At a time when kids are spending more of childhood on screens, Dave Joisil saw an opportunity.
Instead of fighting technology, the New Jersey educator and creator chose to turn it into a tool for movement, confidence and character building.
Today, Joisil is the creator behind “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” a growing children’s brand centered on fitness, social-emotional learning and healthy habits. His mission is simple: help kids feel healthy, happy and confident.
“I’ve been an entertainer since I was a kid,” Joisil says.
That energy eventually led him to education. For nearly a decade, Joisil taught physical and health education, combining sports, movement and mentorship in the classroom. Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed how he reached students.
Teaching through a computer screen made one thing clear: motivating children in a digital world required a different approach. Joisil began filming short movement videos for his students—simple, energetic clips designed to get them active at home. The response was immediate.
After stepping away from education for a time, Joisil realized how much he missed working with children. The idea resurfaced.
“Why don’t we do this more often and make this a real thing?” he recalls thinking.
That question became the starting point for “Hey, It’s Mr. J.”
“We live in a world where everyone’s on a screen,” Joisil says.
Rather than resisting that reality, he reframed it. If children are already consuming content, why not offer something that gets them moving and teaches a positive message?
He calls it “quality screen time.”
His videos combine music, movement and life lessons. Each song carries a message, whether it is respect, responsibility, emotional awareness or simple everyday manners. The inspiration often comes from real-life moments with children.
After watching a child repeatedly interrupt a conversation, Joisil wrote a song teaching kids to say “excuse me” before speaking. It was a small behavioral moment, but it reflected his larger philosophy.
Movement is the hook. Character is the goal.
Behind the camera, the operation is still hands-on.
“I wish we had a team,” Joisil says with a laugh.
For now, he writes the songs, develops the concepts and produces much of the content himself. His years in education give him insight into what resonates with children and what they need beyond academics: confidence, empathy, emotional regulation and healthy habits.
Ideas come from curriculum knowledge, lived experience and time spent with family. The creative process is energetic, intuitive and rooted in real interaction.
While the content creation is largely a one-person operation, Joisil has begun building the brand beyond the screen. He continues to develop school visits, workshops, local appearances, music, videos and educational resources that can support children in classrooms, homes and community spaces.
As the brand grows, Joisil hopes to reach more families throughout New Jersey with programs that feel fun first, but leave children with something meaningful. Whether through a song, school assembly or quick movement break at home, his goal is to make healthy habits feel natural, approachable and joyful.
“I want to be the guy that’s known to make kids healthy and happy,” Joisil says.
It is an ambitious goal, but one grounded in consistency. Each video reinforces movement. Each lyric reinforces mindset. Each school visit reinforces connection.
For families trying to balance screen time with meaningful content, “Hey, It’s Mr. J” offers something intentionally upbeat: a way for kids to move their bodies, practice life skills and have fun while doing it.
In a digital landscape crowded with noise, Joisil is building something with purpose.
Not just content.
A culture of healthier, happier kids—starting right here in New Jersey.
To learn more about “Hey, It’s Mr. J,” visit heyitsmrj.com.
“I want to be the guy that’s known to make kids healthy and happy.” —Dave Joisil