Meet The PPI Team

Ralph Sgroi Jr., Founder

With a career spanning over 43 years, Ralph Sgroi Jr., co-founder and seasoned entrepreneur, offers a wealth of experience in marketing and sales. His established track record demonstrates a consistent ability to lead and achieve success within his industry. Mr. Sgroi’s contributions are characterized by his deep business knowledge, strong interpersonal abilities, and effective leadership.

Steven Sgroi, Co-Founder

Steven Sgroi, is an entrepreneur who has spent the past 13 years in numerous roles in franchising, on the side of both franchisor and supplier. Most recently, helping former athletes and those in career transition find the right fit as the Founder & CEO of his consultancy Franthlete. Steven brings a wide knowledge of franchise development, advertising, marketing, and sales experience to help aid in PPI’s growth and expansion.

Jason (Jay) Lapiana, Head of Performance

Jason (Jay) is a dedicated teacher of physical development and a movement practitioner with a strong educational foundation. He holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nutrition. From an early age, Jason developed a keen interest in sports, particularly baseball, which led him to understand the body’s need for diverse movements to achieve optimal function.

His training system is built upon a generalist approach, incorporating elements from various specialized disciplines, including martial arts, gymnastics, calisthenics, strength training, and dance. This comprehensive system provides clients with essential tools to cultivate a strong, resilient, and flexible body. Jason employs a playful yet focused approach to fitness, recognizing the importance of integrating physical play and structured training for a well-rounded regimen. These movements are transferable to various physical activities, enhancing overall mobility.

Jesse Lapiana, Head of Programming

Jesse Lapiana brings a unique blend of expertise as an organic farmer, exercise scientist (B.S. in Exercise Science), and former Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Boston Red Sox. His experience extends to athletic performance and functional training. Mr. Lapiana’s personal journey with physical injuries, including shoulder pain, back pain, and torn hamstrings, fueled his pursuit of advanced therapeutic knowledge. Through mentorship from leading practitioners in specialized therapy, he overcame his own physical limitations and developed a comprehensive course designed to empower individuals to understand and optimize their body’s mechanics. His philosophy, “Be Your Own Body Mechanic,” emphasizes self-reliance and proactive body management. Furthermore, Mr. Lapiana holds a patent for The Iron Arm, a novel device designed to strengthen the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and fingers, which may offer valuable applications within our programming.