If you want top-notch employees, you need to compensate accordingly.   But should you pay via salary or commission??

Marty Flanagan, Brand President of Iron 24, discusses their staff-less gym model, highlighting its attractive profit margins by minimizing payroll costs. They explore the distinctions between high-end health clubs and budget-friendly gyms, and the rise of boutique fitness. They also discuss their zero staff gym model, fitness and recovery options, franchise pricing, and marketing strategies. Financial aspects of opening a gym and the potential role of technology in the industry are also covered.

I'm not sure why, but it seems anytime I bring up an idea or thought that goes just a tad bit deeper into the business side than "Retention" or "Deliver A Great Coaching Experience", some individuals get a bit upset and IMO, they need to cool their tits.  RPSF is important.  Here's why...

Here's the audio to a recent staff meeting I was asked to participate in with District H, a microgym located in Houston, Texas.  The owner has done an amazing job creating a profitable business and great careers for these coaches, but he's playing the long game and asked me to provide insight as to how they can continue to evolve their value proposition within the fitness industry by becoming an SME in a particular field.

Need to make some significant money quickly?  Want to ensure that your "flight risk" clients don't cancel on you in a few months?  I got you covered with this play. 

So you may have noticed my pre-roll ads asking for podcast reviews on Apple or Spotify.  Simply send me a screenshot of your review on Instagram @wtfgymtalk and you'll get a chance to be entered in for a free 10 minute call - where you can ask me anything.

Brian Henesey is a former NFL football player who was constantly plagued with lower back injuries during his football career.  So he created the SquatMax-MD, a perfect belt squat system that has a completely vertical line of resistance - allowing anyone who is looking to reduce sheer on the spine to squat heavy and often.   But he wasn't done yet.  Brian then wanted to solve for diagonal planes and more complex horizontal movements, so he created a set of straps that attach to any squat rack called The Henny. I proudly own both of Brian's products and would highly encourage anyone who is looking to incorporate new training modalities into their workouts to look into them.  https://www.squatmax-md.com/ https://www.thehenny.com/

My dude Brad Weems, owner of Thunder Valley CrossFit in Johnson City, TN came through to have a few cocktails and talk shop.  Brad has done very well for himself as a microgym owner.  He purchased a building back in 2020, installed a new low barrier offer service within his existing operation, and has removed himself from the business outside of a few choice personal training clients he still loves to train.  Additionally, he's done what I hope so many of you get the balls to do - he got comfortable with making content.  He utilized a full-service podcast studio company and committed to interviewing local entrepreneurs (and non-local) and has created over 70 episodes on his various channels.  We discuss how forcing himself to make content has been beneficial to other aspects of his business.

Derek Geiges, owner of Solid Rock Personal Training, discusses exploring the option of licensing his brand. Topics include choosing between franchising and licensing, operational roles and equipment in a gym licensing model, revenue projections and compensation, long-term goals, fees and licensing models in the gym industry, imitating brands and future-proofing in the fitness industry, and exploring licensing models and real estate opportunities for gyms.

An episode dedicated to my favorite, free, online tool for creating Org Charts and why you need two types of Org Charts in your business.