Run a Profitable Gym

 Episode 177: Handling Difficult Conversations With Per MattssonIn this episode, Greg Strauch speaks with leader, entrepreneur and Two-Brain Business mentor Per Mattsson. When it comes to leadership and entrepreneurship, Per has done it all. He spent more than a decade working in the education system—starting as a high-school teacher before advancing to vice principal and then principal—and has also served as a leadership consultant helping educators, administrators and politicians develop and improve their leadership and communication skills.In 2009, Per opened one of Sweden’s first CrossFit affiliates and 2015, he launched the food-delivery service PaleoBoxen. He’s the founder of the Coaches Congress—Europe’s largest annual gathering for gym owners and coaches—and he’s also a valued Two-Brain Business mentor. Join us to learn how Per navigates tough conversations and manages conflict.Links: https://twobrainbusiness.com/how-to-handle-tough-conversations/https://twobrainbusiness.com/mentor-item/per-mattsson/https://www.coachescongress.com/Contact: Per@twobrainbusiness.comTimeline:0:49 – Per’s background in education and administration. 2:35 – Dealing with difficult parents as an educator. 6:49 – How Per’s experience as a foster parent prepared him to handle problems as an entrepreneur. 8:44 – The inspiration behind a career of service and entrepreneurship.11:14 – Tough conversation tactic No. 1: Listen and gather information.14:42 – Tough conversation tactic No. 2: Ask questions. 18:00 – When tough conversations get emotional. 19:30 – Tough conversation tactic No. 3: Agree on a solution and make a plan for next time.

Two-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 10: Scott ThorntonOn today’s episode, Sean speaks with former NHL player and current CrossFit coach Scott Thornton.Scott spent 18 years in the NHL after being drafted third overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1989 Entry Draft. He played nearly 1,000 regular-season games during his career, spending time with the Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings.Scott talks about his career in the NHL, how his lifelong love of fitness led him to CrossFit and how he completed an Ironman without having run for more than 90 minutes prior to the race. You'll also hear about some of his favorite coaching moments from the NHL as well why he's passionate about helping everyday people get fit.Links:https://indestri.com/coaches/scott-thornton/ Contact:Instagram: @thorty27Timeline:2:56 – The pressures and expectations of being a high draft pick.7:05 – Highlights of Scott’s 18-year NHL career.8:15 – Playing alongside his younger cousin, Joe Thornton.9:57 – How Scott trained while in the NHL.12:10 – Why he decided to do an Ironman. 13:52 – Using CrossFit for Ironman training. 16:35 – Finding a new passion after hockey: Movement.18:42 – Attending the CrossFit Level 1 Seminar and starting a gym in his garage.21:40 – The garage gym: going from “hobby job” to business.23:17 – Spreading the word with “old-school” marketing.25:04 – The key to the gym’s longevity: Community.27:06 – How Scott’s NHL experience helped him become a great coach by teaching him communication. 30:08 – The most rewarding aspects of coaching CrossFit.32:05 – What Scott’s training looks like now as a master.36:37 – Always learning: Scott’s goals for the future. 

Episode 176: Mike FlynnToday we are joined by Mike Flynn: entrepreneur, author, podcast host and all-around good human being.Mike and Chris met through their mutual publisher, Scribe, and soon discovered they shared a connection: Mike's CrossFit coach, Greg Amundson—aka one of CrossFit's "original firebreathers"—was the very first Two-Brain Radio guest. He also worked with Chris in Kenya for CrossFit For Hope.In this podcast, Mike shares the fundamental principles of his book, "Master the Key: A Story to Free Your Potential, Find Meaning and Live Life on Purpose," and how they can help entrepreneurs find self-worth and pursue their passion through the six caves: Faith, family, fitness, friends, finances and fun.You'll learn why finding your "why" isn't enough to achieve lasting success, the true meaning of passion, how to break down your own narrative and reframe it for success, and how CrossFit—and your CrossFit gym—can help others do the same. Affiliate owners: Interested in learning how implementing a nutrition program at your gym could take your business to the next level? Attending the CrossFit Games? Join Chris and Nicole Aucoin, founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition, for a FREE breakfast and mini-workshop Saturday, August 3, at the Madison Sheraton in Madison, Wisconsin. Space is limited, so sign up here today: https://growyournutritionbusiness.com/2019-crossfit-games-workshop/Links:https://www.amazon.com/Master-Key-Potential-Meaning-Purpose/dp/1544502079https://theimpactentrepreneur.net/https://crossfitamundson.com/Contact: https://theimpactentrepreneur.net/contact/Instagram: @theimpactmikeTimeline: 2:47 – The four pieces of the key to success. 5:18 – Understanding passion.8:23 – Breaking down our own narrative and reflecting on adversity.11:48 – Actively exploring the deep, dark caves to find the treasure within.16:18 – "Worth before why."20:00 – Why entrepreneurs need community. 24:36 – Having uncomfortable conversations.28:49 – Mike’s journey to CrossFit.36:28 – CrossFit as a tool for the mind, not just the body.39:19 – How to find other like-minded entrepreneurs.43:02 – A glimpse of a class at CrossFit Amundson: more than a workout.

Two-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 9: Alexis JohnsonOn today’s episode, Sean speaks with two-time CrossFit Games athlete Alexis Johnson.After competing as an individual at the 2016 and 2017 CrossFit Games, Alexis will return to Madison this year as a member of the Misfit team alongside Jen Smith, Travis Williams and Roy Gamboa. She also recently earned a Ph.D. in algebraic geometry from Rice University.She talks about battling an eating disorder before she found CrossFit, her journey to becoming a CrossFit Games athlete, why she finds math so intriguing and her goals for the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games.Contact:Instagram: @alexis_mathleteTimeline:1:12 – Finding CrossFit after severe calorie restriction.5:10 – Dealing with an eating disorder as an early 20-something.7:33 – How to support someone battling an eating disorder.8:41 – Becoming a CrossFit competitor.11:02 – Regionals 2015: “Hope but not confidence.”13:02 – Lessons learned at the 2016 Reebok CrossFit Games.15:42 – On team competition.19:48 – Why math? 23:18 – Pursuing a career in algebraic geometry.24:28 – Teaching kids applicable mathematics.27:47 – Love at first lick: Math plus ice cream.28:41 – What comes after Ph.D.? 29:48 – Travis Williams: Secret math genius.31:14 – Goals for the 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games.

Two-Brain Marketing Episode 18: Ryan O'ShaughnessyToday we are joined by Ryan O'Shaughnessy, the former operator at Bowery CrossFit in New York City, one of the most competitive fitness markets in the world.In his nearly two years at Bowery CrossFit, Ryan honed and systematized the gym's lead nurture and sales strategies. Last year, he spent $10,000 on ads that resulted in a whopping 2,000 leads—and thanks to his systematic approach to lead nurturing, $70,000 in front-end sales.In this interview, Ryan explains his process from the first point of contact to No-Sweat Intro confirmation. He also discusses when and how to accept client feedback, how to cultivate community and how to deal with toxic members.If you find sales and lead nurturing overwhelming or intimidating, you won't want to miss this episode.Links: https://foreverfierce.com/Contact: ryan@twobrainbusiness.comInstagram: @_lucidvisionsTimeline:3:08 – How Mateo and Ryan earned their stripes together at Bowery CrossFit.6:39 – Finding CrossFit after a collegiate swimming career. 10:28 – Ryan’s cold-call sales experience at Yelp.12:15 – How to onboard new clients without alienating existing ones.13:47 – Why you should seek client feedback from both new and seed clients.16:43 – How to cultivate community: Lead by example and according to your core values.22:07 – Dealing with toxic clients: The soft approach.25:33 – The lead-nurture process.27:31 – The importance of staff communication during all stages of the lead-nurture process.28:47 – Address roadblocks before selling to a potential client.31:44 – How to replace yourself: Put processes in writing and teach according to how people learn.

Episode 175: The Green Light Program With Vaughn VernonToday we are joined by Vaughn Vernon, owner and director of Affiliate Guard, an industry-specific company that provides insurance coverage for CrossFit affiliates.In this episode, Vaughn discusses the Green Light program, a new Affiliate Guard service designed to help gym owners ensure their businesses are compliant with the Safe Sport Act—written to protect young victims from sexual abuse—due to go into effect in 2020.To be in compliance with this legislation, gym owners will need to conduct annual background checks on trainers, create anonymous tip lines, develop incident documentation procedures and more. Vaughn shares how the Green Light program will give Affiliate Guard affiliates the resources, templates and procedures they need in order to be compliant and shares best practices for avoiding litigation once this legislation goes into effect.Links:https://growyournutritionbusiness.com/http://affiliateguard.info/http://affiliateguard.info/resources/templates/Contact:vaughn@affiliateguard.info801-677-0076Timeline: 2:42 – The Safe Sport Act and what it means for affiliate owners.5:52 – Best practices for child injuries vs. adult injuries.8:30 – The birth of the Green Light program: a proactive reaction to legislation.10:31 – What you get with the Green Light program: background checks, templates, procedures, and more.13:48 – Scheduled equipment maintenance: Why you need to do it.20:27 – Beyond the Level 1: Affiliate Guard coverage extends to multiple certs.26:16 – Health sharing for owners and coaches: How Vaughn saved tens of thousands of dollars with health-care coverage through Affiliate Guard. 

Two-Brain Radio With Sean Woodland, Episode 8: Brian ChontoshOn today’s episode, Sean speaks with Brian Chontosh, retired U.S. Marine and founder of Crooked Butterfly.Brian—aka "Tosh"—served 21 years in the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Major. He received two Bronze Stars and the Navy Cross for his actions in March of 2003 during the Iraq war. He is also the founder of Crooked Butterfly, which helps people from all walks of life develop leadership skills.  Brian talks with Sean about the incident for which he was awarded the Navy Cross and how it affected him as a soldier and a person. He also discusses the challenges of re-entering civilian life and how it led to the founding of Crooked Butterfly, as well as what it takes to be a great leader.Links:http://www.crookedbutterfly.com/http://journal.crossfit.com/2009/08/asep-lecture-another-speaker.tplContact:Tosh@CrookedButterfly.com@tosh.crookedbutterfly (Instagram)Timeline:1:52 – What happened on March 25, 2003.5:57 – What it’s like to be awarded the Navy Cross.9:19 – On being an effective military leader.11:02 – Brian’s first CrossFit experience: Cindy.16:14 – Bringing CrossFit to the ranks.19:09 – Retiring from the Marine Corps.21:34 – The birth of Crooked Butterfly.22:51 – Arranging “the intimate meeting between you and yourself.”28:11 – Making people better leaders.30:53 – Working with teenagers.32:43 – The biggest misconception about leadership: Trying too hard.37:26 – The extra-golden rule.41:07 – The never-ending process of self-discovery and growth.