Built To Grow

Some gyms go silent during the holidays. And they pay the price in January.When sessions slow, and everyone’s focused on celebrations and family gatherings instead of training, most gym owners just wait it out.That’s when other gyms swoop in with offers your clients haven’t seen before. And suddenly, your long-term members are jumping ship.In this episode, Randy and Zach explain why the “holiday slump” is actually your most strategic window all year for reinforcing the foundations of your gym:your client retentionyour teamyour systemsIf you’ve ever said, “I’ll work on the business when I have time”, this is your time.Tune in to learn how to use December to win in 2026. Because what you ignore in December shows up as chaos next year.Let’s dive in.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Why clients quit more during the holidays (02:36)Fun gym challenges that keep people coming back (04:55)Personally check in with inactive gym members (06:44)Reaching out early can save memberships (10:17)Slow season is perfect for growing y

Are you crushing deadlifts at 6am, while your clients are stuck doing burpees, battle ropes, and burnout circuits day in, day out?No blaming here. It’s happening in gyms everywhere: owners dial in their own progressive strength training… then turn around and deliver a one-size-fits-all workout they’d never do themselves.But that gap is costing gyms trust, results, and long-term retention.Because if strength training is what works best for you, why aren’t your clients getting the same?In this episode, Tim and Randy break down:what happens when metabolic training hits its ceilinghow to evolve when clients outgrow the modelhow to fix disconnects between training style and client resultswhy smart gyms are moving away from cookie-cutter group trainingThe fitness consumer is more informed than ever. They can spot a mismatch. And they’ll find the gym that actually walks the talk.Tune in to learn how to fix the programming gap, before your clients find someone down the street who already has.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:

Some gym owners treat debt like a dirty word.They avoid it at all costs, convinced that cash-only is the only safe path.But here’s the irony: many of those same gym owners call themselves entrepreneurs. And by definition, entrepreneurship requires taking on financial risk.In this episode, Tim and Randy unpack one of the most critical mindset gaps holding gym owners back: the refusal to leverage debt.They share:the opposing financial philosophies of Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki how risk tolerance shapes business outcomesWhy playing it “safe” might be the riskiest move of allTune in to learn how leveraging debt strategically could be the key to breaking out of survival mode and building a gym that actually gives you freedom.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Big changes coming to the podcast (00:28)By definition, an entrepreneur assumes financial risk (01:24)Dave Ramsey vs. Robert Kiyosaki debt philosophies (03:34)Belief in yourself is key to success (07:11)COVID, EIDL loans, and survival through debt

In this episode, Tim and Zach are joined by Marty Miller, Chief Movement Officer at Kinotek, to break down what’s actually possible on the training floor when objective movement data drives the experience.Marty’s been in the game a long time. Athletic training, pro baseball, NASM educator, all of it. Now he’s helping gyms turn movement health into the next big metric. With Kinotek, that’s finally possible. The system uses LIDAR to screen clients in under a minute, producing a movement score that plugs straight into the Semi-Private Pro app. From there, workouts adjust in real time based on how someone actually moves.In this episode, Marty breaks down how that data improves client buy-in, boosts retention, streamlines front desk assessments, and impacts the business as a whole. He also explains why movement should be considered a major health indicator (right alongside heart rate variability and sleep quality).The takeaway is simple. If you’re still running your gym on personality and programming intuition, yo

If your Facebook ad leads are costing more and converting less, you're not imagining it. Something’s definitely going on. And it’s hitting gym owners across the board. There’s a weird pattern showing up everywhere. You get a lead, call them immediately… and they’ve got no idea who you are. Some don’t speak the language. Some never even saw your ad. Some swear they weren’t on Facebook at all.On paper, your CPL looks fine. But nothing’s sticking, and it’s draining your time and budget fast. However, instead of killing your ads and walking away, it’s time to reframe how return on ad spend really works today.In this episode, Tim and Randy break down why this is happening, why CPA is 3–4x what it used to be, and what you can actually do about it. (Spoiler: it’s not just your funnel or follow-up.)Everyone is tired of chasing ghosts and wasting ad spend. You're probably no exception. Tune in to learn the smarter way forward.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Facebook lead quality is plummeting (00:50)Standard cost-

You think you’re making money on your packed group sessions… until you do the math.Every hour looks busy, but your profit margin’s disappearing behind coach pay, overhead, and “just enough” attendance. The room’s full, but your bank account doesn’t feel it.In this ultra‑quick, rapid‑fire episode, Tim and Randy zoom in on one number that’s crushing the margins for most large group training gyms… and most owners don’t even know it.They break down a simple formula that reveals what your group classes are really generating per hour based on actual industry data.

There’s a difference between a packed room and a profitable gym. Unfortunately, many gym owners don’t see it until it’s too late.What started as a scalable, exciting model in the 2000s has turned into a red ocean of price wars and clients who are tired of doing the same sweaty workouts with no results.In this episode, Tim and Randy explain why large group training – a model that once promised high profits – now delivers low retention, no loyalty, and constant client churn.They’ll break down what today’s clients actually want, why the semi-private model creates more value (and revenue), and what happens when you stop trying to “fix” what’s broken in large group training and just let it go.So it’s time to finally stop tweaking your pricing to beat the competition and wasting money on more and more ads.

You’ve got a stack of resumes and a great candidate on the phone… until you hit the schedule part. Suddenly, their “perfect fit” status depends on your ability to juggle Monday evenings, Wednesday mornings, and a couple of Thursday afternoons…But you’re short-staffed. So you bend… and six months later, you’re back on the floor coaching… again.Familiar? Unfortunately, many gym owners would say, “Yes – too familiar.”In this episode, Tim and Randy talk about one of the most common (and costly) mistakes gym owners make: hiring out of desperation. Because many of them are looking for who’s available instead of the right fit. And that short-term thinking leads to a long-term mess.In this episode, you’ll find out how to flip the script:Define your business hours firstSet clear job expectationsFill positions based on what your gym actually needs (not what a candidate’s calendar allows)

If you’re still running a CrossFit gym in 2025, you’re either in denial… or really good at ignoring Google Trends. The momentum’s gone. People aren’t searching for it like they used to. In fact, interest is down 75% since 2015. Affiliates keep closing. And the brand that once pulled in foot traffic now delivers less value and more baggage. It offers no support or structure. Just a name tied to a model that hasn’t evolved. In this episode, Tim and Randy talk about what’s really going on under the hood – and it’s not just about the name on the door. They get into the deeper issues with the model itself, how it clashes with what today’s clients actually want, and the mistakes gym owners keep repeating – even after they ditch the CrossFit name. 

Let’s be real – selling sessions is an outdated business model.You might think landing a $3K or $5K sale is a win, but it’s actually a trap. Instead of building a business, you’re stuck in an endless loop of re-selling every time someone runs out of sessions.In Part 5 of this myth-busting series, Tim and Randy break down why selling training in blocks of 10-packs, 20-packs, or any-pack-of-sessions, is one of the biggest reasons gyms stay stuck under $30K/month.They’ll show you what actually works: predictable, recurring revenue that lets you plan, hire, and scale – without the monthly scramble. You’ll also hear how to stop chasing people down to “book the last 3 sessions” or watching clients disappear mid-pack.You don’t want to miss this one. Tune in!Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Myth #5 – Selling sessions is still an effective business model (01:20)Session sales create inconsistent cash flow (02:02)Recurring revenue improves focus and clarity (03:29)Session packs damage client accountability (04:27)Recurring m

Some gym owners think they just need better ads.So they swap agencies. Rewrite headlines. Launch new promos. And when the new clients start rolling in, it feels like it’s working – at least for a little while.Yes, the leads come in... but so do the cancellations. No matter how much they spend on ads, the growth never sticks. And every month, they find themselves back at square one.That’s because marketing isn’t the core issue.In part 4 of this 5-part series on the myths that keep gym owners stuck under $30K, Tim and Randy dig into the belief that marketing is the biggest problem in a struggling gym. What they reveal is harder to face: client retention, outdated pricing, and weak service delivery are the real leaks in the bucket.They break down the math behind churn, explain why some clients quietly vanish, and share stories from the floor and the frontlines.So if you're stuck under $30K, this episode will help you see the truth: it's probably not because you aren’t spending enough – it’s because what

A lot of gym owners wear every hat in the building (and think that’s just part of the job).They train every client. Put out every fire. Answer every email. Eventually, that becomes their whole identity: “I do it all.” But that belief is exactly what keeps them stuck. It drains their time, burns their energy, and kills their shot at real growth.In Part 3 of this series, Tim and Randy tackle one of the biggest myths holding gym owners under $30K/month: thinking you have to do everything yourself. That mindset doesn’t make you a better owner – it makes sure you never have time to actually be one.In this episode, you’ll get a clear path to step off the training floor and start scaling like a business owner.Also inside:Why most owners never build a path out of fulfillmentHow to buy back your time and replace yourself the right wayWhat to say when you hand a client off to a new coachWhy your gym won’t grow without someone pushing it forward every dayTune in and learn how to run the business instead of being run by

Many gym owners believe that discounting their services will get someone through the door. That a “free week” or “first responder discount” will tip the scales. And at first, it might even look like it’s working... Until the leads disappear, revenue plateaus, and every client is paying a different rate for the same service.In Part 2 of this myth-busting series, Tim and Randy talk about the belief that discounting brings growth – and explain why it’s actually a trap that keeps gym owners stuck under $30K/month.They share stories from real gym owners, the hidden cost of "founder rates," why discounting signals a lack of confidence in your service, and how inconsistent pricing erodes trust, kills margins, and makes your business harder to scale.If you think (or you’ve ever thought) that lowering the price will help bring in more members, this one’s for you.Tune in and learn why smart gyms say NO to free trials and discount deals.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Myth #2 – discounting brings growth (00:44)Free

Some gyms are packed… and still broke.The schedules are full. The energy is high. But when it comes time to check the bank account, there’s barely anything left. And it’s not because the owners aren’t working – they’re grinding, hustling, doing all the things. But still... nothing changes.What’s common for many of them? They believe more members are the answer.In Part 1 of this new series, Tim and Randy tackle the first of the 5 Myths That Keep Gym Owners Stuck Under $30K – the idea that more people automatically equals more profit.They break down why the $30K/month barrier even exists, how chasing headcount leads to rising attrition and ad spend, and why value, not volume, is the true lever for growth.You’ll hear how to stop trying to “scale cheap,” why fewer, better-paying clients make for a stronger business, and how to start pricing like the premium service you already are.Your product might be better than you think – now it’s time your pricing reflected that.Let’s dive in.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Myth

Most coaches aren’t lazy. They’re not unmotivated. They’re just being managed like they’re business owners… And that’s where things start to break.In this episode, Randy and Zach discuss a mistake they see all the time: gym owners assigning responsibilities, pay structures, and incentives based on their mindset, not their team’s.When you expect a coach to care about sales metrics, revenue growth, or monthly Delta the way you do – you’re setting both sides up to lose. That disconnect shows up in retention, team culture, and client experience… even when everyone’s “doing their job.”This conversation gets into what actually motivates coaches, how to align pay with performance without creating resentment, and where most compensation plans go off the rails.Tune in to find out why your staff isn’t performing the way you expected… and what to do about it.Key Takeaways: Intro (00:00)Gym owners think staff are mini-entrepreneurs (01:32)Coaches want stability (04:29)Understanding wealth through the cash flow quadrants

Many gym owners add new services with the best intentions.A couple of clients ask for something different… there’s a gap in the schedule… maybe a new trend looks like it could boost revenue… So they say yes – add a class here, a specialty program there…But over time, the business starts looking like the Cheesecake Factory: a little of everything, not great at any one thing.In this episode, Randy and Zach talk about the real cost of shiny object syndrome in gym ownership. They break down what happens when you chase too many services – how it splinters your delivery systems, muddies your marketing, and puts your coaches in a position where no one’s quite clear on what the business stands for anymore.They explain how to filter opportunities through what you believe, what you can deliver, and what actually gets results – so you can double down on the thing you want to be five-mile famous for.Tune in.Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Gym owners should avoid being the “Cheesecake Factory” of fitness (01:22)Starbucks case

In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with world-renowned coach and speaker Todd Durkin. He’s the founder of Fitness Quest 10 and the guy behind athletes like Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson.While his professional track record is well known, the personal cost behind it isn’t. Most people don’t know he was nearly taken out of the game.This time, Todd talks about the last few years of his life – chronic fatigue, a nagging back injury, and a health crisis that left him drained and confused. The turning point came with a diagnosis of sleep apnea… and a renewed sense of faith.That clarity led to his next mission: Impact X Performance. It's a growing franchise focused on fitness, recovery, coaching, and optional faith-based integration. These aren’t typical gyms. As Todd puts it, they’re “lighthouses” built to serve the whole person.Whether you’ve followed Todd for decades or are just hearing his name, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what real leadership looks like when everything feels like it

“You thought your customers were lazy on the gym floor. They’re even lazier with their brains.”That’s how Donald Miller explained the hidden reason most gym marketing doesn’t work: it makes people think too hard.Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple. He’s the author of several books, including bestsellers Building a StoryBrand, Marketing Made Simple, and How to Grow Your Small Business. At the end of the Growth Summit in Nashville, Tim sat down with Donald for a live fireside chat in front of a packed room of gym owners. Donald breaks down why most fitness messaging falls flat, why clever doesn’t convert, and how to build a brand message that sticks – not just with prospects, but with your own team. He explains how billion-dollar ad agencies still get it wrong, why presidential campaigns live or die by taglines, and why people would rather stay confused than burn mental calories figuring out your offer. This conversation is filled with real examples, sharp takeaways, and the kind of

Most gym owners open a second location and hit a wall. Devin Gage is building to 100.In just over two years, he’s grown from one gym in Pennsylvania to eight – all corporately owned, all self-funded, and all running on a lean, scalable model. Small footprint, low overhead, high-touch service, and centralized systems for everything else.Each location is under 2,000 square feet, costs about $75K to open, and runs on 2.5 staff. Break-even is around 60 members. No in-person sales – all memberships are sold over the phone by one rep using a structured script and handoff process. That single rep is booking 20-30 trials a week across all locations.In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Devin to unpack what’s actually working. They talk about:early mistakes and the failed California testhow the centralized sales handoff workswhat Devin looks for in a facility leaderhis data-driven accountability processand why grand openings are still a work in progressTune in and learn what real multi-location growth looks lik

Some gym owners just keep pulling away – month after month, year after year – while others stall out, stuck at the same level no matter how hard they push.It’s not because they’ve got better software or some secret funnel. And it’s definitely not luck.It’s who they’re around.This is the final episode in the 7 Habits of Winning Gyms series – and this one’s the big domino. The habit that makes the rest of the business easier... or sometimes not even necessary.Because the moment a gym owner starts surrounding themselves with high performers – whether that’s on their team, in a mastermind, or through proximity to other driven operators – everything shifts. The belief system changes. The norm resets. And the ceiling gets shattered.Winning gyms aren’t trying to pull people up. They’re getting pulled forward by people who’ve already done it.This episode is about understanding when you’ve outgrown your current circle… and what happens when you step into a room where $70K months are just the starting line.Tune in.And