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Presenting Sponsor Thirdzy! https://thirdzy.com/JAZZYPromotion Code for 15% off: JAZZYEveryday we take a break from the busy work day to catch our breath, hang out with friends and talk about the world of Sports, Entertainment and specifically CrossFit. Today we talk about the loss of an Icon Robert Duval, Have you ever melted down during a workout? the Arnold is about to take over the city of Columbus!
About 65% of small businesses fail by Year 10, so very few gym owners get to see what works across two decades of ownership.But Bill and Staci Russell have endured to achieve something rare: Their gym, CrossFit Cleveland, has been their sole source of income for nearly 20 years.In this episode, Bill shares hard-earned lessons learned from surviving multiple economic cycles, overcoming staff challenges, adjusting to market shifts and making personal pivots in the fitness industry.Bill and Two-Brain founder Chris Cooper—another two-decade gym owner—review practical lessons younger gym owners often miss, including:- Demand must be present before you commit to a facility.- Your first target market is often wrong.- Staffing mistakes compound over time.- Culture problems can be prevented before they appear.- Surviving is not succeeding.- Smart, ethical exits and transitions are possible.Whether you're early in ownership or deep into it, insight from these two long-serving entrepreneurs can help you make better decisions that will set you up for years of profitability, success and happiness.LinksGym Owners UnitedBook a Call5:55 - Proof of concept12:41 - Knowing your target market22:24 - Hire slow, fire fast37:55 - New gym owner mistakes43:25 - The secret to 20 years
Jason Ackerman sat down with Carleen, an affiliate owner of 11+ years who's still struggling to build and retain a coaching team—despite high standards and a strong community. We break down the real tradeoffs between coaching quality, sustainability, and family life, and what Carleen is actively changing to make her gym work long term.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Glynda McConville, an orthodontist from North Carolina who's built not just a well-balanced clinical life, but also a purposeful second business. We talk about her journey from New York to North Carolina, building a lifestyle-focused ortho practice across two locations, and how her love for CrossFit turned into a thriving side hustle that fuels her energy and sense of purpose.This is a down-to-earth, real-world conversation about how to design a practice around the life you want—and not the other way around. Glynda shares how she manages 70+ patients a day across three days a week, runs a team that travels between offices, and coaches at her own gym. We even get into the lessons she's learning about community, growth, and maybe… opening a pickleball facility next.Quotes:“I didn't set out to be a big business—I just saw an opportunity and said, ‘If I don't do this, someone else will.'”— Dr. Glynda McConville“CrossFit's been my reset. I needed something different that kept me grounded—and now it's become part of my future.”— Dr. Glynda McConvilleKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)From Glinda the Good Witch to ortho school: Glynda's early journey (00:31)Culture shock: from Westchester to Chapel Hill to NYC (02:00)Building a 2-location, lifestyle-friendly ortho practice (06:58)Managing a 3-day workweek and 70 patients/day (07:22)Working Fridays to stand out—and what she'd do differently (08:34)“Who Moved My Cheese?” and the psychology of patient routines (10:00)Why she opened a satellite near Fort Bragg (11:38)Sharing staff, equipment, and lessons from managing two offices (14:08)Her entrepreneurial leap: opening a CrossFit gym (15:38)Comparing ortho and gym startups: which is harder? (19:54)Finding and keeping the right team in both businesses (22:09)Member acquisition lessons from social media and referrals (24:04)What's next? Retirement planning, indoor pickleball, and life design (25:17)Additional ResourcesIf you've ever dreamed of launching a second business, scaling your practice without burning out, or building a schedule that works for you—this episode is your blueprint. Glynda proves you don't need to do it all at once… you just need to start smart, stay lean, and know your “why.”
Jason Ackerman and Jason Fernandez break down why referrals consistently outperform ads for CrossFit gyms—using real numbers, not opinions. They walk through the math behind cost to acquire a member, lifetime value, and why a properly structured referral offer drives faster growth, higher retention, and more profit.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Raising rates in a CrossFit gym is rarely just a financial decision—especially with multiple owners involved. In this episode, Jason Ackerman works with Tommy Wilkinson of CrossFit Type 44 to walk through a real conversation about raising rates while navigating partnerships, leadership, and long-term sustainability.---FREE 3-minute Affiliate Assessment:
Taylor Self and Jason Ackerman go head-to-head on the issues every CrossFit coach and affiliate owner wrestles with overtraining, identity, and the culture you allow inside your gym. This conversation digs into the hard truths behind why coaches burn out, why athletes chase volume, and what it really takes to build a healthy, professional CrossFit community.--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Ready to sell your CrossFit gym? In this episode, Ackerman, Fern and PushPress CEO Dan Uyemura break down how to value your affiliate, prepare for the sale, and avoid leaving money on the table when it's time to exit.---Watch "How to Buy A CrossFit Gym"https://youtu.be/nrWn0OiYtgw--Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact?Apply for Affiliate University
Thinking about buying a CrossFit gym?
Jason Ackerman and Caleb Nelson reunite to unpack the hard lessons they learned from running Albany CrossFit together—and why their partnership ultimately failed. If you own a CrossFit affiliate, you'll discover the leadership mistakes, partnership pitfalls, and clarity issues to avoid so your gym doesn't repeat the same story.---Ready to grow your box, increase profit, and make an impact? Apply for Affiliate University
After 16+ years of affiliate ownership and a lifetime of lessons, Fern has learned firsthand why running a business is never easy. In this episode, he shares the hard realities of gym ownership and what it truly takes to succeed.--
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
Peter Rahal is the Co‑Founder & CEO of David Protein, the highest protein‑to‑calorie ratio for any protein bar on the market. Peter has raised over $85M from Greenoaks, Dr. Peter Attia and Dr. Andrew Huberman with the latest round valuing the company at $725 million. The company is poised for over $100 million in first‑year revenue. Formerly, Peter co‑founded RXBAR in his mom's basement with a $10k start, growing it into a household brand and selling it to Kellogg for $600 million. poised for over $100 million first‑year revenue Agenda for Today: 00:04 – The One Piece of Advice from My Father That Made $600M 00:07 – Selling Protein Bars from a CrossFit Gym to $2M in Year One 00:12 – Why Raising Money Early Would Have Killed RXBAR's Success 00:15 – Product vs Brand: What Every Brand Gets Wrong Today 00:17 – Why Red Bull is the Best Brand in the World? What Can We Learn From It? 00:20 – Are Brands the New Religion? How Status and Community Really Work 00:27 – The Boiled Cod Stunt: Brilliant Marketing or Massive Waste of Time? 00:35 – Selling RXBAR for $600M: Inside the Decision and the TAM Ceiling 00:40 – $100M Overnight: What Really Changes When You Get Rich 00:44 – The Hidden Costs of Success: Health, Relationships and Obsession 00:47 – Why Peter Doesn't Care What People Think… and Actually Likes Upsetting Them 00:53 – The $10B Plan for David: From Protein Bars to a Portfolio of Brands
There's a lot of "genetic diversity" in the wide world of CrossFit and affiliates come in many flavors - some good, some not so good. So how do you know if you're at one of the truly great ones?Join us as we hash out the elements that separate the mediocre from the exceptional - hospitality, community, coaching, cleanliness, programming, and more. We explain how to identify a top CrossFit gym, the significance of higher credentials, and the role of an actual CrossFit affiliation. Whether you're a seasoned CrossFitter or new to the community, this episode offers valuable insights into what to look for in a CrossFit gym to ensure you're getting the best experience.Tune in to learn how CARE and attention to detail make all the difference in a quality CrossFit affiliate.01:55 Hospitality07:12 Cleanliness and Maintenance13:50 The Value of Being a Licensed CrossFit Affiliate16:53 The Importance of Education and Credentials21:23 Programming33:16 Thoughtful Warmups33:44 a Physical Whiteboard in CrossFit36:37 Controversial Topic: Open Gym44:28 Searching for a good CrossFit affiliate50:56 Why some gyms are more expensive
Best D Life with Daniela- Helping You Find the Bliss in Your Busy
In this episode I chat with health coach Brian Parana. Bryan shares practical strategies for balancing health, mindset, and family, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions over perfection. He discusses overcoming common obstacles like the all-or-nothing mindset, building momentum, and planning for life's unpredictability. Bryan also highlights the importance of gratitude, connection, and sustainable routines. He introduces his program, The Call to Rise, designed to help men reclaim their health and confidence. The episode offers actionable tips and inspiration for creating lasting wellness amidst a busy life.More than a health coach, Brian Parana is a transformative catalyst who comprehends the intricate balance between professional achievement, personal well-being, and family responsibility. With 20+ years of experience, Brian focuses NOT on a diet or just exercise but on empowering and building confidence for his clients. By blending science-supported strategies, relentless support, then a personalized plan is designed for each client to regain control of their health while building a career and support a family. He helps clients prioritizing health, whether that be weight loss, improving poor health or simply a desire to live a healthier lifestyle, He helps clients identify other areas which may be obstacles towards a healthy, balanced life. Once identified, Brian and his clients work towards that desired balance. Over the years, Brian has helped 1,000s of clients through being a personal trainer, CrossFit Gym owner, online speaker, and now coaching professionals around the globe with their fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle goals through commitment and dedication. He has had the privilege of coaching a 2-time Olympian and a CrossFit World Champion. Now he helps men transform their bodies and lives with The Call To Rise a 100-Day Fat Loss and Transformation Experience. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Amber. Together they have 4 children ranging from ages 10 to 15. With 3 boys and 1 girl, Brian lives what he teaches every day. The Paranas have a passion for travel, having explored all 50 states and 3 continents so far. Their next goal is to visit ALL 7 continents.Connect with Brian!Website - https://brianparana.com/Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
What should your CrossFit gym really be offering? In this live 1-on-1 sit down, we help Bob—an actual Affiliate Owner—break down whether programs like nutrition coaching, personal training, and childcare are worth keeping or cutting.If you're struggling with too many services, unclear ROI, or just trying to simplify your gym, this conversation will give you a framework to make smart decisions.
CrossFit gyms are known for intensity—but what if the real challenge is the business model?Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple—the go-to podcast for simplifying your marketing, attracting more clients, and growing a stronger, more profitable gym. Each week, we break down the key moves you need to level up without burning out.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, we're joined by Tommy Allen, co-owner of District H Strength and Fitness in Houston, to talk about what's broken in the traditional CrossFit business model—and what gym owners can do to fix it. We're talking premium pricing, shifting to smaller group formats, including nutrition coaching, and building a gym that's actually sellable. Whether you're just getting started or aiming to scale past $30K in monthly revenue, this conversation will help you focus on what truly moves the needle.Key InsightsWhy traditional CrossFit gyms are losing ground in today's market.The shift toward smaller group settings and higher-ticket offerings.How to evaluate mentorship advice based on your revenue stage.The tipping point for when paid marketing actually makes sense.Why the investor mindset matters—and how to build a gym that can be sold.The hidden cost of blanket advice and how to make smarter growth decisionsEpisode Chapters00:00 Intro00:01 CrossFit's Business Model and Coaching Value01:18 Challenges and Opportunities in Paid Marketing04:56 Blanket Advice vs. Tailored Strategies07:49 Scaling and Paid Marketing 13:14 Competition and Market Realities 23:32 Investor Mindset and Business ValueCall to ActionIf this conversation helped reframe how you think about growth, marketing, or pricing—share it with another gym owner who needs to hear it. Let's build stronger businesses together.Thanks for tuning in to Gym Marketing Made Simple. We appreciate every listen, share, and message. More clarity and real talk coming your way next week—stay sharp and stay focused.
In part 3 of our leadership series with Sasha Mirkovich, we break down the 5 Levels of Leadership every CrossFit Affiliate Owner needs to understand to build a strong, aligned team. If you want to scale your impact and create a gym culture that lasts, it starts with developing leaders—not just Coaches.---
In part one of this 5-part leadership series, Sasha and Laura Mirovich share what it's really like to run a business with your spouse—and how they've stayed aligned for over 30 years. From building trust to scheduling “coffee time,” this episode is packed with tactical insights for CrossFit gym owners navigating partnership, parenting, and leadership.--
Special guests join us to recap the TFX Invitational Team competition.
In episode 101 of the Blues City CrossFit Show, we dive into team CrossFit competitions, including detailed discussions on the TFX Invitational. We cover the BCCF team performances, strategies, and challenges faced during the semifinals. Additionally, the episode critiques the CrossFit Games' handling of team competitions, focusing on judging standards and organizational issues. The hosts also celebrate the achievements of standout athletes like Colten Mertens. Join us for in-depth insights into the world of competitive CrossFit.
Jason Fernandez does a live coaching session with a CrossFit Gym Owner. Watch and learn as he solves the biggest pain point with an affiliate owner in real time. ---
Struggling to turn leads into loyal members? What worked for this Florida gym could work for you too.Welcome to Gym Marketing Made Simple—the go-to podcast for boutique gym owners who want to simplify their marketing, attract the right clients, and make more money.Episode HighlightsIn this episode, Dario Aviles, owner of North Naples CrossFit, shares how he achieved a 27% year-over-year growth and increased retention by 20%, all while streamlining operations through expert marketing and sales mentorship. He breaks down the systems, mindset, and mentorship investments that helped his gym thrive without chasing quick wins.Key Insights60 new signups in 3 months with a $200 average revenue per memberThe gym invested ~$3,400/month and saw a 10x ROI from expert mentorshipWhy a solid sales process is more important than high ad spendLong-term growth comes from consistency, not constant reinventionThe role of expert support in freeing up time to focus on delivering a premium productEpisode Chapters00:00 Intro01:31 Lessons in Affiliate Ownership08:29 Success Metrics and Sales Process08:46 The Role of Experts and Long-Term Growth12:16 Pinnacle Group and Future Plans19:33 Final Thoughts and AdviceCall to ActionIf you found this episode helpful, share it with another gym owner who needs to hear this. Follow the show so you don't miss what's working for other thriving gym owners.Supporting InformationDario's FacebookNorth Naples CrossFitClosingThanks for tuning in to Gym Marketing Made Simple. See you next episode—and remember, the right systems and support can take your gym further than doing it all alone.
In our 100th episode celebration, we reflect on our podcasting journey and delve into the dynamic world of CrossFit. Highlights include:Reminisce about the early days of recording with just a phone and laugh at our first attempts at podcasting.Insights into the CrossFit Open and standout performances by athletes.Special focus on Colten Mertens' remarkable achievements, including finishing first overall in the Open and securing his spot for the CrossFit Games at the Mayhem Classic.Discussion on the intricacies of TFX qualifications and team dynamics.The excitement and impact of the Mayhem Classic on regional events.The significance of fostering community within the CrossFit ecosystem.Personal updates, including a fundraising event for our TFX-bound teams and an exciting family announcement from hosts Matt and Taylor.Join us as we honor our past episodes and look forward to new adventures in CrossFit and podcasting. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Ryan Pepe, Owner of CrossFit Catawba Valley, shares how his 20-year career in NASCAR shaped his approach to gym ownership. From high-pressure pit crew operations to implementing systems that drive efficiency and growth, Ryan discusses key lessons that helped him transform his Affiliate. He also opens up about raising rates in a small town, improving the class experience, and why investing in mentorship was a game-changer for his business.--
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can the CrossFit Open serve as a tool for assessing overall fitness in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial for non-competitive athletes? 2. What are effective benchmarks and alternative methods for measuring fitness that prioritize long-term health and performance? 3. How do we balance the pursuit of fitness goals with the need to listen to our bodies and modify workouts to prevent injury and promote longevity?
After discussing recent events, the gang recaps Blues City's performances at Wodapalooza. We go over all the experiences on and off the competition floor down in South Beach.
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can gym owners navigate the complexities of brand affiliation to ensure alignment with their values and community needs?2. What role does leadership play in fostering a supportive and transparent environment within fitness communities, especially during times of crisis? 3. In what ways can individuals maintain their passion for fitness and community while adapting to changes within the broader fitness landscape?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. How can we effectively communicate our health and lifestyle choices to family members who may not understand or agree with our decisions? 2. What is the difference between passion, compliance, and obsession in our pursuit of health and wellness, and how can we maintain a balanced approach? 3. How can we navigate social situations and family dynamics while staying true to our values and prioritizing our health and happiness?
We talk about Wodapalooza, the new Games Season format, the annual awards at the gym, and the wonderful news Matt & Taylor have announced!
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: How does the quality of our relationships impact our overall health and well-being?What practical steps can we take to surround ourselves with a supportive and uplifting community?How can our environment influence our health, fitness, and personal growth behaviors?
The 3 Big Questions We're Answering: 1. What role does ego play in limiting our growth and happiness? 2. How do expectations alter our perception of reality and impact our happiness? 3. Why is the pursuit of end games a trap, and how can we embrace the journey instead?
We're answering questions from members of our Chase Club this week.We're exploring the nuances of incorporating children into gym culture and the role of various deadlift techniques in enhancing performance. We're also talking about fostering a supportive community in your CrossFit gym and how to redefine your purpose and identity after becoming a parent.===❤️
In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with veteran coach Stephane Rochet to discuss his journey from collegiate strength coaching to becoming a key figure in CrossFit's growth. Stephane shares insights on building trust with athletes, learning from legends like Coach Bergener, and why CrossFit remains the gold standard for fitness. This episode is a must-listen for coaches and athletes looking to master the fundamentals and create lasting impact. -- With over 600 videos (and new ones daily) plus guided mentorship from L4 coaches, we're here to help you grow. Are you ready to be more awesome? Click HERE to get started. -- DOWNLOAD THE FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION -- 0:00 - Introduction 3:52 - Stephane's Coaching Journey Begins 4:51 - First Coaching Role at UCLA 7:16 - Firehose of Learning as a New Coach 8:11 - Teaching Athletes: Fake It Till You Make It 9:27 - Discovering Coach Bergener and Olympic Lifting 14:08 - Keeping Coaching Simple Yet Effective 19:45 - First Exposure to CrossFit 22:46 - From Coaching to Police Work 24:11 - Bringing CrossFit to Police Training 25:07 - Head Strength Coach at USD 27:42 - Implementing CrossFit Principles for Athletes 35:23 - Building Trust and Culture with Athletes 38:19 - The Role of Trust in Affiliate Coaching 41:12 - Changes in CrossFit From Then to Now 48:40 - Mastering the Basics as a Coach 53:34 - Stefan's Hopes for CrossFit's Future 56:46 - CrossFit Gyms as Beacons of Health and Community --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/besthouroftheirday/support
In this episode, our co-host shares a remarkable journey from a college dropout and repeated arrests to becoming a successful gym owner. Through a candid and inspiring conversation, we explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the tough decisions that come with staying true to your vision. Key Takeaways: The Early Struggles: Our guest reflects on his difficult early twenties, filled with frustration, lack of direction, and multiple arrests, until discovering CrossFit, which became a turning point in his life. Building the Business: Starting from coaching part-time, the guest takes us through his path to becoming a gym owner—an unexpected offer to buy a struggling gym and the challenges of managing it while working a full-time job. Turning Point: A tragic loss prompts the guest to reevaluate his priorities, pushing him to pursue full-time gym ownership. He shares how focusing 100% on the business led to significant growth but also created internal conflicts about the gym's direction. Lessons in Leadership: From paying coaches and managing partnerships to dealing with resentment and fallout, this episode dives into the complexities of business ownership. You'll hear about hard-earned lessons in leadership and the importance of aligning your values with your business. Facing Change and Rebranding: Our guest opens up about his shift away from the CrossFit brand, moving toward a more personalized fitness model, and the struggles of implementing change when clients resist. His story offers a real-world example of how difficult but necessary it can be to stay true to your mission, even if it means losing customers. Surviving COVID-19: Hear how the gym not only survived but thrived during the pandemic, using creative solutions like outdoor classes and Zoom sessions to keep clients engaged. Navigating Personal and Professional Transitions: After years of running multiple gym facilities, the guest talks about his decision to relocate and pass the torch to his business partner, signaling a new chapter in his personal and professional life. 00:00 - Introduction & Fluffing as a Profession 01:00 - From Athlete to Dropout 03:00 - Discovering CrossFit 05:00 - Becoming a Gym Owner 08:00 - Balancing Two Jobs 10:30 - Loss and Dark Night of the Soul 12:00 - Going Full-Time with the Gym 14:30 - Hiring Coaches & Growing 17:00 - Opening a Second Gym 19:00 - COVID-19 & Business Resilience 22:00 - Shifting Values & Leaving CrossFit 25:00 - Closing the Gym & Moving Forward
In this episode of the "Best Hour of Their Day" podcast, Jason Ackerman and Jason Fernandez talk with Ryan Wheeler, the very first client to enroll in Affiliate University. Ryan shares the incredible success he's seen since joining, from growing his gym membership to managing large classes and launching a successful scholarship program. He also discusses his future plans, including building a custom gym facility. -- FREE TOOLS and resources for CrossFit Affiliate Owners and Coaches. https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/affiliate-tools -- Unlock the Power of Your Fitness Business with PushPress https://www.pushpress.com/ -- 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - The First Affiliate University Client: Ryan Wheeler 1:58 - Ryan's Affiliate Growth and Initial Challenges 4:59 - Importance of Consistency and Showing Up 6:00 - Lessons on Time Management for Gym Owners 10:16 - The Scholarship Program Success Story 15:30 - Community Engagement Outside the Gym 17:20 - Membership Growth and Retention Rates 20:00 - Handling Large Class Sizes and Group Management 22:15 - Improving Systems and Using Data for Daily Operations 24:00 - The Power of Accountability and Delegation 29:00 - Streamlining Processes for Efficiency 33:00 - The Key to Success: Faster Action Steps 34:00 - Ryan's New Building Project: Plans and Goals 41:00 - Attendance Metrics: Tracking Weekly Data 44:00 - Balancing Growth and Maintaining Class Quality 48:00 - Ryan's Vision for the Future of His Affiliate --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/besthouroftheirday/support