Jersey City gym's chalkboard signs create 'laughing fit' thanks to comic's sayings
Published: Monday, June 18, 2012, 3:00 AM
For a small gym in Downtown Jersey City, Synergy Fitness on Newark Avenue gathers an unexpected amount of attention thanks to their comical chalkboard signs.
“Shed pounds faster than John Boehner sheds tears” and “We’ll ruin your sumo career” are only a few examples of Joe D’Allegro attempts at comical marketing.
Often topical in nature, D’Allegro’s humorous tags have even gathered the attention of CBS, AdWeek, and various blogs.
“It’s snarky, but I try not to be overtly mean or cruel,” said D’Allegro, a former Synergy employee. “I have to be careful not to offend anyone.”
A journalist by trade, D’Allegro works as a freelance writer for a financial publishing company but pursues comedy as a hobby.
He’s taken comedy writing classes and created a comic strip for the Hudson Current.
“I don’t have the gumption to do standup, but advertising is a way to make people laugh and to make a living, and I like to do both,” he says.
Though it’s hard to tell the effect his signs have on Synergy membership sales, it is clear that the signs are popular with locals. Some people even come in to make comments.
D’Allegro started making the signs after noticing people taking pictures with the celebratory tag written for Barack Obama’s win during the 2008 presidential election.
“You get no feedback online, but seeing people laugh it’s great,” D’Allegro said.
“Anything that brightens someone’s day is just great, and seeing the reaction is lovely.”
Currently, D’Allegro produces comedy shows at Lamp Post Bar & Grille in Jersey City and Hell’s Kitchen Lounge in Newark.
