Best Hour of Their Day | Podcast

Kelli Wunsch, co-owner of Aliso CrossFit, talks about the challenges and successes of transitioning from member to gym owner. Kelli shares insights on restructuring membership options, implementing new policies, and balancing community with professionalism. Through open communication, asking for help, and staying committed to providing value, Kelli transformed the gym into a thriving affiliate. -- 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 - Introduction 1:06 - Kelli Wunsch Bought Aliso CrossFit 4:07 - Implementing Rules and Systems 7:49 - Raising Membership Rates 12:18 - Open Gym Policy 16:07 - Value Before Revenue 23:41 - Asking for Help 32:24 - Lessons Learned

Kapua and Bryson from CrossFit Huaka'i talk about the challenges of running a gym with multiple partners. They share how they successfully went from five owners to three by focusing on trust, clear communication, and mentorship. If you’re managing a business partnership or even considering partners, this episode offers practical tips to avoid common pitfalls and build lasting success. -- 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 - Introduction 1:08 - Challenges and Successes in Gym Partnerships 6:33 - Building a Strong Coaching Culture 10:44 - Coach Development 14:17 - Leveraging Events and Member Engagement 27:22 - Business Growth & Four-Week Billing 39:06 - Expanding Programs and Future Plans

In this episode of Behind The Knowledge, Pat Barber, Todd Occhiuto, and Ryan Wheeler recap the first-ever in-person The Knowledge Pro event, where Coaches from around the world gathered for hands-on learning, evaluations, and community building at Classified Fitness in Yuba City, CA. They discuss the benefits of real-time feedback, the challenges of coaching large classes, and the importance of fostering a culture where athletes and coaches thrive. Look out for future events across the U.S. and we invite coaches to join The Knowledge Pro for continued growth and development! -- LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation

Brian and Gabby Boucher, owners of Mid-State CrossFit, explain how they built a strong, authentic culture that drives member retention. They share practical strategies for fostering community, balancing structure with flexibility, and creating an environment where members feel at home. Whether you're an Affiliate Owner or Coach, this episode offers valuable insights into using culture as a competitive advantage. -- 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 – Introduction 0:41 – Meet the Bouchers 1:13 – Leaving Careers to Build Mid-State CrossFit 3:04 – Managing Multiple Roles as a Gym Owner 4:19 – Navigating Business vs. First Responder Life 6:17 – Building a Community-Focused Gym Culture 8:03 – Defining Mission and Vision at Mid-State CrossFit 9:15 – Challenges and Rebuilding During COVID-19 12:01 – Allowing Members to Shape Gym Traditions 14:08 – Managing Athlete Expectations and Culture 17:02 – The Role of Flexibility in Gym Management 19:07 – Rules vs. Guidelines in Gym Operations 20:47 – Kids at the Gym: No Childcare, No Problem 22:36 – Maintaining Gym Culture Through Guidelines 25:23 – Incorporating Technology to Run a Better Gym 26:09 – The Fear and Reward of Quitting Jobs for Gym Ownership 30:05 – Advice for Affiliate Owners on Authenticity

Josh Melendez shares how he grew CrossFit Be Someone by staying true to the core CrossFit methodology. By focusing on effective programming, consistent coaching, and simple business practices, Josh avoided distractions and built a thriving gym. His story demonstrates how following the methodology not only drives results but also creates a sustainable foundation for long-term success. -- 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 Introduction 0:44 Meet Josh Melendez and CrossFit Be Someone 2:28 The 4-Year Journey to Join Seminar Staff 5:23 Transition to Unlimited Memberships 7:18 Communicating Changes Effectively 10:23 Why Josh Closed Open Gym at His Affiliate 12:32 Aligning Gym Practices with CrossFit Methodology 14:21 Burnout, Reinvention, and Solutions 17:10 Raising Coaching Standards with Mentorship 20:00 Prioritizing Member and Coach Wellbeing with Holiday Closures 22:00 The Long-Term Impact of CrossFit Beyond Workouts 27:45 Lessons for Affiliate Owners on Sticking to What Works 30:12 Future Goals for Coaching and Gym Operations 33:20 Reflecting on Results-Driven Coaching

Sam Dancer shares his journey of using fitness and spiritual growth to heal from the trauma of bullying and life’s challenges. Through coaching adaptive athletes and building inclusive programs, he highlights how resilience, community, and personal growth emerge from embracing both body and spirit. -- LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation -- Learn more about Sam's non-profit - https://dancerlove.org/ -- 0:00 - Introduction 1:17 - Welcoming Guests 2:04 - Sam’s Early Life and High School Struggles 6:32 - Bullying Experiences 9:20 - Discovering Fitness and Mentorship 12:04 - College Training and Coaching Beginnings 15:07 - Founding a Non-Profit and Inclusive Gym 19:59 - Training Adaptive Athletes 24:01 - Shifting Focus to Community Fitness 27:06 - Meeting His Wife and Personal Growth 36:04 - Marriage, Challenges, and Overcoming Struggles 47:01 - Spiritual Experiences and Visions 52:16 - Becoming a Father 56:00 - Reflections on Coaching and Life Lessons 57:55 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Kevin and Jen from T1 CrossFit share how they nearly doubled their membership by focusing on community, switching to free onboarding, and managing leads effectively. They discuss the challenges of balancing full-time jobs with gym ownership and the impact of being present in the gym. Their story highlights the power of small shifts and calculated risks in building a thriving CrossFit affiliate. -- 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/ -- 00:00 – Intro 02:02 – Meet Kevin & Jen from CrossFit T1 04:00 – Transitioning into Gym Ownership: The Challenges 09:57 – The Importance of Being Present in Your Gym 12:17 – Kevin’s Big Decision: Leaving His Job for the Gym 15:38 – Lead Management & Immediate Follow-Up Success 18:10 – The Shift from Paid to Free Onboarding 21:00 – How Ambassadors Shape the T1 CrossFit Culture 24:12 – Coaches as Athletes: Building a Strong Coaching Unit 28:35 – The Compounding Effect of Working on the Right Things 34:01 – The Emotional Journey: Balancing Risk and Reward 37:00 – The Key to Growth: Focusing on Impact and Retention

Taylor and Nick from Redemption Road Fitness discuss how CrossFit helped transform their lives after prison. They share inspiring stories of overcoming adversity, building community, and breaking the cycle of recidivism through fitness and coaching. -- 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 Introduction and Victim Mentality Discussion 0:35 Meeting Taylor and Nick from Redemption Road Fitness 1:09 Impact of CrossFit in Prison: No One Goes Back 1:28 Taylor’s Prison Journey and Release 3:03 Clemency and Life After Prison 5:00 CrossFit's Impact on Community and Reducing Recidivism 10:02 Breaking Segregation Through CrossFit 16:01 Challenges in Prison Life and Redemption 19:39 Building Community and Accountability Through CrossFit 26:00 The Power of Mentorship and Leadership in Prison 30:12 Overcoming Challenges in Prison 38:04 The Importance of Hope and Perspective in Prison 58:03 First Meals After Prison 1:00:00 Taylor’s Journey to CrossFit Coaching 1:08:00 Redemption and Life Beyond Prison

In this episode of Behind the Knowledge, hosts Pat Barber and Todd Occhiuto sit down with Brad Marshall, owner of Greater Culture CrossFit, to discuss his journey from athlete to coach and gym owner. Brad shares how the core values of his gym—growth, challenge, optimism, and inspiration—shape his coaching philosophy and foster a positive community. This conversation offers valuable insights for coaches looking to create meaningful impact in their gyms and beyond. -- LEVEL UP YOUR COACHING INSIDE THE KNOWLEDGE PRO ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/theknowledge ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-- FREE WORLD-CLASS COACH EVALUATION https://www.besthouroftheirday.com/world-class-coach-evaluation -- 0:00 - Introduction 0:47 - Brad Marshall from Grater Culture CrossFit 1:05 - Brad’s Origin Story in Coaching 2:22 - Discovering CrossFit 3:07 - Starting Greater Culture CrossFit 5:12 - Helping Athletes Implement Change 7:17 - The Meaning Behind Greater Culture 9:06 - Coaching the Coaches 12:20 - Embracing Challenges 17:10 - The Role of Optimism in Coaching 19:02 - Inspiration in Coaching

UFC fighter and Olympian Ben Askren shares his approach to fitness, mindset, and balancing life after wrestling, while relating his experiences to the CrossFit community. He discusses the importance of training smarter with age, focusing on technique and intensity, and maintaining long-term fitness success. -- Check Ben's book "Funky: My Defiant Path Through the Wild World of Combat Sports" on Amazon. https://a.co/d/h6UdUhG -- 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/