Meet David So | Gym Owner & Creator of Neighbor And Brother

We had the good fortune of connecting with David So and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
What’s good ya’ll. My name is David So and I am the creator of Neighbor And Brother. NAB is a community that uses an active lifestyle to take their shit to the next level. When I was at the lowest point of my life, I pivoted my focus towards my physical well-being by working out. Along the way, I was able to inspire others who would ask me for advice. I noticed I was able to motivate others, get creative with my workouts, and have fun all while doing so. I knew if I could be the spark in one person’s life; I could be for much more. This process gave me confidence to finish my degree, become a personal trainer, and now a gym owner. I found that inspiring others who have similar stories like mine is something well worth waking up for which is why I choose this career.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As I mentioned above, I am the creator of Neighbor And Brother and now part time gym owner. NAB started with a couple of friends (Thank you Aaron Lau for the name/vision behind the brand, Arthur Alcantar for being my biggest inspiration through your physical/career journey, Jon,Tyler, and Edward for being my Marathon gang) each other through an active lifestyle to take their lives to the next level. I spent many days in the gym alone but also had the privilege to join, meet, and build with others as well. I was able to inspire, motivate, and push others by posting my workouts, motivational content, ups and downs on instagram.This began a movement that people could relate to and support. I figured people would want a way to represent the community so I started with something everyone notices in the gym: their shirts. I officially launched in June 2019 creating eye catching spoofs drawing inspiration from the NBA, Street Fighter, and Gatorade. By pushing apparel and receiving support, I was able to step out of my comfort zone as just a personal trainer at 24 Hour FItness to do things on my own. During the middle of COVID in mid 2020, I started doing IG Live workouts via Instagram which gave me the opportunity to teach at a dance and fitness studio (Shoutout Jessica Rae at RAE Studios), host my own group fitness classes (Thank you Anthony Schlander and Social Fit Club), then transition to a smaller private gym (Thank you De’end Parker for bringing me in at De’fnd fitness and Julian Baker for referring me to now becoming business partners). I mention all of this because just by focusing on my physical well being, I was able to start a creative career with fitness, start a brand and community, which supported me to accomplish one of my dreams of starting a gym sooner than later. My point is to try that thing you always wanted to because through that process your experience will take you one step closer to what you always wanted. We will be naming our gym “No Fake Sweat’, a mantra we use to inspire people to live an active lifestyle in any way, shape or form. Fun fact: I made this phrase up randomly during an IG Live workout 😉

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Growing up in the Bay Area, we’re spoiled because we consist of a diverse, creative, and unique set of people. From San Francisco all the way down to San Jose, we have some of the best foods, views, and attractions. First we’d do what I do best: workout. We’d get the best views of the area from hikes in the Marin Headlands, Montara, and Fremont (Mission Peak!) to runs across the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Lake Merced. Then it’s time to fuel up by stopping by some of my favorites like Bodega SF, San Tung, Golden Boys, Mazra, Senor Sisig, Saucy Asian, Ben Tre, Mi Durango, and Morning Wood (now known as DIamond Head General). To remember the trip, everyone loves some retail therapy (Hayes Valley like Undefeated, Mission for Darkside Initiative, DogPatch for STASHED, and Union Square for much more). Can’t forget getting a workout in at the Bay’s hottest gym No Fake Sweat and fun outdoor classes with Social Fit Club at District Six SF.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s entirely true when they say you become who you are surrounded by. I’m fortunate, blessed, and honored to have been surrounded with the good and bad people in my life because they made me who I am. First off, my family is my rock. My parents, John and Insook So, groomed me to be the Man I am today. My mother’s spirit, determination, and loving heart. My father’s ability to always figure something out, patience, and being the coolest guy growing up. My older sister’s who were Mothers to me whom I now have the chance to be the best Uncle I can be to their kids. They weren’t lying when they said it takes a village. They showed up to all my football, basketball games, and track meets. Playing sports growing up being Asian definitely wasn’t the ideal activity for a future career so I always thank them for introducing me to it because that was the first seed planted for my career today.
I also owe a lot of my success to my friends. My sisters make fun of me because I call everyone my best friend. I was fortunate to be able to truly live life through different lenses with many people growing up. I’m fortunate that I was and still am able to maintain these relationships. Thank you to my friends for being you (you know who you are). Special shoutout to the ladies at Kasa Fit CO (Shania and Kat) for being rockstars by pushing their brand, referring me to SHOUTOUT LA, and being overall amazing human beings.

Website: www.neighborandbrother.com

Instagram: instagram.com/neighborandbrother

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/neighborandbro

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rPsQ02j3-Lo1o9DrAMH8Q

Other: www.instagram.com/nofakesweat

Image Credits
@kevmatsu