577: Studio Surge - Unveiling Growth Strategies and Transformative Insights around a Multi-Studio Expansion

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Beth Potter introduces the upcoming series on boutique HR and shares a personal story about her husband's growth in the industry.

• Brent shares his experience of growing from 5 to 13 studios and the challenges involved with integrating new teams and processes.

• Brent explains the leadership strategies he implemented, such as accountability ladders and lead trainers, to develop his team.

• Brent emphasizes the importance of replicating processes and the member journey to maintain consistency across all locations.

• Brent discusses how his team overcame the influx of membership cancellations during the pandemic by focusing on building relationships and culture.

• Beth asks Brent how he manages his dedication to his team and provides advice on communication protocols and work-life balance.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-potter-5a990461/

https://www.instagram.com/studiogrowco

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-potter-6a6b98193/

https://studiogrow.co/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Kim explains how her training in classical ballet informs her approach to classical Pilates and why she prefers this method.

• Kim discusses her desire to become a business owner, her lack of prior business experience, and the challenges she faced in opening and growing her Pilates studio.

• Kim emphasizes the importance of staying true to the tradition of classical Pilates and passing on an authentic product to clients and future generations.

Links:

https://au.linkedin.com/in/kim-paxton-95592a17

https://www.thepilatesstudioblackwood.com.au/

https://studiogrow.co/

Ever had one of those days where juggling even a handful of fitness classes feels like a whirlwind? 

Oh, trust me, I've been there, and I've got the coffee stains on my shirt to prove it!

But imagine, just for a second, being the driving force behind 340 fitness studios. (Mind-blowing, right?)

In EPISODE 575, we’re entering the world of Andrea Bell, the wonder woman who brought Anytime Fitness to Asia. 

And no, that's not a typo - we're talking about 340 locations!

Here’s what we’re chatting about:

• Anytime Fitness Takes on Asia: Andrea's journey of turning a dream into 340 bustling Anytime Fitness clubs. It's a story you won't want to miss.

• The Real Deal on Team Building: The highs, lows, and absolute "did that just happen?" moments.

• Boutique Fitness Vibes: Discover the unique rhythm of fitness in Asia. (It's not what you'd expect.)

• The Ownership Tango: Owning 30% of those fitness hubs? Yep, it’s a tale with twists.

• US vs. Asia - Fitness Showdown: Different continents, contrasting cultures. 

Intrigued? I thought you might be. 

Dive deep with me into EPISODE 575 and let's uncover these stories together with a dash of excitement and a sprinkle of curiosity.

With Grit and Gratitude,

Lise

PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who've decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party!

Links:

https://sg.linkedin.com/in/andrea-bell-97275bb4 

https://www.inspirebrandsasia.com/about-us/ 

https://studiogrow.co/ 

574: From Investor to Acquisition: Meet Desiree Guillard-Young and Walk Alongside Her Path to a 3 Studio Acquisition and New Role As Director of People for FitLab

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Lisa Kueckerintroduces her guest, Desiree Gulliard-Young, as a powerhouse and a leader in the fitness industry.

• Desiree discusses her athletic background and how it prepared her for her professional career, as well as her experience in corporate America, specifically in talent acquisition and leadership development.

• Lisa and Desiree discuss how Desiree became an investor in Sanctuary Fitness and how her background in talent acquisition and leadership development prepared her for her role as Director of People Operations.

• Desiree discusses some of the lessons she's learned in leadership, including the importance of meeting employees where they are and adjusting leadership strategies accordingly.

• Desiree discusses the challenges and opportunities she faced when transitioning from corporate America to a startup environment, including the importance of assessing current state and learning the business before making any major changes.

Links:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/desireeguilliardyoung

https://www.instagram.com/desi_spice49/

https://studiogrow.co/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Early mention of Black Friday: Lise discusses the importance of planning for Black Friday in the third quarter, and shares statistics about the shopping holiday.

• The importance of messaging: Lise emphasizes the importance of crafting the right message for Black Friday, and shares insights from marketer Donald Miller on how to tell a brand's story.

• Profit maximization: Lise discusses the importance of focusing on the most profitable products and services in a Black Friday strategy to maximize revenue.

• Product stacking: Lise recommends using a "stacking sale" approach to Black Friday, with four different offers over multiple days to target different buyer types.

• Black Friday success stories: Lise shares success stories from previous Black Fridays, including large sales and increased average client monthly value.

• Call to action: Lise encourages listeners to download the studio's Black Friday Ultimate Guide and take action to create an exceptional Black Friday strategy.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Overview of Amanda Freeman's fitness brand, SLT - Amanda Freeman, founder of boutique fitness brand SLT, discusses the high-intensity Pilates workout that has swept New York City and New England.

• Growth trajectory and acquisition strategy of SLT - Freeman talks about the early days of SLT as a passion project, its growth trajectory, and the decision to partner with private equity to fund expansion and acquisitions.

• Challenges of acquisitions in the fitness industry - Freeman explains the difficulties of acquiring other fitness studios and the need to carefully consider factors such as employee contracts and landlord negotiations.

• Franchising versus corporate ownership in the fitness industry - Freeman discusses her initial hesitancy towards franchising and the challenges of balancing corporate overhead with the need for expansion.

• Impact of COVID-19 on the fitness industry - Freeman touches on the challenges faced by the fitness industry during the pandemic and how it affected SLT's growth.

• Compensation and performance in the fitness industry - Freeman discusses the issue of compensating employees based on performance and the challenges faced with managing remote locations.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://stretchdspace.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-freeman-95b61614/

571: Part 2 - Promotion Stacking with Coaches Emily and Allison

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Coach Emily and Coach Allison welcome you to the second part of a marketing series and discusses effective promotion stacking strategies.

• The discussion highlights the importance of understanding your audience and appealing to different types of buyers with different promotions.

• Strategizing promotion stacking: The transcript offers advice on how to strategically plan and implement promotion stacking, including considering the calendar, the length of promotions, and the client journey.

• Avoiding overuse of promotions: The discussion warns against overusing promotions and discusses how to avoid making clients feel like everything is always on sale.

• Length of memberships: Allison and Emily suggest considering the length of memberships or contracts when planning promotions, and how this can impact client retention.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Coach Emily and Coach Allison discuss the importance of planning your marketing calendar and warm up your audience with promotions, packages, and different marketing channels.

• The Importance of Understanding User Feedback: The user research call discusses various user research topics and methods, and how to evaluate user feedback effectively.

• This document describes the role of a research scientist, including their responsibilities and the qualifications necessary for the position.

• A brief overview of ancient Greek civilization, including their emergence as a distinct civilization, the development of city-states, and the Golden Age of Greece.

• A project plan for launching a new board game, including determining the target audience, designing and testing the game, branding and packaging, and developing marketing and distribution strategies.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Discussion on the importance of having the right staff in place and Catherine's process for finding reliable employees.

• Tips for streamlining systems and processes for multiple locations, including creating standard operating procedures.

• Importance of setting boundaries and creating work-life balance as a studio owner, including tips for managing staff and taking time off.

• Personal growth and detachment from the business as a key to success, including the benefits of not being emotionally attached to the business and making better decisions.

Links:

https://runwaypilates.com/

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherine-hebb-19737a10

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Understanding the need for software and automations in a business, particularly for lead management and communication with clients.

• The different types of software necessary for a brand new business, including CRM, email, and texting capabilities.

• The importance of utilizing automations to nurture and communicate with leads, prospects, and clients, without sacrificing authenticity.

• The benefits of automations for personal trainers and studios, particularly in terms of time management and efficiency.

• The top three essential things to automate for a business, including lead nurturing, purchase follow-ups, and appointment reminders.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

567: The Future of Teacher Training - Meet Nora Reynolds, Co-Founder of Arrichion and Learn How Higher Education Is Transforming Teacher Trainings

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Discussion on the importance of deliberate practice in online learning and the mistakes made in online learning.

• The deliberate structure and success of Auron's online teacher training program.

• Problems with too much content in online programs and the necessity of building connections between modules.

• The importance of developing quality teacher training programs and the current state of the industry.

• The role of live instruction and feedback in Auron's teacher training programs.

Links:

https://arrichion.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/norareynolds

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Are your team members evolving?

It's one thing to assemble a group of talented individuals, but it's another to create an environment that encourages growth, creativity, and a genuine love for what we do.

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you're in for a treat! 

Recently, we caught up with Coach Amanda. She's not just a whizz at fitness coaching; she's also a seasoned studio owner with a treasure chest of insights on team development.

In EPISODE 566, Amanda opened up about her tried-and-true methods for effective feedback, goal setting, and empowering her team. 

Here's a sneak peek at what she shared:

• Feedback Loop: The art of giving feedback and goal setting that actually leads to change (Yes, it's possible).
• 6-Step Process: Amanda's personal approach to development conversations that work. It's a six-step process that's all about breaking the ice, getting employee feedback first, giving feedback, and more.
• Communication: The magic of open-ended questions and how they can help your employees open up and share.
• Employee Empowerment: Empower your team to take ownership of their roles and processes for better performance.

Remember, a well-oiled team is the heart and soul of a booming boutique fitness studio. 

Let’s listen and learn, together.

So grab your notepad and tune into EPISODE 566.

With grit and gratitude,

Lisé

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Yall, what does it take to become a household name in the fitness industry?

We asked the President of Basecamp Fitness just that.

I recently had an amazing heart-to-heart with Ben Camper, the innovative President of Base Camp Fitness. 

Spoiler alert: Their journey is awe-inspiring.

Base Camp has made a name for itself in the boutique fitness world with its unique 35-minute high-intensity interval training workout. Not only has this unique approach set them apart, but it's also driven some incredible growth. 

In EPISODE 565, we dive deep into the nitty-gritty of their brand transformation.

Here's a sneak peek of what we discuss:

• Base Camp’s Growth Strategy: Base Camp's approach to balancing single and multi-unit operators with their goal of hitting 200 units by 2026.
• Base Camp’s Business Model: We discuss how they've created an efficient workout experience that extends to their marketing, studio design, and vendor management.
• The Role of Self-Esteem in Brands: The role of resources and expertise from Self-Esteem Brands in Base Camp's success journey.
• Real Estate Choices: We talk about the crucial role of smart location selection and market demand in their growth strategy.
• Franchisee Success: We delve into Base Camp's belief that their franchisees' success is the key to their own growth.

Remember, the key to success is not just dreaming big, but executing big.

Let’s listen and learn, together.

Keep pushing boundaries and chasing those dreams!

With grit and gratitude,

Lisé

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Allison recounts her experiences in establishing a small franchise of Pilates studios and the challenges she faced due to a lack of available teachers, suggesting that training dedicated teachers within your studio can provide a solid solution.

• Different types of teacher training programs, from foundation courses to comprehensive training programs, suggesting the need for clarity on what each studio plans to offer, and how licensing or hosting programs from another school or company could be viable options.

• The logistics of implementing a teacher training program, including factors like potential class cancellations, marketing budget, supplies, and ensuring profitability, suggesting that studios should aim for about 30% profitability or more in their programs.

• Allison explains how to price teacher training programs based on cost, capacity, and potential profitability, recommending that studios consider payment plans, cancellation policies, early bird pricing, and potential upsells to increase profitability and enhance the experience for future teachers.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

When Aymeric and Gianni decided to create a one-of-a-kind boutique studio experience in Hong Kong, they chose to model their brand around the concept of ikigai – the Japanese secret to a meaningful life.

Today, Ikigai Wellness is more than just your run-of-the-mill chain of yoga and meditation studios. From day one, Aymeric and Gianni have worked to create and deliver a holistic experience to help clients discover their reason for being and define their own path to happiness and success. 

And their world-class yoga and meditation offerings are just the starting point of all they’ve set out to achieve.

Join Lise in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness as she speaks to Aymeric Vollant and Gianni Melwani about the vision and mission behind Ikigai Wellness. Aymeric and Gianni discuss how they positioned their lifestyle brand around wellness, the various types of holistic experiences they offer and why quality care and hospitality have always been their top priority.

Here’s what we’ll cover in Episode 563:

• The fascinating personal journeys of Aymeric and Gianni that led to the creation of Ikigai

• An in-depth exploration of the meaning and inspiration behind the name and concept of ikigai

• The importance of customer care and hospitality in creating a unique and exceptional client journey

• The unique experience that Ikigai Wellness offers in terms of class size, variety of offerings, personalized customer service, and attention to detail in the studio design

• The integration of music into the Ikigai experience and how it creates unique and transformative sessions.

Tune in now to start listening!

Links: 

https://www.ikigai.hk/  

https://studiogrow.co/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ 

Not all teacher trainings are created equal, y’all.

Teacher trainings can be a powerful revenue generator, help you give back to your community, and source great instructors for your studio. 

But here’s the kicker, if you’ve got dreams of growing your program to 7-8 figures: there are certain things you’re going to have to consider:

• Like centering your business model around a product stack

• The different tiers of training you offer

• Or whether you should set up a separate business for your teacher training

You can expect all of that and more in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness. Join Lise in episode 2 of our new Teacher Training series as she breaks down the business models that bring in seven and eight-figures just from teacher training.

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Developing a seven and eight-figure teacher training program as a separate business entity with its own IP and brand

• Core and foundational training for the masses and technical aspects of building a training with milestones and CEUs

• Business model for teacher training programs with annual fees, CEUs, and a product stack for recurring revenue

• Next level of training with a focus on more advanced movements and specializations that reflect the brand

• Level three training a professional training with a niche focus and potential for skipping over based on personal goals

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Lise explains the importance of an onboarding journey for both clients and team members and discusses the key elements of a successful onboarding process.

• Lise introduces the concept of a bridge training program to quickly onboard experienced fitness instructors into a studio's methodology.

• Lise also discusses the importance of a comprehensive teacher training program and shares best practices for developing such a program.

• Lise introduces the concept of advanced teacher training and explains its importance in developing highly skilled and committed teachers.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Y’all, a teacher training program can be a game-changer for your studio.

It can increase your cash flow, enhance your reputation, and you a wonderful group of trained instructors who can join your studio family.

But let’s be real – running a teacher training program is hard work.

It means extra hours, long weekends and a significant investment in energy and resources.

So if you put in all that extra effort and offer a teacher training program this year, you have to make sure it’s a doggone sell-out. 

And that’s exactly what Studio Coach Allison Zang will help you do in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness. With 15 years of experience running a successful Pilates studio in Central Pennsylvania, Allison knows just what it takes to make a teacher training program a success. And this week, she will share her time-tested strategies for building a teacher training waitlist that’ll help your program sell like hotcakes! 

Here’s what we’ll talk about in Episode 560:

• Why you should collect leads for your teacher training program all year round

• How and when to build your waitlist page

• Proven strategies for marketing your teacher training program

• How to build “height” around your studio to deepen people’s interest

• How to position free consults & scholarships to attract high-quality leads

Tune in now to start listening!

LINKS:

https://studiogrow.co/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ 

Here’s the thing – commitment isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. 

To you, commitment might mean working 12-hour days and overseeing every micro aspect of your business yourself. To someone else, it might mean building and training a team that runs the day-to-day so they can focus on the bigger picture – like sales, strategy and expansion. 

Whatever it is, the bottom line is simple: staying committed to a business for years isn’t easy. It takes a lot of effort and dedication to keep the passion and enthusiasm alive, especially after the initial excitement has passed. 

And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness! Join Studio Grow Coach Amanda Blair as she sits down with client Brady Johnson to discuss how Brady has managed to remain healthily invested in her studio for over 9 years. Learn Brady's secrets to building systems that allow her to free up her precious time and energy – all while still staying 100% committed to her vision and mission. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in Episode 559:

• The importance of personal commitment in business & how it can inspire growth and drive success 

• How Encompass Fitness’s mission is driven by Brady’s personal commitment to creating a safe space for her community

• Brady’s struggles with burnout and detachment – and how she bounced back to re-engage and reconnect herself with her business

• What commitment can look like on a day-to-day basis

• How actionable organization can make a difference in how you show up in your business

Tune in now to start listening!

LINKS:

https://encompassfitness.ca/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brady-johnson-a2746771/?originalSubdomain=ca  https://studiogrow.co/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/ 

Most studio owners have a complicated relationship with sales. 

Some people are intimidated by it, others think it’s just plain tacky to focus on making more money in a business that’s supposed to be all about passion and service.

But let’s be real – if you don’t make enough money to keep the lights on in your studio, you’re not gonna be able to pay your bills, share your passion or serve your community. 

That’s why it’s so important for us to change our mindset around selling and understand that you don’t have to sound like a slimy car salesman to close a sale. 

Sometimes, a sale is just an honest-to-god conversation with a prospective member. 

And that’s exactly what we’re talking about in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness. Join Studio Grow coach Amanda Blair as she flips the script on the dirty ‘S’ word and brings you a fresh new perspective that could totally change how you approach sales and selling in your business. 

Here’s what we’ll talk about in Episode 558:

• Why we should view sales as a conversation and not a big intimidating project

• Why you should be intentional with your intake process

• How client experience can impact a sale

• How to ask for the sale 

• The benefits of establishing a solid sales process that works

Links: 

https://studiogrow.co/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Believe it or not, there are leaders, politicians and policymakers out there who still think of fitness as recreation. 

And worse, they tax it the same way too. 

In reality, gyms and fitness studios play a critical role in empowering people to maintain their basic health, prevent chronic and acute illness and live happy, fulfilled lives. 

That’s why we need people like Brett Ewer to advocate for our industry and convince legislators and policymakers that what we do matters. In the face of ever-changing legislation and regulations, people like Brett are working to make a case for our industry and demonstrate how we critically impact society at the local, state and federal levels. 

Join me in Episode 557 of The Business of Boutique Fitness as I chat with Brett Ewer, Head of Government Relations at CrossFit, about the importance of shaping policies that protect the fitness industry and ensure that boutique fitness not only survives, but continues to thrive. 

Here’s what we talk about in Episode 557:

• Why the fitness industry needs advocates who can lobby for them at the state and federal level

• Brett’s day-to-day routine as Head of Government Relations at CrossFit

• The Community Gyms Coalition and its advocacy efforts during COVID-19

• The Gyms Act legislation, plus a behind-the-scenes look at what went into its development and advancement

• What studio owners need to know about sales tax and other key regulations

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-ewer-8151235a

https://twitter.com/brett_ewer?lang=en

https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossfit?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• Lise chats with Rob Beale about the Third Space fitness concept, which aims to be the "third space" for its members and inspire them to be their personal best.

• Third Space's unique set of amenities and its focus on experience: Rob Beale explains how Third Space is more than just a typical health club, with a focus on building beautiful facilities, personalized service, and expertise to deliver the best experience for members.

• The challenge of ensuring quality experience across multiple modalities: Rob Beale discusses the challenge of upholding Third Space's philosophy and ensuring quality experience across various modalities, and how recruiting passionate and talented people is key to achieving this.

• Third Space's selection process for trainers and instructors: Rob Beale shares Third Space's selection process for personal trainers and group exercise instructors, which involves a multi-stage audition and training program to ensure that instructors are experts in their field and can deliver a five-star experience for members
  

Links:

https://www.thirdspace.london/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-beale-a537a917/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://twitter.com/RobBeale

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

- The guest, Brian O'Rourke, is the CEO of Vedere Ventures, president of the Fitness Industry Technology Council, and co-founder of Moon Mission Media.

- Brian discusses how growing up in a military family taught him perseverance and adaptability and how hospitality has influenced his experience-driven fitness businesses.

- The importance of understanding which numbers matter when it comes to running a business is emphasized, including operating margin, lifetime value of customers, and acquisition costs.

- The challenges of reducing cost per acquisition in digital marketing are discussed, with Brian noting that not all attribution models from Meta or Google are reliable.

- The fitness industry has been built on venture capital models, but the importance of building sustainable, profitable businesses is emphasized.

- Knowing how to see is a guiding principle for Brian's investments, and he emphasizes the importance of understanding what numbers really matter when it comes to profitability and sustainability in a business.

Links:

https://www.bryankorourke.com/

https://www.vedereventures.com/

https://www.moonmissionmedia.com/

http://www.fittechcouncil.org/

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

554: How to make your team an asset, not a burden - Coaches Peter and HP

Here’s what we’re talking about in this episode:

• HP shares her extensive experience in people development and how it relates to effectively managing teams.

• Peter and HP talk more on the importance of assessing candidates' human skills and values during the interview process.

• We also discuss the importance of transparently discussing career aspirations with employees and being upfront about the possibility of them leaving.

• HP and Peter emphasize the significance of hiring individuals whose values align with the business and taking an interest in their long-term career goals.

Links:

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/

Y’all, studio owners are often super reluctant to embrace new technology. 

I get it – the idea of adding another tool to your already overflowing plate can seem like a lot. Not to mention the fear that technology and automation will diminish the human element in your business. 

But I wanna let you in on a little secret today. 

The truth is, if you use it right, automation platforms can actually help you strengthen your relationship with your clients. 

These platforms can automate repetitive tasks, streamline studio operations and organize data efficiently, so you can free up your time to focus on what matters most – connecting with your clients and building your community.

And that’s exactly what we’re discussing in this week’s episode of The Business Of Boutique Fitness! Join Studio Grow Coach Peter as he chats with Nathan from LoyalSnap, an automation platform designed to help boutique fitness studios build stronger relationships with their clients. Learn all about the role of automation in boutique fitness, the pitfalls you need to avoid, and how simple, functional tech tools can be a game-changer for studio owners.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode: 

• Common misconceptions about automation and examples of bad automation practices

• Nathan’s checklist for building authentic client relationships

• How automation platforms like LoyalSnap can streamline client management and help you communicate meaningfully

• The role of AI in automation software & why simple functional tools are most effective for small business owners

Links:

https://www.loyalsnap.com/

https://studiogrow.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-growco/