Level Up Your Gym
By Joe Hashey
Level Up Your GymMay 06, 2021
3 Tips From A 20 Year International Industry Veteran - A Conversation with Carlos Castro
We're ending Season 1 of the Level Up Your Gym Podcast with a BANG!
Carlos Castro has been a veteran in the fitness industry internationally for over 20 years.
He began his journey educating himself on fitness to become a trainer. He was successful in opening his own gym in Columbia and continues to teach strength training and nutrition all across the globe.
The keys behind his global success?
1.) You Do Not Know Everything
2.) You Cannot Fix Everything
3.) Create A Welcoming Environment
Successfully Manage Your Gym's Growth - A Conversation with Chris Brainard
Chris Brainard and my paths have crossed a few times over the years through online and business development courses.
Sports and training have always been a large part of Chris's life. He played football competitively in both highschool and college.
He was inspired to give back; to help athletes be successful on and off the field.
Fast forward to today, his business APE Fitness and Performance is successful in training both athlete and adult clients.
Along his journey of business growth and success, Chris has taken away 3 top tips to manage gym growth.
1.) Your Journey is Unique
2.) Strategize Referrals
3.) Train Your Trainer
Connect With Your Clients Beyond Sets and Reps - A Conversation with Scott Schutte
Scott Schutte was a highly requested feature on the podcast, recommended by many past guests.
Scott has been working in personal training for 15 years.
Most recently, he has been working hard to educate trainers on lifestyle accountability coaching.
He's even published a book on the topic, Redefit: Fitness Redefined.
There are so many outside factors that affect clients from meeting their gals.
Lifestyle accountability coaching helps dig deep into helping clients outside of the gym with their mindset, relationships, and emotions.
This is done though quick 15 minute meetings to discuss any outside roadblocks that might be getting in the way of their fitness.
Through his years of experience of redefining connection in the gym, Scott has taken away 3 top tips to share.
1.) Know Yourself
2.) Be Willing To Adapt
3.) There Will Always Be Problems
How To Lead With Resilience & Strength - A Conversation with Scott Caulfield
Long time, long distance friend Scott Caulfield has years of experience in coaching and management.
Scott currently works at Colorado College where he directs the oversight, development and management of individual and group strength and conditioning programs for all student-athletes.
He has over two decades of involvement in fitness and athletics.
And with that all comes a plethora of wisdom.
He has learned how to lead and train with resilience, strength, and compassion.
To do so, it is important to understand that...
1.) Nothing Is Above You
2.) Always Seek To Improve
3.) Make Your Clients Feel Important
Rising To The Challenges of Leadership - A Conversation with Dr. Larry Dake
Dr Larry Dake (yes, he's smart) has worked his way through education administration from social studies teacher, to district administrator, to elementary principle, to now assistant superintendent.
Larry has always been eager to learn new things which has lead him to positions of leadership and management.
Overseeing operations and hr of an entire school district means that you are responsible for many people and all of the working pieces in between.
Similarly, as a business owner, you are accountable for all of the functions within your business.
But, that doesn't mean that you have to be the one executing them.
Larry shares this and more important lessons he's learned as a leader on Episode 31 of the Level Up Your Gym Podcast, “Rising To The Challenges of Leadership - A Conversation with Dr. Larry Dake" .
3 Foundations to Building A Brand People Believe In - A Conversation with Mark Freid
As I opened my second gym years ago, I reached out to Mark Freid for assistance with brand refinement and marketing.
He brought me clarity about my brand promises and how to think creatively.
Mark is the founder of Think Creative Inc., where they help business owners build brands that people believe in.
And he shared is top 3 foundational tips for doing so!
1.) Make Every Decision Based Out Of Love
2.) Support and Appreciate Your Staff
3.) Think Creatively
Follow These 3 Gym Amplifiers For Business Success - A Conversation with Drew Massey
Drew Massey from Game Time Sports has a wealth of knowledge on how to be successful in the fitness industry.
If you want to amplify your gym, incorporate these tips for business success.
1.) Identify What Makes Your Sessions Great
2.) Use Your Members As A Marketing Tool
3.) Don't Spread Yourself Too Thin
How To Conquer Gym Liability and Risk Management
David has been working in liability and risk management in the athletic/fitness industry for over 25 years.
It's safe to say that he knows what he's doing
It's important to be proactive and preventative rather than reactive.
1.) Have a Solid Liability Waiver
2.) Emergency Preparation
3.) Have Facility Rules Signs Posted
These tips are just a peek into the knowledge that David had to share on Episode 28 of the Level Up Your Gym Podcast, “How to Conquer Gym Liability and Risk Management" .
How To Rebuild Your Gym Through A Pandemic
The pandemic has impacted the fitness industry in ways we could have never imagined.
From my experience working through the shut downs, regulations, capacity restrictions, etc, I have found 3 ways to manage your gym through COVID to set yourself up for success now and in the future.
1.) Communication to Members
2.) Special Offerings
3.) Marketing Strategy
How To Locate Your First Gym - A Conversation with Jeremy Strifler
Real Estate professional Jeremy Strifler knows the ins and outs of commercial real estate.
As a gym owner, you're likely going to be renting your first facility space.
But what is the right location?
Are you overpaying?
How do you negotiate with your landlord?
From his experience, Jeremy put together his top 3 tips to locating your first gym facility.
1.) Know Your Clients
2.) Don't Buy What You Can't Afford
3.) Work With An Expert
The Secrets of Navigating Business Growth - A Conversation with Preston Bare
Preston Bare of Bare Performance Nutrition has seen his family’s supplement business grow.
Starting in his family’s attic in 2012, the company is now a $20 million + business.
What’s made them successful is their dynamic team, with both creative minds and integrative minds.
Their growth is strategic.
Find what you can do to set yourself apart from your competitors.
7 Essential Youtube Strategies to Grow Your Channel - A Conversation with Chris Willson of Critical Bench
You could call Chris Willson a youtube expert.
He works in operations, content creation, and all of the behind the scenes at Critical Bench.
Their booming youtube channel has over 776,000 subscribers...yes 776,000!
There are endless opportunities for your youtube content as a marketing.
But you must have an understanding and tactical approach to succeed.
Chris spilled his 7 essential youtube strategies he has observed over the growth of Critical Bench's channel.
1.) Consistent Uploads
2.) Batch Your Content
3.) Be Known For Something
4.) Eye Catching Thumbnail
5.) Get To The Point
6.) Call To Action
7.) Bracelet to Charm Approach
Strive To Be The Best. Company Culture and Values - A Conversation with JL Holdsworth
Yes, THE JL Holdsworth, world champion powerlifter and former University of Kentucky strength and conditioning coach.
JL has founded and grown The Spot Athletics into what it is today; focusing on performance training for youth athletes and general adults.
JL provides so much valuable insight on going from average to the best.
This is his mindset for every venture he tackles.
As a gym owner, JL makes sure that his staff share this similar goal.
JL establishes this leadership through company culture and values.
3 Strategies for Marketing in 2021
What direction should you be taking your marketing in 2021?
Social media is a great new age marketing tool.
But the platform is becoming oversaturated.
But where should you focus now?
Take the time to tighten up your internal strategy.
This includes reactivations, referrals, and nurturing current members.
Once you've ironed out your internal strategy, it's time to attract new members - new members who may have never heard of your gym before.
This can be done using 3 strategies. Local Joint Ventures, Youtube, Podcasts.
10 Questions About Building A Fitness Business
Years ago I had the opportunity to welcome Michael from the UK to New York to talk exercise and show him our facility.
Fast forward 7 years later, today we were able to connect virtually to talk about the business side of the fitness industry.
Like many of you, Michael has many questions about the behind the scenes of running a successful fitness business.
We sat down together where he was able to pick my brain as I answered his 10 Questions About Building A Fitness Business.
Questions like What business model do you use? What's the biggest pivot you have had to make? What did you spend money on building your business that you wish you hadn't? and more!
3 Ways To Deliver Remarkable Service - A Conversation with Ryan Sohn
No matter what industry you are operating in, you want to be known for delivering remarkable service.
Ryan Sohn has years of restaurant and hospitality education and experience, focusing on management and business.
There is a lot to take away from offering a hospitable and professional service to your clients.
Ryan shared his top tips to deliver high quality service and experience to your members.
1.) Be Present
2.) Be Aware
3.) Be Active
How To Do Good In Your Community - A Conversation with Kevin Blake
At the beginning of my business journey there was a point where I went from a "know it all" to "damn I don't know anything at all".
Thankfully at the time (and still to this day) my gym member, Kevin Blake, was there to provide me with helpful business advice to steer me back on track.
He's found that encouraging his company to give back to the community leaves their impact value greater, making them a "local legend". Kevin shared some of the most successful ways to do so!
1.) Mission Statements
2.) Offer Support
3.) Know Why It Matters
3 Tips To Make Your Gym Stand Out – A Conversation with Joey Szatmary
Joey Szatmary from Lion’s Den Elite Training in Pennsylvania is a force to be reckoned with in the gym business community.
Joey has done an excellent job coming from a body building background and transitioning his knowledge into training everyone to be strong.
Joey has created strong bodies, strong minds, and a strong gym.
Prior to the successful gym that he has today, Joey experienced the ups and downs of failed business ventures in the past.
He’s learned a lot over his business and entrepreneurial journey and has taken away 3 big picture tips to create a unique and successful gym.
1.) Start Small
2.) Have A Clear Target Customer
3.) Create Your Online Presence
Strengthen Your Hiring Procedure & HR - A Conversation with Erica Mcquade
Whether you have 1 employee or 1000, HR is an important aspect of your business.
And who better to gain tips on managing HR from then Erica Mcquade, HR professional at Lockheed Martin.
During our conversation, she answered my "need to know" questions about hiring and managing staff effectively.
The Trick To Better Decision Making
Today's episode is a story of when I was forced to make a decision. The lesson? Choosing to do nothing has consequences.
3 Gym Team Building Activities
Team bonding with your staff can help develop strong get relationships and get them engaged.
I have 3 favorite ways to get my staff learning and involved.
1.) FAQ Game
2.) Emotional Charades
3.) Team Building Exercise
3 Tips to Communicate Clearly and Kindly - A Conversation with John Gaglion
John Gaglion has his fitness business focused on his powerlifting niche in Long Island, NY.
But many of his communication tactics he has learned from other industries.
Improvisation has helped John improve his leadership and communication.
He has condensed his knowledge into 3 Top Communication Tips
1.) "Yes, and"
2.) Focus On The Positives
3.) Look Good
3 Power Questions For Better Gym Management
Most gym owners know how to do an amazing job with their training.
They just need a little push in the right direction when it comes to the business side of things.
To make sure that you are using your resources wisely, there are 3 power questions to ask yourself on a regular basis.
1.) What Is The Most Important Thing I Should Be Doing?
2.) Is There A Simpler Way To Do This?
3.) What Can I Stop Doing?
3 Tips to Create A Strong Gym - A Conversation with Joe Kenn
Joe Kenn has 31 years of experience as a performance specialist and strength training coach, with 9 years in NFL conditioning. Safe to say that Joe has a world of experience. He shared his top tips he has taken away from his success. 1.) Know Your Numbers. 2.) Identify What Business You're In. 3.) Create A Productive Atmosphere
3 Steps To Reactivating Members
Don't lose your valuable leads! Past members are one of the best for (re)activation because they know your quality and character. Always 1.) Learn Why They Left, 2.) Give Them a Reason To Return and 3.) Leave The Door Open.
3 Important Ins and Outs of the Fitness Industry - A Conversation with AJ Roberts
Wouldn't you like the know the ins and outs of the fitness industry!? It all comes with experience. Today I am joined with AJ Roberts, who has experienced first hand the many ups and downs within the fitness industry. Through his journey, he has taken away 3 main lessons gym owners need to know.
3 Actions to Keep Your Members Longer
You've spent time and money to bring in members to your facility. Now you need to keep them! But how? In today's episode I discuss the 3 areas you need to focus on to keep client retention high: The Onboarding Process, Setting Proper Expectations, and Attendance.
3 Tips All Gym Owners Should Know...But Probably Don't! - A Conversation with Liberty Bernal
Whether you have 1 facility or 100, there are some foundational tips for success that always apply, no matter how large or small.Today I am joined with Liberty Bernal, an expert in the franchise space. Liberty has growth her own business as well has helped many others grow theirs. She shares 3 things that all gym owner's should focus on; marketing, making your members the star, and continued learning.
Connect with Liberty at @libertybernalfitness
4 Ways To Set Up Your Staff For Success
In today's episode I discuss staff development and why it is so important. There are 4 ways to set your staff up for success and that is through clarity, support, meetings, and independence.
4 Coaching Rules for a Career in Fitness - A Conversation with Brendon Rearick
Looking for the rules to successful fitness coaching? Today I'm joined with Brendon Rearick, a fitness professional and author of Coaching Rules: A How To Manual For A Successful Career in Strength and Fitness. He shared his 4 rules to a successful career in fitness. 1.) Communicate clearly. 2.) Do No Harm 3.) Keep It Simple 4.) Serve Others.
Test New Concepts with MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
MVP! I'm talking about Minimum Viable Product. In today's episode I talk about how to test out new concepts through minimum viable product. This will help you save time and money on failed ideas.
BONUS: Here's our free gym owner's video class: www.levelupyourgym.com
3 Tips To Prosper With A Niche Focus – A Conversation with Andy McCoy about Athletic Development
In today's episode I'm joined by Andy McCloy, who has devoted 20 years into the athlete development business. To succeed with in a niche, you need to maintain your focus and adapt to overcome the challenges around you. Andy shared 3 tips that have allowed him to succeed in a business that many people tend to drop out from; offset seasonality with adults, don't put all of your eggs in one basket, and to be a local legend.
3 Ways To Find Your Ideal Members
This is an important one! You need to identify your target demographic. In today's episode I walk you through how to figure out who your ideal customer is and how to cater your offerings to them.
BONUS: Here's our free gym owner's video class: www.levelupyourgym.com
3 Ways To Structure Your Business For Rapid Growth - A Conversation with Sam Tooley about Company Culture and Leadership
In today's episode I'm joined by Sam Tooley, owner of Alpha Fit Club in Westfield, New Jersey. Sam has successfully mastered group fitness with his own twist; keeping class sizes small and trainers qualified. We talk his biggest industry tips for success; establishing a company culture, managing the desire for perfection, and staying engaged with members.
BONUS: Here's our free gym owner's video class: www.levelupyourgym.com
3 Lessons I Wish I Knew Before Opening My Gym.
Welcome! Today I'm talking about the lessons that I learned when opening my very first gym. Learn from my mistakes and learn from my failures. Let's grow together! BONUS: Here's our free gym owner's video class: www.levelupyourgym.com
Intro - Level Up Your Gym
Welcome to the Level Up Your Gym Podcast. Joe Hashey, owner and founder of Synergy Athletics here to discuss all things gym business. Most gym owners are amazing trainers, but need help growing their companies. Every business owner deserves access to a strong education but there’s always a few bumps in the road. Level Up Your Gym is your secret weapon to level the playing field and grow your business.