Meet Johnny Joy

We recently connected with Johnny Joy and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnny, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from the fact that I’ve seen rock bottom — and climbed out of it. I’ve faced death, battled two decades of addiction, and lost my sister to an overdose over 20 years ago. But I’ve also earned 11 years of sobriety and a second chance at life. That kind of journey rewires you. It teaches you to see the true beauty in life — not the filtered kind, but the raw, unshakable kind that comes from survival. My optimism isn’t blind; it’s earned.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of The Local Motive — a party bus and trolley bike company born right here in Colorado Springs. But it’s not just about the wheels; it’s about the experience. We create unforgettable moments for locals and tourists alike, combining community, fun, music, and connection into every ride. What makes it special is that we don’t just drive — we move people. We celebrate life. We champion local businesses. We help people let loose in a way that’s safe, vibrant, and meaningful.

There’s also a deeper layer: I’m 11 years sober, and what I do now is built on second chances. This brand is joy in motion — living proof that you can rewrite your story and have a hell of a good time doing it.

Coming soon: the first-ever trolley bike in Colorado Springs is arriving from Spain, and we’re expanding our offerings in a huge way. More seats. More laughs. More love for the Springs. So whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to feel alive again, we’ve got a seat for you.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things changed everything for me: resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to build real connections.
• Resilience came from surviving what should’ve ended me. Addiction, loss, hitting bottom — I had to learn how to take a hit and still stand back up. You can’t fake that. My advice? Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Strength is built in the fire.
• Self-awareness was the game-changer. Once I started owning my mistakes and facing my truths — not running from them — I could actually grow. For anyone just starting, I’d say: be radically honest with yourself. That’s where real change begins.
• Connection made the journey worth it. Not just networking — true connection. Family, community, friends who became family. If you’re building something, don’t do it alone. Invest in people, and they’ll invest in you.

To anyone early in the journey: stop waiting to feel “ready.” You won’t. Start messy, fail forward, and keep going. You’re not behind — you’re just beginning. And that’s a powerful place to be.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me came in two very different forms.
When my father walked out of my life at nine years old, I didn’t realize it then, but it shaped me in powerful ways I’m only now beginning to understand. That absence taught me resilience — how to find strength within myself.

But my mother… she gave me the greatest gift of all besides life: she never once made me feel like I was less than enough. She worked tirelessly, never complaining, always showing up — even when the weight she carried was unimaginable. Through her actions, she taught me what grit looks like. She taught me that love isn’t just a feeling — it’s a commitment, a sacrifice, a steady hand when everything else feels uncertain.

She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She’s the reason I know what unconditional love feels like — and why I try to give that same love to my wife, my daughters, and everyone I care about. She’s my biggest cheerleader and forever my hero.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://LocalMotiveBus.com
• Instagram: @localmotivebus
• Facebook: The Local Motive