EP 14 - The Art and Science of Building Multiple High-Profit Businesses

In this episode of the Freedom Kickstarter Podcast, we sit down with Mike Waywell, founder of Steel Habitat and GymOwner, to discuss his journey from gym owner to business consultant for fitness entrepreneurs. Mike shares insights on scaling a gym business, transitioning to a consulting model, and the systems he uses to help gym owners break past revenue ceilings. We also dig into the mindset shifts required for gym owners to remove themselves from the day-to-day operations while still growing their businesses. If you're a gym owner or entrepreneur looking to build a scalable and sustainable business, this episode is packed with actionable insights.Key Topics Discussed:- Mike’s elevator pitch: Running Steel Habitat and transitioning into consulting- A day in the life: Balancing fatherhood and business- From gym owner to mentor: Navigating the shift without the “guru” stigma- Why consulting is a scalable and sustainable business model- The value of mentorship and why online courses aren’t scams- The importance of income diversification for entrepreneurs- Identifying the ideal client for GymOwner’s consulting services- Common bottlenecks for gyms stuck at the 5k-10k revenue mark- Maximizing operational capacity and gym profitability- Helping gym owners let go of control and delegate effectively- The role of programming in gym profitability and scaling- Mike’s entrepreneurial roots: Magic tricks and novelty banknotes- The challenge of having a ‘proper’ job and valuing flexibility- The shift away from unnecessary meetings and Zoom fatigue in business- Why consistency in business is a superpower- Choosing the right marketing approach and sticking to it- The importance of choosing the right business model for your personality- What’s next for Mike and GymOwner?Final Five Questions:1. Book Recommendation: Traction by Gino Wickman, Wine Bar Theory, The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham, and Dan Kennedy’s No BS series2. Go-To Coffee Order: Double espresso, sparkling water, or flat white3. Social Media Platform to Delete: TikTok4. Dream Dinner Guests: Lance Armstrong, Derren Brown, Johnny Wilkinson5. Advice for Beginners: Take action, stay consistent, seek mentorship, and commit to learningWhere to Find Mike:- GymOwner Instagram: [@GymOwner](https://www.instagram.com/gymowner) (without the ‘E’)- Personal Instagram & Facebook: @MikeWaywellResources & Links:- GymOwner Consulting: [GymOwner.com](https://www.gymowner.com)- Follow the Freedom Kickstarter Podcast for more insights into business growth and personal freedom.Like This Episode?If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would find it valuable. Stay tuned for the next episode!