Mr. Wheatley has been involved in bodybuilding shows since 1998. He was an expeditor for John Lindsay Productions for 4 years and successfully expedited several U.S.A. Championships in Las Vegas. He has also completed a number of Ironman Pro Invitationals with John Balik.
Mr. Wheatley has worked with the bodybuilding shows at Muscle Beach Venice and the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department since 1999 and has been the promoter since 2003. During that time he has advanced the bodybuilding shows and has successfully introduced both the figure and teen categories to the competitions. Record numbers of athletes have registered to compete and have come from as far as Germany, France, Norway, Italy, Brazil and England to be involved in the notoriety of Muscle Beach.
He has organized media coverage to promote the sport of bodybuilding which included two live national three minute segments on Fox Good Day L.A. and an interview on Fox Community Affairs, CBS National News, CNN, MSNBC and many other International Media Outlets. The Muscle Beach Venice shows will be featured on the Travel Network as one of the ten best beach shows in America. With Mr. Wheatley’s assistance, Discovery Channel filmed a documentary on bodybuilding. Television coverage of all the events is keenly anticipated by the viewing audience. The Venice events have also been covered in the press by the L. A. Times, The Argonaut, Ironman Magazine, Muscle Mag, Steele Jungle, Muscular Development, Muscle and Fitness and Flex Magazine.
During the 2005 season Mr. Wheatley expanded the Memorial Day show to a two day weekend event and incorporated all branches of the Armed Services to honor the men and women who commit themselves to the freedom of the United States. Each year the highlight of the Memorial Weekend shows has been a flyover following the National Anthem from both an F-16 and a C-17Globe Master provided by Edward’s and March Air Force Bases. Included in the ceremonies are an induction ceremony of up to 40 new recruits into the Armed Services. All branches of the Military were represented with static equipment displays from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Introduced in 2005, in an effort to promote a fit and healthy lifestyle, each Bodybuilding show is accompanied by a Fitness Expo. Vendors from the industry have an opportunity to educate the public regarding various aspects, products and support equipment that assist in a positive healthy outcome. Bobybuilding.com, Power Nutrition, Private Trainers Association, Iron Man Magazine, United States Army, United States Air Force, HeadBlade, L. A. City Fire Department and Vitamin Water are among the many vendors that have supported the efforts at Muscle Beach.
In 2004 Don Howorth, the first inductee into the Muscle Beach Venice Bodybuilding Hall for Fame was recognized at the Memorial Day Show. The Hall of Fame, founded by Mr. Wheatley, recognizes the contribution of the men and women to the development and success of the sport of bodybuilding. Since that time 22 other individuals including Dave Draper, Joe Gold, Cory Everson, and John Balik have been inducted. In 2006 the first Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Joe Weider. Governor Schwarzenegger was on hand at the event to honor Mr. Weider. The non-profit organization Muscle Beach Venice Bobybuilding Hall of Fame led by Mr. Wheatley has successfully negotiated with the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, approval to move forward with fund raising and planning of the Hall of Fame Museum to be located near the famous “Weight Pen” just off the Boardwalk at Muscle Beach.
To further recognize these famous recipients, Mr. Wheatley organized The Muscle Beach Walk of Fame. The Grand Opening was held on Labor Day, September 3, 2007 where 23 plaques were unveiled. Visitors from around the world will be able to view these commemorative plaques imbedded in the concrete around the edge of the “Weight Pen”.
In conjunction with the Mission of Muscle Beach and Joe Wheatley Productions, Joe is quick to emphasize his commitment to the athletes and his keen interest in the development of the sport of bodybuilding.
Athletes and sponsors recognize Mr. Wheatley’s shows as a successful, well organized and positive experience. Mr. Wheatley provides a value packed show that attracts large audiences to the event. “I spend a lot of time at Muscle Beach and am honored to further work with the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department to further the world wide recognition of Muscle Beach as the home of bodybuilding”
