WTF Gym Talk artwork

WTF Gym Talk

935 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 84 ratings

WTF Gym Talk is a no-BS resource on how to run a successful business in the fitness industry. My content combines humor, education and entertainment.

If you're tired of the same vanilla podcast content on growing your gym, then you'll def. want to tune in.

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Episodes

Use Meetup Groups To Grow Your Membership

April 24, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MB

Remember when Meetup.com was a big deal? No? I do. Here's how to recreate the magic this community creating startup aimed to achieve, but for your gym membership. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid...

Permission To Not Have Systems (Yet)

April 22, 2024 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

If you're a business owner who feels inadequate because you haven't fully developed your SOPs and employee systems, this is for you. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look in...

Finding The Perfect Site: Core 704 Case Study

April 19, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MB

Core 704 is a boutique fitness brand in Charlotte, NC. This video is a hypothetical case study as to how we would approach opening a new location utilizing our site suitability services. www.gymrealestate.co —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitnes...

Hyrox Is Investing In Their Licensee Gyms, But Did They Miss The Mark?!

April 17, 2024 09:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

This past week at the FIBO fitness industry conference in Germany, HYROX announced the launch of it's Hyrox365 program - "a comprehensive training and education ecosystem for gym operators and coaches". According to Athletech, "All 2,500 Hyrox-affiliated gyms will become official Hyrox Training Clubs and receive access to an all-in-one training experience with Hyrox Group Training, a cross-functional workout program." As many of you know, I've been a huge fan of Hyrox ever since seeing the...

CrossFit Publishes Startup Costs. Here's My Reaction.

April 15, 2024 09:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

Spoiler alert: I'm not picking up what they're putting down. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious.  Click here and I’ll personally connect you with the In...

The 3.3. Rule For Increased Productivity w/ John Briggs

April 11, 2024 10:32 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

John Briggs has developed a reputation for himself in the fitness industry in the realm of taxes, cash flow management and ways to legally pay the IRS less money with his CPA firm Incite Tax. He's now sharing his hack for productivity through the 3.3. Rule - a ratio that allows for a maximum of 3 hours of work followed by a minimum of 30% rest/recovery. Check out the 3.3 Rule here. —-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...

Unique Customers > Unique Ideas

April 05, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MB

Want your gym to hit revenue goals faster? Do this. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious.  Click here and I’ll personally connect you with the Industrious ...

A Framework For Employees That Suck

April 01, 2024 11:55 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB

If you currently have members on your team that are causing you grief, I want you to take this framework into consideration. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk/message

Shoot The Shit | Tyler Quinn

March 29, 2024 09:30 - 2 hours - 158 MB

However, after surveying their market and seeing the success of brands like CorePower Yoga, they wanted to test the waters and create a whitespace model that nobody had tried yet - enter Alchemy365. Tyler and I jam on a variety of topics ranging from the aftermath his stores experienced since they were located only blocks from the George Floyd murder and ensuing protests in 2020, Tyler taking over as CEO and the transition into the Denver market. Ladies and gentlemen, Tyler Quinn. --- ...

The 50/30/20 Rule For Creating Compensation Plans

March 27, 2024 09:38 - 7 minutes - 6.56 MB

So you're going to pay your general manager X-amount of dollars because you feel it's fair. But how are you actually justifying the compensation beyond what you can afford? Here's a quick and easy way to establish fair compensation amounts. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk/message

Is Your Gym Ready To Franchise? A Convo w/ Rick Del Sontro

March 22, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

Rick Del Sontro is the co-founder of Z-Growth, a franchise accelerator firm that identifies concepts that are scalable and take them the distance into a thriving franchise model. The case study of theirs that you're likely familiar with if you follow my content is none other than MADabolic. Rick and I sit down and discuss everything franchise related, his background, what Z-Growth looks for in a franchise and how a corporately owned gym can start thinking about preparing themselves for fra...

Garage Gym Into Commercial Space? Are You REALLY Sure?!?

March 20, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

For those of you who currently operate a garage gym or have a very low cost rental situation and dream of the day you're going to move into your own, proper commercial real estate space - this is for you. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness ex...

Fixed vs. Dynamic Aspects of Your Financial Model

March 18, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

The more elements of your financial model you can "fix" versus allow to be volatile and dynamic, the more predictable and consistent business you can run. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), th...

Understanding Debt Service Coverage Ratio

March 15, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MB

If you're planning on purchasing a building and will be seeking additional lending, you'll want to get familiar with DSCR → Debt Service Coverage Ratio. In this video, I'll break down DSCR in easy math and provide a step-by-step process to evaluate the likelihood that a bank will fund your loan request. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… I...

My DISC Assessment Unveiled w/ Adam Ludlow

March 13, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 62 MB

Adam Ludlow is the owner of Rewired Fitness Co., a microgym in Spokane, WA. He also has ventured into business coaching- with one of his specialty focuses being in providing DISC assessments for small businesses and providing an analysis of the results. The DISC Assessment allows you to understand why people behave, communicate and react in the way they do. Adam had me go through the DISC, and he analyzes my results in real time with me on this episode. Reach out to Adam to schedule you...

Compounding Brand Awareness

March 11, 2024 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

Here's why smaller membership base gyms are at a disadvantage when it comes to organic marketing (unpaid marketing). —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious....

The Way It Is vs. The Way You Want It To Be

March 06, 2024 10:10 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make that fuckface drink it. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious.  Click here and I’ll personally connect you...

Selling Your Gym + Going Into Commercial Real Estate w/ Andrew Frezza

March 04, 2024 10:00 - 57 minutes - 52.3 MB

Andrew Frezza recently exited the gym he started with his brother and grew into a million dollar business, and his new venture is a post-gym ownership story you don't hear very often. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFi...

A Discussion w/ Sen. Manager of CrossFit Affiliate Operations, Jenn Green

February 28, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Jenn Green is the Senior Manager of US CrossFit Affiliate Operations and the owner of CrossFit Greer in SC. We were introduced by a mutual connection and I invited her on the podcast to discuss some of the criticism that CrossFit has received recently and to jam on a few of the sticking points I've had with the brand for a while. IG: @green_jenn --------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If...

Core24 Is Making Open Gym Cool Again w/ Kory Keefer

February 26, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 84.6 MB

Making an open-gym model "cool" isn't easy. It takes a unique personality to bring facility design, interior flair, music, equipment, and vibes together to create a unique client experience. Kory Keefer is the mastermind behind Core24 - an open-gym model with 3 locations in North and South Carolina - and we sat down to discuss how he got created the concept that is likely the "coolest" gym you've ever been to. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk...

Knowns vs. Unknowns | A Framework For Decision Making

February 23, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

How do you evaluate choices when making a decision? I've got some thoughts on the topic. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious.  Click here and I’ll personally ...

Change Your Prospective Customers' (and Your) Perception

February 21, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

If we reframe the way we think about our customer's perception of our brand and the way we perceive problems, a lot of good shit can happen. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need t...

Document Your Employee Infractions

February 19, 2024 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

If you choose to not properly document and have a conversation around the infractions your employees commit, you only have yourself to blame when their development leads to nowhere. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit ...

Your Good Idea Is Likely Not A Good Idea

February 16, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Want to know if your "good idea" is truly a good idea? Listen up. The only two group fitness franchises I would invest in… Industrious  If you want a well-organized, high operational capacity, barbell-based group fitness experience (aka CrossFit without the stupid shit), then you need to look into Industrious.  Click here and I’ll personally connect you with the Industrious franchise team to learn more. MADabolic If you’re looking for one of the fastest growing brands in the boutique fi...

Lessons In Business From Lululemon Founder, Chip Wilson

February 14, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

Recently, Chip Wilson (founder of Lululemon) found himself in trouble with the popular woke media outlets as he discussed a core belief that I share in business: You can't be for everybody or every body. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored...

Growing The Industrious Franchise w/ Stephen Hitt

February 12, 2024 10:00 - 51 minutes - 47.9 MB

Industrious has been a brand I've been covering since it reimagined the in-place model during COVID. Founder, Stephen Hitt, is back on the podcast to talk about their early franchise growth, what he's learned during the process, and what markets they are coming to next. If you're interested in the Industrious franchise opportunity, grab this link, fill out your contact information and I'll connect you with the Industrious franchise team personally. --- Send in a voice message: https://po...

Private Equity Invests In Carbon Performance

February 09, 2024 10:00 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MB

Brent Laffey has had quite a run of success in the fitness industry within the supplement game. However, he still had an itch to scratch by creating an open gym model that rivaled the larger health clubs - but with a more modern, lifting/bodybuilding edge to it. Enter Carbon Performance, in Nashville, TN. A 30,000 SF facility that was piloted in a smaller space that originally housed a CrossFit gym. Shortly after piloting his gym, Brent partnered with private equity firm Maxim Partners t...

Insurance Companies Like AGuard Know The Fitness Industry w/ Vaughn Vernon

February 07, 2024 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MB

Vaughn Vernon is the founder of AGuard, the only insurance company I used as a gym owner and the only one I refer my clients to. And while we talked shop on insurance, Vaughn and I had a broader industry conversation. AGuard sees what happens to the industry at large - gym closures, sales, building purchases, gym mergers, etc because all of these events require an update in insurance. The wealth of knowledge this guy has is incredible. If you'd like to learn more about what AGuard can do ...

You Need A Priority, Not Priorities.

February 05, 2024 10:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

This framework has enabled me to double down on whatever aspect of my business I've applied it to. Hopefully, it does the same for you. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan an...

The Godfather of Branding: Patrick Hanlon

February 02, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MB

I've been referencing Patrick Hanlon's book, Primal Branding, since I started consulting back in 2015. His work has created a framework for myself and countless other business owners who want to create a meaningful brand. To have Patrick on the podcast and hear his insights in real time was one of the highlights of my professional career. Make sure to visit primalbranding.co and grab a copy of Primal Branding. —--------------------------------------------------------------------------...

From CrossFit Coach to Member Management Software w/ Mateo Lopez

January 31, 2024 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.9 MB

Mateo Lopez is the co-host of Gym World World Wide and co-founder of Kilo (alongside John Franklin in both of those ventures). In this conversation we discussed his untraditional path from being a Philosophy major at Columbia University to working as a CrossFit coach and now the emergence of his current project - Kilo. https://usekilo.com/ —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and ma...

Group of Gym Owners Trying To Buy CrossFit Inc. ???

January 29, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB

I had an interesting conversation with Frank Foehrenbach, the owner of First City CrossFit in Monterey, CA. He is also the organizer for the ⁠CF Affiliate Collective ⁠, an effort to bring together other CrossFit owners and attempt to purchase the company back from the private equity firm that acquired the brand back in 2020. His mission caught my attention and I asked him to come on the podcast to learn more about the movement they are hoping to spark. While Frank and I certainly disa...

Fuck Your Passion

January 26, 2024 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

Passion gets you started. Passion makes work feel like not work. But passion is fleeting. Don't confuse passion for the magic elixir that's going to catapult your success. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their busines...

When Trainers Who Rent Space, Lose That Space w/ Justin McClintock

January 24, 2024 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MB

Justin McClintock has been on the podcast before sharing how he went from being a group class coach, to creating an arragenment with the gym owner to sell private coaching, his way, and simply paying a kickback fee - ultimatley eclipsing the revenue that any other trainer in the building was making. Now he's back to share the second part of that story when the gym he rented space from shutdown suddenly and Justin had to pivot quickly to keep his business afloat. https://www.feelstrong.me/ ...

Landlords Are Looking At Your Numbers

January 22, 2024 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MB

You better have your financials in order if you're looking to lease a new space. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy. Stop wishing y...

How To Know Exactly Who Your Customer Is

January 22, 2024 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

The Gym Real Estate Company can take a CSV file of your current customers, over any period, and create a full report as to who your customer is → demographically and their consumer buying behavior. This is a must not only for anyone who is looking to open up a new location but any gym owner who wants to more effectively market to their audience. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your busines...

Firing Staff Made Easy

January 19, 2024 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MB

Firing staff is a necessary part of being an owner, but here's how to make it easier on both parties. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the str...

Be A Dreamer Who Knows How To Math

January 17, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

It's OK to be a dreamer I encourage it. Just make sure you understand that at a certain point, you need to be able to apply math to your dream for it to become a business. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their busines...

A Business Lesson From Stanley (Yes, the giant cups you see everywhere)

January 15, 2024 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.45 MB

Be more like Stanley when it comes to analyzing the business decision to create a new product/service or target a new audience segment. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan a...

Have You Earned The Right To Take It Easy Yet?

January 12, 2024 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

Just because you've been in business for what seems like a long time, doesn't mean you've earned the right to relax or take it easy. In fact, many owners have been doing this since day one - which is why they stuck in the position they are today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk/message

The Worst Microgym Job Posting Ever?

January 10, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MB

If you want to hire quality talent for your microgym, don't create job postings like this. Full video breakdown can be found here: --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk/message

Stop Talking AT Your Employees

January 08, 2024 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

If you want to grow a team with a higher business iQ, make sure to avoid this major pitfall. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy. S...

RGA → Revenue Generating Activities

January 05, 2024 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Start your day by prioritizing RGA. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy. Stop wishing your business problems are going to magically ...

The Worst Behavior You Tolerate = Your Culture

January 03, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

Don't sit on the sidelines and let shitty behavior destroy the culture of your business. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy. Stop w...

2023 MADabolic Franchise Conference Keynote

January 01, 2024 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MB

This is my keynote from the 2023 MADabolic Franchise Conference. I was asked to utilize Patrick Hanlon's "Primal Code" and speak to the franchisees as to how to harness their primal code to stay unapologetically, consistent with the brand. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one ...

Jammin' With Joe | Brand, Biz and Audience

December 31, 2023 17:29 - 1 hour - 70.3 MB

After a long hiatus, I finally got Joe Tebaldi back on the podcast to talk shop - specifically his unique way of breaking down the relationship between your brand, your business, and the various audience types you need to be successful. Enjoy. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtfgymtalk/message

Plan For 2024 So Your Not Always Reacting

December 29, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MB

If you fail to plan, then you should likely plan to fail. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy. Stop wishing your business problems a...

Want To Replicate Your Business? Some Food For Thought

December 27, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MB

If you're looking to grow your brand by replicating the business model in some B2B format (license or franchise), this episode is for you. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan...

2022 MADabolic Franchise Conference Keynote

December 22, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

This is the keynote I gave at the 2022 MADabolic Franchise Conference that focused on marketing, organic social media, getting your trainers involved in posting to increase brand awareness, and guerilla marketing. The full video version can be found here. —------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed.  For over a decade I’ve been working with gym owners...

Shoot The Shit | Mark Fisher Fitness

December 18, 2023 10:00 - 2 hours - 144 MB

Mark Fisher started Mark Fisher Fitness in 2011 while he was residing in NYC pursuing his career in theater. A self-educated fitness nerd, he combined his parallel studies in psychology, adult learning, and behavior change and started helping his theater ecosystem of colleagues with their fitness and nutrition. Long story short, Mark built a brand in NYC that is likely one of the most eclectic, inclusive, and unique microgyms I've seen. Also, generating $4MM in annual revenue isn't shabby ...

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