbad
2024–2025: Inc. 5000 recognition and major growth
2025: Opened location number 5: Gyminny Kids La Jolla UTC
2025 Published best-selling book, Baby Gorilla
2026: Opened location number 6: Gyminny Kids Solana Beach TRC
Today: Leading Gyminny Kids expansion and welcoming sixth child, Rome Gundert.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Daniel Gundert?
Daniel Gundert is the owner of North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids, a lifelong gymnastics coach, a national gymnastics judge, author of Baby Gorilla, and a parent of five competitive gymnasts. He has worked in the gymnastics industry since 2003 and has built one of the most successful gymnastics programs in the country.
What is Daniel Gundert known for?
Daniel is known for building Gyminny Kids into an eight-figure gymnastics company, developing competitive gymnastics programs, and sharing his personal story of recovery and leadership through his book and speaking. He is also recognized for his hands-on coaching experience, philanthropy, and parent perspective.
What is Baby Gorilla about?
Baby Gorilla is a memoir that shares Daniel's journey through addiction, recovery, fatherhood, and personal growth. The book focuses on the idea that there is strength in pain and that difficult life experiences can lead to purpose and transformation.
How long has Daniel Gundert been involved in gymnastics?
Daniel has been involved in gymnastics since 2003. He has coached, judged, and led gymnastics programs for over two decades, working with athletes at every level from beginner classes to high-level competitive teams.
Is Daniel Gundert a certified gymnastics judge?
Yes, Daniel is a national gymnastics judge. His judging experience gives him a deeper understanding of scoring, skill progression, and technical development, which directly influences how programs are structured at North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids.
How many children does Daniel Gundert have?
Daniel is the father of six children, five of whom are old enough to compete in gymnastics. This gives him a unique perspective as both a coach and a parent navigating the sport.
What makes Daniel Gundert's perspective different from other gym owners?
Daniel combines multiple perspectives, including those of a coach, a judge, a business owner, and a parent. He has also overcome significant personal challenges, including addiction and recovery, which shape his leadership style and approach to helping others.
What is Gyminny Kids?
North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids is a San Diego-based gymnastics program serving thousands of children weekly. The program focuses on skill development, confidence, safety, and long-term athlete growth.
Does Daniel Gundert do public speaking?
Yes, Daniel speaks on topics such as leadership, parenting, youth development, addiction recovery, and building discipline through sport. His talks are based on real-life experience and practical application.
How can I learn more or follow Daniel Gundert?
You can explore Daniel Gundert's insights through the Gyminny Kids blog, where he shares guidance for parents, athletes, and families navigating youth sports and personal development.
Featured In
Daniel Gundert and North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids have been recognized and featured by respected business publications and local media for growth, leadership, and impact in youth athletics.
Inc. 5000
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, Gyminny Kids has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list for consecutive years. This recognition reflects sustained growth, operational excellence, and the ability to scale a service-based business while maintaining high customer satisfaction, as evidenced by over 1,500 collective five-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
San Diego Business Journal
Featured for business growth, expansion, and innovation within the San Diego market. Coverage has included facility openings, company milestones, and strategic acquisitions, including the expansion into new locations across the region.
San Diego Union-Tribune
Highlighted for long-standing community impact, program development, and the growth of gymnastics programs serving thousands of families throughout San Diego County.
CBS 8 San Diego
Featured in local media coverage related to youth programs, community engagement, and adapting services to support families during changing conditions.
KPBS
Included in regional coverage, highlighting community events, youth programming, and opportunities for children to stay active and engaged through structured programs.
Community Impact and Recognition
Beyond media coverage, Gyminny Kids has built a reputation through:
Thousands of 5-star parent reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook
Serving thousands of students weekly across multiple San Diego locations
Long-tenured staff, including employees with 20 to 30 plus years or more with the organization
Consistent community partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations
Daniel continues to be recognized not just by the media but also by families, athletes, and communities who are impacted every day inside the gym.
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