Episode 39: What Even Is An Expansion Manager?

Coaches Chris and Nat are back with a conversation that covers the expansion and growth of the SSP business, the challenges of onboarding new staff, the evolution of roles within the organization, and the sustainability of the fitness industry. With SSP #6 on the way, all eyes have been on us and people are starting to ask:"How do you do it?!"So here's a little behind the scenes as it pertains to people and organization! Thanks for listening!

Join Coach Natalie as she interviews a NEW guest on the podcast - SSP's very own expansion manager - Michael Pastore! We update you on the behind the scenes of the pod, but also go deeper into expansion plans and a little about Michael's jump from corporate to working for SSP! Michael has some good pizza advice, so make sure you listen to the end!

In this episode we finally do something we probably should have done a long time ago — sit down and actually introduce ourselves. Chris and Nat get into how they each found their way into fitness, the early experiences that shaped how they coach, and the moments that made SSP feel not just possible but necessary. There's real talk about career changes, self-doubt, and what it actually takes to bet on yourself. Plus some coaching philosophy, a nerdy detour into movement and exercise selection, and enough banter at the end to remind you that we genuinely enjoy doing this.

Coaches Chris and Nat are back covering a range of topics, including an apology and explanation for the delay in podcasting, the transition to a new role as Chief Brand Officer, the launch of an ambassador program, challenges and learnings from opening new locations, staffing and onboarding challenges, scaling personalized programming, efficiency and empowerment in semi-private training, and the importance of client experience and comfort. The discussion emphasizes the need for a system to maintain brand integrity, the impact of scaling personalized programming, and the unsung beauty of semi-private training in empowering clients and creating a welcoming environment.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome back to another episode of Inside SSP and our first episode of 2026! I know we say this a lot... but you'll want to stick around because this year is going to be EXCITING! Coaches Chris & Nat recap learnings both on the business and the fitness side from 2025 and talk about how they plan to apply those moving forward! As always, thanks for being here!

Hello lovely podcast listeners! Coach Chris and Coach Nat are back with a LOT to discuss: our trip to Rhode Island for a public speaking school, our trip to Denver for the Business for Unicorns Retreat, and opening our fourth gym: SSP Ballard! We finished the episode with some hot takes & what we're reading - thanks for listening!

Hey team! Welcome back to Inside SSP with Coach Chris and Coach Nat. This week we give you the inside scoop on the Ballard expansion & chat about how we onboard new coaches at SSP. Then we dive into the trend of weighted vests and make sure to listen for our predictions on what the next fitness trend will be (not that we really participate in trends ;) ). Thanks for listening!

Coach Chris and Coach Nat are back for another great episode full of soapboxes, banter, and as always some sage fitness and life advice. In this episode they touch on the SSP5 Anniversary Party, the Ballard expansion, and how they each balance being a "fitness person" with being a real life human!

We're baaaaack, did you miss us? We missed you!Coach Chris and Coach Nat (the dynamic duo) are back with another long episode to catch you up on the happenings behind the scenes at SSP, the low down on the expansion plan for SSP, and to chat about best practices for strength training around injuries!

Coach Natalie is back with a super fun and unique episode with a super special guest: Beth Milstid! Beth is one of our members at SSP West Seattle and has just had such an inspiring journey with strength training at SSP. She is such a cheerleader not only for our business but for others in the gym, and such a fountain of wisdom! We're so thankful to have Beth in our community and on the podcast today!