Gym Owner's Growth Zone: Recent Episodes

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When you face challenges within your business, you often find it difficult to push through. Building a gym makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs, pull out your hair, and give up.

However, you want to build a better future, and you know giving up is not an option. How can you overcome negative thinking and challenges to build a successful gym business?

You can start by listening to this inspirational Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast episode. Host Andres Escobar speaks with Dr. Nick Gagic, a chiropractor with a unique approach to rehabilitation and fitness.

Dr. Nick draws insights from his decade of experience working with athletes and active clients and explores the importance of resilience, patience, and staying focused. Tune in to help you find your strength and push through your challenges as a gym business owner.

Meet Our Guest: Dr. Nick Gagic

• Dr. Nick is a rehab-focused chiropractor specializing in more than just back and neck issues. He works closely with gym members to ensure a safe return to their workouts.
• Besides his proficient role in Cairo Lab, he comes from Croatia and is motivated by his pursuit of providing valuable service to his community and not letting his family down.

Approach to Therapy

• Dr. Nick's unconventional approach goes beyond traditional methods.
• Through manual therapy, he works with trainers at Cairo Lab to provide personalized treatment plans for his clients.
• He complements their services rather than taking clients away from trainers or gym owners.
• Also, Dr. Nick emphasizes the importance of focusing more on individual client preferences and less on competition within the fitness industry.

Health and Fitness Insights

• During the conversation, Dr. Nick highlighted the importance of regular exercise and gym visits.
• He discusses how fitness centers should prioritize their clients' diverse preferences over egos and competition within the industry. This includes balancing between established practices and adapting to meet individual client needs.

The Influence of Patience and Not Over-thinking

• Revealing a few personal struggles, Dr. Nick talks about the challenges of being an entrepreneur, particularly the need for patience and the tendency to overthink situations.
• He emphasizes staying calm and reminds us that hurdles in business, like those in life, are part of the journey. As he says, the “rainy” days are necessary to enjoy the “sunny” ones.

Collaboration within the Fitness Industry

• In the fitness industry, it's vital to collaborate rather than compete.
• Dr. Nick delves into his experiences, working hand in hand with trainers and gym owners to support their clientele rather than pull them away.

Pushing Through Difficulties and Overcoming Challenges

• In an inspirational segment, Dr. Nick discusses the importance of having a “why” and unwavering belief in achieving success.
• Drawing lessons from the past, he recommends younger professionals remain focused, avoid overthinking, and persistently push through tough times.

As a business owner, you’ll have more challenges than success, especially during the early days of running a business. The key takeaway of this episode is that you can overcome obstacles no matter how difficult they may be at the time. Listen to this week’s episode of the GOGZ podcast to hear an empowering discussion to help you push through the challenges you’re having as a gym owner.

“Stay focused, but don't overthink. Even the darkest day is not the darkest day. Push through. There will be sunlight, there will be daylight, and it will be brighter. You'll have some rainy days to enjoy the sunny ones. Not everything will go according to plan. Adapt and adjust and continue to push forward.” - Nick Gagic.

Resources

Mark Manson's book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving an F.”

Cairolabpb

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In this episode of the GOGZ Podcast, Andres interviews Makoa, the owner and operator of Northridge Fitness Center. Together, they discuss Makoa’s challenges, the importance of perseverance, and the strategies he employed to build a thriving fitness center. Join them as Makoa shares his insights and experiences in the fitness industry.

Makoa's Journey: Building Northridge Fitness Center

• Makoa shares his journey of taking over the gym and rebranding it in 2018 as Northbridge Fitness Center.
• He credits his stepfather's influence and support, who opened the gym in 2012.
• Makoa started working out at a young age and eventually began training people, leading him to take on more responsibilities at the gym.
• He highlighted his close relationship with his father and their pivotal conversation when he graduated high school, which propelled him to focus on business and take over the gym.

Understanding Client Needs and Creating Value

• Makoa emphasizes the importance of understanding why clients join a gym and providing value to meet their needs.
• He strives to create a comfortable and non-overcrowded atmosphere for his members, offering an enjoyable workout experience.
• Makoa shares that knowing his clients personally has helped him tailor their services and programs more effectively.

Inspiring Lessons from Makoa’s Favorite Book

• Makoa and Andres discuss overcoming obstacles in business, drawing inspiration from the Milestones to Manhood book.
• They share how challenges can be viewed as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Makoa and Andres believe that no matter what you're going through, you are never given more than you can handle – it's a matter of choice to grow or give up.

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Makoa explains how the gym had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue serving its clients.
• They found a loophole in the government's shutdown order by operating as a personal training facility, ensuring the health and safety of their members.
• The gym limited access to members only and prioritized the health of their older clientele.
• Makoa shares the importance of staying resilient and finding innovative solutions when faced with challenges.

Rise in Demand for Online Training

• With the pandemic, Makoa's gym saw increased demand for personal training.
• They started offering online training through platforms like Zoom and FaceTime, which became popular during the lockdown.
• Andres suggests using apps like True Coach for online training, where clients are provided with workout routines and form videos while being supervised remotely.

The Importance of Honesty and Integrity in the Fitness Industry

• Makoa and Andres discuss the temptation and misuse of hormones and supplements in the fitness industry.
• They both stress the need for transparency and honesty when discussing the dos and don'ts of using such substances.
• Andres emphasizes the importance of natural development for younger individuals before considering any supplements or enhancements.

Join Andres and Makoa as they delve into the challenges, triumphs, and strategies behind building a successful fitness center. Makoa’s story of perseverance, adaptation, and integrity in the fitness industry provides valuable insight and inspiration for anyone looking to thrive in their own endeavors. Don't miss out on this impactful conversation with practical tips and motivating experiences.

"I wish I had known that initially; it's all about patience and dedication. The rewards will come if you're willing to put in the time and effort." - Makoa Beck.

Resources

Northridge Fitness Center

Northridge Fitness on Facebook

Northridge Fitness on Instagram

Milestones to Manhood

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No matter what industry you work in, adapting to rapid change is never easy. If you don't adapt quickly to changes in the fitness industry, your business will fail in no time.

In this episode of the GOFZ podcast, host Andres has the privilege of sitting down with a remarkable guest who not only knows how to conquer obstacles, but also inspires others to do the same.

Today, he speaks with Eric Malzone, a former gym owner turned nomad, who brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to gym owners. Eric's unstoppable passion and commitment to personal success without needing vacations are truly inspiring. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be motivated with this week’s episode of the GOGZ podcast.

The Journey from Small Spaces to Success

• Eric recounts the challenges, successes, and personal struggles he faced as a gym owner.
• He shares the difficult experiences of losing a child, a friend, and a pet during his ownership journey.
• Despite the emotional setbacks, Eric's gym grew from a small space to a thriving business.
• He also hosts a podcast called Futurefitness Co., which focuses on the future of the fitness industry.
• Eric explains his new project, podcast collective IO, which offers a community for podcast hosts and opportunities for brand growth through network collaboration.

The Nomadic Lifestyle and Cold Water Exposure

• Eric discusses his decision to sell the gym and embark on a nomadic lifestyle with his wife.
• He advocates for the benefits of cold water exposure on mental health and wellness, suggesting simple practices like a daily 30 to 60 seconds of submerging oneself in cold water.
• Andres adds a tip of putting ice in water and immersing one's face for similar benefits.

The Power of Mentors and Coaches

• Eric emphasizes the importance of seeking mentors and coaches at any stage of life.
• Andres agrees, sharing his belief in the value mentors and coaches bring to personal and professional growth.

Inclusive Approach in the Fitness Industry

• Eric believes that the fitness industry needs a more inclusive and holistic approach.
• He mentions Exponential Fitness entering the Metaverse through VR and AR experiences with a partnership with Meta.
• Andres expresses concerns about extended discomfort from wearing VR goggles and mentions Magic Leap's focus on augmented reality.

Community and Accountability

• Eric highlights the importance of community and accountability in the fitness industry.
• He suggests incorporating these aspects into gym ownership strategies to foster a supportive environment.

Valuable Health Knowledge and Tools

• Eric recommends Huberman Labs and Andrew Huberman's podcast for valuable health knowledge.
• He praises Riverside as a favorite online tool for podcast recording and content creation, mentioning the usefulness of its script feature.
• Eric also shares a personal experience of facing financial challenges in his gym ownership. He highlights the importance of tracking expenses, having difficult conversations, and making tough decisions to improve profit margins.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

• Eric discusses the changing definition of fitness and the need for the industry to adapt to the new health and wellness economy.
• He started The Future in Fitness podcast to help himself and the industry adapt to upcoming trends.
• Eric has recorded 360 episodes over seven years, building his network and obtaining consulting roles, sponsorships, and business coaching.

Living a Fulfilling Life

• Eric emphasizes the importance of defining personal success and living a fulfilling life without solely relying on vacations.
• He advises entrepreneurs and business owners to appreciate the freedom they have and constantly remind themselves of their personal definition of success.

From opening gyms to living a nomadic lifestyle, Eric's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and challenging oneself. His dedication to building communities, seeking mentors, and staying true to his own definition of success is inspiring.

Whether you're a gym owner, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to make positive changes in your life, Eric's experiences and wisdom will resonate deeply. Tune in now to not only gain valuable knowledge and perspective, but also to be inspired to take action, redefine success, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of health and wellness.

Yeah, well, I think ultimately, a lot of people haven't sat down and defined what their personal definition of success is. What does success look like to you? Is it 5 million in the bank? Is that it?” - Eric Malzone

Resources

The Future of Fitness

Eric Malzone on Instagram

Eric Malzone on Twitter

Eric Malzone on Facebook

Huberman Lab

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Get ready to be inspired and transported into a world where martial arts transcend mere physical discipline, becoming a gateway to purpose, fulfillment, and the realization of the extraordinary. In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, host Andres speaks with Ryan Conforti, an MMA fighter, on his journey of building a martial arts studio. Discover how his passion and dedication helped him get to where he is today in this week’s episode.

Martial Arts and Its Different Styles

• Ryan shares his journey from college martial arts training to Brazilian Jujitsu and MMA, with a focus on jujitsu in recent years.
• Andres discusses various martial arts styles and how they are constantly being reinvented.
• Ryan provides insight into how different styles of martial arts, such as Taekwondo, often need to be more understood and have a broader range of techniques than people realize.

The Popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Its Characteristics

• Jujitsu's popularity is due to newness, focus on ground techniques, and global exposure through UFC.
• Jujitsu practitioners prioritize safety over competition, focusing on avoiding injury rather than winning.

Personal Development and Overcoming Obstacles

• Ryan has been straight edge his entire life, avoiding alcohol and drugs. He occasionally drinks yerba mate, a caffeinated beverage, for energy and focus.
• Andres emphasizes the importance of sticking to a code or goal, even when faced with obstacles.
• Ryan shares his approach to overcoming obstacles, which involves being stubborn and believing in a higher power.

Personal Beliefs and Struggles With Consistency

• Ryan describes his personal belief system as something he always felt comfortable with, and he tries not to put words to it to avoid corruption or outside influence.
• He grew up Catholic but found consistencies across different belief systems, and he feels safe and cared for with his personal beliefs.
• Ryan shares his experience opening a martial arts school despite interruptions and challenges, emphasizing the importance of consistency and passion.
• Ryan's school now offers 38 weekly classes, showcasing his dedication to his craft and students.

Fitness and Martial Arts Industry Issues

• Ryan discusses training classes and certifications in martial arts, mentioning various systems and organizations (e.g., Taekwondo, Jujitsu) and the importance of mastery and anatomy knowledge.
• He discusses the apprenticeship model in martial arts, where students progress through the ranks and can become teachers after reaching a certain level of mastery.
• Ryan shares his experience in both the fitness and martial arts industries, highlighting the importance of building relationships with members and incorporating different disciplines.
• He believes the biggest issue in the fitness industry is the shift towards big box gyms that prioritize machines over free weights and open space, but notes progress towards a more balanced approach.

Fitness Training Methods and Their Relation to Dance

• Ryan discusses the importance of relating fitness movements to real-life biomechanics and movement, citing examples like Animal Flow and Capoeira.
• Andres agrees and adds that dance-based fitness programs like Zumba can also be beneficial but may blur the lines between fitness and dance.
• Ryan mentions David Whack, an industry innovator who created the bosu ball and other materials, and how he uses rope flow as a practice to focus on head-to-toe balance and mobility.
• He expresses that while David Whack's techniques are genius, they can be replicated and turned into dance by others, losing their effectiveness as a fitness tool.

The story you've uncovered is not just one of martial arts, discipline, and physical prowess. It's a testament to the incredible power of unwavering determination and the ability to channel youthful passion into a thriving reality.

Ryan Conforti, who dared to chase his early dreams, reminds you that you need not be confined by the expectations of others or the constraints of societal norms. Listen to this powerful episode of the GOGZ podcast and discover why it’s essential to remain strong when following your dreams.

“If I have a goal, yeah, I will find my way to do it, no matter what comes up. And so if you have that mindset, from the beginning, when an obstacle does come up, it doesn't feel as daunting because, you know, one way or the other. You're, you're going to get past it. Somehow, you're going to be taken care of. You're going to be okay.” - Ryan Conforti.

Resources

Ryan Conforti on LinkedIn

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Welcome back to another episode of the "Gym Owners Growth Zone Podcast," where host Andres dives into the different stories and experiences to help shape those in the fitness industry. In this session, you’ll discover the life of Billy Noethig, a CrossFit gym owner, as he shares his journey, values, and the influences that have shaped his business.

Listen to this week’s episode to hear the highs and lows as a gym owner, the power of community, and the importance of faith in overcoming life's challenges.

Building a Brand

● Billy takes full responsibility for his gym's operations and believes that his personality and beliefs shape everything within the business.

● He understands that having a brand means being a business, which has positive and negative implications.

● The foundation of his gym is a strong community, which influences every aspect of the business.

Seeking Wise Counsel

● Billy shares his experience of seeking guidance from older individuals with more experience and wisdom than him.

● These individuals, whether business owners or those in higher business positions, provide valuable advice and tips for overcoming obstacles.

● While they may not have personally experienced the exact same situations, their understanding of overcoming challenges is greater than Billy's, as they have faced similar struggles in their own journeys.

The Influence of Hip Hop

● Hip hop has profoundly impacted Billy's life, and he considers himself a student of the genre.

● He emphasizes that everything he does is influenced by hip hop, from his personal style to the music played in his gym, especially in CrossFit gyms.

● Billy explains that most CrossFit gyms have similar playlists and decor, but his gym stands out as the most urban gym in Palm Beach County, embracing diversity and authenticity.

Seeking Business Wisdom

● Billy prioritizes seeking guidance from individuals with more business experience and education.

● He believes in asking many questions to gain understanding and avoid making uninformed decisions.

● Recognizing that he is not all-knowing, he values insight and information from wise counselors.

The Roller Coaster of Life

● Growing up without his father's guidance after his passing during a crucial transition period in his life, Billy compares life to a roller coaster with ups and downs.

● He seeks stability and values having something to hold onto during turbulent times. His faith in God becomes his constant handrail, anchoring him and guiding him through the highs and lows of life.

Trust and Quality

● Billy stresses the importance of trust in a healthy environment, especially within CrossFit gyms.

● He believes that maintaining cleanliness is not only the bare minimum requirement for businesses but also crucial in gaining and maintaining clients' trust.

● Billy encourages individuals to use personal judgment when evaluating someone's credibility rather than solely relying on certifications, as character and competence are equally important.

Billy reflects on the inspiration and motivation he draws from observing others. Resilience, determination, and consistency are the traits he admires in people and endeavors to implement in his own life.

He believes that while motivation may fluctuate, consistency and discipline can help negate the need for constant motivation. Listen to this powerful story to help you become a better gym owner!

"Having a brand means being the business. Everything that I do, everything that I believe, everything that I stand for and put out there, shapes everything that happens within my gym." - Billy Noethig

Resources

Billy Noethig on Instagram

Billy Noethig on TikTok

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, host Andres speaks with Billy Hofacker, a successful gym owner who is also a financial coach for other owners.

Due to his expertise on the business side of the fitness world, Billy wrote the book “Fitness Profits.” The book is based on the profit-first concept for gym owners.

Listen to this week’s episode to learn about Billy Hofacker, his journey, and his strategies to stay on track amidst life's roller coasters.

Embracing Identity and Having a Life Team

• Billy shares the importance of truly understanding and embracing one's identity. By being true to themselves and accepting strengths and weaknesses, individuals can find their purpose and navigate their journeys more effectively.
• He emphasizes the significance of having a support system—a group of key individuals who truly know and accept you for who you are. This includes family, close friends, coaches, and mentors. These individuals provide guidance, support, and a listening ear during difficult times, helping to keep you on track.

Systems for Stability

• Billy highlights the importance of establishing systems and routines to maintain stability amid chaos.
• Whether it's a morning or night routine, regular exercise habits, or follow-through on financial and business strategies, having well-defined systems can help individuals stay grounded even when uncertain.

The Problem of Burnout and Marginless Living

• Another significant issue prevalent in the fitness industry is burnout and marginless living.
• Billy sheds light on many fitness professionals' daily struggles, working long hours and neglecting their own well-being.
• They describe the demanding schedule of a typical fitness professional, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. This relentless cycle often leaves little time for personal finances, relationships, and self-care, resulting in burnout and an imbalance in life.

Financial Strategies for Success

• To address the issue of marginless living and promote overall success, Billy provides some straightforward strategies that are often overlooked.
• These strategies include tracking income, managing expenses, and creating financial systems.
• Billy emphasizes the importance of taking action and challenges professionals to assess their current practices and make positive changes.

Taking Action and Continual Improvement

• Billy highlights the significance of taking action and making incremental improvements.
• He encourages professionals to strive for constant growth by refining their financial practices and seeking improvement.
• Additionally, He advocates for sharing knowledge with others, as teaching and helping others can reinforce one's own understanding and further contribute to the overall improvement of the industry.

Billy Hofacker shares the importance of self-discovery, building a strong support system, maintaining faith and resilience, and implementing effective systems. By listening to his story, you’ll learn you can stay on track and achieve your goals, even in the face of life's ups and downs.

Join us in the next episode of the GOGZ Podcast as we continue to bring you inspiring stories and strategies to help you overcome challenges and achieve success in various aspects of life.

Don't forget to check out Billy Hofacker's book, Fitness Profits, for detailed guidance on implementing profit-first strategies in the fitness industry.

"One example would be, I can't tell you this is one of my biggest pet peeves. How many gym owners literally don't have a bookkeeper? I mean, that is like Business 101. They don't know what their gross revenue is. They don't know what their profit is. They don't know how much cash they have. Guess what happens when you don't know those things? I mean, the best case scenario is you stay in business, but you don't grow. Worst case scenario is you're going out of business." - Billy Hofacker

Resources

Billy Hofacker LinkedIn

Fitness Profits by Billy Hofacker

Automatic Habits by James Clear

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Gap in the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Sponsor

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In this Gym Owners Growth Zone Podcast episode, host Andres speaks with Kaiser Serajuddin on leveraging a personal trainer’s social influence for your gym brand. They’ll also discuss the importance of embracing your strengths, taking control of your life, and succeeding in facing challenges.

Through sharing personal experiences and insights, Kaiser explores various business and personal development aspects. Discover valuable lessons about the gym industry and primal instincts that can be applied to your professional and personal lives.

Business Principles in the Gym Industry

• Discussing the relationship between franchisees and franchise owners, Kaiser highlights the licensee's expectations in receiving necessary support.
• While some business principles might not directly apply to independent trainers, they can have the freedom to impact their revenue through pricing and client attendance.

The Power of an Impactful Voice

• Kaiser praises an individual with a captivating speaking style, even if the content may not always be groundbreaking.
• Having a strong, attention-grabbing voice can significantly influence and engage an audience.

Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

• Kaiser shares his experience hiring top corporate individuals from other companies but realizes it didn't align with his company's culture and personal objectives.
• Success as a business owner depends on knowing oneself and adopting the right mindset, such as the hustler mindset.
• Personal challenges can shape one's journey in business, turning it into a transformative self-development course.

Lessons from Animal Instincts

• By understanding our hind and lizard brains, we can tap into primal instincts that drive human behavior.
• Sports and entertainment industries attract audiences due to highly polished and professional performances.
• Businesses can learn from these instincts to captivate consumers and create effective marketing strategies.

Investing in Employees and Personal Notoriety

• The gym industry relies on personal connections, allowing individuals to become local stars.
• Investing in employees involves building their skills and increasing visibility, leading to personal and business growth.
• The transformative power of business as a self-development course is emphasized.

Fitness Training and Finding Balance

• Kaiser discusses his preference for fight training while highlighting its intensity and lack of room for excuses.
• Low-intensity, steady-state cardio is advocated as an effective training method, especially for those who dislike treadmills.
• The importance of balance in business allows both the brand and individuals to grow while maintaining a cohesive identity.

Throughout this episode, you’ll explore the theme of personal growth, embracing strengths, and unleashing your true potential. Learning from personal experiences and drawing inspiration from various industries, you’ll discover the importance of self-awareness and staying true to yourself and your business objectives.

Remember, success lies in embracing your unique qualities and pursuing what you are truly passionate about. So let your inner "monster" out and conquer new heights in your personal and professional lives.

"Success as a business owner depends on knowing yourself, adopting the right mindset, and embracing your strengths. Don't try to fit into a mold that doesn't align with who you truly are." - Kaiser Serajuddin

Resources

Kaiser Serajuddin

Kaiser Serajuddin LinkedIn

Better Body Bootcamp

Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

100 Million Dollar Offers by Alex Hormozi

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When you started your business, you didn’t realize how difficult it would be to encourage others to sign up and join programs.

This is why you need to learn from others to help you become a better business owner.

In this Gym Owners Growth Zone Podcast episode, host Andres Escobar speaks with Kyle Vamvouris, a former gym salesperson turned sales coach. They discuss the evolving landscape of gym memberships and the art of sales in the gym industry.

Also, Kyle shares valuable insights and strategies for effective selling in this transactional market. Listen to learn how to navigate the world of gym memberships and master the art of sales.

Shift from Sales to Transactions

• Gym memberships have undergone a significant transformation, becoming more transactional in nature.
• Salespeople are no longer trained with scripts or frameworks.
• Instead, memberships are treated as a simple transaction - customers either want it or don't.

Impromptu Speaking

• Toastmasters played a crucial role in Kyle's journey, providing opportunities for impromptu speaking and thinking on his feet.
• This skill has proven invaluable in the world of sales, where quick thinking is often required.

Diversifying Sales Backgrounds

• Kyle brings a unique perspective to the gym industry, as he does not run a gym themselves.
• Instead, he works with B2B software and service founders to optimize their sales processes.
• His background gives a fresh approach to sales in the gym industry.

Persistence in Follow-Up

• Many organizations miss out on potential customers who initially said no.
• Kyle emphasizes the importance of following up with individuals who have had trial sessions but did not make a purchase.
• This involves proactive efforts such as phone calls, personalized emails, and inviting them for another visit.

Understanding Motivation

• "Action equals why" - to engage effectively, understanding a person's motivation is key.
• By uncovering their goals and motivations, sales professionals can position themselves as the solution they seek.
• In the gym industry, this approach is crucial to cater to individual needs effectively.

Giving Specific Time Options

• When asking someone to visit or meet, Kyle advises providing specific time options.
• This makes it easier for people to decide and commit.
• He provides an example of a friend struggling to make a decision at a burrito joint that further emphasizes this point.

The Price-Point Effect

• Gym pricing determines the type of experience and level of engagement offered.
• Cheaper gyms tend to be more transactional, while boutique gyms, like CrossFit, can be pricier and provide a highly personalized experience.
• Kyle shares their family's gym membership costs, emphasizing the investment made for quality services.

The Importance of Immediate Action

• In sales, taking immediate action is crucial.
• Whether it's booking appointments for the same day or the next day, the goal is to get potential customers into the gym or schedule their first class.
• By avoiding vague scheduling questions and suggesting specific times, sales professionals increase their chances of success.

Mastering the art of sales in the gym industry requires adaptation, quick thinking, and persistence. With a focus on understanding customers' motivations, giving specific time options, and taking immediate action, success in gym sales becomes attainable. Join us as we delve deeper into the world of sales and personal growth.

“I always say action equals why. And that means if somebody took an action, is actively taking action, or plans to take action, there's a reason why they're doing it, and we need to uncover that reason.” -Kyle Vamvouris

Resources

Kyle Vamvouris LinkedIn

Vouris.com

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller

Notion

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One of the hardest challenges to overcome as a new gym owner is deciding on the group of people you want to work with. Should you stay open to having a diverse clientele, or should you work with one specific demographic?

In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone Podcast, host Andres Escobar speaks with Alexis Perkins, the owner of Chairone Fitness. Listen to her powerful journey as a gym owner and how she discovered her community.

Alexis Perkins Journey

• Alexis Perkins has been working in the fitness industry since 2009. She first started as a group fitness instructor teaching Zumba and Yoga classes.
• In addition to her background as a personal trainer, she has also worked as a business consultant for gyms.
• She now runs the Chairone Fitness program, helping those who cannot do standing exercises and need help staying active.

What Keeps Her on Track?

• Alexis shares that what helps keep her on track is being confident about trying new things. She discovered when you’re not afraid to try new things, you’ll gain a wonderful learning experience.
• During her first Zumba class, she met another trainer who only spoke Spanish. He offered her the chance to go to France and teach Zumba classes there. Her family and friends said she was crazy for going, but she took the opportunity anyway.
• While there, she learned new ways to run a business and teach classes. The concepts Alexis learned from teaching fitness overseas still apply to her business and classes today.
• However, she did experience imposter syndrome as a fitness instructor and gym owner. But by acknowledging what was holding her back and getting outside her head, she overcame this and pushed through to reach her goals.
• Lastly, she gives herself a timeframe to help her meet her goals. This prevents her from giving up on a task and never finishing it.

Overcoming Obstacles as a Gym Owner

• The first fitness studio Alexis owned happened because the original owners were late on rent. The property owner asked her what makes you think you’ll be good at running this gym when the previous owners weren’t. She told him she was the most successful trainer there and the concepts she learned from teaching could be applied to running the business.
• However, she quickly realized that she knew nothing about running a gym. For example, she needed help effectively communicating with her team.
• She tried to gain communication skills by listening to audiobooks but was unsuccessful. She discovered sometimes it’s better to hire a mediator to handle specific tasks when you can’t take them yourself as a business owner.

The Biggest Issue in the Fitness Industry

• Alexis believes that one of the biggest issues in the fitness industry is trainers not being confident in their authenticity.
• Everyone is focused on diversity but should be trying to target the group of people that they really want to work with.
• When you get authentic with the people you want to work with, everything falls into place for you as a business owner.

Removing Blocks for Growth

• As a business owner, it's easy to forget about the people and feel entitled. However, you must never forget that your people have feelings.
• Take the time to wish your team members happy birthday or talk with the gym members to get to know them better.
• Alexis wishes she had put the people first before business. She also shares that if you cannot check in with your teammates or clients, hire someone who can.

In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, you get insightful advice on how to find the demographic you want to work with as a gym owner. Listen to Alexis' story and discover how she overcame her challenges and became a successful entrepreneur in the fitness industry.

“If you put your mind to it, you can do anything. I feel like we are all designed by God, and once you know that, you start stepping outside the box and becoming great at what you’re doing.” - Alexis Perkins

Resources

Chair One Fitness

Chair One Fitness YouTube

Chair One Fitness Instagram

John C Maxwell

Donald Miller

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, host Andres speaks with Jayne Szukalowski, a multi-gym owner within the Fitness Gyms franchise. She shares her insights on leadership, team management, and personal growth.

Through her inspiring journey, she exemplifies the power of resilience, growth, and gratitude. As owning one business is hard enough, how can she run four without breaking down? Discover how she does it all and the lessons she has learned.

Jayne Background

• Jayne became a gym member of Anytime Fitness 14 years ago. During her time as a gym member, she fell in love with the franchise and wanted to work for them.
• She started off as a club manager and eventually worked her way to owning four gyms in several locations.
• Her gyms are located in St. Marie, Michigan, Marquette, Escanaba, and Iron Molten.

Support from KP Softworks

• Many gym owners struggle with finding the right employees to work in their gyms. Jayne provides advice on how to find the ideal candidates for your gym.
• She supports the KPI software to help provide guidance to employees. As the owner, you may not have all of the answers to your employee’s questions, so it’s essential to provide another way for your employees to receive answers from someone else.
• With the KPI software, employees can find guidance in booking appointments, understanding consultation, and handling leads.

What Helps Her Stay on Track?

• Running a business is no easy task, no matter what industry you’re in. Janye discusses what helps her stay on track, ensuring she gets everything done.
• The first thing she does every morning is meditate and practice gratitude. This helps her clear her mind and reminds her of the good in her life.
• Next, she reminds herself of her business mission. Janye believes every gym owner should make decisions based on their business goals.

"Being impactful and making a difference in someone's life, it's a powerful feeling. It's heartbreaking to lose someone like our club manager, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the present moment and cherishing the relationships we have." - Jayne Szukalowski

In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring story of a gym owner who finds strength in her moments of challenge and tragedy. From reflecting on leadership practices to emphasizing the importance of gratitude and personal growth, she showed us the power of staying composed and embracing challenges. Jayne inspires us to nurture positive change within ourselves, our teams, and our communities.

Resources

Jayne Szukalowski LinkedIn

Anytime Fitness

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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Are you ready to work with clients who know your worth?

In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, host Andres Escobar speaks with Andrea Klas, the owner of Whole Body Fitness. Listen to her inspiring story as a fitness coach and how she found incredible success by doing one thing. From losing clients to attracting higher-paying ones, this transformative journey highlights the power of intention and personal growth in the fitness world.

Andrea Klas Journey

• Andrea’s background is in teaching aerobic classes and an economics degree.
• Combining her knowledge of physiology from working in a pharmaceutical company with her passion for personal training, she built her own gym in a seaside village near Vancouver.
• However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant loss of clients, prompting a complete revamp of her business strategy.

The Magical Metamorphosis

• Andrea initially worried about losing clients, but soon noticed that low-paying clients naturally left after a shift in mindset and self-value.
• As the low-paying clients departed, higher-paying ones started coming in, creating a positive transformation in Andrea’s business.
• By placing her desires and intentions into the universe, she witnessed firsthand the power of attracting the right clients.

Valuing Worth in the Fitness Industry

• Trainers and gym owners need to seek clients who appreciate their expertise.
• While the current model may not work for everyone, it can be successful for those who recognize their value and demand it.
• Life is compared to a roller coaster, where having guardrails and support systems is crucial to staying on track and reaching new heights.

Holding on to Personal Power

• Andrea reflects on her journey of self-worth and value, acknowledging moments of imposter syndrome.
• Staying healthy and fit grounds her, providing energy and confidence to run her business effectively.
• Additionally, maintaining good health positively impacts her marriage, children, and outdoor activities.

Empowering Decisions in Women

• Andrea addresses societal challenges, where men often make decisions about their health without consulting anyone else, while women seek permission or input from their partners.
• She finds it concerning how women give up their power to make decisions about their health.
• She encourages women to recognize their worth, make autonomous decisions, and prioritize their well-being.

Overcoming Challenges and Growth

• Andrea emphasizes the importance of initial guidance and support when using fitness software.
• She acknowledges the inhibitors faced by businesses in the industry, but stands firm in her commitment to helping customers succeed.
• She reflects on missed opportunities, regrets not starting a podcast earlier, and invites listeners to reflect on what they would start or stop sooner.

The State of the Fitness Industry

• The industry is saturated with cookie-cutter programs promising quick results, but often disappoint.
• Many online programs only offer short-term success before weight is regained.
• Andrea expresses concern for companies promoting extreme diets and fake food, prioritizing profit over client well-being.
• She advocates for a clear distinction between true professionals and individuals who claim expertise based on bodybuilding competitions.

In this thought-provoking episode of the GOGZ podcast, you’ll witness the power of mindset, self-worth, and intention in the fitness world. Through Andrea’s journey and experiences, she demonstrates the importance of valuing oneself, making empowered decisions, and embracing a holistic lifestyle. This episode inspires listeners to take control of their fitness journey and reach their full potential.

"Being happy and active has positively influenced my marriage, my children, and my overall sense of fulfillment. It has grounded me and allows me to have the energy and confidence to run my business and live a fulfilling life." - Andrea Klas

Resources

www.andreaklasfitness.com

Andrea Klas Instagram

Andrea Klas YouTube

Andrea Klas LinkedIn

Andrea Klas TikTok

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of "GOGZ Podcast," Andres delves into the world of gym ownership with Cale Owen, a seasoned industry professional who has successfully navigated the challenges of running a gym business. He’ll discuss his journey and the valuable insights he has gained along the way. Tune in to discover how gym owners can achieve sustainable growth and profitability by implementing effective systems, maintaining a clear vision, and focusing on key behaviors.

Cale Owen’s Background

• Cale’s love for fitness started during his youth while trying to become a better baseball player. He saw how strengthening and conditioning exercises helped him on the field. In college, his favorite class was personal training, and it clicked that this was what he wanted to do in life.
• After college, he had the opportunity to start a gym with a friend from school. Due to their inexperience in running a business, their business failed.
• A couple of years later, he started another gym in St. Augustine, Florida. During his adventure at this new business, he continued to struggle because he didn’t understand marketing and sales.
• His luck changed after seeing Alex Ramosi online and signed onto Gym Launch in 2017. Within ten days of doing so, he made more than he did in the first nine months of that year.
• Following the marketing and sales systems of Gym Launch, Cale was able to turn his luck around and build a successful business.

Lessons Learned From Personal and Business Challenges

• Identify the true problem: Rather than accepting the obvious answer or surface-level problem, it's important to isolate and prioritize the true problem that needs to be solved. This allows for more effective problem-solving and resolution.
• Focus on the basics: Consistently doing the basics and continuously improving them is crucial for success. By embracing the process and focusing on the fundamental behaviors required to achieve their goals, one can make progress and achieve success.
• Embrace failure: Cale draws lessons from playing baseball and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure. He understands that failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process. By learning from failures and using them as opportunities for improvement, one can continue to progress towards their goals.
• Have a big and scary vision: Cale believes in having a big and scary vision for his business. This vision serves as a driving force and motivates him to take bold actions. He understands that having a compelling vision is essential for long-term success.
• Faith and resilience: Faith plays an important role in how Cale makes decisions and takes action. He believes in an eternal joy that outweighs the ups and downs of life. This perspective allows him to stay resilient and persevere through challenges and setbacks.

Join Andres for this insightful conversation with Cale Owen, who shares his expertise and strategies for achieving success in the competitive world of gym ownership. Whether you're a current gym owner looking for growth strategies or aspiring to enter the industry, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps to excel in your fitness business. Tune in now and take your gym ownership journey to the next level.

"Consistently doing the basics and continuously improving them will lead to success." - Cale Owen

Resources

Cale Owen LinkedIn

Cale Owen Instagram

Gym Launch

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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Which is better, owning a gym alone or forming a partnership?

You may wonder this when you decide to become a business owner within the fitness industry. Business partnerships have downsides, which may keep you from becoming a gym co-owner.

However, this Gym Owner Growth Zone podcast episode may change your mind. Our host Andres speaks with Mark Samuels and Samuel Brown, the Supreme Body Training gym owners in South New Jersey.

Here's the inspiring story of two personal trainers who formed a business partnership. Their story will help you decide whether to do it alone or become a co-owner.

Mark & Samuel's Background

● Samuel first met Mark while working at a gym as a janitor. He recently received his personal trainer certification and looking to find his way within the industry. They became friends after Samuel started asking questions about gaining clients.

● After leaving the gym they met at, Mark became a personal trainer at LA Fitness. Mark hired Samuel despite their rule of not putting college kids in manager roles.

● Mark realized he enjoyed the art of selling while working at LA Fitness. He discovered many gym owners don't know how to sell or market their services. Listen to how he utilized the floor pull technique to help him get new clients.

● They now own the Supreme Body Training gyms in Vineland, NJ, and Sewell, NJ.

Why Is Partnership Better Than Solo Ownership?

● As a result of their age differences, Mark and Samuel provide different perspectives on their business. Mark can set a serious tone for the business as an older gentleman, while Samuel can bring the energy due to his younger age.

● Due to their different mindsets, both can take creative spins within the business when one is unsure of what to do next.

● Mark’s experience helps him correct Samuel when he notices he’s about to make a mistake. Samuel shares the importance of being a sponge and soaking up every piece of information you can learn from someone else.

● If you decide to enter the business yourself, be sure to find tools or mentors to help you along the way.

General Life Advice

● Mark shares the importance of knowing when you have a weak foundation in one area of your life. For example, if you’re in a bad relationship, then it can affect other areas of your life.

● Samuel shares how you can convince others to support you when they believe you’re making a wrong decision in life. He also shares a story of how he was able to market the business on Facebook in 2017. The trick won’t work now, but the story shares the importance of knowing how to stand out when marketing.

● Mark shares that gym owners shouldn’t focus on finding the one employee who can be the driving force for the company. Instead, focus on building good systems so everyone will do their job correctly.

In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, co-owners Mark Samuels & Samuel Brown share valuable advice for gym owners. While listening to this episode, you’ll surely learn from the guest speakers that’ll move you to become better business owners.

“When hiring a personal trainer, you’re hiring an artist.” - Mark Samuels

Resources

Supreme Body Training Facebook

Supremebodytraining.com

Mark Samuels LinkedIn

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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Sometimes it’s better to target a market that others are avoiding. You may think you should market to the 20-year-olds who want a hot body, but maybe it’s a better idea to target those 50 and older.

Why is that?

In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, host Andres Escobar speaks with copywriter Jay Croft on a golden market area that many gym owners ignore. They also share insightful tips on crafting compelling content to reach this hidden audience. So, check out this episode of the GOGZ podcast on targeting the 50 and older population within the fitness industry!

Jay Croft Background

• Jay has 30 years of experience in mass media communication for big corporations. He now works as a copywriter for the fitness industry.
• Why should you listen to him since he is not a gym owner? He knows how to target an untapped market within the fitness world that many gym owners ignore.
• Be sure to check out his website: www.primefitcontent.com

Why Should You Market to This Untapped Area?

• The younger generation focuses more on losing weight to help them look good. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this, but they’re quick to lose interest in meeting this goal.
• The 50 and older age group often has a more driven purpose for being fit. For example, some may want to become stronger to be there for their grandkids.
• Also, the older population has the time and money to help them focus on fitness. This allows them to stick around with you longer than the younger ones would.

How Can You Reach This Fitness Market?

• Try to write your own content, such as blogs, newsletters, and social media. However, keep in mind that for you to reach this population, you must think like them.
• You’re not writing for yourself, you’re writing content for your audience. When writing, get outside your head and get inside the audience's mind instead.
• Remember, telling a story always sells! You’re not writing a high school research paper, which is a common mistake many new writers make.
• You want to connect with your audience to make them read your content and take action. Jay shares actionable tips on how to do this within the fitness industry.
• It’s okay if you’re not good at copywriting. If you’re struggling, reach out to Jay for help.

How Can You Make Your Business Grow?

• Stop coming up with excuses and take action to make your business grow.
• Stop talking about it and be about it! This advice can be implied towards copywriting and being a gym owner.
• Lastly, Andres asks insightful questions, and Jay shares powerful answers to help you as a writer.

“The key to life is a driven purpose” - Andres Escobar

You can always learn from others when it comes to owning a gym. The best to do this is by listening to Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast.

Subscribe to the podcast to become a successful business owner in the fitness industry!

Resources

Primefitcontent.com

Jay Croft LinkedIn

Jay Croft Facebook

Jay Croft Instagram

Content INK

Grammarly

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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You love your work as a personal fitness trainer and enjoy helping others create a healthy lifestyle. However, you’re ready to move up in your career and want to become a business owner.

But knowing how difficult it is to become a successful business owner keeps you from doing it. The fear of failing and the unknown makes you believe you’ll never succeed in becoming an entrepreneur.

In this episode of the GOGZ podcast, we’re here to encourage you to push through your challenges so you can fulfill your dreams. Host Andres Escobar had the pleasure of interviewing Rick Mayo, a highly successful entrepreneur, and innovator in the fitness industry.

With over three decades of experience, Rick shares his insights on achieving business growth, the importance of holistic wellness, and embracing discomfort on the entrepreneurial journey. Join us as we dive into the key takeaways from our conversation with Rick Mayo!

Who Is Rick Mayo?

• Rick Mayo is a successful fitness entrepreneur, writer, and speaker.
• He owns Alloy personal fitness franchise and worked in the fitness industry since 1992.
• His franchise provides personal training fitness facilities worldwide
• Rick shares his inspiring journey from personal trainer to business owner to help others to follow their passion despite their fears.

Sacrificing for Growth and Embracing Fearlessness

• Rick believes in sacrificing personal enjoyment for the greater good of growing his franchise. He emphasizes the importance of expanding to 800 locations to create more career opportunities in the fitness industry and provide returns for investors.
• While Rick acknowledges the importance of standing in the room and witnessing the results of his labor, he reveals that he misses the direct interaction with customers the most. Connecting with clients and seeing their progress is the most gratifying part of his business.
• Rick’s entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the inevitability of discomfort and self-doubt. He emphasizes that this discomfort is a sign of growth and urges aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace it as a path to success.
• Delayed gratification and tolerating suffering are essential to achieving big goals!

Building a Successful Business

• Rick emphasizes that achieving success is possible for others and encourages aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs to aim high.
• He actively participates in industry events and conferences, sharing his expertise and inspiring young coaches.
• Rick shares the challenges he faced when starting his business and the downturn he experienced when high-level coaches left due to the lack of systematic approaches.
• He discusses his setbacks to show others the negative can turn into opportunities for growth. It is also possible to implement his knowledge within workout and sales systems.

Holistic Wellness as the Core

• Rick advocates for the fitness industry to broaden its scope beyond intense workouts. He believes that wellness should include aspects such as sleep supplements and nutrition.
• Rick envisions the fitness industry as a central hub in a wellness wheel, with other spokes including recovery, sleep, and nutrition. By positioning the industry as a front-end healthcare solution, it can address the needs of a broader population and prioritize prevention over treatment.
• He believes that boutique fitness businesses have the potential to influence people's overall health and well-being, focusing on increasing health span and play span rather than just lifespan.

Tune in to this episode as Rick Mayo shares his profound insights and experiences on navigating the world of franchising in the fitness industry and offers invaluable lessons for coaches, entrepreneurs, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on unlocking the power of franchising and embracing a holistic approach to wellness!

Lastly, don’t forget that we want to hear from you! Provide feedback and tell us how we can improve on our show.

You’re the voice; we just provide insight within the fitness industry. So go ahead and subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram!

Resources

Five Wishes of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham

Alloy Personal Training

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode, our host Andres sits down with Zechariah Cesani, fitness expert and owner of The Avenue Luxe. His ten years of experience in the fitness industry have taught him many lessons. Discover how his faith and trust have led him to become a successful business owner today!

Zechariah’s Background

• Most personal trainers enter the field from inspiration and a love for working out. Zechariah's desire to become a fitness trainer comes from his frustration and anger during his youth. He found that exercising helped fuel his need for control and believed it could help others.

• Zechariah quickly found out that you need more than just passion. He was failing to be a professional fitness trainer due to his lack of business experience.

• He stepped away from the fitness industry to do deep soul-searching. After experimenting with different jobs in other industries, he found mentors and resources to help him become a better business owner. Now he owns one of the most successful gyms in West Palm, Florida.

Overcome Challenges

• When starting his business initially, he realized that he tended to overthink a lot. This led him to be one of those people who is always on the go-around of “getting ready.”

• What helped him stop getting ready and start taking action was prioritizing what needed to get done. Zechariah provides a story about the flooring situation in his gym and how he overcame the challenge once he changed his mindset.

• Doing his best is something he has heard throughout his life. However, this advice mainly applies to employees of a company. If you’re a business owner, you must do whatever it takes to overcome your challenges.

How can the fitness industry be improved?

• Some consumers may need help with how they receive information on social media. When they see fitness influencers make statements such as, "Stop doing this to see results" or "5 things you must do for results," they start believing this is the only way for them to become healthy. Zechariah discusses why every client needs custom solutions and the importance of researching the information they receive on social media.

• The difference between an influencer and a manipulator is their heart. Influencers share information from their heart because they care about others' health and help them reach their goals. On the other hand, manipulators only care about the money aspect of sharing their information. When consumers know the difference between the two, they expect a positive experience with the fitness expert they're working with.

Getting out of your own way and having a supportive team

• Sometimes you're your worst enemy, and you must get out of your way for true growth. Zechariah shares an inspirational story about the importance of faith, trust, and letting go of control.

• The gas theory is popular in the fitness industry. Zechariah discovered the gas theory from his father to help him reflect on and improve his situation. He uses his life teachings from his dad and applies them to all areas of his life.

Resources

Functional Aging Institute

Wild Heart by John Eldrige

Go-Giver

The Ave Luxe Gym

Sponsor

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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This episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast is Part 2 of an amazing conversation between our host, Andres Escobar, and guest Timothy Rexius, the co-founder and owner of Iron Heaven Gyms, Rexius Nutrition stores, and many other enterprises. Check out Part 1 here! In this episode, Tim goes into current issues in the industry and the importance of giving back.

Issues in the Gym Industry

• Bigger names and influencer types don’t always have integrity. They’re in it to make quick money and they don’t care about the repercussions of their actions. Because they’re in the public eye, young people emulate their behavior.
• People with the means to make content who have integrity should get their voices heard and call out bad actors.
• The way we make an impact is by putting our community first, not by aiming for financial gain!

Give Back to the Community

• When Tim coaches business owners, he requires them all to give back to their communities – it feeds the soul.
• Tim loves to give speeches to high school kids. He helps them see that they can reach their financial goals, even if they have been told they will fail.

Tim’s Influences

• When he worked for Mid-American Research, CEO Steven Fremarek inspired Tim and many others through his strength as a leader.
• Tim is heavily influenced by his faith, which guides his actions in business and his personal life.
• His wife has become his partner in business and she has also softened him in ways he needed to be softened.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

Tim’s older brother Lee.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

How to get financing outside of a bank.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman

• What’s your favorite online tool?

Tim loves LinkedIn – you’re missing the boat if you’re not on it! Connect with Tim on LinkedIn.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

Get up every morning and move. This helps you get your center and find your peace. Start your day off with gratitude. Be someone’s day-maker.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion.

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Get ready for a conversation with a man with no regrets. In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Timothy Rexius, the owner of many businesses and builder of an empire. They talk about creating a legacy and not getting addicted to gaining a bit of success and losing out on the possibility of continuing to grow.

Tim’s Journey

• In high school, Tim decided he wanted to work for the local GNC Shop. The owner didn’t hire him initially, so Tim showed up every day for two weeks until he was hired!

• He worked there through college but wasn’t making ends meet and he had a baby on the way. He pushed his boss for commission and he started making more money.

• He wanted to buy his own store, but couldn’t afford it. Eventually, a customer came in and offered him a job in biomechanical engineering.

• In the 2008 market crash, he lost everything. He sold as many of his possessions as he could to get the money together to buy his first store. Now he has 40+ locations in 10 states.

Bringing Partners Into the Picture

• Tim’s wife is one of his partners in business. She is able to check him and challenge him, which helps him evaluate himself and double down when he feels he’s right.

• Partners have skin in the game. They are more passionate about the work than employees, but in exchange for that, the owner loses some of the profit and control.

• You can’t give employees enough money to care as much as a partner does. If you do give them the money and power but don’t make them a partner, you’re training your future competition.

Creating a Legacy

• Tim pushes himself to try things so that he doesn’t have regrets over things he didn’t do out of fear. He is also motivated by creating a legacy for his children and grandchildren.

• His faith is what guides him in this direction. Twice a year, he hosts family meetings where he explains why he does what he does to his children so that they build the character it takes to do big things too.

• His sights are set on accruing enough money to be able to help and support people who are in need.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar sits down with Ed Turney, a former gym owner and the current Director of Affiliate Growth at Prestige Labs. They talk about Ed’s journey, from letting emotions drive his business to becoming more logical and data-oriented, and how that has helped his decision-making process and overall business sense. To hear more from Ed, follow him on Instagram @ed_turney!

Ed’s Journey

• Ed has a background in theater and performing martial arts. He is at home on the stage.

• He has owned gyms for a decade and always did alright. When he met Alex Hormozi, he learned how much more successful his gyms could be if he improved his business skills.

• Hormozi eventually asked him to teach sales for the supplement company Prestige Labs.

How Ed Stayed On Track

• Letting data and logic drive decisions will usually lead to good results. Most of his mistakes, he says, are because of emotion.

• He tries not to judge himself on his past mistakes.

Issues in the Gym Industry

• Gym owners believe they sell ‘fitness’ when what they really sell is coaching.

• People want to go to a gym that sells them coaching, results, and accountability – not just workouts.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

· Alex Hormozi

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Your employees and clients aren’t your family, they’re a team.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Gary Vaynerchuk’s YouTube Series Ask Gary Vee

· YouTube Series Impact Theory

• What’s your perception of online presence?

· Most people who are successful online are people who are authentic.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

· Every time he walks past a mirror, he smiles at himself. (He doesn’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all habit for everyone, because all people are so different from one another)

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with guest Kyle Hennings for the much-anticipated Part 2 of their interview! If you haven’t checked out Part 1 yet, listen in to Episode 020 Vision for Gym Success: Beyond Memberships. In Part 2, the guys discuss the importance of communication and continuing your education a little bit every day.

The Biggest Issue in the Fitness Industry

• No matter how awesome your program or gym is, if no one comes into your club, your club is going to go bankrupt.
• Younger people have trouble reaching out to potential clients over the phone, even when that’s the best way to contact leads.
• Communication is the key. Young people need to be taught how to make personal connections to support the clients they’re trying to help.

The Fast 5

1. Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

• His business partner Jeff
• Stacy Anderson, President of Anytime Fitness
• Rick Mayo of Alloy Personal Training

2. What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

• Get a good CPA! Entrepreneurs are great relationship people, but not numbers people.
• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?
• The Joy Choice by Michelle Segar

3. What’s your favorite online tool?

• Google Drive, ReviewBiz and credit cards
• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?
• Every morning, he reads 10 pages of an educational book. Always be learning.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Kyle Hennings, Managing Partner at Keepbooked and Owner of an Anytime Fitness franchise. They talk about Kyle’s unexpected journey to gym ownership and how his career is continuing to progress.

Kyle’s Background

• At the age of 18, Kyle had an accident that broke his back and paralyzed his legs. He has been in a wheelchair ever since.
• While attending university to go to medical school, he started going to a gym and got a part-time job there.
• Not one to shy away from a challenge, he bought his own gym and sought to make it a place where gym members and team members alike would be treated with respect and dignity.

Gaining Marketing Experience

• At a conference, he met Jeff O’Mara and they began collaborating on fitness-related projects.
• From Jeff, Kyle learned how to be a networker, go-getter, and, very importantly, he saw that Jeff isn’t afraid to fail.
• Once their business was ready, they hired the right people to join the team.

Selling His Clubs

• Selling a club meant he had to pay a lot of money in taxes. There are some things you can do to strategize if you’re selling – check with your CPA!
• On the positive side, there is some financial gain. He recommends investing in some kind of passive income.
• While he no longer sells memberships for a living, he still gets to use his business to help people.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Keith Bailey, a self-made online fitness and nutrition coach. He shares the tenacity he has developed throughout his life and how that has helped him become an entrepreneur, support others on their health journey, and create a profitable business.

Keith’s Journey

• As a high schooler, his confidence came from working out and being fit. He learned that it didn’t come easy and there was no “magic bullet” to fitness.

• He became a personal trainer and worked at several big box stores before joining the military.

• His entrepreneurial spirit blossomed when he created an online gym program.

Online Coaching

• Keith didn’t used to believe it was possible to help someone without being in the same space as them. He has since learned that online coaching offers more options and support to clients.

• He recommends being an in-person personal trainer first. Learning how to meet a student where they’re at and support their various needs is easier to learn face-to-face.

Facing and Overcoming Challenging

• During the covid lockdown, the space he was renting for his gym shut down right before he was ready to open. He had invested lots of time and money in his business, and he had to both open and close it in the same week.

• He started his online component by offering fitness/workout classes using items people had in their home.

• Somehow his business was able to grow due to his low prices and the tight-knit clientele. Once he had his online “gym,” he reached out to folks offering them the opportunity to join his classes.

Issues in the Gym Industry

• Absolutes: people should not assume that what works for one person will absolutely work for another.

• People need to understand their needs and be okay with things in moderation.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

· Andy Frisella, Bedrus Keuilian, and Alex Hormozi

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· How to structure a journey for his customers.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Atomic Habits by James Clear (on Amazon)

· Gym Launch Secrets by Alex Hormozi

· Andy Frisella’s podcast “Real AF”

• What’s your favorite online tool?

· ChatGPT and PushPress

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

· Remember that you only fail if you quit.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar sits down with Dan Uyemura (@danielsan on Insta, @hookgripper on Twitter), gym owner and founder of the gym management software PushPress (http://pushpress.com). They discuss how we can all level up our businesses, both technologically and in terms of our approach. They offer an answer to how boutique gyms can compete with revenue-hungry big boxes by offering excellent customer value and not spreading themselves too thin.

If you like what you hear, you can hear more from Dan on The GymOS Podcast by PushPress!

Dan’s Background

• Dan was a programmer for a social media company but was considering getting into gym ownership.
• When he got laid off, he took it as a sign to dive into that path. His severance and some plans he had in place allowed him to get started smoothly.
• His software company, PushPress, offers top-tier gym management for all types of gyms.

Staying On Track

• For gym owners who are just getting started, frameworks and guardrails aren’t as necessary because there aren’t many people involved.
• Once you start to have some success and hire more people, frameworks and/or guidelines ensure continued growth and success.
• Dan’s current guardrail is trying to put trust more trust in his team. This means staying out of meetings that he doesn’t NEED to be involved in – meddling in everything would only make things worse.

Current Issues In the Fitness Industry

• Most people get into the industry because they want to help people and occasionally become “martyrs for fitness,” sacrificing their financial well-being to help others.
• Recently, the pendulum seems to be swinging too far the other way – leaders in the industry are just talking about revenue and only seem to care about money.
• If we have to pick a “North Star” that guides the gym industry, we need to pick customer value (but make sure the revenue is the outcome).

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

His business partners.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

He wishes he knew that it would be extremely difficult to build a big software business.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

How to Get Rich (Without Getting Lucky) by Naval Ravikant (on Amazon)

• How important is having an online presence?

As an individual, you don’t need to. Your business, however, DOES need an online presence.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

Time blocking. As a procrastinator, he holds tightly to what he says he will do at what time on what day.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar sits down with Jeff O’Mara, owner of 12 Anytime Fitness gyms in 4 states. O’Mara is an entrepreneur at heart who found his calling when became a gym member and then started his own gym. Listen in as they talk about his journey to helping others by offering the happiest gyms on earth.

Jeff’s Background

• He’s always been an entrepreneur. He started off by running a gas station and selling fried food - the antithesis of everything he does now!

• After a gym moved into his community, he became a member and decided to invest in owning one because he wanted to help people. The positivity he felt at work inspired him to want to own more.

• He’s currently the owner of 12 gyms in 4 states AND he owns a marketing company that helps other gyms!

Staying On Track

• Faith in religion has helped him through many difficulties.

• He had a health scare that reminded him why it’s so important to stay healthy and share a message of health and wellness with others.

Current Issues In the Fitness Industry

• Educate people on how important it is to care for your health, eat right, and exercise.

• We have to go beyond just selling. Giving our customers useful information should be the priority.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

· Stacy Anderson, President of Anytime Fitness. She has a great desire to evolve the business and shows composure and vulnerability during difficult times.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Understanding marketing. Early on, he thought marketing was a waste of money. Investing in it has made a huge difference in his business.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Go for No by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Google

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

· Working out! If you’re willing to maintain your car, why wouldn’t you maintain yourself?

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Dustin Bogle, author of Reinforce Your Gym. They talk about learning about expansion the hard way, creating a strong employee culture, and setting high standards for yourself.

Special Offer! Send Dustin Bogle a DM on Facebook (http://facebook.com/TheRealDustinBogle) with the word “ReviewBiz” to get his video training on lead generation and The Ultimate Hiring Process PDF FREE for Gym Owners Growth Zone listeners!

Dustin’s Background

• He grew up very uncomfortable in his skin and not very active. One day, he joined a buddy at the gym and realized what he was missing.
• He became passionate about sharing the joys of transformation through fitness as a personal trainer, and also got into pro wrestling!
• Eventually, he got out of the wrestling game and went all in on fitness.

Expanding from One Gym to Many

• After making opening one successful gym, Bogle went on to open several others. He learned the hard way that you have to teach culture and leadership to employees.
• Acid test: If you can walk away from your gym for 30 days and it won’t fall apart, you’re ready to open another.

3 Things You MUST Do as a Gym Owner

• Motivate: You’re the person who creates the vision. You remind your employees why they’re there – hopefully for more than the paycheck.
• Delegate: You can’t do all the tasks. Give up some day-to-day tasks, including the ones you enjoy.
• Sell: Change your views on money. Celebrate others’ wins and don’t sell yourself short – you’re providing an awesome service.

The Fast 5

Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

• Ed Mylett – coach, speaker, entrepeneur.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

• More about leadership – learn it as soon as you can.

What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

• Check out Dustin Bogle’s book, Reinforce Your Gym!
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
• 5 Levels of Leadership by John C Maxwell

Do you have a favorite online tool?

• Slack

What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

• Working out! Obesity is on the rise in the USA. Spread the message on how to help people change their lives and get healthy.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Tessa Thomas to discuss how gym owners can automate their businesses through pipeline solutions.

Tessa’s Background

• Tessa has been a personal trainer and group fitness instructor for at least 15 years. She has also been an athlete since she was a kid. Tessa has been a business owner for around 5 years after realizing fitness would remain important in her life.

• Tessa works with F45 and, unlike some other business owners, has remained hands-on in the business. She is often in the studio, working out with clients.

How Tessa Remained Focused

• The main thing that helped Tessa remain on track is her discipline and hard work. Since she has a background as an athlete, she already understands the importance of remaining consistent. Those helped her with her gym business.

• Alongside discipline and hard work, Tessa also focused on becoming continually better. As a business owner, you’re not going to have all of the tools you need to succeed immediately. But, by getting those tools over time, you’ll become a better gym owner.

How Tessa Overcame Challenges

• The primary tools that Tessa used to overcome challenges were: Doing something daily to improve the business, analyzing stats, and embracing hard work. To succeed as a business owner, you HAVE to embrace hard work.

• Tessa also frequently analyzed different stats. This allowed her to see both her strong and weak points. While she could work on strengthening her good points, she could also figure out ways to improve her weaknesses.

• Rome wasn’t built in a day. By improving something small about her business, Tessa succeeded every day. Small bits add up over time, leading to large and impactful results.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• One obstacle that Tessa found in the fitness industry was working in a position that didn’t match her personality. By nature, Tessa is a quieter and more reserved person. Leading a group fitness class didn’t come naturally to her.

• To overcome this, Tessa prioritized getting out of her comfort zone. Although it didn’t come naturally, she was able to learn how to lead classes. By doing things you’re uncomfortable with, you’ll make progress.

• According to Tessa, something that needs to change within the fitness industry is meeting people where they’re at. Trainers shouldn’t force clients to do uncomfortable things. Instead, understand their goals and limitations to help them achieve their goals.

The Fast 5

Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

• Y Combinator, Paul Graham and his essays, Tim Ferriss, and Dan Martell.

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

• Everything takes longer than you think it will.

What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

• The book High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard.

Do you have a favorite online tool?

• ChatGPT Plugins.

What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

• Working out and moving.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar talks about personal and professional growth with Roger Harvey. Harvey is a 30+ year veteran of the fitness industry: he was the COO of Crunch from when they had 3 small studios until they had 27 gyms in 6 states, and he has helped countless businesses during many stages in their journey. Listen to them discuss Harvey’s evolution as a gym owner and the importance of service to others.

Background

• Harvey Went to school for a degree in Movement Science but didn’t know what he wanted to do.
• He worked at a gym in the World Trade Center before joining Crunch Fitness when they had 3 studios – the business has grown a lot since then and continues to grow!

Issues in the Fitness Industry

• Compensation and career growth opportunities need to improve. Employees are paid minimum wage, so the level of work isn’t always quality.
• Gyms have to create a budget that can allow them to pay employees more. Gyms also need to set clear expectations.

Who Provided Support for Harvey?

• Roger Levine, the founder of Crunch, was a tough boss who also invested a lot of training in him.
• Showed him what to do in several ways, but also challenged him to think outside the box to get results Levine got in a different way.

Looking Back, What Harvey Would Change

• He would invest in more education for himself and for the people who have worked for him.
• “Regretting means you want to change the past. Remembering means you want to change the future.” He wouldn’t remove anything from his past – his challenges have helped him grow.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?
• His parents. His mom taught him how to stand for something, his father taught him what to stand for.
• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?
• Bringing a vision to life can happen quickly in your mind, but it takes a lot of time and discipline to complete.
• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?
• Time to Win Again by Pete Moore
• Spiritual Compass by Garry Guerrier
• Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
• Do you have a favorite online tool?
• Prosper, an operations manager
• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?
• Practice listening daily. Make a point of it every day.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, your host Andres Escobar has a great conversation with Derek Bishop, owner of a successful CrossFit gym in South Florida. Listen in to hear how he grew his gym membership by being disciplined, staying hungry, and focusing on the personal transformation of his members.

Bishop’s Background

• He played sports all through school, and once out of school he started doing CrossFit and fell in love with the community atmosphere and positive competition.

• Once he started working as a CrossFit trainer, he began to see how people transformed and self-actualized through their fitness. This inspired him to become a gym owner.

Getting Started as a Gym Owner

• Go all in. Bishop slept in the back office of the gym to make sure he would never miss teaching his morning classes.

• Focus on helping the members. Bishop’s gym has gone from 80 members to 270 members through a combination of going to competitions to create a reputation and effective digital marketing.

Guardrails That Keep Bishop On Track

• He has been inspired by mentors and leaders to have the discipline and tenacity to be competitive and never quit.

• It’s important to have internal grit, but working with a strong team has been transformational – everyone brings their own talents.

How Bishop Overcame Challenges

• He believes in not accruing debt, so his challenge was not having brand-new, cutting-edge equipment at first.

• He focused on selling what his gym DOES have – amazing trainers and unique programming. Digital marketing and word of mouth got the word out.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

· Rob Lebar, who gave him the opportunity to own a gym.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· How powerful having a digital presence is.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Good to Great by Jim Collins

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Automated reviews, UpLaunch

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

· Taking 5 or 10 minutes a day to self-audit. Planning, being deliberate, and checking in on how you respond to things.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2-week free trial at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, your host Andres Escobar meets with seasoned fitness professional Bertha Wainer, the owner of The Perfect Circle Inc. in Miami. They talk about keeping perspective when faced with challenges and the experiences she has gained over her 40+ years of experience.

Wainer’s Background

• Wainer worked many types of jobs and always exercised as her escape. Eventually, after working jobs in sales and radio, she went back to school.

• While in school, Wainer began to work with athletes and finally became a fitness director. She became close with the Miami Dolphins!

• Didn’t have a desire to own her own place, but over the years due to a lot of changing circumstances, she ended up creating her own studio.

How Wainer Stayed On Track

• The thought that “at any moment, all of this could be taken away.” Nothing is permanent, and things can change at any moment.

• She wants to leave a legacy of not quitting, bringing smiles to others, and doing things her own way.

How Wainer Overcame Challenges

• One of her challenges is that she takes things too personally and always wants to be liked. She has had to realize that “it’s not about her.”

• Dealing with negativity is another problem she has faced and she has had to decide not to let the negativity in. She also uses exercise to let it go.

Wainer’s Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• People want to lose weight quickly because that is what diets or exercise programs promise them. She wants to facilitate people doing the work for themselves.

• The industry promotes instant gratification with fad diets and weight loss plans because that is what people WANT to hear, not what they NEED to hear.

The Fast 5

• Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

· Gym members – she learns from them every day.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Nothing. She learned everything along the way, and if she had known more in the beginning, she might not have been ready to hear it.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Instagram, Facebook, ReviewBiz

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

· Chilling out. Relax, take a step back, be patient, and play through the pain.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone, the second part in a two part episode, our host Andres Escobar continues his discussion with Scott Carpenter to discuss how gym owners can use obstacles to grow themselves and their gyms.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• According to Carpenter, the biggest challenge in the fitness industry is price. The price of marketing, of hiring employees, of opening additional locations, et cetera.

• What many gym owners fail to realize is: The more successful they are, the more effort they then have to put in to prevent stagnation and continue succeeding. As you get more clients, your prices go up, and you have to compensate by getting even more clients.

• Carpenter combats this by focusing on adding value to his clients. Not all of your clients have the same goals with their training. You can add value to them by tailoring your gym to specific needs.

• Carpenter made a special video for listeners of the GOGZ podcast designed to help them better understand proper pricing. You can watch the video at this link.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Arnold Schwarzenegger and Russell Brunson.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· The importance of price and the importance of asking questions.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Million Dollar Group Method.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Google Sheets.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Habit tracking.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get 2 weeks for only $1 at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone, the first of two parts, our host Andres Escobar meets with Scott Carpenter to discuss how gym owners can utilize obstacles as ways to grow their gyms.

Carpenter’s Background

• Carpenter first got into fitness after quitting his corporate job. He learned he couldn’t sell things he didn’t believe in and, because of that, despised his white collar job. From there, he began to work at a big box gym and got into fitness.
• His new job, however, became just as corporate. Carpenter then bought a failing gym business and began to focus on salvaging and revamping the failing business. Although he failed multiple times, Carpenter ultimately saved the gym.

How Carpenter Remained Focused

• Throughout the week, Carpenter sets various goals for himself to accomplish. Although he doesn’t strive to be perfect, he does focus on improving himself. What matters most to Carpenter, however, is feeling satisfied. Every week, Carpenter strives to make it a good one.
• Every week, Carpenter tries to leave as big of an impact as he can on the world through being the best friend, father, mentor, etc. that he can be. When he succeeds in that, it’s been a good week.
• Andres has personally used Carpenter’s system and has seen massive improvements. If you want to get a better understanding of Carpenter’s method, you can check out a video covering it here.

How Carpenter Overcame Challenges

• One challenge that Carpenter faced early in his gym career was fear and anxiety. He, just like several other gym owners, was scared of how many hours he would have to pour into work and whether or not he’d even succeed. There’s a lot of risk involved in becoming a gym owner.
• To combat all of this fear, Carpenter had faith in himself and trusted the process. All entrepreneurs have fears and doubts, it’s normal to have setbacks. Carpenter would also listen to podcasts and read books about the lowest points of successful gym owners to realize it was all part of the journey.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get it for just $1 for 2 weeks at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Pete Moore to discuss some lessons gym owners can learn from sports, and what sports can teach us about business.

Moore’s Background

• Moore played in team sports growing up and gravitated towards defensive positions. Mainly, he played as a goalie in soccer because he didn’t care about scoring goals, but instead, cared about being on the winning team.

• To Moore, being the CEO of a company is like being a goalie. Meanwhile, marketers and salespeople are the people scoring goals. Corporate, meanwhile, is more defensive and focused on supporting the offensive players.

How Moore Remained Focused

• Moore remained focused throughout his career by focusing on fundamentals. For example, Moore uses the analogy of a javelin missile. A javelin is what sets your gym apart from the competition.

• For Gold’s Gym, Moore focused on a specific group of gym goers and heavily targeted them, to avoid retention issues.

How Moore Overcame Challenges

• One challenge that Moore faced was a gym franchise that was struggling. Out of 50 locations, only 10 or so were successful.

• To remedy this, Moore focused on figuring out why so many gyms were unsuccessful. Then, he would try to provide them with a business model that would generate profit.

• If he couldn’t provide a profitable business model, then Moore would stop being that gym’s franchisor. Some gyms simply grow too quickly and are unable to provide for all of their clients.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• According to Moore, the biggest challenge in the fitness industry is people lacking emotional intelligence. He says this is one of the biggest causes of retention issues.

• Because of his background in team sports, Moore tries to figure out WHY someone is going to the gym. He collects data on what makes clients tick, then utilizes that data to keep them coming.

• For example, Moore has personal trainers personally reach out to clients to ensure they continue coming to the gym.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· His dad, Peter Brockway, and the Galiani Brothers.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· The importance of timing.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Presidential Historian by John Mitchum and Time To Win Again.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Google Calendar.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Filling out a win or lose calendar daily.

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with David Ganulin to discuss how to keep your north, and other lessons that Ganulin has learned over his career.

Ganulin’s Background

• Ganulin worked as an English teacher in Japan for a while after graduate school before returning to the US in 2000, during the .com boom. He worked for a website as a fitness editor.

• To become a better editor, Ganulin became certified as a personal trainer. He was also exposed to kettlebells in Japan, where they were used in martial arts training. While working with kettlebells, he also learned about marketing through various different jobs.

How Ganulin Remained Focused

• According to Ganulin, too many gym owners, and business owners in general, lose sight of their original purpose. They instead get caught up in things like venture capitalism and taking in private equity.

• Ganulin focused on keeping his true north and vision on track. Instead of getting caught up in the idea of growth, he kept true to himself.

How Ganulin Overcame Challenges

• One challenge that Ganulin faced during his journey was taking on capital and equity too quickly.

• A lot of gym owners immediately rush into things like that instead of focusing on getting sales and putting in the effort and work necessary for success.

• Again, think about your true north. Don’t be afraid to take risks or take on debt, but don’t rush into it either.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• The biggest challenge in the fitness industry, according to Ganulin, is education. Instead of being willing to learn new ideas and techniques, they allow themselves to remain stagnant.

• Specifically, they would think kettlebells were the same as dumbbells or barbells and had no unique benefits. Or, they would think since they were fit and their clients were fit, there was no need to learn.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Roger Harvey, Vincet Menzo, and Pete Moore.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· More about finances and financial information.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· HALO Talks and Way of the Peaceful Warrior.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Basecamp and Kartra.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Drink coffee in the morning.

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Michael Chu to discuss how Chu was able to turn his passion for fitness into a profitable gym business.

Chu’s Background

• Something that Chu hears a lot is how he presents himself as vulnerable on social media. Growing up, Chu thought he ALWAYS had to be the best. He had plenty of successes, but ultimately felt hollow, and that he wasn’t good enough.

• Because of his openness on his failures and flaws, Chu was able to succeed and be genuine. Since then, he has ran multiple 7 figure organizations.

How Chu Remained Focused

• The main thing that helped Chu remain focused was rituals and habits. Chu has a background as a martial artist and athlete, and realized the habits he had from his physical activity carried over into business.

• Habits are greater than results. Instead of focusing on the end result he wanted, Chu focused on what he could currently control, and his habits. By focusing on these habits, Chu was able to reach the goals he set.

How Chu Overcame Challenges

• One challenge that Chu faced was clients becoming angry and frustrated with him and his business.

• The main tool that Chu used in his business journey was emotional resiliency. If he allowed himself to react personally to an angry customer, then his business was going to suffer.

• Chu actually believes that the MAIN competitive advantage that successful business owners have is that emotional resiliency. They are able to control their emotions and focus on their journey.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• Chu believes there are two challenges in the fitness industry. The first is people who can’t help others trying to make money online and people who can help others who don’t understand marketing or business management.

• Instead of viewing marketing and sales as something you DO to people, Chu views it as something you do FOR people. He aims to actually help his clients, instead of using them to make money.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Tony Robbins and Mike Cassetta.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Every product and every business needs a unique marketing and sales approach.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Think and Grow Rich, 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Scaling Up, Delivering Happiness, and The Happiness Advantage.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Voxer, or any other voice noting tool.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Practicing gratitude and self-talk.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2 week free trial at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Dan Ritchie to discuss how Ritchie maintained his work life balance as the owner of a gym, and lessons you can learn to do the same.

Ritchie’s Background

• Ritchie got a degree in sports and medicine. At first, he thought he wanted to be a strength coach, however, decided against it when he realized he wouldn’t be able to be a strength coach in the NFL.

• After this, Ritchie got his PhD and opened his first personal training business. Ritchie would also go on to found an education company, designed to teach other people to become personal trainers.

How Ritchie Remained Focused

• The key thing that helped Ritchie remain focused AND maintain his work life balance was boundaries. Instead of staying at his gym all day, he would set hard boundaries for when he would be home to enjoy time with his family.

• Ritchie believes there’s an all too common mindset among gym owners where they believe they HAVE to stay at the gym 24/7, destroying their work life balance.

• Ritchie also hired mentors and coaches to help him manage his business. Although he has a PhD, he’s not an expert on everything. Coaches and mentors helped him learn more about managing a business while also enjoying his time off.

How Ritchie Overcame Challenges

• One challenge tha Ritchie faced was when he began to expand his business. Ritchie opened up a second location, but people weren’t going to the new location. Even if they lived closer to the new location, people came to Ritchie’s first gym.

• The second location was closed. Instead of focusing on expansion, Ritchie focused on maximizing his first location.

• Ritchie focused on two things when overcoming challenges: Being willing to sell his business so he could move on to other things AND maximizing his potential instead of focusing on expansion.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• Ritchie thinks that the biggest challenge in the fitness industry is retention.

• People don’t get fit and reach their results from being gym members. They reach their results by putting in genuine effort. To combat this retention, Ritchie has a few different tactics.

• Specifically, he makes clients come in so many days per week and sign up for a certain amount of sessions to ensure they can actually become fit.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Steve Thalls, Ritchie’s first business coach.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Start small and simple and avoid taking on too much debt.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· The Instant Success series by Bradley Sugars and No B.S. Marketing To Boomers and Seniors by Dan Kennedy.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· FitPro Newsletter and TextMagic.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Follow up with clients far more than you already are.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2 week free trial at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Elizabeth Saurez to discuss her personal journey from a corporate employee to a stakeholder, as well as the lessons she learned along the way.

Saurez’s Background

• From the beginning, Saurez was interested in fitness and training to achieve her personal goals. She was a competitive bodybuilder for 4 years but started working in the fitness industry during school.

• After going from job to job, Saurez eventually landed a corporate role at a fitness company and began to learn more about the actual business of gyms and gym ownership.

• Eventually, she would meet the two CEOs of the business she worked for. Saurez would then go meet with other gym owners to talk about franchising.

• After beginning to work for F45, she asked for equity instead of cash, which led to her becoming a gym owner.

How Saurez Remained Focused

• What helped Saurez stay on track was to set DEADLINES for herself. Whatever tasks needed to be done, they would have a hard deadline that Saurez would HAVE to meet,

• After she first received equity, Saurez then focused on building a proven and repeatable formula and plan to run her business.

How Saurez Overcame Challenges

• Saurez opened her first gym during the COVID pandemic and had several different obstacles to overcome. Her main tool for overcoming challenges was keeping the end goal in mind.

• Perfectly planning and predicting things is impossible, especially in business. By focusing on the end goal, however, Saurez was able to preserve and begin her business.

The Biggest Challenge in the Fitness Industry

• According to Saurez, the single biggest problem within the fitness industry is divisions. Instead of nutrition, exercise, personal fitness, and mental well-being all considered the same thing, we view them as different.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Roy Assad.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· To never make fear-based decisions.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc? that has positively impacted you?

· The Jordan B Peterson podcast.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· An online calendar.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Getting everything that needs to be done finished before going to bed.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2-week free trial at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Scott Rammage to discuss how you can overcome your fear and unleash your innate genius to better grow you and your business.

Rammage’s Background

• Rammage has been an entrepreneur since 2004, specifically in the supplement industry.

• He first got into the gym industry, however, when he first started doing CrossFit. Rammage believed he could run a gym better, so hired a head coach and began his first gym.

• Rammage didn’t own his gym for long, however, as he would soon sell his one and only gym before relocating his family.

How Rammage Remained Focused

• The one thing that helped Rammage remain consistent was PEOPLE.

• Specifically, Rammage focused on being around people with similar goals, but who had different skill sets. This way, he could LEARN from those people while collectively working towards the same goal.

• Rammage was also careful to never STAGNATE. Once he had learned everything he could from a particular group, he left that group to realign himself with like minded people.

How Rammage Overcame Issues in His Business

• One MAJOR issue that Rammage faced, that several gym owners can relate to, is losing customers.

• Rammage utilized mindset work. Specifically, he did different programs and work designed to SHIFT his mindset to one more able to retain customers.

• Instead of thinking about losing a customer, Rammage views lost customers as OPPORTUNITIES for growth. He then takes these opportunities.

The Biggest Issue in the Fitness Industry

• According to Rammage, the NUMBER ONE issue currently plaguing the fitness industry is: How quickly and how much things are continually changing.

• If anything rapidly evolves, it becomes INCREDIBLY hard for people to adapt. In industry, if we’re not able to adapt and figure out some best practices, we won’t get anywhere.

• However, if fitness is rapidly changing, the smart business owner can capitalize on this and SUCCEED where others fail.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· It changes, although it’s usually an author.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· The ROI of having a business coach.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· The Obstacle Is The Way by Ryan Holiday and The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Things 3, a productivity app.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Practicing gratitude.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2 week free trial at this link.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar meets with Jodi and Thad Rund to discuss their journey and how the two of them came together to succeed as a team.

Jodi and Thad’s Background

• Both Jodi and Thad met in college, while Thad was serving in the Army National Guard.

• After realizing how the National Guard could help cover college costs, Jodi ended up enlisting to help pay for her own college. While the two were serving, they ALWAYS maintained their physical fitness.

• After returning from Iraq, the two visited Costa Rica and fell in LOVE with the country. They decided to settle down in the Caribbean as a result.

• After Jodi began to work with school athletes, people began asking her to design fitness and nutrition programs for them.

• Thad, meanwhile, was always surrounded by physical culture and absolutely LOVED learning and applying information about lifting, nutrition, and physical activity.

How They Found Success

• There have been two MAJOR guiding principles for Jodi and Thad as they developed their business: Be passionate and allow it to run themselves.

• Both are now in their 40s and would rather spend time with their kids instead of focusing on the nitty gritty of running the gym business. As such, they only check in on it from time to time and allow the business to manage itself.

• They also make SURE they’re passionate about the work they do, to maximize how important and enjoyable it is for them.

• As they’ve continued to work on their business, both Jodi and Thad maintained their discipline. Specifically, they focused on getting outside perspectives for their business. They have the humility to know they don’t know EVERYTHING about business.

The Fast 5

• Who is an influential person/people in your business journey?

· Jocko Willink, Bedros Kuilian, and Simon Sinek.

• What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

· Systems.

• What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

· Extreme Ownership and Love and Logic

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

· Fitbit Tracker, Google Suite, and Slack.

• What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

· Going outside and proper sleep.

This episode of Gym Owners Growth Zone is brought to you by ReviewBiz. ReviewBiz is the BEST way to generate organic trust for your online business through amazing reviews. Listeners of the podcast can get a 2 week free trial at this link.

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone, our host Andres Escobar meets with Michael Benso to discuss how you can automate your gym’s management for better business performance.

The Importance of Automation

• Gym owners, and business owners in general, should be focused on one thing: Building their business. This is where automation comes in. Certain processes HAVE to be automated so owners can focus on business building.

Benso’s Best Practices

• Make sure you fully understand as many aspects of the business as you can.

• Talk to your clients.

• Have a plan upfront.

• Remain relevant.

• Automate CERTAIN processes.

Furious Fast 5

• Who is an influential person in your business journey?

• Christopher Crossan.

• What’s one thing you wish you knew when you started your business?

• The importance of having a good accountant.

• What’s something you’ve consumed that’s positively impacted you?

• Fanatical Prospecting by Jeb Blount.

• Do you have a favorite online tool?

• WhatsApp and Loom.

• What’s one practice you do that everyone would benefit from?

• Writing down a daily plan for tomorrow every night.

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone Podcast, our host Andres Escobar introduces the podcast and describes what you can expect from it moving forwards. Andres’s Background and the Growth Zone For over 5 years, Andres has worked with gym owners to solve the two BIGGEST issues they face. Those issues are: Keeping members and keeping your team motivated. In this podcast, Andres will meet with the TOP gym owners and discuss issues they’ve faced, as well as how they COMBATED these issues. Andres will also meet with new gym owners just starting their journeys. This podcast won’t be sugar coated. Although most people are AFRAID of sharing their horror stories, these stories provide valuable lessons YOU can implement in your own gym. We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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In today’s episode of the Gym Owners Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar interviews Jeff Skeen to discuss Skeen’s INCREDIBLE journey of failure and ultimate success.

Skeen’s Beginnings

• Skeen comes from humble beginnings. He grew up on a farm in Kansas. His father was a sailor in the Navy and his mother was a homemaker. Skeen didn’t grow up with any entrepreneurial influence.

• Skeen’s father, however, taught him a few VALUABLE lessons: You’re entitled to nothing, life is about people, work hard, and money isn’t everything.

• When he was 11, Skeen began his first business. It wasn’t anything elaborate, however. He and his brother would save up their allowance to buy candy bars, then sell them to other kids at the bus stop.

• From selling candy bars, Skeen would go on to get his degree in finance, with a minor in accounting. His ULTIMATE goal was to become the CEO of a publicly traded company.

• After graduation, Skeen would work with a few different companies. He pulled one OUT of bankruptcy and sold it, then got into software sales.

Starting At Gold’s Gym

• A PIVOTAL moment in Skeen’s life, however, came in 1991 when he was diagnosed with occupational depression.

• Although he had been hustling HARD in his career, all of his focus drew Skeen away from family and friends. He viewed it as a message from God, telling him to step away and reset. So that’s EXACTLY what Skeen did.

• Skeen’s involvement in the gym industry began after this. Because of his depression, he got into fitness. His friends founded Gold’s Gym, and he was given a membership. After working out at the gym, one of his friends asked if Skeen would partner with them, but he was initially hesitant.

• Skeen told his friend he would partner with them IF they could meet a list of criteria. This list included: Skeen needed a paycheck, he couldn’t work 7 days a week, and he would need his wife’s approval first. All of the criteria was met, so Skeen started working for Gold’s Gym.

The Beginning of Gold’s

• When Skeen first began at Gold’s Gym, there was only a single location. At the beginning, both Skeen and his wife viewed this job as a mental health break. The original idea was for Skeen to work for Gold’s for a year, before returning to his normal job.

• Skeen focused on one CRUCIAL thing when he began at Gold’s: Establishing value with his customers. He did this through various means, but perhaps the most impactful was having the workers at the front greet customers BY NAME whenever they walked in.

• Alongside adding value, Skeen made sure not to neglect his team. Instead of trying to make profits off of the back of the gym employees, Skeen made sure everyone was EQUALLY valuable. If management went out to celebrate, so did everyone else. Although everyone had different roles, they were all CRITICAL for Gold’s to keep operating.

• A common issue buyers have being unable to resolve issues. When they try to contact someone, they get lost in the innumerable layers, ALL the way up to corporate. Instead of making things stupidly complex, Skeen made general managers the HEAD of each individual Gold’s location. This allowed Gold’s to expand RAPIDLY and profitably.

The 2008 Recession and the Future

• By 2006, Skeen was the CEO of Gold’s Gym. He wanted to CONTINUE his gym’s rapid expansion. To do this, however, he had to find a private equity firm. He wanted to find a firm; however, that SHARED his values.

• As 2007 came to a close, Skeen managed to pay off all of the debt he acquired during Gold’s expansion. However, timing wasn’t on his side as the 2008 recession kicked into full swing.

• As the recession began, profits started dropping for Gold’s Gym. Banks refused to do business with Skeen. His resume had looked INCREDIBLE, but now looked terrible with the failure of Gold’s Gym.

• To help recover from the recession, Skeen did one single, but MONUMENTAL thing. In the past, memberships had been sold for $50 a month. This price was cut down to only $10 a month. This single change SKYROCKETED the amount of memberships sold.

• After the recession, Skeen walked away with a few lessons. The main lesson he learned was: Don’t rely on branding. Focus on actually providing customers with a VALUABLE product and being helpful. Branding is important, yes, but genuine value trumps it.

• Something else Skeen focused on, post-recession was boosting consumer HEALTH. Prior to this, Gold’s Gym was predominantly a bodybuilding gym. Not everyone, however, cares about aesthetics. This caused a HUGE attrition rate for personal trainer clients.

The Fast 5

Who is an influential person that you had in your business journey?

• Skeen’s father and Jesus Christ

What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

• Knowing he wasn’t in control

What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

• The Bible

Do you have a favorite online tool?

• Keep

What’s one practice or habit that you believe EVERYONE would benefit from?

• Reading the Bible and exercising

We’d like to hear what you hope to get from this podcast! You can email Andres at podcast@reviewbiz.io or connect with him on Instagram under reviewbiz. Whether you love it or hate it, drop us a comment or suggestion!

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Gym Owner's Growth Zone is a podcast where busy gym owners & leaders in the fitness industry come to learn how to grow their gym into a profitable world-class organization. Host Andres Escobar interviews some of the most iconic fitness industry leaders who share their experiences, struggles, and best strategies that led to their success. You will walk away from each episode inspired to take action and implement the ideas to build and grow your gym into the thriving business you know it can be.