Gym World Worldwide

🌎 Mark Fisher, former owner of Mark Fisher Fitness, now a gym business coach and partner at Business for Unicorns, joins Mateo to break down how to think about pricing and—even more importantly—how and when to raise your rates.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Mark Fisher (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/markfisherhumanbeing/Mark Fisher (Website): https://www.businessforunicorns.com🔥Show Notes0:00 — Cold open: rent, payroll, and insurance are up — are your prices?2:26 — Today's topic: how to think about pricing (and when to raise it)3:18 — Mark's framework: start with your coach-to-client ratio5:48 — Crude benchmarks: ~$350/mo for 6-on-1, ~$185/mo for large group8:26 — The "no man's land" of averaging 8–10 people per class11:34 — What to do with underperforming class times: cut, don't hope22:34 — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/gw)24:52 — The "sold out" exercise — finding your true capacity and topline27:56 — Why 80% (not 100%) should be your planning assumption32:17 — Price increase vs. price correction: how Mark tells the difference34:01 — The crude rule: $60 or more means it's a correction, not an increase39:19 — What to expect in reality: 1-2% cancel, 3-5% complain to your face40:00 — The two comms mistakes: over-apologizing and overselling the upside41:16 — Mark's short, no-frills price-increase email template43:16 — The "Red Wedding" — the time MFF let every member out of their contract45:47 — Training your clients to expect an annual price increase48:52 — Outro — where to find Mark and Business For Unicorns49:33 — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/gw)

Mateo Lopez and Kaleda Connell tour Dan Visentin's 416 Fitness Club in Toronto, covering how he survived 450 days closed during COVID, the "red shirt" trick he uses to sell personal training, and the mistakes he says he'd never make again.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Kilo (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/kilogyms/Kilo (Website): https://www.usekilo.com/gw/416 Fitness Club (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/416fitnessclub/416 Fitness Club (Website): https://www.416fitnessclub.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:0:00 — On the road in Toronto with Dan Visentin of 416 Fitness Club0:56 — Front desk, lounge, and equipment layout walkthrough4:52 — Capping classes at 18: a COVID-era decision that stuck8:56 — The red shirt trick: selling personal training without a pitch11:48 — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/gw/)12:18 — What 416 means to Dan, and its evolution from CrossFit-only to HYROX14:18 — The real turning point: 450 days closed during COVID16:17 — The rack-per-person layout that outlasted the pandemic19:53 — Giving staff freedom without losing consistency22:36 — Three mistakes Dan won't make again27:54 — Retention in a transient city30:38 — Becoming a dad and how it reshaped the business31:51 — Going HYROX: building a class that teaches the skills36:58 — Dan's unscripted Kilo shoutout37:14 — Wrap-up and sign-off

Kilo co-founder Mateo Lopez is joined by Chris McMahon “Kilo Chris” for a Q&A episode of Gym World, taking questions straight from the Kilo Crew Facebook group, covering why acting technique quietly shows up in coaching, sales, and short-form video content, the moment "growth" can turn into "distraction" once you start chasing a second or third location, and the gut-check test for expansion offers that look great on paper but feel wrong in your stomach.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Kilo (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/kilogyms/Kilo (Website): https://www.usekilo.com/gw/Chris McMahon (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/coach.chrismcmahon/Chris McMahon (Website): https://www.chris-mcmahon.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:0:00 — Kicking off with the Kilo Crew Facebook group Q&A1:56 — First question: favorite ice cream flavors4:56 — The one skill with the best ROI that gym owners keep avoiding5:09 — Why improv class builds better coaches6:36 — Short-form video, authenticity, and building a brand voice9:58 — Discovering your authentic self by "playing pretend"11:45 — Real example: a niche gym that found its voice and grew from it13:14 — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/gw/)13:51 — Next question: when does adding more members, services, or locations start hurting your business15:04 — The "ducks in a row" problem: replicating growth before systems are ready17:24 — Case study: a cross-country expansion deal that looked good on paper20:49 — Gut-check moment: ignoring your instincts under pressure to grow22:28 — Knowing which unsustainable moves are okay short-term24:36 — Accepting that growth always has an unsustainable phase25:54 — Wrap-up and where to find more Gym World

Kilo co-founder Mateo Lopez and CEO Kaleda Connell are joined by All Day Fit's Cassie Day, as they take listeners on a construction tour of Cassie's brand-new standalone gym space in Toronto — covering the lease negotiation that almost didn't happen, the front-desk debate every gym owner has, why she's building a member lounge instead of maximizing square footage, and how the All Day Fit brand is evolving as she moves out of a shared space for the first time in a decade.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Cassie Day (Website): https://alldayfit.com/about/cassie-day/Cassie Day (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/cassiedayyy/All Day Fit (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/alldayfit.co/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes0:00 — Welcome to the All Day Fit construction tour1:39 — Negotiating the shared back space with the landlord3:00 — The great front-desk debate: staffed vs. unstaffed6:14 — Why the community lounge is worth the square footage10:53 — Walking the main training floor and equipment setup14:00 — What Cassie would do differently: lawyers, realtors, and lease red flags15:56 — Why she left a shared space after a decade17:39 — Space-hunting for two years and keeping rent at 20% of revenue18:56 — Building sustainable coach careers with the "Strong Academy" model20:04 — New hires and org structure24:52 — Paternity leave in Canada and folding a partner into the business26:32 — Rebranding from anti-diet-culture messaging toward "capability"29:11 — The content strategy experiment: cutting all content for two years30:29 — A Romania trip sparks the idea for parent-and-child classes33:13 — Final thoughts and where to find Cassie and Kilo

🌎 Centr CEO Andrew Sugerman joins Mateo Lopez to talk about his jump from running Marvel comics and Disney's social channels to building the equipment behind Hyrox, why 92% of Hyrox finishers are already gym members, and what it actually takes to build a brand gym owners can be proud of.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.For gym owners and operators interested in Centr x HYROX commercial opportunitiesTry the Centr App (includes the only HYROX-certified digital training programs)📱 Socials:Centr (Website): https://shop.centr.com/Centr (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/centrfit/🎙️ Listen On:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/gym-world-worldwide/id1659702465Spotify - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/gymworld📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥Show Notes0:37 — Mateo introduces Andrew Sugerman, CEO of Center1:39 — Andrew's 12 years at Disney, running Marvel comics and digital/social2:43 — Why he left Disney for health and fitness7:11— Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/gw)9:16 — The identity and community hook that keeps Hyrox athletes coming back13:37 — Center's equipment now inside 4,000+ gyms15:04 — How the Hyrox partnership started at a 2023 race in Anaheim18:43 — How gym owners can bring Hyrox in, even non-competitors24:00 — The growth numbers: 2.5M athletes and US cities doubling in 202626:26 — What actually makes a brand partnership work29:37 — Brand advice for gym owners without a Disney budget33:19 — Where AI fits into coaching, and where it doesn't

🌎 Kilo co-founder Mateo Lopez and Kilo Chris, take listeners behind the scenes of Kilo while at the Two-Brain Business Summit, the customer-care culture that keeps gym owners coming back, and the people on the team who make it happen.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Kilo (Website): https://usekilo.com/gw/Kilo (Instagram): https://usekilo.com/kilogyms/Book a Demo: https://usekilo.com/book-call📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide\🔥Show Notes0:00 — Kilo's female-led company culture and team vibe0:38 — Mateo Lopez introduces Kilo and the Summit1:14 — First-time Summit impressions and gym-world perspectives2:10 — Why Kilo's booth is so packed3:37 — Customer care as Kilo's biggest differentiator5:04 — Shout-outs to standout team members6:03 — Chris on joining the Kilo team7:29 — Elsie's impact on marketing and onboarding8:55 — Team goal for the Summit9:51 — Background in coaching, CrossFit, and gym ownership12:02 — Listening to users and building better features13:16 — Final messages to the team and the Kilo crew

🌎 Mark Fisher, former owner of Mark Fisher Fitness, now a gym business coach and partner at Business for Unicorns, joins Mateo to break down what separates today's top-performing gym owners from everyone else; covering vision setting, knowing your numbers, and building systems that scale.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Mark Fisher (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/markfisherhumanbeing/Mark Fisher (Website): https://www.businessforunicorns.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥Show Notes0:00 — Intro & meet Mark Fisher, former owner of Mark Fisher Fitness3:08 — What's changed (and what hasn't) since coaching gym owners instead of being one8:06 — Inside a room of 50 gym owners who collectively own 135 gyms9:29 — Luck, timing, and why you shouldn't copy every successful gym owner11:54 — Trait #1: successful gym owners have a clear vision14:33 — The identity shift from "trainer" to "owner"18:41 — Mark's "set it and forget it" approach to goal setting22:40 — Run a successful gym with Kilo23:18 — Trait #2: successful gym owners know and track their numbers24:38 — The weekly and monthly numbers every gym owner should track28:40 — Trait #3: successful gym owners are dialed in on systems29:01 — The end of the "boiler room sales" era in gym marketing31:46 — Leadership as the most important system of all33:26 — Where to find Mark: his Perform Better talk and how to reach him34:08 — Outro

🌎 Chris McMahon, Kilo's Content and Partnerships Specialist, joins Mateo for a rapid-fire tier-list episode ranking 15 of the most common gym growth strategies from S-tier to F-tier; covering everything from referral programs to six-week challenges.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Chris McMahon (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/coach.chrismcmahon/Chris McMahon (Website): https://www.chris-mcmahon.com🔥Show Notes: - 0:00 — Intro & the tier-list concept- 0:28 — Meeting Kilo Chris AKA Chris McMahon- 1:59 — Defining "growth" for a gym business- 2:20 — Free clients for testimonials- 3:59 — Getting family to pay as proof of concept- 5:41 — Facebook groups and online communities- 7:35 — Six-week challenges as a front-end offer- 10:26 — Building an email list- 12:31 — Partnering with other creators and businesses- 14:16 — Paid ads on Facebook and Instagram- 16:43 — Organic social media posting- 18:06 — Referral programs- 18:59 — Hosting local events- 20:36 — Cold outreach, directories, and free consultations- 22:28 — Podcasting and YouTube- 24:14 — Discounted challenges and raising prices- 25:54 — Final thoughts- 26:47 — Outro

🌎 Greg Morrone , owner of The FIT Lab in Hoboken, NJ, joins Mateo to break down the "PT-first" onboarding model that converts 90-95% of leads, and the hospitality lessons from his years in nightlife that shaped a gym with a stellar community.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:The FIT Lab(Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/thefitlabhoboken/The FIT Lab (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/theFITLabInc/The FIT Lab (Website): https://thefitlabhoboken.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥Show Notes0:00 — Intro & meet Greg Morrone of The FIT Lab2:29 — Greg's backstory: nightlife, culinary school, and Danny Meyer's hospitality playbook3:55 — Why hospitality lessons are hard to systemize in a gym setting5:53 — Inside The FIT Lab's "PT-first" model5:59 — Run a successful gym with Kilo 7:48 — The new fast-track offer: 6 one-on-one sessions for $4008:17 — Results so far: 28 signups, 25 conversions, capacity by October9:44 — Why pricing PT and small group dollar-for-dollar kills sales friction10:13 — Meet coach Jason, and why Greg's staff sticks around for a decade-plus11:12 — The trade-off: 6% rent factor, higher payroll, investing in people over space13:36 — Greg's tagline: "high value personal training"14:29 — The FIT Lab's 13-year anniversary and why community isn't a sales pitch15:25 — Run clubs, Hyrox, and the rise of IRL connection as a selling point16:20 — Designing around busy parents with limited time17:16 — Fitting 180 members into a 2,300 sq ft (1,600-1,700 usable) odd-shaped space17:45 — How members find The FIT Lab: paid ads, Google search, ~250 testimonials20:03 — Advice for gym owners stuck in the same spot for years23:38 — Outro

🌎 Erik Zeyher , owner of Warlock CrossFit in Poughkeepsie, NY, joins Mateo to break down how his semi-private program grew into a $20-25K/month revenue stream and the story behind Help First Fitness, the personal training studio he built inside a local tennis club's old squash court.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Erik Zeyher (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/growwitherik/Warlock CrossFit (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/warlockathletics/Help First Fitness (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/helpfirstfitness/🎙️ Listen On:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/gym-world-worldwide/id1659702465Spotify - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/gymworld📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes0:00 — Intro & meet Erik Zeyher of Warlock CrossFit2:20 — Warlock's backstory and the secret to lasting 10+ years as an affiliate4:11 — How the semi-private program got started4:59 — Inside the 6,000 sq ft space: class vs. semi-private layout5:59 — Run a successful gym with Kilo 6:31 — Launching semis internally: the "red rope method" and goal reviews8:05 — Day one results and scaling to $20-25K/month9:44 — Coach pay under the semi-private model11:25 — Retention: injury referrals vs. class-to-semi upgrades13:21 — Building Help First Fitness inside a tennis club's old squash court14:52 — Funding the build-out with a 0% interest credit card16:04 — Lessons from nightlife: why gym is a hospitality business17:38 — The most common problem gym owners bring to sales calls20:44 — Erik's own $23K/month wake-up call before finding Two-Brain21:12 — Where to find Erik

🌎 Josh Maranian, owner of Regen Fitness Club in Fort Collins, Colorado, joins Mateo to break down how he built a semi-private training gym out of his garage and grew it into a 40-member facility in just one year. They get into his 4:1 semi-private model, why he splurged on a sauna and cold plunge while cutting costs elsewhere, how he prices and packages sessions, and his plan to roll out a belt-style pay structure for coaches.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here, so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Josh Maranian (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/josh.maranian/Regen Fitness Club (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/regenfitnessclub/📺 Watch On: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes- 0:00 — Intro & meet Josh Maranian of Regen Fitness Club- 1:22 — Inside the 4:1 semi-private model, sauna, and cold plunge- 3:00 — How sessions are run and customized within a small group- 3:39 — From a corporate burnout to getting a personal training cert- 4:54 — Getting let go and going all-in on training out of his garage- 6:20 — How template-based programming works for each member- 9:11 — Outgrowing the garage: pairing clients up and the birth of the 4:1 model- 10:42 — Run a successful gym with Kilo- 11:08 — Funding the build-out with an intra-family loan- 11:48 — What to spend big on (equipment) vs. cut aggressively on (design)- 13:00 — Why the sauna and cold plunge were non-negotiable- 14:12 — Growing from 10 to 40+ members in year one- 15:28 — Pricing, packaging, and four-week billing cycles- 16:26 — Why Josh started hiring coaches early instead of waiting- 17:38 — Coach pay, the path to a "belt"-style pay structure, and growth tracks- 19:54 — How on-ramp and the intro package set member expectations- 20:19 — Year one wins and what's next for year two- 20:36 — Why an operations manager matters more than another coach- 23:27 — Where to find Josh

🌎 Corey Lewis , owner of Extra Mile Fitness in St. Louis, Missouri and Two-Brain mentor, joins Mateo to break down how he hires, develops, and retains great coaches. They get into his walking interview process, how he onboards new staff before their first day, why past members are his best source of new leads, and the system he uses to bring canceled members back.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials: Corey Lewis (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/corey_j_lewis/ Extra Mile Fitness (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/xtra.mile.fitness/Extra Mile Fitness(Website) - https://xm.fitness/ ---🔥 Show Notes- 0:00 — Intro & meet Corey Lewis of Extra Mile Fitness- 1:32 — The gym model and how it's evolved over 14 years- 2:00 — Why Corey diversified beyond group classes- 3:52 — How the hiring process has changed- 4:28 — Using a careers page and video submissions to filter candidates- 4:54 — Run a successful gym with Kilo- 7:00 — The walking interview and what it reveals- 8:19 — The second interview and what happens after an offer is made- 10:23 — Onboarding before the first day: gifts, welcome videos, and happy hours- 12:19 — What the first day actually looks like- 13:02 — The 3-month internship and coaching development program- 14:44 — The belt system and how it gives coaches a clear career roadmap- 15:52 — How Corey structures income so coaches can make a real living- 18:05 — Using past members as a lead source- 19:12 — The exit goal review and staying in touch after cancellation- 22:01 — Easy wins for gym owners looking to reactivate past members- 23:42 — Where to find Corey

🌎 Karen Stephenson, owner of Hammock Coast CrossFit on Pawleys Island , South Carolina, joins Mateo at the Two-Brain Business Summit to share how she sold her first gym, moved to the beach, and opened a second one in the middle of COVID. They get into what it really takes to start over, how she transitioned from hobby gym to real business, and why building a senior fitness program has become one of her biggest wins.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here, so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Hammock Coast CrossFit (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/hammockcoast_cf/Hammock Coast CrossFit (Website) - https://hammockcoastcrossfit.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:0:00 — Intro & meet Karen of Hammock Coast CrossFit4:46 — Opening their first gym in Elkins, West Virginia10:06 — Chris Cooper's "perfect day" exercise and deciding to move to the beach14:03 — Starting over in South Carolina during COVID16:50 — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)19:41 — Buying the building21:44 — Going from hobby gym to real business22:42 — Adding Senior Fit, kids, and semi-private training27:10 — Karen's personal journey with fitness29:23 — The 84-year-old member who went on safari

Matt Becker, founder of Gym Lawyers and former 11-year CrossFit affiliate owner, joins Mateo to break down the legal gaps most gym owners don't know they have. They get into why compliance directly affects your gym's value, what buyers look for during due diligence, how market value opinions work, and the roll-up trend quietly reshaping the boutique fitness market.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here, so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Gym Lawyers (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/gym_lawyers_pllc/Gym Lawyers (Website) - https://www.gymlawyers.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwideShow notes: 0:00 — Intro & what is Gym Lawyers?2:22 — Matt's background: 11 years as a CrossFit affiliate owner turned attorney3:25 — How Chris Cooper planted the idea for Gym Lawyers5:04 — Compliance basics every gym owner needs6:07 — Lease agreements, personal guarantees, and liability waivers7:07 — How to engage with Gym Lawyers (flat fee, not hourly)8:09 — Buying and selling gyms: what Matt's team is doing more of8:45 — How to prepare your gym for sale9:14 — Why compliance directly affects your ability to sell10:00 — Market value opinions: what they are and how to use them11:24 — What buyers should watch out for12:11 — When buyer and seller valuations don't match12:57 — How multiples work: SDE vs. EBITDA13:38 — The roll-up trend reshaping boutique fitness right now14:16 — Where you can find more about Matt & Gym Lawyers

🌎 Rich Thaw , owner of EMPWR Fitness and Sports Performance Training in Montreal, joins Mateo to break down how he grew his gym's membership base by 40% in Q4, largely without paid ads. They get into his sell-by-chat strategy, why he cuts his schedule to grow faster, how he uses referral automations inside Kilo to turn happy members into a lead machine, and why sometimes discounting your trial offer even further is the right call.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here to avoid missing out.📱 Socials:Rich Thaw (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/empwr__/EMPWR (Website) - https://empwrfast.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥Show Notes:(0:38) — Introduction: Rich Thaw, EMPWR Fitness, Montreal(2:28) — What Empower does: small group personal training for athletic adults(3:36) — Rich's background: hockey, Mike Boyle, and how he got into coaching(5:13) — The early days: online training, the garage gym, and getting the cops called(7:06) — Growing pains: too many sessions, not enough revenue(8:50) — The conversation with Mark Fisher that changed everything(10:17) — Cutting the schedule to buy back time (and why it was terrifying)(11:45) — Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(12:25) — Sell by chat: how Rich turned social media interactions into booked trials(14:06) — Has the offer changed? Breaking down the 10-day / 3-session trial for $99(15:12) — Why discounting the trial even further sometimes works better(17:57) — Positioning small group training vs. personal training vs. group classes(19:39) — How Rich structures his referral program (and when he makes the ask)(21:16) — The QR code, the Kilo automation, and what happens 30 minutes after a referral(21:52) — Other lead gen: promos, reactivation campaigns, and the dollar trial(23:49) — Onboarding: what the trial experience actually looks like at EMPWR(25:53) — Converting trial members into long-term memberships(28:52) — What's next: finding a full-time coach and building the team(29:53) — Where to follow Rich

🌎 Kaleda Connell, CEO of Kilo, joins Mateo to break down how the shift to AI-powered search is changing what gym owners need on their websites — and what to do about it. They get into Google's E-E-A-T framework, why the "blue link era" of SEO is over, and Kaleda's five-pillar system (proof, people, answers, authority, and plumbing) to ensure your gym actually shows up when someone asks an AI to find the best option in your area.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here to avoid missing out.📱 Socials:Kaleda Connell (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/heykaleda/Kaleda Connell (Website) - https://heykaleda.com/blog/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide(0:46) - Introduction: Kaleda Connell, CEO of Kilo(1:29) - Why AI Is Changing How Gyms Show Up Online(2:14) - What Old-School SEO Got Right (And Why It No Longer Works)(4:01) - The AI Overview Effect: Why Website Traffic Is Dropping(4:50) - The Blue Link Era Is Over: What Gym Owners Need to Do Now(5:48) - Google's E-E-A-T Framework Explained(6:50) - Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(7:29) - Kaleda's Five Pillars: Proof, People, Answers, Authority, and Plumbing(8:10) - Pillar 1 — Proof: Testimonials, Transformations, and Long-Form Case Studies(10:28) - Pillar 2 — People: Coach Bios, Credentials, and Member Stories(11:42) - Pillar 3 — Answers: FAQ Sections, Program Pages, and the Specificity Test(15:18) - Should You Post Your Pricing? Kaleda Changes Her Mind(17:44) - Pillar 4 — Authority: Local Press, Partnerships, and Why Reddit Matters(19:57) - Pillar 5 — Plumbing: Schema Markup and the Nuts and Bolts That Still Count(22:06) - Should You Use AI to Audit Your Own Website?(24:26) - Where to Get Help From the Kilo Team(24:50) - Closing Remarks

🌎 Michael Ranfone and Dr. Marko Lujic from Ranfone Training Systems join Mateo to break down how they built a 20,000 sq ft facility that combines semi-private training, concierge medicine, and nutrition under one roof. We get into their semi-private model, how RTS Health delivers real preventive care for around $500/month, and why their ARQ program might be what the future of gyms actually looks like.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Ranfone Training Systems (Instagram) Ranfone Training Systems (Website) 📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) - Introduction: Michael Ranfone and Dr. Marko Lujic from Ranfone Training Systems(1:15) - Origin Story: From Yale Strength Coach to 20,000 Sq Ft Integrative Facility(3:40) - How Deep Credentials Shaped the RTS Model(6:10) - Serving Both Athletes and Gen Pop Under One Roof(9:45) - How the Semi-Private Model Actually Works: 20 People, 20 Custom Programs(14:20) - The Accountability Coach System and How Clients Are Matched(18:30) - Why Semi-Private Over Large Group: The Performance-Based Philosophy(22:00) - Pricing the Semi-Private Model: $357/Month Unlimited Access(26:15) - The Value Framing: Why RTS Competes With Healthcare, Not Box Gyms(30:00) - How RTS Health Works: Labs, DEXA, VO2, WAVi, and What It Costs(36:20) - Why Your Primary Care Doctor Is Actually Just a Triage Nurse(41:10) - The ARQ Program: Where Training, Medicine, and Nutrition Become One(44:30) - Is This Where the Whole Industry Is Heading?(47:15) - Where to Find Michael and Dr. Lujic(48:00) - Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Stu Brauer from WTF Gym Talk and the Gym Real Estate Company. Stu breaks down how he used gym cash flow to buy a 10,500 sq ft building with an SBA loan, filled the extra space with tenants to slash his monthly costs, and eventually sold the gym and leased the whole building. We also get into how to find the right location using customer data, why confusing zoning with building use is an expensive mistake, what lenders look for when underwriting a gym SBA loan, and why shopping for real estate before you're ready can quietly kill your reputation with listing agents.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here, so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:WTF Gym Talk (Instagram) WTF Gym Talk (Website) The Gym Real Estate Company (Instagram) The Gym Real Estate Company (Website) 📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) - Visibility vs. Digital Presence: What Actually Drives Gym Traffic(2:25) - How to Use an SBA Loan to Buy Your Gym's Building(5:48) - The Right Time to Buy: Why Peak Profitability Is Your Window(7:19) - How to Evaluate a Location Before You Sign Anything(12:24) - Trade Area Overlap: How to Open a Second Location Without Cannibalizing the First(16:47) - Test Fits and Construction Costs: What Gym Owners Always Underestimate(20:40) - Working Backward: How to Model Expenses Before You Commit to a Space(24:28) - Open Gym vs. Semi-Private: Pros, Cons, and Square Footage Reality(33:13) - Anchor Tenants: When Paying for a Premium Location Is Actually Worth It(36:18) - How to Set Yourself Up for an SBA Loan Two Years Before You Need One(40:00) - Why the Land Is the Real Long-Term Play(44:29) - Buying Land vs. Building Out: The Real Costs and Timeline(47:20) - The Important First Step for Gym Owners Ready to Get Into Real Estate(48:26) - Where to find out more about Stu(48.43)- Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Nathan, Kirsten, and Dana from BGB CrossFit, a CrossFit affiliate in Fayetteville, Georgia, that has been open for over 12 years. They break down how the gym shifted from a competitive CrossFit box to a health-focused facility for all demographics, the two-week fundamentals process that onboards every new member, and how adding semi-private training at $70 a week has increased revenue per member. We also get into their goal review system, how they keep every coach informed through Slack, and how layering in nutrition coaching, massage therapy, and Hyrox has helped them retain members for over a decade.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:BGB CrossFit (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/bgbstrength/BGB CrossFit (Website) - https://bgbcrossfit.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:41) — Meet the Owners Behind a 12-Year CrossFit Affiliate(1:54) — From Competitive Box to Gym for Every Body(5:07) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(5:39) — The Two-Week Fundamentals Process That Prevents Early Dropoff(9:49) — How BGB Packages and Prices Group, Semi-Private, and Personal Training(12:32) — Why Semi-Private at $70 a Week Beats a Standard Group Membership(12:55) — How to Successfully Launch a Semi-Private Program at Your Gym(16:03) — The Revenue Impact of Adding Semi-Private Training(17:58) — The Goal Review System That Upsells Members Without the Hard Sell(19:55) — How They Keep Every Coach Informed Using Slack and Their Gym Software(22:12) — How BGB Added Hyrox and a Women 's-Only Class Without Adding Much Work(23:48) — Layering Nutrition and Massage Into a CrossFit Business(26:16) — What 12 Years in Business Actually Teaches You About Retention

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Harry Morris , owner of FS46 and Head of Client Success at Business for Unicorns. Harry runs a 500-square-foot small-group coaching gym in Birmingham, UK, and he breaks down the paid 30-day trial system that transformed new membership enrollment, the pre-session walkthrough video that eliminates first-timer anxiety, and the one question his coaches ask every new member on day one.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:FS46 (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/fs46_waterfront/following/Harry Morris (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-morris-hmpt/FS46 (Website) - https://www.fitness-studio46.co.uk/Business For Unicorns (Website) - https://businessforunicorns.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Intro(0:51) How Harry went from gym owner to Head of Client Success at BFU(1:43) Running a profitable gym in 500 square feet with a 1:6 coaching ratio(2:25) The lean equipment setup that makes small space training work(3:21) Why Harry caps at 70 members and what he charges in the UK(5:36) The strategy session that qualifies leads before they ever set foot in the gym(6:25) Why Harry charges £97 for a 30-day trial instead of giving it away free(7:02) The welcome sequence that converts(8:29) The one question Harry's coaches ask every new member on day one(9:28) Why in-person feedback after a workout isn't enough (and what to do instead)(12:27) The 9-email sequence that keeps new members engaged through the full trial(13:53) The week three check-in and why Harry never asks if someone wants to stay(17:07) How Harry hit an 89% trial-to-membership conversion rate(17:34) The biggest mistake gym owners make when a new member goes quiet(18:53) Where to find Harry and how to work with BFU19:21 Run a successful gym with Kilo

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Ben Supik, founder and CEO of Activate Body Personal Training, a small group training gym with three locations that caps at 280 members per facility and generates up to $1.4 million in top-line revenue. Ben breaks down how 92% of members end up on annual contracts and why he spends the first 320 hours of every new hire just on training before they ever touch the floor. We also get into his plans to open one new location per quarter and what it actually takes to scale a concept without losing what makes it work.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Active Body Personal Training (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/activate_body/Active Body Personal Training (Website) -https://activatebody.com/start-here/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Ben's Gym Model and Initial Setup(0:23) Who is Ben Supik(2:44) Space and Equipment Setup(4:37) Member Flow and Facility Operations(7:24) Operating Expenses and Staffing(10:57) Expansion Plans and Strategies(15:08) Lease Negotiations and Real Estate Strategy(17:59) Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Gym Owners(19:34) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Tad Wooton & Andy Smith, co-founders of Numberwise, an accounting firm that's spent the last decade working exclusively with gym owners and fitness businesses. They break down the benchmarks every gym owner should know — from payroll and rent to what your profit number is probably getting wrong. We get into when it makes sense to stop doing your own books, why most owners are undervaluing their own labor, and what separates the gyms that make money from the ones that just hope for the best.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Numberwise (Instagram)Numberwise (Website) 📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00)The financial blind spot most gym owners have(1:20) Who is Numberwise?(2:43) Pitfalls of Self-Handling Bookkeeping and Accounting(5:00) Run a successful gym with Kilo (5:35) Preparing for Working with a Professional Accountant(7:53) Commonalities Among Successful Gym Businesses(9:05) Trends and Profit Margins in Different Gym Models(14:41) Owner Pay and Business Profitability(17:27) Preparing for Accounting Services(19:42) Choosing the Right Accountant(21:07) AI in Accounting(23:31) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down with Stan Skolfield of Skolfield Sports Performance. Stan breaks down how he built a youth athletic training program that charges $1,500 for onboarding and converts 95% of athletes into long-term members. We get into why he qualifies families on the phone before they ever walk in, how a free structured evaluation does most of the selling, and the rotational coaching system that makes flexible scheduling possible for busy families.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Skolfield Sports Performance - (https://www.instagram.com/skolfield_sports/)Skolfield Sports Performance (Website) - https://skolfieldperformance.com/📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Why Every Athlete Makes the Cut(3:10) From the Red Sox to Running Skolfield Sports Performance(5:39) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(8:47) Program Packaging and Client Onboarding(12:40) Challenges and Solutions in Youth Programs(19:17) Expanding Youth Programs in Existing Facilities(23:23) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 This week, Mateo sat down to chat with Bobby Armock. Bobby breaks down how he transformed a traditional CrossFit gym into a multi-service performance facility where personal training drives 52% of revenue. We get into the shift toward a family-based model, why consultations outperform quick sales, and how expanding services can unlock growth.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Friction - (https://www.instagram.com/frictiongrandrapids/)Friction (Website) - https://frictiongrandrapids.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) The Real Value of a Coach(3:41) Bobby's Journey and Initial Challenges(8:17) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:14) Rebranding and Expanding Services(16:42) Scheduling and Team Management(25:57) Intake Process and Data-Driven Approach(30:46)Evaluation as the Call to Action(41:18) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 This week on the podcast, Mateo checked in with Laura Gibson (Head of Customer Support at Kilo) to break down why most gyms don’t have a retention problem; they have a systems problem. She shares a simple framework for turning “caring” into something consistent and scalable. From milestone touchpoints to cancellations, and how to balance automation with real human connection, so members actually stick aroundP.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Kilo - (https://www.instagram.com/kilogyms/)Kilo - (Website) - https://usekilo.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Operationalizing Care in Gym Businesses(6:11) Challenges of Operationalizing Care(9:36) Framework for Care System(12:10) Balancing Automation and Human Touch(16:38) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(27:27) Staff Retention and Care(31:14) Revisiting and Updating Care Systems(33:40) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 This week, John chatted with AJ Schrag about how a simple Canva flyer turned into HYROX camps with 70–80 athletes per session and nearly $100K in new revenue for Catalyst Movement. We also break down the training pod model that allows one coach to run massive camps, why pricing camps like events attracts athletes from multiple gyms, and how racing keeps the community coming back for more.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:AJ Schrag - (https://www.instagram.com/aj_schrag/)Catalyst Movement - (https://www.instagram.com/catalystmvmt/)Catalyst Movement - (Website) - https://www.catalystmvmt.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00)AJ Schrag's Introduction to High Rocks(3:58) Developing the High Rocks Program(6:03) Structure and Execution of High Rocks Camps(11:14) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(13:04) Building a High Rocks Community (13:04)(22:23) Pricing and Marketing High Rocks Camps(26:34)Expanding High Rocks Programs(33:48) Future Plans and Community Engagement

🌎 Mateo sat down with Boris Kezic, founder of Metcon Creative, to break down what gym owners often get wrong about branding. Boris explains why your brand isn’t just your logo or website. Your brand is the feeling people get from every interaction they have with your gym, from your photos to the condition of your bathrooms. They also discuss why most gyms should start with strategy, how small details shape perception, and why relatable photography matters more than fancy graphics.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Metcon Creative - (https://www.instagram.com/metconcreative/)Metcon Creative - (Website) - https://metconcreative.com.au📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Branding vs Marketing(02:26) Why most gym owners misunderstand branding(06:36) Branding happens whether you’re trying or not(10:20) The first brand interaction happens before someone visit(14:26) Photography is the most overlooked branding tool(16:24) Why generic copywriting hurts gym brands(22:27) The biggest branding mistake is often starting with the logo(27:34) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(29:00) Map the entire member journey(34:39) What “experience around the experience” actually means(40:43) The easiest brand audit(51:48) Where to find Boris

🌎John recently sat down with Joe Baglione of Catalyst Movement to break down how he turned HYROX into an extra $80K–$100K a year—without adding more memberships. From packing out Sunday camps to building a full HYROX season around one race, Joe shares the things he did that transformed a capped, premium gym into a bigger revenue machine. If you think HYROX is just a trend, this episode might change your mind.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Catalyst Movement - (https://www.instagram.com/catalystmvmt/)Catalyst Movement - (Website) - https://www.catalystmvmt.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Introduction and Background of Joe Bags(2:25) Market and Gym Location(3:54) Membership and Pricing(5:40) Challenges and Strategies(6:43) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:04) How Joe got into HYROX(9:59) HYROX Program Details(16:07) Revenue and Growth(25:08) How to run your own HYROX(32:49) Where to find Joe and Catalyst Movement

🌎 This week, Mateo chatted with Isaac Morgado (@isaac.morgado), owner of MVMT Strength in London, Ontario. Most gym owners know they should be posting. Isaac explains how he does it consistently in about 30 minutes a week. After crossing $1M in annual revenue and averaging 140 leads per month, he’s built a simple system where long-form content, paid ads, and organic posts all support each other without taking over his life.We break down his exact workflow, why perfectionism is holding gym owners back, and how planning just 7–10 days ahead can completely change your marketing results.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:MVMT Strength - (https://www.instagram.com/mvmtstrength/)MVMT Strength - (Website) -  https://mvmts.ca📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Introduction and Background of Isaac Morgado(2:39) Isaac's Content Strategy and Paid Ads(4:43) Balancing Paid Ads and Organic Content(7:19) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(6:04) Tracking and Measuring Success(7:53) The Role of Long-Form Content(11:04) Types of Content and Engagement(13:09) Using AI for Content Creation(18:39) Managing Content Consistently(23:47) The Importance of Personal Branding(26:04) Final Thoughts and Advice for Gym Owners

🌎 In this episode, we sit down with the team behind One Academy to unpack how they scaled to multiple locations without losing the culture that made their gym work in the first place. Jesse and Eric share the decisions that shaped their growth, from building a training model that attracts the right members to waiting until systems, staff, and demand were truly ready before expanding.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:One Academy - (https://www.instagram.com/oneacademylife/)One Academy - (Website) -  https://oneacademylife.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Journey to One Academy: Jesse Bruce's Story(9:30) Eric Vieira's Background and Initial Partnership(13:33) Growth and Expansion Strategy(20:11) Managing a Large Team and Maintaining Culture(23:19) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(27:16) Community Building and Unique Practices(33:57) Hybrid Training and Programming(41:40) Balancing Vision and Execution(44:56) Lessons Learned and Future Plans

The AI Playbook For Gym Owners - https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai🌎 This week, Mateo sits down with Mark Fisher of Business For Unicorns to break down AI for gym owners. AI is moving fast, but most gyms are either ignoring it or using it the wrong way. Mark shares how to use AI in 2026 to save time, improve content, and run smarter operations while keeping the human connection members value most.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Business For Unicorns - (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)Prevail Strength and Fitness (Website) - https://businessforunicorns.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Mark Fisher’s introduction(3:56) Mark’s free webinar for gym owners and why AI matters in 2026(7:51) How gym owners are using AI well(9:13) The limits of AI(31:07) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(32:04) Using AI for data and operations(35:02) Claude vs ChatGPT(46:25) Websites and AI search(52:06) The real ROI of AI for gym owners(53:55) Final wrap and goodbye

🌎 In this episode, Mateo chats with Sean Shearon about how he built Prevail Strength and Fitness with intention instead of reacting as it grew. We dig into how clear systems, expectations, and boundaries made scaling feel calm instead of overwhelming. It’s a practical conversation for gym owners who want to grow without losing control of their business or their time.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Prevail Strength and Fitness - (https://www.instagram.com/prevail_strength_)Prevail Strength and Fitness (Website) - https://prevailstrengthandfitness.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Sean Sharon's Journey and Philosophy(4:21) Challenges of Structured Training(9:02) Systems and Scaling(11:44) Retention and Community Building(15:02) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(20:34) Technology and Infrastructure(22:15) Impact and Future Plans(26:42) Marketing and Sales Strategies(34:52) Final Thoughts and Advice

🌎 Mateo Lopez sits down with Wayne Li to talk through how he built a gym from the ground up with limited capital and no prior business experience. Wayne shares lessons on starting lean, earning trust through presence, and adding structure over time without sacrificing culture.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Training Day Gyms - (https://www.instagram.com/trainingdaygym/)Training Day Gyms (Website) - https://www.trainingdayhc.com.au📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Wayne Lee's Journey and Business Background(2:14) Early Challenges and Initial Investments(4:49) Transformation and Reinvestment Strategies(6:27) Balancing Frugality and Growth(8:14) Building a Community and Staffing(11:43) Customer Service and Process Improvement(16:37) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(19:34) Marketing and Brand Building(24:44) Expansion and Financial Management(29:58) Balancing Ambition and Personal Well-being(35:47) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 Mateo sits down with Dave Appel, Chief Health & Fitness Officer at KORB Health Group, to unpack how medical wellness is starting to show up inside gyms. They talk through GLP-1s, hormone therapy, and telehealth—and why these tools don’t replace coaching, but can help members who’ve been stuck despite doing everything right. A practical conversation for gym owners trying to support better results without losing what makes their community work.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:KORB Health Group - (https://www.linkedin.com/company/korb-health-group/)KORB Health Group (Website) - korbhealth.com📺 Watch On:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Dave Apple's Journey from PE Teacher to Chief Health and Fitness Officer(2:55) Influence of Heart Rate Monitors on Data and Behavior Change(7:02) Transition to Gym Ownership and Impact of COVID-19(11:45) Integration of Medical Wellness and Fitness(15:15) Partnerships with Gyms and Telehealth Services(22:17) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(25:40) Challenges and Opportunities in the Fitness Industry(33:36) Preparing Gyms for the Future of Health and Wellness(48:03) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 John sits down with Cale Owen to unpack what he’s learned from scaling hundreds of gyms, leading Gym Launch as CEO, and now stepping back toward ownership with W.O.L.F. Gyms.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:W.O.L.F Gyms - (https://www.instagram.com/wolf_gyms/)W.O.L.F Gyms (Website) - https://wolffitnessgyms.com📺 Watch On: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Wolf Gyms' Unique Approach(2:23) Why Cale Owen Left Gym Launch(4:21) Wolf Gyms' Business Model and Philosophy(7:33) Why Wolf Avoids Tiered Memberships(8:55) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:39) Why Access Gyms Win in Tough Economies(13:09) What It Costs to Open a Wolf Gym(19:24) The Ideal Franchisee(20:39) Marketing, Sales Funnels, and Filling Gyms(31:59) Staffing a Wolf Gym(33:27) Content Strategy for Gym Growth(39:04) The Future of Group Training Gyms

🌎 In this week’s episode, John sits down with Nick Palladino-King of Tribe Fitness in San Francisco to unpack how his gyms maintain 95% monthly retention in one of the most competitive markets in the country. We break down the systems behind it: clear retention ownership, weekly attendance reviews, staff incentives, and the small daily actions that spot drop-offs before members cancel.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Tribe Fitness - (https://www.instagram.com/tribefitsf/)Tribe Fitness (Website) - https://tribefitsf.com/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://youtu.be/31rfMYE1WsA🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Nick Palladino-King's Untraditional Path to Owning a Gym(3:53) Tribe Fitness' Training Programs and Pricing(7:26) Member Retention Strategies and KPIs(12:48) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(18:16) Lead Nurture and Marketing Efforts(29:51) Building a Community-Focused Gym(36:04) Future Plans and Expansion(37:42) Final Thoughts and Resources

🌎 Mateo sits down with Mike Doehla for his third appearance on the podcast to talk about the boring work that actually drives gym growth. They dig into follow-up, empathy, and simple systems—and why consistency with the basics is often the difference between gyms that struggle and gyms that last.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Mike Doehla - (https://www.instagram.com/mikedoehla)Website - https://mikedoehla.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Mike Doehla’s Journey from Side Gig to Global Coaching Phenomenon(4:38) Building a Business While Maintaining a Job(6:14) The Importance of Empathy and Understanding Clients(10:55) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(26:50) Scaling a Business and Letting Go(30:38) The Role of Repetition and Enjoying the Fundamentals(32:41) The Decision to Sell and Retire(36:01) Advice for Gym Owners Feeling Stuck(37:48) Future Plans and Final Thoughts

🌎 This week, John sits down with Ben Lucas of Flow Athletic, who built one of Australia’s top boutique gyms, scaled it to seven figures, and eventually sold it. Ben breaks down how he designed a hyper-efficient 3,000 sq ft space, entered the market at the start of a trend, and built a community that fueled word-of-mouth growth. A behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, timing, and strategy behind building—and exiting—one of Australia’s most successful studios.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Flow Athletic - (https://www.instagram.com/flowathletic/)Flow Athletic (website) - https://flowathletic.com.au🎙️ Listen On:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/gym-world-worldwide/id1659702465 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Flow Athletic's Journey and Success(3:06) Innovation and Market Differentiation(4:25) Decision to Sell Flow Athletic(8:18) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(8:51) Any regrets on selling?(10:00) Pricing and Space Usage(13:45) Staff Retention and Leadership Style(16:55) Marketing and Community Building(19:39) Transition to Head Coach of Sydney Marathon(24:09) Advice for Gym Owners Considering a Sale(25:33) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 On today’s episode, Mateo Lopez chats with Andy McCloy of BCI Sports Performance & Fitness. Andy shares what it takes to keep a gym thriving for 25+ years: focusing on coaching as the core product, hiring slow, and developing real leaders. He also breaks down how to build a brand that outlives the owner and create long-term wealth through smart plays like owning your gym’s real estate.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:BCI Sports Performance & Fitness - https://www.instagram.com/bci__sports__performance/ BCI Sports Performance & Fitness (website) - https://bodycreationsinc.com/🎙️ Watch On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Andy McCloy's Journey and Philosophy on Entrepreneurship(3:54) Building a Respected Coaching Brand(5:39) Transitioning from Trainer to Business Owner(6:24) The Importance of Business Coaching and Mentorship(7:30) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:49) Building a Strong Team and Leadership(12:40) Retention and Client Loyalty(14:24) Hiring and Culture Fit(17:50) Building a Lasting Brand and Legacy(23:11) Focusing on Significance Over Success(25:29) Future Plans and Expansion

🌎 In this episode, John Franklin chats with Ben Bergeron about the big question gym owners keep asking: Should you still affiliate with CrossFit? Ben breaks down how his values evolved, why he ultimately stepped away, and the key questions every owner should ask to decide whether affiliation truly supports the culture and member experience they want to build.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:CompTrain - https://www.instagram.com/comptrain.co/CompTrain (website) - https://www.comptrain.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Ben Bergeron's Journey and the Evolution of CompTrain(3:10) Longevity and Success in the Fitness Industry(5:47) Challenges and Decision to Leave CrossFit(11:25) Ben's Initial Attraction to CrossFit(14:30) CrossFit's Brand and Future Direction(21:20) Ben's Vision for CompTrain(24:10) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(24:42) Trends and Future Focus(35:57) Impact and Community Building(42:11) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎 Mateo Lopez sits down with Clark Hibbs from Yellow Rose Fitness to unpack the 90-day onboarding system that transformed his gym’s retention. Clark shares how consistent check-ins, personalized guidance, and clear structure help members stay for 30+ months.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Yellow Rose Fitness - (https://www.instagram.com/yellowrosefit/?hl=en) Yellow Rose Fitness(website) - https://yellowrosefitness.com🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Revenue and Initial Nutrition Focus(0:50) Introduction to Gym World and Guest(2:15) Yellow Rose Fitness Overview(3:50) Gym Culture and Customer Service(4:41) Onboarding Program Details(18:11) Nutrition Integration and Coaching(25:58) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(26:44) Tracking Attendance for Retention(30:18) Marketing and Sales Strategy(36:17) Automation and Systemization(38:49) Improve Onboarding Process(43:33) More Leads With Kilo

🌎 Every year, Two-Brain drops the State of the Industry report, the most complete look at what’s actually happening inside gyms. This week, John Franklin sits down with Chris Cooper to break down the 2025 numbers: why leads aren’t your problem, how semi-private models are taking over, and what’s really driving higher owner income.The real data. The real trends. No fluff.Download your free copy here: https://twobrainbusiness.com/the-state-of-the-fitness-industry-2025/P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Chris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/twobrain/ Two-Brain Business - https://www.instagram.com/twobrainbusiness/?hl=en Two-Brain Business (website) - https://twobrainbusiness.com/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide 🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Gym Industry Revenue and Coach Compensation(0:28) Introduction to State of the Industry(1:53) Starting a Gym from Scratch Today(3:43) Pivoting from Group to Semi-Private Coaching(4:40) Lead Nurture and Marketing Challenges(6:24) Lead Source Breakdown and Content Marketing(13:01) Revenue and Pricing Strategies(15:16) Semi-Private Coaching and Small Group Training(20:05) Attendance and Churn Prediction(25:44) Profitability and Sustainability(37:47) Future Trends and AI in the Fitness Industry

🌎 In this episode, host Mateo Lopez sits down with Conor Oakley from Forged Fitness to talk about one of the fastest-growing trends in fitness — HYROX. After nearly a decade as a CrossFit affiliate, Conor rebranded his gym and became Ottawa’s first HYROX partner.Mateo digs into how Conor made the switch, what it takes to integrate HYROX without losing your existing members, and why this model might be one of the best new opportunities for gym owners.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Forged Fitness - https://www.instagram.com/forged_fitness_hintonburg_/ Forged Fitness (website) - https://www.crossfithintonburg.com/ Ottawa Fitness League - https://www.instagram.com/ottawa_fitness_league/🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GymWorldWorldwide🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) HYROX Trend and Gym World Introduction(2:34) Transitioning to HYROX(4:12) Impact on Existing Members and Introduction Strategy(9:18) Marketing and Retention Strategies(20:25) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(24:25) Challenges and Opportunities in the Market(26:03) Class Management and Staff Training(30:18) Community Events and Competitions(36:57) Future Plans and Expansion(43:44) Final Thoughts and Contact Information

🌎What happens when you blend a gym with a medical clinic? Jon Cheung figured it out. He built Evolve Strength — a hybrid fitness and healthcare model where trainers, physiotherapists, and specialists all work under one roof. It’s a system that keeps 7 gyms full, helps 15,000+ members, and generates up to $600K per month per location. Mateo Lopez talked to Jon about how he built it, how he structured leases for maximum efficiency, and why this “shopping mall for health and fitness” could be the future of gyms.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Evolve Strength - https://www.instagram.com/evolve_strength/Evolve Strength (website) - https://www.evolvestrength.ca🎙️ Listen On:YouTube: https://youtu.be/THEtj0faRL4🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Gym Utilization and Equipment Rotation(2:23) Introduction to Evolve Strength(4:15) History and Evolution of Evolve Strength(6:33) Gym Layout and Equipment Selection(10:39) Reddit AMA and Equipment Feedback(13:50) Balancing Equipment Usage and Personal Trainers(17:02) Space Utilization and Revenue Generation(32:09) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(32:40) Sales Process and Business Education(44:45) Franchising and Expansion Plans(51:13) Startup Costs and Staffing(1:00:11) Future Plans and Market Strategy

🌎 John Franklin sits down with Josh Mildren and Benny Woolford from REVL Training — the duo who launched a gym franchise during COVID and grew it to 42 locations across five countries. They break down how REVL built an $11M global brand through tight programming, a proven presale playbook, and a focus on culture that’s fueling their next move into North America.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:REVL Training - https://www.instagram.com/revl.training/REVL Training (website) - https://revltraining.comJosh - https://www.instagram.com/joshmildren/Benny - https://www.instagram.com/bennywoolford/🔥 Show Notes:(0:00) Opening Global Locations and Initial Challenges(3:13) Gym Layout and Training Methodology(4:52) Impact of COVID-19 and Franchise Structure(7:11) Growth and Expansion Plans(18:21) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/) (18:52) Training Blocks and Community Building(21:22) Studio Economics and Staffing(30:43) Marketing and Member Engagement(38:10) Franchise Support and Growth(39:56) Future Plans and Market Entry

🌎 John Franklin (https://www.instagram.com/johnisbuilding/) chats with Joe Gaunt (https://www.instagram.com/joehealthlabshq) from Zeno Health Club. They talk about creating a standout client experience and Joe's new health and wellness venture that could soon reach the American market.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Zeno Health Club - https://www.instagram.com/zenohealthclub/Zeno Health Club (website) - https://zenohealthclub.com/Health Labs HQ - https://www.instagram.com/healthlabshq/🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Introducing Joe and Zeno Health Club(7:08) The space(9:34) Membership packages and pricing (13:43) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(14:15) Marketing and member acquisition  (19:55) Challenges and lessons learned(22:26) Staffing the gym(25:18) HYROX affiliation(27:35) Advice for gym owners and social strategy(33:58) Health Labs HQ and future plans (40:53) Where to go to find Joe

🌎 We talk to a lot of gym owners on Gym World, but today John Franklin (https://www.instagram.com/johnisbuilding/) flips the script. Mateo Lopez sits down with him to find out exactly what John would do if he opened another gym tomorrow. From the type of gym he’d run to how he’d price it, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply to your own business.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Introducing John(6:12) Buying vs. starting a gym(9:28) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(9:59) Acquiring a gym(12:24) Real estate and site selection(15:39) Niche models, pricing strategy, and premium facility(28:15) Hiring and retaining a good team(32:19) Non-negotiable processes and systems(35:02) Advice for new gym owners(39:20) Closing remarks

🌎 Ken Williams and Jessika Loving opened their first CrossFit gym well after the “peak era” of CrossFit. Today, they run four successful locations. In this conversation with Mateo Lopez, they break down how acquisitions, solid systems, and smart processes helped them grow after COVID and carve out a model that stands out in a crowded market.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Ken - https://www.instagram.com/kennywilliams30/Jessika -https://www.instagram.com/jessika_loving/?hl=enCrossFit SBR - https://www.instagram.com/crossfitsbr/D-Town CrossFit - https://www.instagram.com/dtowncrossfit/?hl=enCrossFit McKinney - https://www.instagram.com/crossfitmckinney/CrossFit Prosper - https://www.instagram.com/crossfitprospertx/🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Introducing Ken & Jessika(5:51) Transition to CrossFit and initial challenges(11:16) Gym space and layout(18:22) Expansion (23:17) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(23:49) Acquisition and considerations for gym owners(34:34) Operational systems and processes(39:42) Front-end offer and conversion process(46:57) Future plans and where to find Ken & Jessika

🌎 Thinking about opening a gym or fixing the one you’ve got? Kilo CEO Kaleda Connell (https://www.instagram.com/heykaleda/?hl=en) joins Mateo Lopez to share the biggest lessons she’s learned as a gym owner and what she'd do differently if she started today. Get insights on pricing, space, staffing, and the systems that set gyms up for long-term success.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Kilo - https://www.instagram.com/kilogyms/Kilo (website) - https://usekilo.com/🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Introducing Kaleda(5:36) Differences in the gym industry today(7:50) Pricing strategies(13:48) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(14:20) Staffing, admin tasks, and space(19:47) Selling the business(24:46) The role of software and automation(28:25) Lessons learned and advice for gym owners(35:01) Would Kaleda open a gym again?(36:59) Where to find Kaleda

🌎 Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of suicide and related topics, which may be distressing to some viewers. View discretion is advised. John Franklin (https://www.instagram.com/johnisbuilding/) talks with Anthony Amen (https://www.instagram.com/anthonyamenfitness/) of Redefine Fitness. Anthony opens up about overcoming setbacks after COVID, the highs and lows of gym ownership, and what it takes to run a 7-figure business with a $90K-per month location.P.S. If you like the show, then you'll love the Gym World newsletter. Every Friday, John Franklin breaks down the possibilities of making money in the fitness industry. Subscribe here (https://usekilo.com/gym-world/) so you don't miss out.📱 Socials:Redefine Fitness - https://www.instagram.com/redefinefitnessli/Redefine Fitness (website) - https://redefine-fitness.com/🔥 Show Notes:(00:00) Introducing Anthony(1:11) Anthony's background and personal struggles(4:27) Transition to gym ownership(7:32) What is Redefine Fitness?(9:28) Run a successful gym with Kilo (visit https://usekilo.com/)(10:00) Challenges, successes, and building a strong team(23:07) Expansion and growth(28:54) Choosing the right location(33:43) Raising rates(35:55) Managing churn  (38:11) Marketing strategies(43:48) Advice for gym owners (51:05) Future aspirations and where to find Anthony