In this episode, Rick shares his 33-year fitness entrepreneurship journey from a personal trainer working his way through college to a fitness franchising powerhouse.

With over 320 locations awarded and 100+ open, Rick reveals what it takes to build a scalable, sustainable, and high-retention fitness brand.

Rick explains how AI and automation are changing franchising by streamlining operations and improving retention.

He shares tips on how to integrate AI seamlessly in a fitness business and how Alloy keeps franchisees engaged without overwhelming them with tech.

With Alloy having quickly expanded over the past few years, Rick talks about the challenges of this rapid expansion and why simplifying processes is key to franchise success.

🎧 Don’t miss this episode if you’re interested in fitness franchising or the future of AI-driven business models!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Rick’s “33-year overnight success” story (03:52)

AI’s role in franchise efficiency (08:14)

Agentic AI’s future impact (12:27)

Tech tools for franchisee onboarding (16:55)

Behavioral change features in Alloy’s consumer app (21:05)

Why franchisee success is the #1 metric (25:08)

Rick’s must-have tech tool (30:38)

“Eating glass” entrepreneurship quote (32:11)

Additional Resources:

Book Mentioned

- The Road Less Stupid

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- 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!

Tired of chasing new leads without seeing results? Let your happiest clients do the work for you.

In this episode, Rick and Matt share how a strong referral system can grow your business. Matt explains how asking for referrals at key moments, maintaining accountability, and building community partnerships lead to more clients.

Rick and Matt also discuss how gamification and measurable systems make referrals a consistent part of business operations.

Learn creative strategies for getting referrals, including workshops, client appreciation events, and pass-along gifts. Plus, hear how rewarding your top advocates can increase engagement and loyalty.

Tune in now and hear how referrals are the best way to get more clients to your business.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Referrals as a business growth strategy (02:53)

How to ask for referrals at point-of-sale (05:42)

Pass along gifts to ask for referrals (13:01)

Using accountability sessions as opportunities for referrals (15:21)

Leveraging partnerships with local businesses (17:19)

Using workshops and community events to drive referrals (19:06)

Gamifying referral efforts with staff and clients (30:05)

The value of consistent recognition and rewards (31:54)

Creating measurable referral systems (34:20)

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 this episode, Rick Mayo chats with Kevin Gardenhire, a dynamic Alloy franchise partner, about his transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Kevin has a fascinating background, he has worked in finance, corporate leadership, and even a stint at Walmart. He’s here to share how he turned those experiences into a thriving fitness franchise business.

Kevin gets honest about the importance of leadership, taking ownership (even when things go sideways), and hiring the right people who get stuff done without excuses. 

He also talks about the balance between trusting your gut and leaning on data to make smart business decisions. He also shares some great tips on how to adapt your marketing strategy based on your market because what works in one place might not fly in another.

Kevin opens up about the personal side of entrepreneurship of stepping out of your comfort zone and learning to lead in a way that empowers your team to grow and thrive. Tune in to learn how to lead with confidence and drive growth for your fitness business. 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Kevin explains his non-linear background and corporate journey (02:44)

Why Kevin chose Alloy over other franchise opportunities (06:19)

Importance of having a strong sales director (12:24)

Key performance metrics for franchise success (14:30)

Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship and overcoming fear (18:49)

Kevin’s leadership style (21:42)

Maintaining strong communication with his director (29:49)

Empowering employees to make decisions and learn from mistakes (34:26)

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 distractions keeping you from growing your fitness business? In this episode, Rick speaks with fitness industry expert Mike Arce about what makes a successful studio owner. Mike works with more than 60 brands at the franchisee level and is also personally invested in multiple Alloy locations.

Mike is the founder of Loud Rumor, a company dedicated to helping gym owners thrive. He shares his journey from fitness coach to entrepreneur and why he chose Alloy Franchise for its scalability, low startup costs, and high margins.

Rick and Mike explore the strategies that successful fitness franchise owners use to stay focused, grow their revenue, and lead their teams effectively.

He also reveals actionable insights on crafting strategic plans, maintaining focus, and training gym managers to drive growth.

Tune in to learn more about the traits of successful studio owners and the systems they use to keep winning.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Loud Rumor and its Purpose (03:40)

Success traits of studio owners (09:34)

Why he chose Alloy (09:50)

Gym owner focus and strategic planning (22:58)

Final thoughts and future plans (34:05)

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mike Arce

- Loud Rumor – Coaching and masterminds for gym owners

- Instagram

- Built to Sell by John Warrillow – Recommended book on business structuring

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- 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 speaks with Alloy franchise partner Ken Campbell, a golf management executive who recently became an Alloy franchisee. Ken has shattered all our presale records by signing 130+ members before opening his location.

He shares how he transitioned from managing golf courses to building a successful Alloy fitness franchise business.

Rick and Ken discussed the service-first approach, the keys to leadership in semi-absentee ownership, and the lessons he learned from an unprecedented presale sprint.

Ken also talks about the importance of understanding customer motivations and building a culture of trust and consistency in his team.

Tune in now and get inspired by Ken’s success story!

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Ken Campbell's background (02:20)

Transition to Alloy Franchise (04:23)

Understanding the Alloy Business Model (06:25)

Service-oriented approach to business (07:33)

Advice for semi-absentee owners (10:31)

Presale success and challenges (19:57)

Location selection and future plans (26:33)

Future plans for multiple locations (28:52)

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!

Building a successful franchise system is no easy feat. As Rick and Matt share in this episode, scaling a franchise requires more than just ambition—it demands intentionality, focus, and a deep commitment to the people at the heart of the business.

Reflecting on the HUGE milestone of awarding 300 franchises, Rick and Matt discuss 3 factors that have driven Alloy's growth and sustained success.

The backbone of any successful franchise is the franchisee. As Rick aptly states, "The strength of the franchise is the health of the franchisee." A thriving franchise system isn’t just about selling locations but ensuring franchisees are profitable and supported every step of the way.

This people-first philosophy permeates Alloy’s operations. Whether it's making time for one-on-one calls, providing tailored coaching, or building relational connections.

Franchising isn’t easy, but with the right mindset and principles, it can be incredibly rewarding. 

Tune in to hear the 3 key lessons from awarding 300 locations and what’s next for Alloy Personal Training Franchise. 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Celebrating 300th franchise award (03:53)

Observations on franchising (08:03)

It’s all about people (08:21)

The importance of "Why" in franchising (20:41)

Keeping the main thing the main thing (20:53)

Gratitude and future goals (27:25)

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 this episode, Rick Mayo talks to former NFL player Matt LaCosse, who played for the Giants, Broncos, and Patriots before diving into real estate and franchising.

Matt has successfully transitioned from football to fitness franchising with Alloy Personal Training.

Matt shares how his time in the NFL—playing under coaches like Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick—taught him invaluable lessons about leadership, adaptability, and the importance of doing your job well.

Learn how Matt applies NFL-level work ethic and people skills to build a standout fitness business, why he values hiring slowly and creating a strong team culture, and why “staying uncomfortable” keeps him ahead in business.

🎧 Don’t miss it - tune in to hear Matt’s playbook for success—both on and off the field! 

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Matt’s NFL Career Journey (01:32)

Leadership Lessons from Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick (06:27)

Transitioning to Real Estate and Franchising (10:41)

Why Matt Chose Alloy Despite Saying “No” to Fitness (14:27)

“Stay Uncomfortable” Philosophy for Growth (16:26)

Secrets to Pre-Sale Success: Consistency and Connection (23:05)

Building the Right Team and Culture (24:53)

Importance of Leadership in Franchising (27:04)

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!

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!