Hiring & Building a Championship Team (from Scratch) | Episode 462

In today's episode, I'm coming in hot and pulling back the curtain on one of the most important leadership topics there is: hiring and building the right team. This conversation is happening in real time as I'm in the middle of hiring and building out a world-class team for my new IMPACT- X Performance facility here in San Diego (opening in Feb/March 2026)—and everything I'm sharing today comes straight from nearly three decades of wins, lessons, and a few hard- earned mistakes. This episode isn't just for gym owners or business leaders—it's for anyone who wants to be part of a winning culture. We're talking about energy, standards, habits, coachability, and alignment with the mission. Because culture doesn't magically appear. It's built intentionally, person by person, decision by decision. If you're hiring, leading, or looking to elevate yourself or your team to the next level, this episode will challenge you to raise the bar—and protect it. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The 5 GREEN FLAGS I look for when hiring (in any industry): 1. Energy before experience—because energy is contagious. 2. Coachability over credentials. 3. Alignment with the mission and values. 4. Personal discipline and daily habits. 5. A team-first, no-ego mindset. Likewise, I will discuss the 5 "RED FLAGS" that stop a hire cold: 1. Ego over IMPACT. 2. Entitlement before accountability. 3. Negativity, blame, and victim language. 4. Resistance to standards and systems. 5. Misalignment with values and purpose. Additionally, I will discuss: Why culture is built on Day One, not later. The real cost of ignoring red flags when hiring. Why people don't just join gyms or businesses—they join people. A powerful gut-check question every leader and team member must ask. At the end of the day, great workouts, great products, and great ideas aren't enough. People matter most. The energy at the front desk, the standards behind the scenes, and the heart of the team all determine whether you build something average—or something that truly changes lives and is world-class. And if you are like me, you want to be associated with 'WORLD- CLASS.' So here's the challenge: if you're a leader, where have you ignored red flags? And if you're a coach, trainer, or professional, take a hard look in the mirror—would you hire you? Are you consistently bringing energy? Are you coachable? Are you living the discipline you expect from others? Build the team right. Protect the culture. Lead with standards and heart. That's how you create something that lasts—and that's how you go create impact. I hope you enjoyed today's episode. If it fired you up to create more IMPACT—please do me a favor and do 1 (or all 3) of the following things: 1. Please forward this episode to a friend, colleague, or family member whom it might benefit. 2. If you have a newsletter or put out emails to your Community, please consider putting a link to this episode if it would serve them also. 3. Please screenshot this episode, share it to your IG stories or on your Facebook, and tag me at IG: @ToddDurkin | FB: @ToddDurkinIXP To RECEIVE the latest updates, announcements, specials, and all the happenings around IMPACT-X Performance, you can opt-in at www.impactXsandiego.com. **** JOBS AVAILABLE Now at IMPACT-X Performance (SAN DIEGO)!! (If you apply for any of the positions, please share in the Subject Line what role you are applying to): Personal Trainer/Coach Positions. While we are not opening until February 2026, we are currently accepting applications as we prepare to Build a World-Class Team of Trainers starting in January 2026. If you are trainer/S&C coach who is looking for a great opportunity to change lives in San Diego, CA, now is your opportunity to be part of our team. I will be personally leading this group of coaches who will serve in both personal training AND large-group training roles. More Details / Apply Now Here! Stretch Therapists. We will have our signature hands-on "IMPACT Stretch Flow" sessions complimenting our training & recovery services. If you are already certified in FST or other stretch therapy (or you're a coach who wants to learn hands-on manual stretching of our clients/members), APPLY TODAY Massage Therapists. Massage therapy has been part of my fitness offerings since Day 1 over 25-years ago. And it's only MORE important now. We WILL have incredible Massage Therapy available at IXP-San Diego and we are exciting to share the power of touch. APPLY TODAY Directors of First Impressions. We love our "Directors of First Impressions" as they play a crucial role in setting the culture and offering extreme positivity, encouragement, and support to our clients/members. If you feel you could be a great addition to our San Diego location, please apply. APPLY TODAY Visit this page to get all the information or to APPLY today… HERE!