About

Birth: 5/26/71
Location: Bucks County, PA
Home Gym: my own home!
Contest Weight: 140
Off season Weight: 155 to 165

About Joe Franco

Joe Franco has dedicated over 25 years to the health and fitness industry, with roots in competitive bodybuilding dating back to the 1980s. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology from Temple University and is a certified personal trainer through ACE (American Council on Exercise).

In 1996, Joe launched his personal training business, F.I.T., and in 2000, he expanded into competition prep coaching with Team Franco Bodybuilding (TeamFrancoBodybuilding.com). Since then, he has successfully coached thousands of clients—ranging from first-time gym-goers to seasoned competitors—helping them transform their physiques and achieve their goals.

Joe's coaching philosophy is rooted in two core principles:

1. Consistency and dedication in both training and nutrition are non-negotiable for long-term results.

2. Balance and patience are key to sustainable progress and overall success.

As a lifetime natural bodybuilder, Joe continues to lead by example. He is an OCB Natural Pro and was proudly inducted into the OCB Hall of Fame in 2021. Beyond competing, Joe also promotes three OCB-sanctioned competitions annually—a role he has embraced since 2006.

Joe's passion, experience, and down-to-earth approach make him a trusted coach and mentor to individuals of all levels.

Team Franco has now expanded and welcomes Angelina Franco to the coaching team.

"If you're serious about changing your physique, I can help. Let's talk."

How I Got Started

It was back in the mid 1980's when I was first exposed to bodybuilding. At that time my brother was really into working out and he entered his first bodybuilding shows The funny thing was, I was the guy helping big bro backstage at the ripe age of 14! In addition, I became obsessed with following the IFBB pro of that era and prior to. My bible was Arnold's Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding. Well, as the old story goes, I followed in his footsteps.

My first competition was back in 1990. I was 19 and show day was my birthday. I don't even remember the name of neither the show nor the federation. But I do remember that it was I and another guy battling it out, LOL. The kicker was the fact my opponent was turning 20 the next day. And he looked it. So in a nutshell he beat me. There after I took a few years off from competing and picked things up again in 1994, and did four more shows in the 1990's. And the rest is history!