Whether they spend their days behind a computer or prepare food in a campus kitchen, Brown employees in particular are benefiting from Pimentel’s workshops, personalized coaching and group fitness classes, as he makes fitness and wellness more accessible to the entire Brown community and inspires people to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.

In this Q&A, Pimentel reflects on the experiences that have shaped his career and volunteer activities.

Q: How did you develop an interest in strength and conditioning, and how did that bring you to Brown?

I grew up in East Providence until my family built a house in Seekonk when I was 7 years old. For most of my early life, I was a frequent attendee at Brown athletic events, especially football games, but I never imagined I'd end up working at a school like this. 

I started on my career path as a football player at Bridgewater State University, where I studied exercise science and physical education, earning both an undergraduate and graduate degree. My dream was to be a football strength coach, waking up on Saturday mornings with the marching band and the fans. I was fortunate to work with the football team at the University of South Carolina, where I had a great boss, Joe Connolly, and valuable experiences. However, I realized the South wasn't for me. So I came back to Rhode Island and started at Brown in 2014 as a volunteer intern with the football team, and I worked my way up with Brown Athletics. 

Q: What does your typical day look like?

My typical day starts early. I usually arrive about an hour before work — if my first team is at 8 a.m., I’m here at 7 a.m. I make my rounds across the Erickson Athletic Complex, checking in with the athletes and setting a positive tone for the day. Then, I’m back in the weight room for four- to five-hour sessions, coaching both individual and group workouts. 

For me, it’s all about preparing our athletes for life, not just sports. Life mirrors the weight room: you're solely responsible for your progress, and there are no shortcuts. It’s about discipline, perseverance and showing up consistently, even when it’s tough. Some days are great, others are challenging. That’s human nature. The key is finding the strength to push through challenges, and that’s where a supportive community becomes invaluable. That’s the best part of being here — we motivate each other and it helps us all become the best versions of ourselves. 

Q: What are your favorite aspects of supporting students?

With our student-athletes, I always want to be more than just their strength coach. And it’s because I’ve had mentors in life that taught me how important that is — to have trustworthy people that are there to support you through it all. This summer, I would regularly call my athletes just to check in — not about training, but to see how they’re doing. I asked about their family, their internship and how life is going. It’s important to talk about the things that matter and take care of the person first. I also make it a point to support them outside the gym, whether it’s attending a thesis presentation or a dance recital.

I’ve also come to the realization in life that I want to experience as many things and learn as many things as I can. And being here, surrounded by some of the smartest minds in the world — from the faculty to the student-athletes — I learn something new every day. They keep you on your toes, and that’s an experience you don’t find anywhere else.

Q: How are you supporting Brown employees through the new “Build a Better Bear” program?

Physical fitness is important for every Brown community member. The first thing we’re focusing on is educating people about movement, since 95% of people move incorrectly every day. We’re teaching people how to move for life. There are six essential movements we do every day: squatting, hinging, lunging, pushing, pulling and carrying. The idea is simple: if you take care of your body by learning how to apply and receive force correctly, you’ll be in a much better position to stay healthy. 

I’ve started this program by going door-to-door across campus — from Dining Services and Public Safety to the Watson Institute, the medical school and Brown ROTC — and offering a one-hour session on the importance of movement, the goals of our program, and then following up with invitations to the Nelson Fitness Center. Most people want to work out, move better and be strong, but they just don't know how. Ultimately, my goal is to get everyone linked to a training app that provides daily workout routines. This is something I’m incredibly passionate about because with this program, we have the power to give people more time in their lives. If you’re healthy and move better, you’ll live longer.

Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not at work?

I live in Narragansett with my wife, Kaitlyn, and we’re active surfers and open-water swimmers. It all started seven years ago when a friend from Brown asked if I wanted to do a 2-mile swim for a fundraiser for Save the Bay. We started swimming and quickly fell in love with the water and the community around it. We’ve become stewards of our bay, realizing that since we use it every day, it’s our responsibility to do everything we can to preserve and keep it clean for everyone. 

We’re now part of the Narragansett Open Water Swimming Enthusiasts. Through this group, I learned how activities like swimming and surfing can have a healing effect, especially for those with physical challenges. This led me to Soldiers Surf, where we volunteer on weekends to help veterans, including amputees and those with disabilities, enjoy a day at the beach with their loved ones by teaching them how to surf. Volunteering with Soldiers Surf has been a deeply rewarding experience, allowing me to create meaningful moments for those who have faced incredible hardships. It’s a gift to be involved with such an organization. 

Q: What do you like most about working at Brown? 

The people here at Brown have been so good to me. I think the best part about working in college athletics is that you get to make new friends every year, and if you do it right, the relationships never end. No matter where I go in the world — Italy, Australia, Africa — I always have someone from Brown I can call to grab a coffee. The most important things to me are my experiences and relationships, and Brown has made that possible for me.