Built To Grow

When gym owners first step into entrepreneurship, signing a lease, putting down guarantees, and starting a business, it feels monumental. It’s the ultimate risk – leaving the comfort of certainty for the chance at something greater.But somewhere along the way, many stop taking those risks. They start playing it safe, treating essential investments in marketing, coaching, or systems as expenses instead of opportunities for growth.Tim and Randy break down why this happens: fear of failure, uncertainty, or simply not knowing the numbers that make confident decisions possible. Gym owners often default to spending on equipment or certifications because it’s familiar, but those aren’t the moves that build a scalable business.The game changes when risk becomes calculated. By knowing key metrics – like ROI, cost per acquisition, and client value – you remove the emotion from decision-making and focus on logical, measurable actions that drive real results.Running a gym is already a risk – you’ve taken the leap, signed

Legal issues can be one of the costliest mistakes gym owners make – and it often comes down to not being prepared. Whether it’s liability waivers, insurance policies, or state-specific health club regulations, waiting too long to address these essentials can create serious problems. A single oversight – like missing a compliance deadline or having an incomplete membership agreement – can lead to lawsuits, chargebacks, or financial troubles.In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Mathew Becker, founder of Gym Lawyers, to discuss how proactive legal preparation can save gym owners from these all-too-common disasters. Mathew breaks down how a solid waiver not only protects you in court but can also stop lawsuits before they start. He also shares tips for avoiding chargebacks and navigating state compliance requirements.If you think, “That’ll never happen to me,” Mathew’s real-life stories might change your mind. Tune in for this episode and let Mathew help you avoid costly mistakes and safeguard your busine

Buffet gyms promise it all – classes, recovery lounges, personal training, and more. But offering everything to everyone often means excelling at nothing. It’s a recipe for a business bogged down by overhead and mediocrity, attracting clients who treat your gym like an all-you-can-eat deal instead of valuing quality.Tim and Randy make the case for a better approach: running your gym like a fine-dining restaurant. By focusing on fewer high-quality services and creating an intentional experience, you can attract premium clients who are willing to pay for the best. Just like a Michelin-starred restaurant perfects every detail of its menu, a specialized gym can outshine the competition in both results and reputation.In this episode, Tim and Randy explain why specialization is the key to long-term success. They highlight how leveraging data helps you find your ideal clients and how consistent team standards create a seamless, high-value experience. Tune in to discover how leaving the buffet model behind and focusi

Imagine this: your gym’s bills are paid before the month even starts. No last-minute sales pushes, no desperate offers – just steady, predictable income that keeps growing. That’s the power of recurring revenue.Here’s the thing. Too many gym owners are chasing short-term wins with paid-in-full deals or flashy challenges. Sure, a big upfront payment feels great, but what happens when those clients vanish after a few months? Walmart didn’t build Walmart Plus memberships for one-time shoppers, and your gym can’t build a future on them either.When you focus on recurring memberships, you’re building a foundation that grows month after month. Each new client strengthens that base, and over time, you’ll have a gym that runs on stability – not constant hustle. These long-term memberships also attract the right clients: people who see fitness as a lifestyle, not a quick fix. They stick around because they value what you deliver, year after year.So, if you’re tired of the rollercoaster of unpredictable income and endle

For gym owners, hiring the right people isn’t just a challenge – it’s often a crisis. Without a plan, losing a coach means you’re back on the training floor, juggling sessions and managing clients. It puts business growth on pause, leaving you stuck in a constant state of firefighting and unable to focus on the bigger picture. Sound familiar?But the good news is that there’s a way to free yourself from the daily grind and keep your gym running smoothly, even when one of your coaches suddenly leaves. It’s by having a structured hiring and onboarding system. And in this episode, Randy and Zach explain how to set up a well-oiled hiring system that will not only save you time but also protect your business and ensure it runs smoothly no matter what.Tune in and learn:Why relying on “unicorn” hires is riskyHow to onboard new coaches in weeks, not months, without sacrificing qualityHow to build systems that keep you out of fulfillment roles and focused on growthLet’s dive in! Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)The challeng

Nothing grabs attention like being recognized as the expert in your local community. Whether it’s within a five-mile radius or across your entire city, the right approach can transform your business from just another gym into a trusted authority on health and fitness.One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by launching a podcast. A podcast not only expands your reach and showcases your expertise but also strengthens team dynamics and provides ongoing value for your clients. In this episode, Randy and Zach break down how a simple podcast can elevate your brand, prevent coach burnout, and foster deeper connections with both clients and staff. By offering a platform for education and engagement, podcasts give your team a creative outlet while positioning your gym as the go-to fitness authority.If you're ready to stand out, engage your community, and repurpose content across multiple channels, this episode shows you exactly how to make it happen. Let’s dive in! Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)Benefits of

Gym owners are often frustrated by a constant flow of members coming and going. They usually try new marketing strategies, flashy promotions, and revamping their offerings, yet retention rates remain stuck.That’s because retention isn’t just about attracting people - it’s about what happens after they walk through the door.At some point, you have to stop focusing on how to get members in and start thinking about why they leave. In many cases, it comes down to one word: consistency. If your gym experience changes day to day – different music, inconsistent coaching, or unclear programming – members lose trust and move on.In this episode, Tim and Randy talk about member retention - one of the toughest challenges gym owners face. They explore why consistency is key and reveal other essential factors that can make or break your business.If you’re tired of watching members leave despite your hard work, this episode offers a simple plan for taking control of your gym’s operations and delivering a consistent, great e

For months leading up to the election, gym owners across the country were struggling. Facebook ad costs had skyrocketed, leads disappeared, and consumer spending froze. No matter how much they tested or tweaked their strategies, the results just weren’t there.Then, something remarkable happened. The day after the election, everything changed. Ad performance improved, leads started pouring in, and the optimism in the air was almost tangible. For many businesses, it felt like a light switch had been flipped.This wasn’t just a coincidence – it’s what Tim and Randy are calling "The Trump Effect." Political events, especially elections, don’t just impact governments – they ripple through the economy, shaping consumer confidence, business performance, and marketing outcomes.In this episode, Tim and Randy break down why understanding these macro trends is critical for small business success. They reveal how to use data to adapt to external shifts, why political certainty drives consumer behavior, and how to

Coach turnover is the gym owner’s worst nightmare. A coach leaves, and suddenly, clients are walking out, too. It’s a disruption that hits both your bottom line and your gym’s morale.Most gym owners try to “fix” the problem by hiring experienced candidates. However, it often becomes frustrating because the candidate pool is so limited.As a result, gym owners usually lower their standards and hire people who either lack the right skills or aren’t a good cultural fit, just to fill the gap. This can lead to poor performance or even toxic dynamics within the team. Sound familiar?But what if you could hire based on soft skills and turn an inexperienced candidate into a great coach in just 90 days?This episode explores exactly that. Tim and Zach break down the systems they’ve implemented to onboard new coaches quickly and effectively, including the game-changing Semi-Private Pro app. These tools allow them to teach anyone – regardless of experience – the mechanics of coaching, the importance of standardized systems

Many gym owners are struggling to enforce their policies without losing trust. They’ve followed the usual playbook – written clear contracts, outlined cancellation terms, and even added flexibility – yet they still find themselves dealing with upset clients.When clients face policies they don’t agree with, they often take it personally, seeing enforcement as a breach of trust rather than a standard business practice. Instead of discussing their concerns, they may react emotionally – canceling credit cards, threatening legal action, or leaving negative reviews – undoing years of goodwill in a matter of moments.The truth is, enforcing policies isn’t just about the rules.At some point, you have to stop thinking like a business owner and start thinking like your clients. Instead of focusing solely on protecting your gym, it’s time to create policies that preserve relationships without compromising your bottom line. Because, in most cases, it’s not about stricter rules – it’s about clearer communication.In this ep

"My clients don’t want this."How many times have you heard – or told yourself – this excuse? It’s one of the most common fears gym owners have when considering a shift to semi-private training.In this episode, Tim and Randy tackle the resistance head-on, breaking down why so many gym owners fail to transition successfully and how to avoid their mistakes.They explain the critical role of communication in helping clients see the value of semi-private training. It’s not enough to quietly add it to the price sheet or mention it in passing – you need a strategy, a launch plan, and a clear message that frames this shift as a win for your members.The truth is, it’s not that your clients won’t buy into semi-private training – it’s that they don’t understand it yet. And when you fail to explain its benefits, you set yourself up for failure before you even start.If you’re ready to stop letting fear hold you back and start making the shift that can double your revenue and improve your clients’ results, this epis

Building a gym business without a structured, long-term strategy is like constructing a house on shifting sands – it may stand for a while, but eventually, cracks will appear.Most gym owners begin focused on member count and day-to-day survival, but few consider the endgame. But building your gym with future value in mind – starting with a solid foundation – can attract buyers or ensure a smooth handover when you’re ready to step away. In this episode, Tim and Randy break down why your gym needs systems that allow it to run without you, create predictable income, and provide the “owner benefit” that boosts valuation.If you’re tired of hearing that your gym might only be worth “pennies on the dollar,” tune in as Tim and Randy unpack how to:Start planning for your exit now – even if it’s years awayMaximize the value of every member, not just the membership countBuild systems that make your gym a turnkey business rather than a 60-hour-a-week jobIn the end, a sustainable, scalable gym business is the difference b

You’ve heard it before – content is king. But the real power is in repurposing it so that one piece of content works across multiple channels, keeping your audience engaged without constantly creating new material.In this episode, Tim and Randy unpack exactly how gym owners can take one idea and create multiple pieces of content that work for you everywhere – from social media to blogs, emails, and beyond. For example, you can turn one blog post into a video, a quick social post, and even an email without coming up with something new every time. Imagine how much time you would save! But it’s not just about that. You can also track the interactions with your content to target those who’ve already engaged with it. That way, you keep your business in front of the right people. And that’s actually the goal of every marketing endeavor – to build familiarity and trust among potential clients and reduce your ad spend in the process.If you’re looking to build authority, drive leads, and make every piece of content co

Recently, many gym owners started complaining that their Facebook ads aren’t getting the results they used to. And not just owners from a specific region but from all parts of the USA.Ad costs have gone up around 20%, while lead quality has dropped. Even those leads who show interest are more likely to ghost. You can't help wondering if these leads are genuine or just bot-generated to inflate numbers, making you feel like you’re just throwing money into the Facebook ad machine.In this episode, Tim and Randy dive into what’s behind these changes, taking into account economic shifts and the effects of election season on consumer confidence.If you join them, you’ll learn how to adapt your strategy to the new circumstances. They explain fresh ideas like the “Netflix trial” approach and why depending on one marketing method alone – like Facebook – can hold your gym back in the long run.Tune in to get practical advice on adjusting your hooks and offers to ensure your gym’s growth remains steady and sustainable.

What happens when driven gym owners get together to push their businesses forward? The recent Iron Circle event in Maryland was exactly that – a mix of valuable insights, real connections, and powerful experiences that left everyone inspired and ready to take action.This wasn’t the usual business gathering. With strategy sessions, open discussions, and even a fire-walking experience, the Iron Circle event helped gym owners set clear goals, let go of old limits, and connect with others facing similar challenges.It was a chance to share openly, learn from one another, and leave with practical tools to grow their gyms. In this episode, Tim and Randy walk through the highlights from Maryland.Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll hear about:The power of informed choices and why thinking differently is keyThe importance of setting goals that go beyond the daily grind to enable real growthThe value of community and shared knowledgeHow stepping outside comfort zones brings renewed energy and focusTune in to hear takeawa

Smart business owners know the best marketing feels like a win for everyone. For gym owners, that kind of strategy looks like a grassroots campaign that builds community connections and attracts clients who are ready for a long-term commitment.Here’s the idea: partner with local kids’ sports teams to sell gym-branded gift cards. It’s a win-win – teams get a boost in their fundraising efforts, and your gym brings in clients who already feel invested.Families support their kids’ teams while also gaining a month of training at your gym. And because they’ve paid for these cards, they’re more likely to show up, creating a stronger, more loyal membership base.This approach is straightforward yet effective. By using CRM automation and a simple landing page, these gift cards turn into scheduled appointments, bringing in a steady flow of quality clients – without the need for constant paid ads or quick promos.Ready to launch a community-centered strategy that benefits families, supports local youth, and brings dedicat

For gym owners, Black Friday is a huge chance to boost revenue and set the stage for a successful year ahead. But let’s be real – throwing out a big discount isn’t the smartest move. It can actually hurt your business down the line by devaluing your services and lowering your recurring income.In this episode, Tim and Randy share how to make Black Friday work for you, not against you. They walk through a simple “good-better-best” pricing strategy that adds extra value instead of just cutting prices. You’ll learn how to create packages that really resonate with your audience by partnering with local businesses to sweeten the deal. They also explain why, with all the inflation and uncertainty this year, it's more important than ever to focus on getting clients to commit for the long term.Ready to make this Black Friday your biggest revenue driver yet? Tune in and get all the tools you need to take your campaign to the next level! Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Intro (00:00)How Black Friday impacts your business

Bringing more clients into a gym without a solid foundation is like piling passengers onto a sinking ship – it’s a recipe for true disaster, and every new client only adds to the chaos.Even if you achieve some growth, the existing cracks will only widen without proper systems, automation, and lead generation. These three elements form the essential pillars of a successful gym.In this episode, Tim and Randy explain the "three-legged stool" approach. Just like a three-legged stool stands firm on any surface, systems, automation, and lead generation work together to stabilize your business:Systems prevent daily operations from falling apartAutomation ensures a seamless client journey from start to finishLead generation keeps your growth engine runningSkip any of these, and you’re left scrambling, relying on quick fixes and marketing gimmicks to patch up the holes.Ready to transform your gym from a wobbly mess into a rock-solid operation?Join Tim and Randy to learn how to balance these three crucial compo

The critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the fitness industry remains this week’s topic as Tim and Randy continue their conversation with Lindsay Vastola, a leadership coach specializing in emotional intelligence and team development for fitness professionals.In the previous episode, they discussed why many gym owners hire based on hard skills and technical expertise, only to face high turnover because staff members lack the emotional intelligence necessary for a positive gym culture. Now, they dive deeper into how EQ affects every aspect of the business.In this episode, Lindsay explains:How to craft job descriptions that attract candidates with high EQWays to assess resourcefulness and problem-solving during interviewsThe high costs of keeping a cultural misfit and its impact on team moraleTune in to learn why soft skills should be a priority for fitness business owners and how investing in EQ can transform your gym’s environment and boost profitability.Let's dive in! P.S. If you missed the fi

We usually hire for IQ but end up firing because of a lack of EQ. This is something we rarely think about, but it's true. Many gym owners focus only on the technical skills of their staff when hiring and often overlook the emotional intelligence needed to ensure the day-to-day activities in the gym run smoothly. But what happens when your coaches can't connect with clients? Or if they struggle with tough conversations? Or leave you frustrated because they don't know how to communicate with each other or resolve conflict? It's easy to assume these soft skills are common sense. But the truth is, you can't expect your 23-year-old coach to know how to handle every (or any) situation – it's on you to guide them. In this episode, Tim and Randy sit down with Lindsay Vastola, an expert in emotional intelligence and a member of the Iron Circle. Lindsay explains why neglecting soft skills can come at a high cost, impacting everything from staff performance to client retention. Tune in and learn