Lessons Learned from Opening 50 Alloy Personal Training Locations

In this episode, Rick Mayo shares his 30-year journey in the fitness industry. From running a small gym in Atlanta to building a successful fitness franchise with over 300 locations, Rick reveals how he created a model that brings the benefits of personal training to group settings.He pinpoints the importance of community and accountability in fitness, particularly for adults aged 45-65, who comprise Alloy's core clientele.Rick explains the benefits of small group training, which provides affordability, camaraderie, and personalized fitness plans.He also shares how the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the need for in-person interaction as clients returned to gyms for social and psychological benefits.Rick advocates for the broader mental and physical advantages of consistent strength training and the supportive environment Alloy franchise creates.Tune in!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Rick Mayo’s fitness journey and the founding of Alloy (00:48)The pivot to group training and its benefits (04:12)Strength training’s importance, especially for aging adults (09:15)Post-COVID fitness trends and the return to in-person gyms (10:16)The role of community in fitness success (15:01)New Alloy locations and cross-promotions (17:05)Rick’s personal fitness routine and longevity tips (20:34)Balancing fitness with mental and emotional health (27:39)The value of setting high goals and moving in that direction (30:53)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, Rick sits down with Alloy's COO and partner, Suzanne Robb, to discuss the details of her history and role with Alloy.Suzanne shares her personal journey from client to COO and explains the importance of genuine partnerships between the franchise and its franchisees.She also discusses the importance of complementary leadership styles and the value of continuous learning and adaptation in business.Suzanne also reveals how Alloy navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of financial discipline and strategic thinking during tough times.Rick and Suzanne reflect on the dynamic relationship between visionary leadership and operational integration, showing how their partnership drives Alloy's success.Tune in to learn more about Alloy’s approach to growing a fitness business, supporting franchisees, and building strong teams. Hit play now!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Suzanne's journey to becoming COO (02:53)The importance of having equity and security as a partner (09:40)Biggest challenges during COVID-19 (20:34)Alloy's growth five years in (23:14)Looking ahead: Suzanne's future vision for the company (24:55)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Opening a new franchise location is always exciting, but the complexities of commercial leases can be overwhelming.In this episode, Rick speaks with Alloy VP of Real Estate and Studio Development, Jared Breen, about the main negotiating points of your commercial lease.Rick and Jared discuss the key financial terms, such as rent abatement and tenant improvement allowances, that can significantly impact the overall cost of opening a franchise.They also highlight the importance of timing and coordination between securing a lease and obtaining funding, as well as the need for franchisees to be well-prepared financially.You'll learn about the importance of educating landlords about the franchise's operations to negotiate better lease terms.Jared shares his experience in reducing the time from franchise signing to opening, benefiting both franchisees and the franchisor.Listen now to get the inside scoop on how to navigate commercial leases and set your franchise up for success! Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Lease negotiation strategies (02:16)The ideal timeframe for lease negotiations (04:38)Importance of educating landlords about the franchise model (06:41)Tenant improvement allowances and rent abatement (12:06)Financial planning and the importance of liquid capital (18:06)Timing for securing SBA funding in the lease process (22:41)Coordinating lease signing with funding availability (24:37)Understanding the broader financial implications of lease terms (27:52)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Are you considering investing in a fitness franchise but worried about potential pitfalls?In this episode, Rick sits down with Alloy zealot Rami Odeh about the importance of following the process as it pertains to business success.Rami owns six Alloy locations and also works as a franchise consultant. He candidly shares his personal experiences and mistakes he has made from his first Alloy location to now.He shared his firsthand experiences of what happens when you deviate from the established playbook.But it’s not all doom and gloom. In this conversation, you’ll learn the exact steps to avoid these pitfalls. From real estate blunders to hiring missteps, you’ll hear real-world examples that can save you time, money, and stress.Rick and Rami also talk about the importance of community within the franchise system, the value of transparency in performance sharing, and how competitive spirit drives success.Tune in now to learn how following the proven Alloy playbook will lead to franchise success!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Transparency in franchising experiences (03:27)First challenge: Deviating from Alloy's real estate process (07:06)Importance of following the franchise playbook (14:13)Second challenge: Ignoring hiring best practices (17:06)Third challenge: Taking the foot off the gas after initial success (28:29)Value of franchise community and performance sharing (35:27)Pivoting quickly when strategies aren't working (40:22)Pricing tiers across different markets (44:56)Follow the play. It’s as simple as that (47:10)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, Rick Mayo speaks with Alejandra Madrid, Alloy's facility and event coordinator, about the hows and whys of hosting a conference.As the Alloy Franchise continues to grow, conference and event planning will become a huge undertaking that requires meticulous planning and attention to detail.Already, this year’s conference planning is underway, and Alejandra’s eyes are also set on 2025 and beyond.She reveals the secrets behind effective planning, from negotiating contracts to managing logistics to make events not just successful but memorable.Tune in to learn more!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Meet Alejandra Madrid (02:17)What it takes to be an event planner (06:04)Why you need an event planner (06:30)2024 Alloy conference (08:01)What goes into planning a conference (08:57)Planning future Alloy conferences in advance (14:55)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

In franchising, leadership is very important to ensure success. But what makes a good leader? There are many different styles of leadership, and some are more effective than others.In this episode, Rick and Matt discuss the four types of leadership styles: abdicator, dominator, protector, and liberator.They analyze how each style affects franchise operations and team dynamics.It’s important to strike the right balance between challenging employees and providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.This makes the "liberator" style, which combines high challenge with high support, the most effective approach for fostering a positive and productive work environment in a franchise.Tune in to learn more!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The 4 leadership styles (02:30)Abdicator: Low challenge, low support leadership (05:00)Dominator: High challenge, low support leadership (07:15)Protector: Low challenge, high support leadership (09:53)Liberator: High challenge, high support leadership (12:26)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

As the demand for fitness solutions continues to rise, investing in a fitness franchise presents an attractive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. Today, Rick interviews Jake Rosenthal, a successful investor and entrepreneur who recently became an Alloy franchisee in San Diego.Jake shares his journey from tech sales to diverse investments in real estate and Bitcoin and explains why he chose alloy as his next big venture.Jake has a unique investment strategy, combining cash flow from his alloy franchise with his bullish outlook on Bitcoin.But more importantly, he believes purpose-driven businesses are crucial for long-term success and fulfillment.Tune in now to hear his unique story and his big plans of owning multiple Alloy locations.Key TakeawaysIntro (0:00)Jake's background in tech sales and real estate investments (03:26)Current real estate portfolio and short-term rentals (08:26)Jake's bullish perspective on Bitcoin (10:55)Reasons for choosing Alloy franchise (16:19)Five-year plan for Alloy franchise and personal goals (20:20)Importance of purpose in business ventures (23:19)Additional Resources:- Life On Your Terms Podcast with Jake Rosenthal Podcast- Jake’s Instagram- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

Are you losing potential clients before they even step foot in your gym?In this episode, Rick and Jared discuss the often-overlooked aspects of client acquisition: phone scripts and gym tours.From the moment you answer the phone to the final handshake of a tour, every interaction is an opportunity to showcase your gym's value and ultimately nudge the prospect into a client.Learn why enthusiasm is your secret weapon, discover the power of assumptive language, and find out how to "sell the smile, not the braces" in the fitness world.Rick and Jared also cover strategies for handling walk-ins during busy times and the importance of stress-testing your protocols.Having done it for many years and seen what works, Rick and Jared give gym owners actionable tips that will maximize their marketing dollars. Tune in!"If your phone scripts and your tour of the club are not on point, you're literally throwing money away." Rick MayoKey TakeawaysIntro (00:00)How a good phone conversation with a prospect goes like (01:56)Stand up and smile while answering the phone… seriously (02:51)Don't talk incessantly..... flip the script and ask these questions (03:56)Never sell the process; sell this instead (08:48)How to conduct the best tour of your facility (14:54)How to ensure your prospects book a starting point session all the time (21:41)How trainers should handle walk-ins (22:51)Additional Resources:- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism has long been recognized for its timeless wisdom and practical insights that remain highly relevant today, even in the modern business world.In this episode, Rick and Matt go through the diaries of Marcus Aurelius, a Roman empire widely regarded as one of the greatest stoics for some of his teachings that will improve you and your business.His writings, which he did for himself at the time, have been applied today to teach important life and business lessons.If you want to keep succeeding in business, you have to continually develop yourself first, which is what stoicism is all about.Tune in for 10 tenets from Aurelius that hopefully will help you improve your business and life.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Focus on what you can control (05:57)You can’t learn what you think you already know (09:12)Be tolerant of others and strict with yourself (11:20)Associate only with people who improve you (13:50)The greatest remedy for anger is delay (16:35)Never be heard complaining even to yourself (18:08)Think progress, not perfection (20:37)The obstacle is the way (22:43)Don’t be ashamed of needing help (27:07)Build a life you don’t need an escape from (29:39)Additional Resources:- The Daily Stoic - Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!

We recently celebrated the huge milestone of opening 50 Alloy Personal Training clubs. Having these up and running is a big achievement for us as we shoot for 100 open at the end of the year. We have already awarded 274 franchises.In this episode, Rick and Suzanne reflect on the lessons picked along the way up to this point.One of the lessons from the open franchises is the importance of leadership. We've seen that the top 30% of performers in our franchise are those who excel in leadership.This involves attracting, hiring, and leading the right group of people and leaning into the business when needed. Leadership is important because fitness is a people-facing business, and the ability to lead effectively can make or break your success.We've also learned that the owners who are willing to lean in and take an active role in their business tend to do better. This commitment to their business trickles down to their teams.Listen in for some of the lessons we have picked as we continue to grow and thrive.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Leadership is key to franchise success. (02:37)Balancing support for franchisees (08:19)Scaling the corporate team (17:42)Maintaining company culture as the team grows (25:07)Cultivating a relational approach in franchise partnerships (29:55)Additional Resources- Alloy Personal Training- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity---------You can find the podcast on Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.If you haven’t already, please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts!