From Rugby to 61 Gyms: John Davey on Building World Gym Australia | Everything Counts

In this raw and inspiring episode of Everything Counts, hosts Jamie Small and George Azzi sit down with John Davey — the man who turned a single rebranded gym in Penrith into one of Australia’s largest fitness empires: World Gym Australia, now 61 clubs strong with 32 passionate franchisees.John opens up about his journey from a young rugby player in New Zealand getting smashed every weekend, to moving to Australia with nothing, door work on the Gold Coast, 12 years at Musashi working with elite athletes like the Melbourne Storm, and eventually going all-in on his dream in his late thirties. He shares the real story behind the growth — why COVID became an unexpected turning point, the heavy responsibility he felt for franchisees who could lose everything, the brutal lessons in staffing and retention, and why “boots on the ground” ownership is non-negotiable if you want a real community instead of just another gym full of strangers.The boys also dive into John’s evolved training philosophy for longevity (machines over ego lifting, listening to your body, functional finishers), his simple but powerful daily journaling system for gratitude, progress and mental clarity, and why small consistent wins beat toxic “push through everything” culture. Of course, no episode is complete without the signature physical challenge — this time featuring super-hot chili sauce and salt.Whether you’re a gym owner, entrepreneur, father, or just someone who refuses to settle, this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom on resilience, community, leadership and why everything counts.Those Ones Underwear - https://www.thoseones.com.au/World Gym - https://www.worldgym.com.au/gyms/macquarie-parkThe Grey - https://www.thegrey.au/Recorded and produced at The Grey Creative Caringbah.