Accounting can feel intimidating, especially if numbers aren’t your thing. But while running a business, numbers don’t lie. They tell you exactly how fit your business is.

In this episode, Rick Mayo welcomes Rachel Blair, Alloy HQ’s Manager of Finance, to discuss how understanding your finances is critical to running a successful fitness franchise. Rachel, with over 23 years of experience across industries and a background in aviation and music, brings a refreshing perspective to accounting.

Rick and Rachel break down the simplicity of financial management in Alloy franchises, touching on profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and how to avoid common mistakes like miscategorized expenses. Rachel shares tips on budgeting and forecasting to ensure your business stays profitable and scalable.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Alloy supports its franchisees with tools like ProfitKeeper, making finances less intimidating. 

Don’t let your finances run you—listen now to learn how to run them instead!

Key Takeaways

Introducing Rachel Blair and her unique background (00:00)

Profit and loss vs. balance sheets explained (04:20)

Importance of monthly financial tracking (07:56)

Why Alloy’s cash-based service model is simple (10:34)

Common mistakes: Misclassified expenses (13:35)

Budgeting and forecasting for business growth (16:47)

Advanced financial strategies for multi-location owners (19:30)

Rachel’s unconventional hobbies (20:57)

Keep your books clean (25:17)

Additional Resources:

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 2002, the British Cycling Team was a disaster. For 76 years, they had won a single Olympic gold medal. The culture was poor, the infrastructure was lacking, and the team was stuck in a cycle of underperformance.

But then something changed. The team hired Dave Brailsford, who took a radical approach—he focused on making small, incremental improvements across every area.

They didn’t just improve the riders’ physical performance; they looked at the bikes, the nutrition, the way they traveled, and even the sheets they slept on. The goal wasn’t to make one big change but to improve everything, just a little, every day.

The results? Well, the British Cycling Team went on to dominate the Olympics and become a powerhouse in the cycling world. And it wasn’t a fluke. The same principles they applied in cycling can be applied to any business, including yours.

What if we started improving everything from the way we interact with clients to the way we manage our business finances or design our fitness programs?

That’s exactly what Rick and Matt discuss in this episode. They highlight how small changes in every aspect of your business can have a compounding effect that leads to long-term success. 

Tune in to hear more!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

British cycling team's transformation (01:35)

Business lessons from British Cycling (04:29)

Holistic approach to success (11:31)

Innovation and simplification (16:54)

Trust the process (20:27)

Additional Resources:

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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!

Running a fitness business can feel like an endless game. You are riding high on some days, while on others, you're fumbling at every turn.

After 34 years in the fitness industry, Rick has seen it all—from triumphs to missteps and everything in between.

If there's one thing he has learned, it's this: business success isn't about perfection. It's about adapting, staying consistent, and keeping focus where it matters most.

Today, he is joined by Matt to share some of the biggest myths and truths he has uncovered through decades of trial and error.

So, what’s the takeaway for you? Whether you’re managing a team, running a gym, or launching your next big idea, remember this: keep it simple, stay consistent, and never stop learning. And most importantly, give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. It’s all part of the game.

Tune in to hear Rick's top lessons for thriving in the fitness business—and life.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Business is like a game; adaptability is crucial (01:16)

Three myths debunked (04:12)

Trust is the currency of modern business (21:49)

Consistency outshines sporadic brilliance (26:30)

Disrupt, don't innovate (30:51)

Emotional resilience is essential (34:55)

Emotional reactions often undermine business focus (38:09)

Additional Resources:

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 ready to be in business for yourself but not by yourself? Franchising might be the perfect fit for you. In this episode, Rick sits down with Cary Tober, VP of franchise development for the REP'M group. Cary explains why he believes that franchising is the ideal vehicle for private business ownership.

Cary and Rick discuss how franchising is a unique model that lets individuals experience the benefits of business ownership without the risks of starting from scratch. Cary explains the significance of choosing franchises that align with strong unit economics and supportive leadership.

His own career—from starting as a DJ at 13 to overseeing multiple franchise brands—illustrates how franchising can build both personal and financial growth.

You will gain insight into what makes a good franchisee, what qualities franchisors look for, and how franchising can lead to long-term success. Tune in to learn why franchising might be your path to entrepreneurial freedom.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Entrepreneurship and franchising (02:56)

Career progression in franchising (06:11)

The appeal of franchising (8:34)

Criteria for a good franchise (8:59)

Characteristics of a good franchisee (12:49)

The role of humility and leadership (19:27)

Additional Resources:

- Rep’M Group - https://repmgroup.com/

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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!

Imagine if you had a secret weapon that could take on the routine tasks of your fitness business, freeing you up to do what you love most. 

That's exactly what Rick Mayo and Ted Vickey dive into in this episode. Ted, a professor and AI expert with a fascinating career from the White House to consulting for tech giants, reveals how AI can be your best business partner. 

Things such as generating tailored workouts and handling marketing content are some of the routine tasks AI will take off your plate. 

Ted explains how AI tools like ChatGPT can keep your clients engaged without compromising the personal touch they crave. 

This isn't about robots taking over the gym. Instead, Ted shares how AI can handle everything from emails to custom social media posts, letting you spend less time on paperwork and more time building real connections. 

Whether you're new to AI or already dabbling, this episode contains tips that could change your business. Listen in and see how AI can make your work easier and more impactful! 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Ted’s background, including work at the White House (01:16)

Ted's new book on AI for fitness professionals (09:11)

AI for content creation and social media (13:01)

Ted discusses AI's role in online personal training (15:50)

AI use in client communication and complaint management (22:49)

How AI can help streamline marketing and email outreach (25:14)

AI in academia and its impact on education (29:24)

Future AI applications in fitness and augmented reality (30:14)

Additional Resources:

The Fitness Professionals Guide to ChatGPT by Dr. Ted Vickey: https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Professionals-Guide-ChatGPT/dp/B0DBTVBWT1

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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!

What does it really mean to be a great leader? In this episode, Rick Mayo and Suzanne Robb take a fresh look at The Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lencioni, and you might be surprised by what’s holding most leaders back.

Leadership is less about maintaining appearances and more about building real trust. Rick and Suzanne tackle the traps that leaders at all levels fall into—like prioritizing status over results and avoiding accountability for popularity's sake.

But they don’t just outline these temptations; they share actionable steps for creating a culture of clarity, accountability, and authentic success.

Don’t miss this episode! Listen now and learn how to become the leader you’ve always wanted to be.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

The Five Temptations of a CEO (02:10)

First temptation: Status over results (03:03)

Second temptation: Popularity over accountability (10:14)

Third temptation: Certainty over clarity (14:32)

Fourth temptation: Harmony over conflict (18:39)

Fifth temptation: Invulnerability over trust (23:41)

Additional Resources:

The Five Temptations of a CEO: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Temptations-CEO-Anniversary-Leadership/dp/0470267585

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 interviews Michael O'Koomian, founder of MOK Advisors, to talk about the intersection of fitness and finance. Michael has a rare combination of experience, having operated fitness businesses and worked on Wall Street.

He shares his journey from fitness entrepreneurship to advising multimillion-dollar mergers and acquisitions.

The conversation explores how to value and scale businesses, especially in the fitness franchising space. Michael explains how fitness franchisees should think about business valuation as a multiple of EBITDA and provides practical advice for scaling operations and planning an exit.

Michael also discusses key trends in the health and wellness sector, including the rising importance of strength training. The episode closes with advice on future opportunities in the industry and how to grow and exit a fitness business successfully.

Whether you're running a fitness franchise or simply interested in the business side of fitness, this episode is packed with expert advice. Tune in!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Emotional eating and personal weight loss journey (03:07)

Transition from corporate consulting to fitness entrepreneurship (10:57)

Combining banking experience with fitness to offer unique business solutions (19:55)

How to value a franchise business using EBITDA multiples (26:54)

The benefits of scalability in fitness franchises like Alloy (32:28)

Opportunities in the fitness sector for growth and acquisition (38:44)

The impact of post-pandemic consumer behavior on boutique fitness (43:22)

Future trends in strength training and fitness investments (48:37)

Additional Resources:

- MOK Advisors: https://www.mokadvisors.com

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 chats with Alloy franchisee Mike Jewett about his success with organic marketing for his Alloy location.

Mike shares how he built a solid base of leads before launching his Alloy Personal Training franchise just by wearing branded gear and talking to people. With over 300 leads generated and 24 booked sessions before training day, Mike reveals the secrets to his pre-sale success.

Mike also touches on his strategy for engaging with his local chamber of commerce, attending events, and forming partnerships with local businesses. This helped him build strong relationships and set the foundation for his gym's success.

Mike, a former tech professional, discusses the need to overcome the fear of bothering people with organic marketing approaches.

If you're considering buying a franchise or starting a business, this episode is a goldmine for actionable marketing strategies. Listen in to learn how to build your leads before opening your doors!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Mike’s background in tech and transition to franchising (03:10)

Organic marketing through wearing branded gear (08:29)

Joining the local chamber of commerce for networking (14:16)

Building partnerships with other businesses (18:45)

Reaching over 300 leads before pre-sale (26:32)

Mike's long-term plans for growth and expansion (31:10)

Additional Resources:

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 over-50 demographic controls 70% of the nation’s disposable income, yet most fitness marketing targets younger audiences.

Why?

Because we’re used to thinking younger is better. But here’s the truth: Older adults are willing to spend more and stick around longer if you can meet their specific fitness needs.

In this episode, Rick speaks with Jay Croft, a new Alloy vendor, on why sending consistent newsletter content to your email list is so important.

Rick and Jay break down how fitness businesses can tap into this underserved market by offering personalized fitness programs and maintaining consistent communication through email newsletters and social media.

Jay, with years of experience in journalism and corporate communications, shares how he's helped gyms transform their approach to reach older adults effectively.

Tune in now to change your approach to fitness marketing to over-50s.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Jay's transition to fitness marketing for the over-50 demographic (03:27)

Alloy's focus on the underserved over-50 market (07:10)

Importance of consistent communication in marketing (10:36)

Value of email newsletters for gym owners (14:27)

Balancing informative content with promotional messages (17:44)

Relevance of content in email marketing (20:40)

Jay's new role as an essential vendor for Alloy franchisees (23:43)

Alignment between Jay's approach and Alloy's philosophy (27:24)

Benefits of outsourcing email marketing to an expert (30:23)

Additional Resources:

- Prime Fit Content: https://primefitcontent.com/

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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 sits with his son, Jake Mayo, a Naval Academy graduate and submarine officer. Jake shares invaluable leadership tips learned from his experience in one of the most high-pressure environments—the military's submarine division.

As a submarine officer responsible for critical, life-altering decisions, Jake shares how decisiveness, honesty, and fostering team resilience are key to successful leadership.

He also explains how to build strong team dynamics, even in confined and high-stress settings, drawing clear parallels to leading a business.

The episode covers essential leadership topics such as creating a culture that embraces failure for growth, maintaining professional boundaries while being personable, and the importance of making decisions—even if they’re wrong.

Tune in to discover how lessons from military service can elevate your business leadership.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Jake’s background in Naval service (02:36)

Leadership in high-stress environments (05:58)

Managing submarine operations (10:15)

Importance of honesty in leadership (15:30)

Making decisions under pressure (17:52)

Building a resilient team (21:18)

Balancing decisiveness with thoughtfulness (29:28)

Additional Resources:

- Alloy Personal Training

- Learn About The Alloy Franchise Opportunity

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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!