Fix Your Gym

In episode 14 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Ben Hudspith from Sydney, Australia, who brings a wealth of experience in the fitness industry. Ben shares insights from his roles as a field technician, small business owner, and now national service manager for a large company. The conversation delves into industry trends, technologies, products, and news, offering valuable perspectives for listeners. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of fitness equipment maintenance and service.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:42] Family Bicycle Shop Experience.

[00:06:20] Starting a Gym Repair Business.

[00:10:30] Entrepreneurial Journey Through Different Industries.

[00:15:45] Persistence in Business Relationships.

[00:19:40] Starting a Business Advice.

[00:25:08] The Vastness of Australia.

[00:30:09] A Unique Work Travel Experience.

[00:31:47] Australian Outback Terrain.

[00:34:49] Nova Fit Equipment Dealership.

[00:39:33] Hands-on Equipment Maintenance Training.

[00:44:06] Building Customer Relationships.

[00:48:29] Smart Time Management Strategies.

[00:51:19] Repair Tips And Tricks.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Ben Hudspith emphasize that building relationships with customers is crucial for technicians in the fitness industry. Ben mentions that a significant part of a technician's role is not only fixing the equipment but also effectively communicating with the customers. The interaction with the customer plays a vital role in establishing trust and loyalty, which are essential for long-term business success.

Furthermore, Ben highlights the importance of effective communication and customer service skills, emphasizing the need for technicians to engage with gym managers, explain the repair process, and ensure customer satisfaction.

QUOTES

• "A piece of advice would be just to keep going with it. You just got to get up every day and do the job. And then these days, information's fairly close to the internet. Yes, you can get by in the gym industry with a basic range of tools." - Ben Hudspith
• "You've got to think outside the box when you go to a job and you've got to try and fix it. You've got to try your very best, think of every way you can to fix that machine whilst you're there" - Ben Hudspith
• “Overall, that is going to pay for itself because you're adding significant value to the customer's experience, getting the machine fixed quicker, and that overall is definitely going to lead to more business.” - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Ben Hudspith

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gym_repairs_tips_tricks_pics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.hudspith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hudspith/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BenHudspith

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

NovoFit: https://novof

Support the show

In episode 13 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Sidwell Kiser from GHS North America, a company specializing in cardio raceways and rubber flooring for gyms. He also discusses body analyzer technology and the latest trends in the fitness industry.

Tune in to learn more about the innovative fitness solutions.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:29] Cardio Raceways Innovation.

[00:06:08] Difference Between Raceway and Railway.

[00:10:29] Changing Trends in Fitness Electronics.

[00:15:50] Interrupting podcast recording.

[00:17:20] Innovative Gym Flooring Options.

[00:22:24] Body Analyzer in Gyms.

[00:26:11] Gym Design and Aesthetics.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Sidwell Kiser share insights into their unique plug-and-play cardio raceways, railway systems, and the benefits they offer to gym owners. They also delve into the evolving fitness landscape, including the shift towards connected fitness and interactive technology.

Moreover, Adam and Sidwell delve into the benefits of their products in terms of organization, maintenance, and ease of use for gym owners and technicians. They also highlight the potential benefits of this technology for gym-goers in tracking their progress and making informed health decisions.

QUOTES

• “Sales is much better than installing flooring.” - Adam Niffen
• “Technology allows them to really separate those things and see what's actually going on inside of their body and will allow them to be more apt to go back to the gym because they're seeing their real-time results rather than just the number.” - Sidwell Kiser
• “After talking with so many different people at Ursa, there definitely is a need and a want for our products that can save a lot of people time and money and startup costs and getting their gym open so they can also make some money.” - Sidwell Kiser

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Sidwell Kiser

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidwell-kiser-164a78262/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

GHS of North America: https://ghsofnorthamerica.com/

Support the show

In episode 12 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Dan Thompson from Huff-n-Puff Fitness Repair. Dan shares his 16 years of experience in the fitness industry and discusses his journey as a business owner in the fitness repair sector. They discuss industry trends, technologies, products, and health news, offering listeners a wealth of information. 

Tune in for an engaging discussion on fitness industry expertise and experiences!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:26] A Trade-Focused Podcast.

[00:05:31] Early Days of Internet Marketing.

[00:09:18] Earning Work by Merit.

[00:12:19] The Appeal of Turning Wrenches.

[00:15:32] Networking for Service Providers.

[00:19:59] Providing Value for Success.

[00:23:08] Industry Event Reflections and Future.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Dan Thompson highlight how building relationships and networking with other service providers can lead to a more connected and informed industry. By sharing insights, solutions, and experiences, service providers can collectively elevate the standards of service, improve customer satisfaction, and drive innovation in the fitness equipment repair sector.

Additionally, industry events provide a platform for service providers to meet and collaborate with like-minded professionals. As discussed in the episode, connecting with other service providers facing similar challenges and opportunities can be incredibly beneficial. By sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and discussing strategies, professionals can learn from each other, find solutions to common problems, and build a supportive network within the industry.

QUOTES

• "Definitely learned a lot along the way. I've made countless mistakes, you know, lots of things that I would most definitely do differently knowing what I do now. But the fact that we've survived, I think, says a lot about the people that we have here and their dedication to what it is that we do." - Dan Thompson
• “Along with it, those relationships, they're important, but at the same time, you've got to walk the walk as well and stay consistent and keep on doing that. And, you know, it's not like you can just earn it once and then you're in forever. You need to constantly keep earning that every single day.” - Dan Thompson
• "I think people who provide value, it's important. It's important for people to know that they exist. So it will help us in the long run having more people to work with, more people to balance ideas off." - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Dan Thompson 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huffnpufffitness/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

Huff-n-Puff Fitness Repair: https://hnpfit.com/

Support the show

In episode 11 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Ruben Hand from Field Tech Fitness Solutions to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fitness equipment service industry. They delve into topics such as industry fragmentation, the need for standardization in training and certification, and the importance of collaboration among service providers.

Tune in to discover insights and perspectives from two industry experts as they discuss ways to improve the fitness equipment service sector.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:20] Fitness Equipment Service Platform.

[00:04:42] Importance of Industry Events.

[00:08:25] Supporting Each Other in Business.

[00:14:27] Manufacturers' Influence Over Service Industry.

[00:17:22] Collaboration Among Industry Players.

[00:23:03] Awakening the Industry.

[00:26:19] Industry Differences and Challenges.

[00:31:08] Standardization in Certification for Technicians.

[00:32:17] Certification in Automotive Industry.

[00:36:23] Advancements in Fitness Industry.

[00:41:08] Focusing on Expertise in Business.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Ruben Hand delved into the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among fitness equipment service providers to drive industry growth and improvement.  By working together, sharing insights, and supporting one another, service providers can elevate the industry as a whole and deliver superior services to clients.

Furthermore, Adam and Ruben discuss that standardization can elevate the reputation of the fitness equipment service industry as a whole. By establishing industry-wide standards for training, certification, and processes, the industry can present itself as a professional and dependable service provider. This recognition can enhance the status of technicians and service providers, fostering increased respect and trust from clients and manufacturers.

QUOTES

• “Stop using a million different applications and put something together that essentially streamlines their operations and gives them a single-stop platform to do everything that they do.” - Ruben Hand
• "This time around, I really think that us, as small business owners, we're the only ones that can change this. We're the only ones that can improve our own condition. We can't bang at the door of manufacturers or anybody for that matter. It's a matter of taking responsibility." - Adam Niffen
• “What we need is collaboration. What we need is continued conversation. What we need is a connection between companies and this idea of competition. And, you know, ‘I can't share any information with you, because you're going to ruin my business.’ That's just not true. And it needs to change.” - Ruben Hand

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Ruben Hand

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldtechfitness/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fieldtechfitness/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

Field Tech Fitness Solutions: https://fieldtechfitness.com/

Support the show

In episode 10 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Monica Anwander as she shares insights into the unique brand and business model of The Gym KC, highlighting their inclusive approach to fitness and commitment to member satisfaction. She discusses the journey of their fitness business, future plans, and industry challenges as she sheds light on the resilience and determination that has kept their business thriving.

Tune in as we delve into the importance of maintaining equipment, and the value of strong relationships in the fitness industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:06] Family-Owned Gym Business Growth.

[00:08:00] Flexible Gym Membership Options.

[00:11:23] Gym Cancellation Policy.

[00:16:35] Overcoming Adversities in Business.

[00:20:01] Business Relocation Challenges and Growth.

[00:25:26] Gym Equipment Sustainability Efforts.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Monica Anwander discuss the unique brand and business model of The Gym KC, focusing on inclusivity, simplicity, and a no-contract policy. The gym aims to provide a welcoming environment for individuals of all fitness levels and backgrounds. 

In addition, Adam and Monica highlight the importance of resiliency and success in every business where one can showcase their ability to overcome challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. 

QUOTES

• “And fitness above the physical aspects and benefits, there's a lot of mental aspects and benefits, as well. And that's, we should not be a stress point.” - Monica Anwander
• “We had over 30 different nationalities and countries represented in our population. All walks of life. All fitness levels. We don't want people to be intimidated to come to the gym. We want them to be able to come in and do their thing.” - Monica Anwander
• "But the cool thing about struggle is that if you can make it out the other side, you can come out a different and stronger business." - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

The Gym KC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegymkc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theGYMkc/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

The Gym KC: https://www.thegymkc.com/

Support the show

In episode 9 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen welcomes Steve Heitzer, Head of Commercial Sales and Amenity Design at RMS Fitness. Steve shares insights into their focus on the multifamily industry, highlighting the unique needs and concerns of this market segment. They discuss the company's expertise in fitness equipment service and sales, and their commitment to become the go-to resource for multifamily fitness solutions. 

Tune in to gain expert knowledge on fitness equipment in the multifamily industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:34] Pandemic Pet Project.

[00:05:01] Multifamily Fitness Amenities Trends.

[00:07:25] Functional Fitness Equipment.

[00:16:09] Challenges in Large Installs.

[00:20:05] Mounting and Installation Challenges.

[00:25:27] Octane True Fitness Acquisition.

[00:32:22] Challenges in Merging Service and Sales.

[00:36:07] Exciting New Developments Coming.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Steve Heitzer discuss the impact of the pandemic on the fitness industry and how it led to a growth in the focus on health and fitness. They mentioned the emergence of new technologies and a transformation happening in the multifamily industry regarding fitness amenities.

Furthermore, Adam and Steve emphasize that his growth has also influenced the development of fitness amenities in multifamily buildings, with a shift towards more comprehensive and well-equipped facilities.

QUOTES

• "RMS fitness repair, maintain, sell fitness equipment is what we do. But we do kind of have a niche that we operate in as far as the multifamily industry. We found that they have specific needs and specific concerns that kind of set them apart from other places with fitness equipment in them. And because of that, we've decided to really lean into that and try to become the best resource for them that we can be." - Steve Heitzer
• “I want to be more something tangible, something real with my hands, which is why I got originally kind of enticed by the service side of the business. But now, working to create these real spaces and seeing that finished product of these fitness centers is really rewarding for me, and I've appreciated that a lot.” - Steve Heitzer
• “That's something I really try to pride myself on is like, I don't ever want my client to feel like they have to choose between two bad options. It's something I really try to avoid. I want them to be feeling like they always have a good choice to make.” - Steve Heitzer
• “Having some adaptability and being able to solve unique problems on the fly and deal with companies like ours sometimes can be a pain in the butt if you're a sales company and stock companies where you know, we're always like, ‘Hey, man, we got to get this done.’ ‘We got to get to the next install.’” - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Steve Heitzer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-heitzer-a1562b196/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

RMS Fitness: https://www.rmsfitness.com/

Support the show

In episode 8 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen is joined by Jared Grigg from ServiceRx, a franchise specializing in fitness industry services. Jared shares his 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the service side of the business. He talks about the importance of focusing on core business and providing value to customers, rather than getting into equipment sales. 

Tune in to learn more about Jared's journey and his insights into the fitness industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:01:05] Fitness Industry Service Side.

[00:01:56] Growing Up in the Fitness Industry.

[00:13:50] Quinac Machines and Technogym Outraces.

[00:17:34] Industry Changes and Competition.

[00:19:27] The Future of the Fitness Industry.

[00:27:30] Sales Companies and Conflict of Interest.

[00:31:20] Working Together and Building Legacies.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Jared Grigg highlight the importance of collaboration and idea-sharing within the fitness industry. They emphasize that there is enough work for everyone and that the success of one company does not equate to the failure of another. They firmly believe that if all industry players are thriving, it will ultimately benefit everyone involved.

Additionally, Adam and Jared underscore the significance of maintenance and repair in the fitness industry. They note that many companies solely focus on selling fitness equipment and overlook the importance of preventative maintenance and repair services. However, ServiceRx specializes in maintenance and repair, aiming to support sales by taking care of the technical aspects for clients. They believe that this specialization is unique and valuable in the industry. 

QUOTES

• “I think the industry as a whole is pretty resilient. You're dealing with a lot of type A fitness people, and generally, they're used to grinding and they're used to adversity and pain." - Jared Grigg
• "We can all get together and work together and bounce ideas off of each other. And there's plenty of work out there and we can all learn from each other and really make our industry and what we do better.” - Adam Niffen
• “I got competition out there but I want to work with, especially in my region. I mean, there's enough work for everybody. And I feel like it's better if you work together and you don't shut people out and, I mean, I'm trying to build a legacy.” - Jared Grigg

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Jared Grigg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ServiceRXNVA/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-grigg-843660257/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

ServiceRX: https://gosrx.com/

Support the show

In episode 7 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen interviews Daine Patton, the owner of Bats to Rats Wildlife Control and Prevention. Daine shares his inspiring story of how he used health and fitness to transform his life, his relationships, and his business. While the podcast often focuses on the tech and equipment side of the fitness industry, Adam believes it's important to hear from individuals who have utilized these tools to make positive changes in their lives. 

Tune in now to hear his story and gain valuable insights into the power of fitness. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:04:25] Weight Loss Journey and Transformation.

[00:05:06] Multi-Level Marketing and Dedication.

[00:06:20] Challenged to go Vegan.

[00:20:02] Poor Health and Transformation.

[00:24:05] Fatherhood and Personal Growth.

[00:26:17] Business and Fitness Success.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Daine Patton discuss their personal transformation journeys, which involved recognizing the need for change in their lives. They also emphasize the significance of recognizing personal flaws and making positive changes. They believe that the ability to acknowledge when one has been wrong and humbly seek improvement is a remarkable attribute. 

Overall, Adam and Daine underscore the significance of self-reflection, acknowledging personal flaws, and taking action to bring about positive changes in one's life. They firmly believe that this process is essential for personal growth and development.

QUOTES

• "I also like to have people on who have utilized these tools and have utilized this industry to transform their lives, transform their minds, their families, their businesses, and everything like that." - Adam Niffen
• "What started as a weight loss journey has turned into the most incredible personal development journey that I didn't see coming." - Daine Patton
• “Fitness was the catalyst to the amazing changes that I have been able to progress in my life. My business has gotten better every single year since I've been losing weight. My relationship with my wife has gotten better every single year. My relationships with my kids are better, just like I am now able to show up in all areas of my life that actually mean something to me, that I, that I realized that I wasn't showing up for before.” - Daine Patton
• "Yeah, there's no greater man or attribute to a man than somebody who can realize what they've been doing is not correct… And humble themselves and make a change." - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Daine Patton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1I1q68qqeP/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008916825624

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daine-patton-0366558b/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

Bats to Rats Wildlife Control and Prevention: https://batstorats.com/

Support the show

In episode 6 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen welcomes Jonathan Fodera, CEO at Integrated Business Financing to discuss the importance of business credit and financing in the fitness industry. They share how their mutual connection introduced them and how Integrated Business Financing has helped them with equipment purchases, lines of credit, and building their business credit. They emphasize the value of good business credit and the positive impact it can have on a fitness business. 

Tune in to this enlightening conversation that will leave you inspired to value good business credit and the positive impact it can have on a fitness business. 

TIMESTAMPS

[00:03:01] Business Credit and Financial Health.

[00:03:33] The Importance of Financial Education.

[00:05:06] Small Business Support and Impact.

[00:08:45] Gaining Financial Freedom.

[00:13:07] The Value of Community.

[00:17:38] Teaching Kids to Operate a Business.

[00:18:11] Impact of Family Business Failure.

[00:21:15] Financial Literacy for Business Owners.

[00:25:30] Central Bank Digital Currencies.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Jonathan Fodera emphasize the unique qualities of entrepreneurs and their potential to transform their lives through relationships and networking. They believe that networking and learning from other entrepreneurs is invaluable as it exposes them to different industries and allows them to gain insights from others' experiences and solutions to common problems.

QUOTES

• “They don't teach us this in school, right? And there's a part of it that I think is intentional. Right? We don't learn how to balance a checkbook. We don't learn about taxes. We don't learn about running a business. We don't learn about business credit. And what a lot of people fail to understand is that Building a business is like building a house. You started a foundation, you work your way up, and you just continue to go and grow.” - Jonathan Fodera
• "What people don't realize is if we do not support small business, we don't have a country… You'll be working for big box locations that have this woke ideology bullshit being passed down. And we don't have the chance to impact our communities the way we want to." - Jonathan Fodera
• “Us talking about this and the truth. is a positive thing. It's a great thing. It's not to be negative. It's to protect. It's because we care about our country, care about people in it, care about our families. Care about our freedoms." - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Jonathan Fodera

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.fodera/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.fodera.3/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-fodera-391a98a1/

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

Integrated Business Financing: https://www.integratedbusinessfinancing.com/

World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/

Capitol Tools: https://capital.tools/

Support the show

In episode 5 of Fix Your Gym, Adam Niffen welcomes guest, Dustin Bogle, as they share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the challenges of staying connected in a world driven by technology. They highlight the potential negative impact of technology on interpersonal relationships and suggest that there may be a divide between those who embrace technology and those who prioritize human connection.

Tune in to learn more about how technology is changing the fitness industry.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:02:57] Fastest Way to Sharpen Business Acumen.

[00:05:21] Struggling Gyms and Leadership.

[00:08:15] Gym Owners' Superpowers and Struggles.

[00:11:20] Developing a Motivated Team.

[00:14:20] Finding the Right Team Members.

[00:18:51] Studio Gym Equipment Recommendations.

[00:22:38] Training for Human Connection.

[00:24:07] Striking Up Conversations with Strangers.

In this episode, Adam Niffen and Dustin Bogle delve into the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships, highlighting how its increasing use can lead to a sense of disconnection from others. They emphasize the potential negative impact of technology on interpersonal relationships and suggest that there may be a divide between those who embrace technology and those who prioritize human connection.

Additionally, Adam and Dustin discuss the challenge of finding employees or clients who share the same drive and motivation. They acknowledge that not everyone will possess the same level of dedication, which can be a source of frustration. They also emphasize the importance of developing a discerning eye to identify individuals who genuinely express a desire to work hard and seize opportunities, rather than those who simply tell employers what they want to hear.

QUOTES

• "I wrongfully believe that running this business was about equipment and coaches…. And what I failed to build into them was leadership and culture. There was no manager on site. It was just a bunch of coaches and equipment. Oh, and there's no leadership. There's no accountability. The inmates are ruckus. And eventually, it caught up with me." - Dustin Bogle
• "Everybody knows how to ace the test and put on that fake smile. But when you work, the truth always comes up." - Dustin Bogle
• "The second is finding somebody that talks a lot about being an entrepreneur, but in all reality, they're really an intrapreneur, which means they want to run a business inside of your business." - Dustin Bogle
• "Talk to random strangers, get out of your comfort. It's uncomfortable. It's always going to be like uncomfortable to break the ice.” - Adam Niffen

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Adam Niffen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-niffen-6baba7170/

Dustin Bogle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustin.bogle/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRealDustinBogle/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-bogle-5b8a4b46/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DustinBogle

WEBSITE

Stride Fitness Solutions: https://stridefitnesssolutions.com/

Support the show