Success by Design: Franchise Lessons with Erik Van Horn

Franchise ownership sounds like freedom, but most owners learn the hard way. Passivity doesn’t pay unless you earn it.In this episode, Rick Mayo sits down with Erik Van Horn, veteran franchisee, franchisor, investor, and founder of Front Street Equity Partners.With decades of experience across all sides of the franchise table, Erik unpacks what it really takes to thrive in franchising.They explore the true meaning of “semi-absentee” ownership, why early-stage franchisees need a pioneer mindset, and how building strong operating partnerships is key to scale.Erik also shares his personal entrepreneurial journey from a college grad avoiding construction to running dozens of franchise units and advisory businesses.They also touch on advisory masterminds, the importance of being teachable, and the hidden cost of cheap leadership.Tune in!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Erik Van Horn's background and early career (03:51)Transition to franchising and business expansion (06:49)Current business activities and franchise consulting (10:28)Character traits for successful franchisees (12:39)Semi-absentee ownership and business structure (20:32)Investing in franchises and passive income (22:06)Final thoughts and future plans (32:41)Additional Resources:- Franchise Secrets Franchise Secrets Group: https://web.facebook.com/groups/franchisesecretsfb/?_rdc=1&_rdr#Scalable Franchise: https://scalablefranchise.com/—- 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!

Alloy has recently updated its territory mapping system to identify new, high-potential locations.In this episode, Rick and Suzanne discuss the results of the Alloy mapping exercise for the US and what it means for existing and potential franchisees.With updated demographic data and an analysis of local business dynamics, the company has expanded from 900 territories to over 2000.The episode also discusses the importance of protecting existing franchisees by ensuring that no two locations compete directly, with each franchise being granted a "protected radius."Rick and Suzanne also touch on the importance of refining franchisee selection by using amplifiers to find the most ideal locations and how Alloy is pushing forward with growth in the U.S. while turning down international expansion for now.Tune in to discover how Alloy is expanding smarter!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Expansion and growth of alloy (01:46)Remapping and demographic updates (04:27)Impact of new territories on franchisees (09:49)Addressing concerns and future plans (17:15)Final thoughts and future goals (18:58)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 4th installment of the “Care Is Currency” series, Rick Mayo and Matt Helland discuss why consistency is one of the most overlooked aspects of customer loyalty. Through stories and real-world Alloy examples, they show how even small deviations in client experience, no matter how well-meaning, can break trust and hurt retention.Even when the core service stays the same, inconsistencies in the client experience create emotional dissonance for customers. Running the play exactly as designed is key to building trust at scale. Consistency becomes the real “wow factor.”🎧 Tap into Part 4 and discover why consistency builds the kind of brand loyalty that lasts.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The importance of consistent customer experience (02:24)The haircut story: illustrating consistency (04:02)Consistency in coaching and customer experience (13:33)Metrics and consistency in customer experience (13:57)Secret shopping and improving consistency (16:14)The role of systems in consistency (21:45)The impact of consistent service on business success (22:08)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 today’s episode (Part 3 of the series), Rick Mayo and Matt Helland continue their conversation on the importance of genuine care in building client loyalty and business success.They discuss how Alloy’s focus on small, personalized touches, such as surprising clients with thoughtful gifts and sending post-workout texts, creates a strong emotional bond. These small actions are key to retention and long-term success.Rick and Matt explain why a structured system of care, embedded in Alloy’s processes, ensures that clients feel seen and valued at every stage.Gestures such as a follow-up text after a workout or a surprise gift based on a personal conversation go a long way in making clients feel supported and appreciated.True business growth is about consistent everyday acts of care that set your brand apart.If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of the series, where Rick and Matt explore the foundational ideas behind Alloy's client-first approach.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)The psychology of random gifts (02:54)Power of text messaging (10:38)Director's role in follow-up and accountability (16:58)Impact of small, consistent actions (19:54)The role of systems and processes (20:40)The role of personal connection (21:08)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 today’s episode (Part 2 of the series), Rick Mayo and Matt Helland dive into the importance of building genuine relationships with clients.They discuss the role of accountability sessions in driving retention and creating long-lasting client relationships.The future of Alloy won’t be built on the latest fitness trends or shiny new marketing tactics, but on care—specifically, caring enough to make personalized, consistent touches with clients. Small, consistent acts of care lead to big rewards.They share that having a structured approach to check-ins and recognizing life’s challenges (like injuries or travel) can dramatically improve your business’s long-term success.Listen to this episode now and discover how a little extra care can make a huge impact.(Be sure to check out Part 1 of the series if you missed it!)Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Accountability sessions in personal training (04:01)The importance of personalized care (06:24)Examples of accountability sessions in action (13:55)The role of accountability sessions in retention (20:12)The impact of personalized care on client loyalty (20:27)The analogy of poles in the ground (21:13) 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 part 1 of this 5-part series, Rick presents the concepts from his keynote presentation from the 2025 Alloy Conference.Through compelling stories, Rick and Matt explain how Alloy differentiates itself from competitors by showing genuine care for every client, leading to long-term loyalty and success.Rick shares how caring for clients beyond the sale through accountability and follow-up makes a big difference.From uncomfortable sales moments to deeply personal coaching sessions, Alloy’s model proves that the way you treat people is more important than the services you offer.You’ll also hear about the importance of consistent effort—like making phone calls to clients or following up on leads—and how this ‘boring’ work creates incredible results in the long run.Listen in and learn how Alloy ‘out cares’ the competition.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Differentiating Alloy through care (02:38)Starting point session: Jerry's story (04:10)The importance of consistent care (11:07)Overcoming discomfort in sales (13:36)Boring work and consistent effort (18:42)Consumer loyalty statistics (29:16)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 executive coach and Alloy franchisee, Rami Odeh, to discuss 5 essential supplements that you should be taking.These supplements are essential for improving physical performance, brain health, and overall well-being.They also explore common myths surrounding supplements and why consistency is more important than occasional use for achieving long-term results.This episode is perfect for anyone looking to optimize their fitness journey with the right supplements and avoid the confusion that comes with the overwhelming number of options available.Want to learn which supplements truly deliver? Listen now and boost your fitness results today!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Supplements and their importance (01:58)Benefits of supplementation and personal experiences (04:11)Detailed discussion on creatine (07:11)Whey protein and its role in muscle building (12:44)Omega-3s and their impact on heart health (17:22)Vitamin D and its role in mood and immune system (20:53)Multivitamins and greens for comprehensive health (26:06)Additional supplements and their specific benefits (34:00)Conclusion and final thoughts (34:11)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 speaks with Lee Hodges of Torque Fitness. Torque was the Alloy vendor of the year last year and continues to be the sole provider of equipment for the Alloy franchise.They discuss the powerful blend of aesthetics, functionality, and foresight that makes Torque the go-to provider for Alloy Personal Training.Lee shares how his nearly 30 years in the fitness industry and his passion for strength training led him to Torque, where design isn’t just about equipment -- it’s about experience.The Torque approach is listening first, designing around client goals, and crafting space-efficient setups that look as good as they perform.Whether it’s kettlebells or the multifunctional Racks, Torque’s products are tailored for real-world training and long-term durability.Rick and Lee also look ahead to what’s next: the integration of recovery tools, the enduring rise of strength training, and how drugs like GLP-1s may shift the focus from cardio to muscle preservation.Tune in to learn more!Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Lee Hodges' Professional Background (02:05)Transition to Torque and Philosophy (03:55)Torque's Unique Products and Design Philosophy (06:24)Torque's Process and Customer Service (11:29)Challenges and Solutions in the Fitness Industry (12:56)Future Trends and Industry Insights (13:08)Final Thoughts and Contact Information (28:14)Additional Resources:- Torque Fitness: https://www.torquefitness.com/—- 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 welcomes back Jared Breen, VP of Real Estate and Studio Development, to discuss Jared's recent experience at a FranChoice conference. Although Jared’s role is heavily operational, he was sent to pitch Alloy to franchise consultants--a job typically reserved for sales leaders.Jared not only held his own but stood out by presenting without notes, showcasing his deep understanding of the Alloy brand and process. This impressed consultants and positioned Alloy as a franchise built on operational integrity, not just flashy sales techniques.Alloy uses EOS to keep the entire team aligned and informed. Jared also reflects on how Alloy’s core values and focus on helping franchisees win are what truly drive growth. Rick and Jared both emphasize that putting franchisee success first naturally fuels the business, eliminating the need for gimmicky sales strategies.The episode wraps with a recognition of Jared’s performance and a shared excitement about maintaining this values-driven approach as Alloy continues to expand.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Alloy’s growing brand recognition at the conference (04:31)Jared’s success pitching without notes (09:15)How EOS gives every team member full visibility (11:02)Core values and "helping people win" as drivers (13:50)Jared’s reflections after returning from the event (15:43)Staying focused on franchisee success over gimmicks (17:57)Cautionary tales of sales-first franchise brands (21:54)Alloy’s slow, sustainable franchise growth strategy (23:05)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 and Matt break down the day-to-day responsibilities of the Director of Training - aka the gym’s General Manager. Drawing from years of high-volume experience, they outline exactly how to structure a productive day, balance responsibilities, and build a strong culture within your studio.Matt walks us through the Director’s three big levers: acquire new members, retain existing ones, and lead the team. You’ll learn how to block your schedule to make time for both strategic thinking and hands-on customer interaction—plus how to delegate wisely and empower your team.They also explore the role of gym owners in this model, how to support without micromanaging, and what tasks fall on the owner vs. the Director.👉 Tune in now and learn how to make your gym thrive by keeping the main thing the main thing.Key TakeawaysIntro (00:00)Role of the director and time management (3:33)Day-to-day responsibilities of a director (7:04)Coaching the team and delegating tasks (18:28)Owner's role and support (26:08)Final thoughts (32:01)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!