Behind The Brand

From Kalgoorlie to Queen of F45:Laura Koedyk’s Journey of Grit, Growth & CommunityIn this episode of Franchise Ventures, we catch up with the vibrant, driven, and downright hilarious Laura Koedyk—F45 studio owner, former teacher, and proud builder of one of Perth’s most passionate fitness communities. From growing up in Kalgoorlie and moving across the world to managing and eventually owning her own F45 studio, Laura opens up about the identity shifts, challenges, and wins along the way.We talk about:Her unexpected pivot from teaching to fitnessLife and lessons from her time in CanadaBuilding a studio culture rooted in values, care, and connectionWhy community trumps marketing every timeThe power of owning your space—with humility and heartWhether you’re in fitness, business, or just need some inspiration, Laura’s story will leave you fired up and smiling. Come for the laughs, stay for the leadership wisdom.Transcript🎧 Top Moments Summary – Laura Koedyk on Franchise Ventures0:00 – Introduction Host introduces Laura Koedyk, affectionately called the Queen of the West, and sets up the episode's relaxed, fun vibe.0:55 – Laura's Background Laura shares that she’s from Kalgoorlie, now based in Perth. She started out as a teacher, but a move to Canada in 2018 led her to work at F45, eventually managing a studio there.3:40 – Kalgoorlie to Perth Talk about Kalgoorlie's unique culture, gold mining economy, and growing up in a small town. Laura reflects on the culture shock of moving to Canada and adapting to a new lifestyle.5:55 – Canada Adventures Laura loved living in Canada, describing it as one of the most exciting times in her life. She embraced the outdoors, explored constantly, and enjoyed the vibrant summer.8:42 – Solo Travel & Growth Laura talks about traveling alone in her 20s and how it pushed her outside her comfort zone, building resilience that later helped her in business.14:08 – Coming Home & Career Choice Returning to Australia brought on an identity crisis—should she go back to teaching or pursue fitness? Despite outside perceptions, she chose passion and stayed in fitness.17:42 – Stepping into Ownership After working in multiple roles and facing layoffs post-COVID, Laura decided to pursue ownership. She briefly considered other brands, but Nedlands felt like home.19:40 – Going Solo in Business Encouraged by her dad and former owner, she bought the studio outright. Laura shares the importance of staying true to her values and leadership style.21:35 – People First Philosophy Laura emphasizes putting members first. From refitting the studio to coaching development, every decision centers around service, care, and passion.22:55 – Leading with Intention She gives detailed examples of what service, care, and passion look like in daily operations—from vacuuming often to picking up water bottles during class.26:40 – Focus on What You Can Control Laura talks about the advice she got before taking over: focus on your business, not competitors. That mindset has helped her studio thrive.29:44 – Member Stories & Community Impact Stories about long-term members, like a 78-year-old woman crushing workouts and an artist gifting his work, illustrate the power of connection in the studio.33:10 – More Than Fitness Laura and the host reflect on how community, connection, and emotional safety keep members coming back—far more than just the workouts.36:40 – Accepting the Compliment Laura admits she’s learning to be proud of what she’s built. The support from members and staff shows the impact of her leadership.39:07 – Vision for the Future Laura wants to install new equipment, continue growing membership, and invest in her staff. She sees herself as a caretaker more than an owner.41:03 – Wrap Up The host thanks Laura for sharing her story, praising her energy, honesty, and leadership. Laura expresses gratitude and reflects on the joy of building something meaningful.

Get ready for a feel-good episode! Up next on Franchise Ventures: meet Damo, the Chief Happiness Officer, sharing insights and how he’s shaping a culture of positivity. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Season 1 Ep. 8 Your Journey. Your Community We have a special focus on progression, safe and controlled exercises and drills. We want to emphasise on your journey and quality not merely quantity. If you reach a point where you want to step inside the ring, you will learn from world-class athletes and professional fighters.

Season 1 Ep. 7 Studios bursting with good vibes to make your body strong and your mind happy. Power up or wind down with Boxing, Hot Pilates, Yoga and Reformer Pilates. Find your positive state of mind, one sweaty workout at a time. Our studios are designed to boost your mood and motivation to the next level. Feel welcomed by bright interiors decked in positive sunshine yellow hues and energising neon. Sweat happy amongst the good vibes of Upstate. Find your nearest studio today! We have big plans and exciting opportunities. If you are as excited as we are to help people create a positive state of mind, we’d love to hear from you.

The smarter workout SpeedFit combines Personal Training with the science of EMS, making your muscles work harder, and giving you the benefit of a whole body workout in only 20 minutes. We pride ourselves on offering inclusive and accessible fitness for people of all ages, all abilities, and all fitness levels.

Season 1 Ep. 5 Our mission is to provide a space for you to escape your day-to-day and explore your unique self, all while working up a sweat. Founded in 2013 with one small studio in Sydney’s Inner West, Sydney Pole now extends across multiple regions of NSW and QLD. Live your dreams and express yourself through dance within our supportive and caring community. From everyone here at Sydney Pole, we strive every day to ensure that your journey into pole dance fitness is uniquely yours; fueled by your passions and shaped by our world class line up of instructors and staff. If you’re a seasoned dancer or you’re considering pole dance for the first time – we would love to have you as part of our tribe! Sydney Pole firmly believes in contributing to the communities in which we operate. Through our internal advisory board, we are regularly reviewing the causes and issues that are supported. Local, national and international charities are always considered for our social giving, and are encouraged at a studio by studio level. For any more information on this, please contact us on [email protected]. For career opportunities in administration, studio management and instructing, please contact us on [email protected].

Season 1 Ep. 4 DISCOVER A NEW LEVEL. Recovery Lab: Australia’s Largest and Leading recovery destination, We demystify recovery by sharing our knowledge, experiences and resources with our community. This isn't just for athletes - we're here to help anyone looking to set up a regular self-care routine." We want everyone to experience the benefits of self-care practices and invite you to join a supportive community of people who understand the importance of recovery and want to share their experiences. Our industry-leading modalities include NuCalm, Infrared Sauna, Compression Boots, Ice Baths, Compex and massage guns. With ongoing mentorship, we tailor our modalities to your needs so you can lower your risk of injury, ease fatigue, increase stamina and your sense of wellbeing. Mindset, habits and routines are the building blocks for your success toward your wellness goals. REGAIN. RECHARGE. RECOVER.

Season 1 Ep. 3 "Introducing the Opulent Group, the prestigious organization that proudly boasts the ownership of the largest privately owned F45 franchise group . With an unwavering commitment to health, fitness, and opulence, the Opulent Group has carved a niche for itself in the realm of group fitness experiences. Renowned for its unwavering dedication to creating an environment where community and fitness seamlessly intertwine. Jordan, Joel and Dan have and are building an incredible company and have showcased the scale you can achieve in side a franchise.

Season 1 Ep. 2 Courtney Joyce is a 37-year-old businessman thinker, reader, and investor. A married man for 10 years with 4 kids. An upbeat/positive person who loves reading books and listening to different podcasts to educate himself. He also became an alcoholic due to his environment as a Coal Miner, but years after he managed to stop drinking and be uncommon amongst common people. That's where his life exponentially started to improve, his health, business, family, and especially his relationship with his wife. At 19 years of age, he then became a department manager at BoroniaPark. Then years after he started working as a coal miner. At the start, coal mining seemed fine until then he realized he wasn't happy and he was already missing time for his family and freedom for himself because his job was consuming too much time in his daily life. Always working overtime and late at night even working on weekends. Back in the day Courtney and Zac were not that super close, unlike today. But being both interested in business is what made them much closer. It wasn't they didn't like each other but they were just busy doing their own things back then. In 2019 besides coal mining, he then started his own cleaning business which is the hunter valley house keeping. He also became a part of a business networking group called CUB On year 2021 Virtual Spotter was their first business together as brothers. Here are some of his principles in life and in growing his businesses he is very passionate about creating an amazing environment. Because he already experienced a toxic environment he wanted to do and operate the opposite. In return to that, he knows that he will find good people. He also wanted to create an environment that's flexible with work hours or work days. Like he's creating a platform for people to use them and make money. When he can push himself that's where he finds his growth. If he can continue to do difficult things every day and learn then he can progress as a person. From a business point of view, he wanted to continue to maintain and control his freedom, time and especially his life. He also wanted to create thousands of meaningful jobs in the Phillippines and provide services for tens and thousands of customers around the world with Cloud Tasker. Solve way bigger problems for big companies, support lots of amazing people that want to come in, and leverage their environment and platforms to solve their problems and help their families. This brings him a big amount of Joy. He also wants to be known as a guy who draws a roll in the middle and just continues to charge forward. Also wants to be known as a guy that helped nurture and support everyone in his circle. Like, the person who did help them to have a better life.

Season 1 Ep. 1 "Get to know more about Zac Joyce" Zac is the 2nd child in the family, he was born in Wagga Wagga Hospital Australia. He loves learning but back then Zac wasn't motivated to succeed and just wanted to have fun at school. His parents want him to focus more on his behavior than just having good grades. Some of his interests are drumming and investing in businesses. He started working in his early teenage years and moved out with his Brother Courtney at the age of 16-18, living in a house with no parents and no rules. Got engaged with Sarah at the age of 27. Zac Started to invest and franchise F45 Studio in Cessnock in the year 2018 while still working full-time on a coal mine and also being a father of 2 kids. In late 2019 He and his business partner opened a 2nd studio located in Singleton. Finally, he bought his 3rd F45 studio in Edgeworth which became his 3rd Studio. Opening and managing a gym in the midst of Covid-19 and lockdown is a very tough and brave decision. His mindset at that time was "The world is not going to stop anyway". There came a point where he needed to resign from his coal mining job to manage and focus on his growing business he also needed to outsource virtual assistants from the Philippines. Growing up with adults will make you feel more comfortable and confident having a conversation whether you're a cleaner or the CEO of the company Some things can't be taught it has to be experienced.