Built to Last Gym Podcast

In this episode of the Built To Last Gym Podcast, Andy McCloy and Luka Hocevar talk about the real struggles that gym owners face when it comes to entrepreneurship. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> The 3 questions every gym owner MUST ask themselves periodically to create clarity, establish a path, and drop self-deception. => How to escape the scarcity mindset and "turn the ship around" with your gym business. => Why many gym owners won't ask the hard questions and look into the metrics because they'll be afraid of what they find; here's how we help owners overcome that.=> What is identity architecture and how to use it to change your reality.=>  Collecting role models and finding an example to "architect" a different reality for yourself. => The #1 reason it's critical you find a community, peers, and mentors to help guide you on the unknown path (the stats on this will blow your mind).=> How to regulate your emotions and state to show up powerfully for yourself, your team, and most importantly, your family. => The "hidden" compensations many gym owners make that mask their weaknesses, and hurt the business long-term (and how to fix them). => The inflection points when Andy and Luka changed course in their gym business and what changed when they had the "aha" moment. => There's no free online PDF is going to "change it all" for you - here is what you have to do to change your realty. => Why is John Maxwell's "The Law Of The Lid" so important to understand if you want to have long-term gym ownership success.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/How To Hire, Develop, and Lead A Team To Build A Dream Gym Course: https://webinar.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy delve into the common pitfalls gym owners face, especially the founder's trap, and share actionable strategies to transition from coach to CEO, optimize business margins, and build lasting, community-driven gyms.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => The founder's trap and how to avoid it (every gym owner deals with this!).=> Transitioning from coach to CEO, while still doing the things you love; we break down how to do it right.=> Financial management and profit margins, things gym owners avoid that are critical to the success of the business. => 5 Staff development and retention strategies we use at Vigor Ground and BCI.=> Building community and client loyalty is not a “nice to have” but a foundational part of any gym that is built to last.=> Assess if you are coaching or CEO in your gym; the quiz that will determine what gap you need to fill to run a powerful gym business. => How to create a financial plan to transition to a CEO role and have healthy and profitable business. => Spend more intentional time mentoring your staff; you’ll be surprised what the average gym owner spends on staff development. => Revisit your pricing and pay structures regularly as they are the cornerstone of health margins.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/How To Hire, Develop, and Lead A Team To Build A Dream Gym Course: https://webinar.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy share insights from the Built to Last Mastermind in Phoenix, emphasizing the importance of community, culture, and strategic business models for long-term success in the fitness industry.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> Community's role in gym success: Why there is no great and successful gym without great community (and here’s how to build it).=> Strategies for building a strong gym culture: One thing you MUST do, and one thing you must NEVER do to make sure you build a great foundation of culture.=> The importance of intentionality in business models. Most gym owners hustle and build as they go, but the key is being intentional about models, vision, and specific outcomes - this is what builds the path and the HOW.=> Retention and attrition management. The principles, frameworks, strategies and tactics to get to and stay at 3% attrition, and build a gym with great retention (the ever so elusive issue with most gyms).=> The role of standards and rituals in retention and how Vigor, BCI, and B2L's best gyms do it (copy success!). => The pricing psychology in micro-gyms and why over 80%+ of micro gyms are underpricing and setting themselves up for failure. => How to truly elicit behavior change, not only in your clients but also your team to create the actions that build a long term robust gym business. LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/How To Hire, Develop, and Lead A Team To Build A Dream Gym Course: https://webinar.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy discuss the essential balance between visionary leadership (poetry) and operational efficiency (plumbing) in running a successful gym business. They explore the importance of self-awareness, training, and hiring the right people to fill gaps in leadership. The conversation emphasizes that both vision and execution are necessary for growth and success in the fitness industry, and that gym owners can develop their skills in both areas to create a lasting impact.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> The balance between poetry (vision) and plumbing (operations) is crucial for gym success. How do you know which one you are and what you need to develop?=> Gym owners often excel in one area but struggle in the other. Luka explains that you need at least 5 out of 10 on both.=> Effective leadership requires both vision and operational efficiency. One without the other is a bottleneck that will pull the business down.=> Training and systems are essential for maintaining a successful gym. How much time do you spend training and onboarding your team? (This statistic will blow your mind.)=> Self-awareness in strengths and weaknesses can help gym owners grow. Awareness precedes change, take this mini-test we share to discover who you are.=> Hiring the right people is key to filling leadership gaps. => Competence is defined by skills, knowledge, and ability. How do we truly know if someone is competent in the required skills before we hire them?=> Visionary thinking can be practiced and developed over time. Luka shares 6 ways you can develop visionary thinking.=> Surrounding yourself with motivated individuals can elevate your business.=> Conviction in your vision is necessary to inspire others. If you don't exude belief, how will you make others believe? There's a power in poetry! LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/

In this episode of the Built to Last Gym podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy delve into effective marketing strategies for gym owners, emphasizing the importance of building and maintaining an email list. They discuss various methods for capturing email addresses, including organic content, joint ventures, and internal referrals. The conversation highlights the significance of consistent email communication and crafting engaging content that resonates with the audience. Additionally, they explore the challenges of writer's block and the value of storytelling in emails. The episode concludes with insights on team development and the necessity of deconstructing business models for long-term growth.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> Email marketing is crucial for gym owners, yet most still don't do it. Here's a simple structure to get you started.=> Building an email list requires consistent effort: 3 things to do to build your gyms email list.=> Joint ventures can significantly enhance email list growth but you must do them correctly.=> Internal referrals are a valuable source of new clients - Andy and my 4-point referral system that WORKS when you work it.=> Consistent email communication leads to better engagement and connection with your clients (you don't just write emails to prospects).=> Crafting engaging content is essential for effective emails; here's how we create ideas that resonate with our audience.=> Overcoming writer's block is a common challenge for marketers. Follow our framework to write consistently without feeling imposter syndrome.=> Real-life events can provide rich content for emails - start stacking real world events for headlines and content for your email list.=> Storytelling can transform client conversations into valuable content; When you don't know what to write, look to clients who will give you the marketing you need.=> A staff-first approach is a MUST and leads to better business outcomes.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Luka Hocevar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukahocevar/Andy McCloy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andymccloy_bci/

In this episode, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy discuss key insights from successful entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on Tommy Mello's journey in the garage door business. They explore the importance of resilience, skill acquisition, and the entrepreneurial mindset. The conversation delves into the significance of reading for personal and professional growth, transitioning from a hustler mentality to effective leadership, and the necessity of training teams. They also introduce the PERMA framework for well-being, emphasizing its application in business and the importance of meaning and relationships in achieving success.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> Entrepreneurship requires resilience and a high tolerance for failure. Are you in the 4-5% that can tolerate it?=> 3 BIG things you can learn from this garage door business that dominates their industry.=> Skill acquisition is crucial for success in any business, get great at your thing FIRST!=> Reading regularly can significantly enhance personal and professional growth - here's 7 reasons reading is a MUST if you own a gym business. => Transitioning from a hustler mentality to a leadership role is essential for scaling a business. This is where most gym owners go wrong after the initial 5-years in business.=> Training and developing your team is key to achieving business goals. Luka and Andy share the approach they use at their gyms.=> The PERMA framework provides a comprehensive approach to well-being, inside your business and your personal life (and why they BOTH matter).=> Meaning and relationships are vital for long-term success in business, which is why you must focus on the "R" - here's how to do it.=> Sales and marketing are foundational skills for any entrepreneur; why gym owners avoid sales and how it can skyrocket their business.=> Engagement in work leads to higher levels of well-being, the strategies we use to get our team and coaches engaged.=> Personal leadership is necessary to effectively coach and guide others. Here's our test if you are an effective leader and what steps to take next.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode of the Built to Last podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy discuss various aspects of gym ownership, including navigating business partnerships, the saturation of the fitness industry, maintaining passion in coaching, effective strategies for member retention, and the importance of raising membership rates. They emphasize the significance of trust, clear roles, and complementary skill sets in partnerships, while also addressing the challenges of burnout and the need for self-care. The conversation concludes with practical advice for gym owners on how to improve their business and maintain a positive mindset.=> Partnerships require trust and clear roles.=> Saturation in the fitness industry presents opportunities for excellence.=> Passion for coaching can grow with experience and skill development.=> Self-care and managing energy are crucial for long-term success.=> Raising membership rates should be strategic and justified by value.=> Effective communication is key in business relationships.=> Investing in personal development increases business value.=> Member retention is linked to engagement and experience.=> It's important to have a clear vision for your business.=> Fear of failure can be a motivating factor, but should not dominate.LINKS AND RESOURCES:How To Hire, Develop, & Lead a Team To Build A Dream Gym Business Webinar: https://blueprint.builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode of the Built to Last Gym Podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy delve into the concept of 'unreasonable service' within the gym industry. They emphasize that exceptional service is not just about grand gestures but rather about consistently delivering on promises and ensuring a positive client experience. Luka shares personal anecdotes, including a time he went above and beyond for a client, highlighting the importance of genuine care and connection in service delivery. The discussion also touches on the significance of operational excellence and how small, thoughtful actions can create memorable experiences for clients.The conversation further explores the emotional skills necessary for gym staff, such as optimistic warmth, empathy, and self-awareness. Luka and Andy stress that hiring individuals who embody these traits can significantly enhance the service quality in gyms. They also discuss the role of technology in streamlining operations and maintaining high service standards, suggesting that automation can help gym owners focus on personal interactions while ensuring no client falls through the cracks. Overall, the episode serves as a guide for gym owners looking to elevate their service and create lasting relationships with their clients.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:=> Unreasonable service is about consistently delivering on promises.=> Small, thoughtful actions can create memorable client experiences.=> Hiring for emotional skills is crucial for exceptional service.=> Technology can streamline operations and enhance personal interactions.=> Focus on the client journey to improve service quality.LINKS AND RESOURCES:How To Hire, Develop, and Lead a Team To Build a Dream Gym Business Webinar Series: https://blueprint.builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode of the Built to Last Gym podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy delve into the concept of personal leadership, emphasizing its critical role in the growth of a business. They discuss the importance of continuous personal development, accountability, and the need for leaders to embody the values they promote. The conversation highlights the significance of facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and maintaining financial discipline. The hosts also touch on the importance of creating a supportive environment and the impact of mentorship in fostering personal and professional growth.IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:=> The growth of a business is directly tied to the growth of its leader.=> Personal leadership involves doing what is necessary to achieve business goals.=> Accountability and transparency are essential traits for effective leadership.=> Radical candor helps in maintaining high standards while showing care for team members.=> Frameworks for communication can enhance leadership effectiveness.=> Learning from mistakes is crucial for personal and business growth.=> Financial management is a key aspect of personal leadership.=> Retention of clients is as important as acquiring new ones.=> Your environment influences your leadership style and effectiveness.=> Giving back to the community enriches both the leader and the business.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/How To Hire, Develop and Lead Your Team To Build A Dream Gym Business 3-part Webinar: https://blueprint.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode of the Built to Last Gym podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy discuss the importance of building a strong reputation through proof and community engagement. They emphasize the need for gym owners to educate their marketplace by showing results rather than just telling. The conversation highlights the value of in-person connections in a digital world, the necessity of transparency in pricing, and the role of content in establishing authority. They also touch on adapting to AI and AEO in marketing, the journey of mastering coaching, and the importance of unified messaging within teams. This episode ends with a call to action for gym owners to commit to excellence and community engagement. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:=> Building a reputation relies heavily on proof and community engagement.=> In-person connections can significantly enhance business growth.=> Educating the marketplace is crucial; showing results is more effective than just telling.=> Digital presence is important, but in-person interactions create lasting relationships.=> Transparency in pricing and services builds trust with potential clients.=> Operationalizing knowledge within a team can amplify educational efforts.=> Content creation is essential for establishing authority in the fitness industry.=> Adapting to AI and AEO is necessary for modern marketing strategies.=> Mastery in coaching requires patience, focus, and a commitment to excellence.=> Unified messaging among team members enhances client trust and understanding.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

In this episode of the Built to Last Gym podcast, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy delve into the critical theme of operational excellence in gym management. They discuss the importance of defining operations, the role of people, processes, and financial management in creating a successful gym business. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, effective meetings, and continuous improvement to foster a thriving gym environment. The hosts share insights from their experiences, offering practical advice for gym owners looking to enhance their operational strategies.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:=> Operational excellence is crucial for gym success.=> Understanding operations involves managing people, processes, and profits.=> Regular evaluations and clear roles are essential for team effectiveness.=> Always be recruiting to avoid staffing shortages.=> Financial management is key to sustaining growth and profitability.=> A clear business model helps in achieving financial goals.=> Meetings should focus on accountability and problem-solving.=> Continuous improvement is necessary for long-term success.=> Developing staff is as important as hiring the right people.=> Creating a culture of transparency and communication enhances operations.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

In this conversation, Luka Hocevar and Andy McCloy discuss the critical importance of coaching in the gym business. They emphasize that coaching should come first, as it is the foundation for building a successful gym. The discussion covers various aspects of coaching, including continuous improvement, team development, establishing coaching standards, and creating a culture of learning. They also touch on the role of technology in coaching and the future of coaching in the business landscape. The conversation highlights the need for gym owners to focus on their coaching skills and the skills of their team to stand out in a competitive market.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:=> Coaching Should Be The Cornerstone Of Any Gym Business.=> Great Coaching Leads To Better Client Results And Retention.=> Continuous Improvement In Coaching Is Essential For Long-Term Success.=> Building A Strong Coaching Team Is Crucial For Scaling A Gym.=> Establishing Clear Coaching Standards Helps Maintain Quality.=> Creating A Culture Of Learning Enhances Team Development.=> Feedback Loops Are Vital For Improving Coaching Skills.=> Technology Can Aid Coaching But Cannot Replace The Human Element.=> Leadership In Coaching Is About Setting An Example For Others.=> Surrounding Yourself With Like-Minded Individuals Fosters Growth.LINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/

This is the first episode of a new podcast I'm launching with Andy McCloy called The Built To Last Gym Podcast that is specifically for gym owners looking to build an iconic gym that lasts, that they love, is impacting many people and very profitable so it can support the life that they want. I'm exclusively dropping it on my YouTube channel before we release the first 4 episodes. We start the first episode going over the 8P's: 1. Purpose 2. Product 3. Position 4. People 5. Process 6. Profit 7. Performance 8. Problems WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE:=> After 45 years of us running gyms combined, we found what is most important when it comes to building something that lasts - everyone successful has the first "P", do you?=> The reason we keep saying "coaching first" is because the product has to be great. Not enough gym owners focus on the product (or lose sight of it over time).=> Who people think you are matters, that's positioning. Here's 3 ways we know works to help you position as THE gym in your area.=> One of the most challenging things to do is to hire, develop, and lead a team to be motivated, high performing, and loyal, we break down how to do it (it ain't easy).=> Systems are far from everything, but if you don't have them you're in for a world of hurt when you grow. This is how you can start developing good ones today.=> Knowing your numbers is critical, P & L's, margins, KPI's, keeping scorecards of performance; as much as we didn't get into it for this, its key to a successful gym business. => The best teams are good at dealing with problems, addressing them, and creating a plan to overcome them with clear roles on who does what; we break it down.=> Andy and I "open up the kimono" and break down what it REALLY takes to be a successful gym ownerLINKS AND RESOURCES:Built To Last Gym Mentorship: https://builttolastgym.com/Built To Last Gym Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builttolastgym/Built to Last Mastermind Phoenix, AZ: http://mastermind.builttolastgym.com/