Easton Staff Podcast

On this month's episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, interviews Coach Sean Madden, ETC's Muay Thai Program Director who's been the central force in shaping Easton's Muay Thai program. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/  

On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Neal Ritter and Gelsey Malferrari, a stand-out family from our Easton Longmont location. Along with interviews with Easton leaders and insights into our operational processes, one of the best things about this podcast has been expanding its voice into the community and sharing the inspiring stories of those who make up our world. Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

On this month's episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant interviews our newest GM, Kate Eischen – a Muay Thai brown shirt, mom and the first female to run an Easton academy! Kate, who started at Easton in 2013, brings a range of prior life experiences to the room and has gone through every rank of leadership in her community, from kickboxing coach to kids coach to Kids Department Head to the Department Head of Muay Thai before stepping into her newest role as Centennial's GM.   Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b   Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/  

On the latest episode of the Easton Team Podcast, President Mike Tousignant sits down with Director of General Managers, VP, and Black Belt, Ian Lieberman. Ian started at Easton in 2006, progressing from cleaning mats to coaching, then running the Denver school before becoming Easton's VP and Director of General Managers. Mike and Ian discuss fear, growth and ownership over one's life, including learning to accept the hand you've been dealt while also overcoming your circumstances.    Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

This month on the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike sits down with Boulder Academy Operations Director and comic book aficionado, Viola Burlew – or Vi, as we know her. Vi has been with Easton for 14 years, having started training at the age of 11 back in 2010, nearly the same year as Mike Tousignant himself. Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

It's safe to say no non-Easton employee or member has had as significant of on impact on our community as Larry Dressler. On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Larry – the consultant who showed us how crystalizing our mission, optimizing our internal structure and implementing core values can help us navigate any conflict and decision with conviction, discernment and clarity.   Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes:   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b   Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/    

On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Muay Thai coach, competitor, and Team USA representative Allie Readmond.  Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFL... Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Black BJJ Belt, competitor, teacher and co-owner of Easton Lowry, Professor Amy Fidelis. Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b  Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/

On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Brown Belt, Kids Martial Arts Program Director, and former Easton Longmont GM, Jordan Shipman, to discuss what Jordan has learned while transitioning roles in Easton and what his perfect day would look like. Jordan, who started out coaching Fundamentals classes at Easton Boulder, was the GM of Easton Longmont from when it opened to the beginning of last year. He helped to pilot the new school through the uncertainty of the pandemic and, along the way, discovered his passion for teaching kids martial arts.   Listen to all the Easton Training Center Community Podcast Episodes: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/easton-training-center-community-podcast/id1606067987 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/63wImFLa1ulJ8IlciQJsw8?si=0dd35252606d4a0b Interested in joining our community? Sign up for a free class: https://eastontc.com/  

On the latest episode of the Easton Community Podcast, our host Mike Tousignant sits down with Easton Blue Belt, endurance athlete, performance coach and mountaineer Jason Antin to talk training, mindset, dad stuff and more.   Jason, who co-started a company called Beat Monday brings an element of resilience and excitement to anything he does – especially since he started to follow his passion full time.  

On the latest episode of the ETC Community Podcast, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Angelo Keely, an Easton student and CEO of Boulder-based supplement company, Kion, to discuss his unusual upbringing and the series of life events that sent him on a lifelong pursuit of wellness, eventually landing him in Boulder, CO. 

On the latest episode of the Easton Staff, our host, Mike Tousignant, sits down with Professor Reid Delman - a wrestler, coach, race director and Jiu Jitsu back belt who has been with Easton since its inception.

Easton Training Center Co-Owner, Eliot Marshal, joins the podcast to discuss how he started at Easton, how Easton has transformed in the past 24 years, and some of the lessons Eliot's learned throughout his time with Easton. 

Easton Training Center's head blog and copy writer, Tatyana Grechina, joins the podcast to discuss her background in art her unlikely journey to being an integral part of Easton's team. 

The man who started it all, Amal Easton, joins Easton Training Center CEO, Mike Tousignant, to discuss the beginnings of Jiu Jitsu in America and how the art transformed from a well kept secret to one of the fastest growing martial arts in the world. 

In September's special episode we feature Phil Lietz, Easton Longmont's new General Manager. Phil holds a black belt in Jiu Jitsu and Judo, is a talented artist, and a Professional Heptoculturist. Phil and Mike discuss Phil's transition to GM in Longmont, Phil's work as an artist, and the search for mastery.   Read more about Phil from a recent blog: https://eastonbjj.com/news/from-concept-art-to-martial-arts-meet-eastons-newest-gm-phil-lietz/

In August's special episode we feature Matt Bloss, GM of Easton Training Center Boulder and Program Director of the Kids Muay Thai Program, and Jordan Shipman, the former GM of Easton Training Center Longmont and newly-promoted Program Director for Kids Martial Arts. Matt and Jordan discuss challenges faced in each position as well as aligning all the schools under program-wide initiatives. 

In June's special episode we feature Easton Littleton General Manager, Nick Maverick, and Easton Denver General Manager, Carlos Espinosa, join the podcast to discuss their journeys in martial arts and climbing the Easton ladder from coach to front desk staff to general managers of Easton academies.   

In May's special episode we feature Easton's Director of Operations, Sarah Rochniak, Creative Director, Van Tran, and Director of Marketing, Michael Phipps, to discuss how their unique positions at Easton came to be. How you can work toward a career in at Easton or in martial arts, and some of the unique challenges of the business side of Easton. 

Easton's Muay Thai Program Director, Sean Madden, and Jiu Jitsu Program Director, Alex Huddleston, join CEO Mike Tousignant to discuss the Program Director role, what it's like to grow into a role at Easton, and the shape and direction of their respective programs. 

Peter Straub, GM of Centennial, and Ian Lieberman, Director of GMs join Easton Training Center CEO, Mike Tousignant, to dive into management, opening a new school, and moving into a leader of an established school

Agenda Agenda presentation Core Values:  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:  Last meeting We pursue excellence We provide frequent feedback We lead with empathy Next 3 We bring positivity into every situation We listen to learn and ask questions to provide guidance. We solve problems, we don't create them.  Questions Director of General Managers - Ian Lieberman Personal Success Last month you told us about some books we should all read, can you tell us why these are so significant? You can just choose one to chat about.  Good to great by Jim Collins Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko  Extreme Ownership by Jocko Delivering Happiness by Tony  What is the most difficult part, in your opinion, about management, GM or otherwise? When managers or staff are struggling with the job or facing challenges, who should they turn to for help? Or should they turn to anyone? Director of Ops and Admin - Sarah Rochniak  Personal Success What is happening on the backend of Easton?  Wellness Living progress? You think it was the right choice? Director of Marketing - Michael Phipps Personal Success What, in your opinion, makes a community? Are there different levels of communities? Where does Easton fall? What struck you most while doing all the editing for the video for the smoker and inhouse?  

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values:  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:    Last meeting   We are early and prepared We assume good intent in others  We don't ignore deficiencies    Next 3   We pursue excellence We provide frequent feedback We lead with empathy   Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids) Kids BJJ(292 total competitors)  Easton Open Feb 18th Registrations: 292 Adult BJJ Winter Belt Promotion Over 100 students promoted 6 new black belts Easton Open Feb 18th Registrations: 215 DH Guest teaching rotation Starting Q1 Kids MT Kids MT PD will restart his visits  Easton MT Smoker Feb 19th Competitors: 100 combined with kids Adult MT New Short Heavy Bags plans to add more to each location with striking  Easton Open SmokerFeb 19th  Competitors: 100 combined with kids Still looking for volunteers Upcoming important dates Saturday, 02/11: Referee and Judge Training at Easton Denver! Time TBA. This will be for anyone interested in reffing and judging at our in-house event.  Saturday, 02/04: Prime Fight Promotions, Hammond, IN. Allie Readmond from Boulder and Devon Scott from Denver will be fighting on this event!  Saturday, 02/11: Referee and Judge Training at Easton Denver! Time TBA. This will be for anyone interested in reffing and judging at our in-house event.  Sunday, 02/26: CO State Muay Thai Championships in Aurora, CO Friday, 03/10 - Sunday, 03/12: Team USA Qualifier, Foothills Fieldhouse, Lakewood CO Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Question: How do you approach management? What are some key skills and books first time managers should seek out?  Approach from humility. You don't know everything. If you are trying to achieve something or put initiatives in place try to think about how he would be motivated or how they would be motivated. We want people to want to do things not out of fear. Understand the why behind what we are doing so they want to do it.  Try to check your motives in every decision and action you make. Self deception is real. Someone gives me feedback and it makes me feel defensive and I want to respond defensively. Even if they are wrong. We all have this initial impulse to respond defensively. But in MGMT we can't just act on impulse. If I can find out that my initial planned response is reactionary because you are insecure then you can stop and reconsider my response. Then recalibrate response based on the idea that motives are faulty.  Always check yourself before responding.  What do we need to do in our mind to be the best?  Every decision we make look to core values first.  Always putting the mission above yourself. Easton has to come before personal wants, needs, and feelings. Real dedication to what we are setting out to do.  Every facet of this company needs to be attended to. Everyone.  3 books Good to great by Jim Collins Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko  Extreme Ownership by Jocko Delivering Happiness by Tony  Director of Ops and Admin: Sarah Rochniak What are some key insights that can be helpful for a first time front desk? What are some lessons you learned in the DFI role and the AOD role? Any tools or resources that could be useful?  Tools:  Grammarly plug in to help with tone and grammar and spelling Calendar. Has to exist and you need to follow it. Saves room to concentrate on the important things.  Trello for organizing flow.  Director of Marketing: Mike Phipps How would you define marketing? How would you tell staff(instructors, GMs, DHs, whatever) to view marketing and if they are part of it too?  Marketing: Telling our story. Most compelling and persuasive part of our story and telling it as best as possible Right content, right audience, right time.  If people are interested in how they are always marketing what can they look at or resources or books? Show interest Learn their name Build rapport High level martial arts plus experience   Director of Creative: Van Tran What does your creative process look like? What would you change about what we do on the creative and design side?  Mike Looking for volunteers for inhouse  Registration closes Feb 10th for Easton BJJ Open Summer camps. Registration is open Martial Arts Moves! Conquer Colorado Kid's competition training. Jordan will take the reigns Survey going out for improvements and suggestions New registration will open for a year at $400 for 2023 and it will be a yearly renewal in Q1. You can register throughout the year at a prorated rate.  New year strategy. I will send out our plan to the entire team so you can see where you can help and where you fit into the overall goals. We all have a major part to play. Structure vs creativity. How we will innovate to keep improving everyday.  Any leads on off the market real estate in Central Park or surrounding areas? 2000-3000 sq ft to lease 5000 sq ft to buy(great deals) Wellness Living update   New promotions   Mikkel Buhl-Madsen Kids DH in Arvada Bojan Velickovic Kids DH in Denver Sebastian Berti BJJ DH in Centennial River Mayfield Kids DH in Longmont Payden Thanner BJJ DH in Littleton Jordan Shipman Kids PD for Easton Mike Phipps Director of Marketing for Easton

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values:  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:    Last meeting   We are reading and learning We trust each other We make being open-minded a habit   Next 3   We are early and prepared We assume good intent in others  We don't ignore deficiencies   Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids) Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director ofDigital Media/ Marketing: Phipps/Mike Tousignant (placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Mike Tousignant: Holiday party Kion discount Holiday time and schedule amendments Schedule changes in January DH learning platform   New promotions       Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)  Questions/Feedback:

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values:  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:    Last meeting   We utilize Failure We recognize success We remain rational   Next 3   We are reading and learning We trust each other We make being open-minded a habit Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids) Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant (placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps Mike Central Park Update Wellness Halloween Holidays(Thanksgiving and Xmas)   New promotions   Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind)   

Agenda: - Greeting and agenda presentation - 1 Personal and 1 Business Success - Core Values: Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all. Stewardship: We empower others. Principles: Last meeting We take accountability. We don't blame others We show our care We appreciate effort Next 3 We utilize Failure We recognize success We remain rational - Departmental Debrief: Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids) Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant (placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps - Mike Central Park Update Waiting on response on our LOI for building in Central Park Wellness Living training has started Discuss fall New students Halloween parties Competition team New promotions Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may have on their mind) Questions/Feedback:

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values:  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:  Last meeting We remain nimble We are ready to pivot We show appreciation   Next 3 We take accountability. We don't blame others We show our careWe appreciate effort Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ, MT, & Kids) Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant (placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps Mike Central Park Update Waiting on response on our LOI for building in Central Park Fully transitioned over to First Bank Martial Arts Moves nonprofit update https://www.martialartsmoves.org/ Wellness Living training should start in September     New promotions Daniel Groom has been promoted to Academy Operations Director in Centennial Rob Cole has been promoted to MT DH in Centennial Chino has been promoted to MT DH in Boulder Ashly Dunn has been promoted to BJJ DH in Longmont Kyle Wright has been promoted to BJJ DH in Denver   Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may  have on their mind) 

(This is the all staff June meeting held on July 11 due to timing with the holiday)  Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values: Presented by Alex Huddleston  Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles:    Last meeting   We consider our impact on others. We actively seek to contribute. We embrace the unknown as an opportunity.    Next 3   We remain nimble We are ready to pivot We show appreciation Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ & MT) Director of Kids Martial Arts: Vellore Caballero Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Currently on our off-site retreat Will be working to implement the enrichment program across all of our locations in the fall  In Q4 Ian will begin preparing and structuring the “How we do anything is how we do everything” Rock. This is the customer service and hospitality project we have been talking about, but I just haven't had the bandwidth to tackle it quite yet  Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant (placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps Mike Central Park Update We have it narrowed down to 2 buildings pending anything else popping up.  We should be transitioned over to First Bank from Wells Fargo by August 1. It will be good to support a local business. Roles and responsibilities of Program Directors. Martial Arts Moves nonprofit.. Easton Online Helping other gyms with their programs and the successes we have seen. Helping us build our internal training for the team. Led by Eliot Marshall, Jordan Shipman, Mike Phipps, and Vellore Caballero.   Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may  have on their mind) 

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation - 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all. Stewardship: We empower others. Principles: Last meeting: We bring positivity into every situation We listen to learn and ask questions to provide guidance We solve problems, we don't create them.    Next 3: We consider our impact on others. We actively seek to contribute. We embrace the unknown as an opportunity.    Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ & MT) Director of Kids Martial Arts: Vellore Caballero Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant(placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps Make sure we talk about Central Park Update A couple of proposals Overpayment of benefits from Government for UE Drop in members.. About 7% Summer time Price increase Leads went down for a bit Q&A(a chance for everyone to ask questions or get ideas out they may  have on their mind) 

Agenda Greeting and agenda presentation 1 Personal and 1 Business Success Core Values Excellence: We set and surpass the highest standards through constant improvement. Trust: We authentically earn and grant trust. Compassion: We honor the dignity of all.  Stewardship: We empower others.  Principles: Last meeting We pursue excellence We provide frequent feedback We lead with empathy Next 3 We bring positivity into every situation We listen to learn and ask questions to provide guidance We solve problems, we don't create them.  Departmental Debrief:  Director of Martial Arts: Alex Huddleston(BJJ & MT) Director of Kids Martial Arts: Vellore Caballero Director of General Managers: Ian Lieberman Director of Operations and Administration: Sarah Rochniak Director of Marketing: Mike Tousignant(placeholder) Director of Creative: Van Tran Director of Digital Media: Mike Phipps Make sure we talk about Central Park Update Still hunting… anyone have any leads?  Wim Hoff seminar Payments from gov… refunds and bills

Some items we will be covering: Lot's of events competitions to report on. Competition team progress. Q2 is going to be very admin heavy. New companies we will be moving to in Q2 Banking: Wells Fargo to First Bank CRM: MBO to Wellness Living Website company: HIVE Currently reading: Brene Brown: Atlas of the Heart. New Easton Podcast idea