Local Business Hacks

Local Business Hacks

By ReferrizerBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Local Business Hacks episodes

  • Tips For Growing A Successful Business with the CEO of Fitness Premier, Jason Markowicz

    Are you a business owner who is looking for ways to make your business more successful? Do you have questions about adding locations, hiring, and employee retention? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Jason Markowicz, the CEO of Fitness Premier, shares his tips for growing a successful business.

    Jason Markowicz is an entrepreneur that loves partnering with passionate investors and professionals. After playing college football, he had a great passion for health and fitness. He was fortunate to get involved in the fitness industry immediately after school. With some luck and hard work, he created a fitness concept that has grown to become a great regional brand in the Midwest.

    He’s also been fortunate to be involved in other great wellness brands as an Area Developer and Franchisee. Throughout the past 20 years, he has done all of the development work on all our commercial real estate leases and purchases throughout the Midwest. Currently, he is also serving as a member of the board on the Illinois Fitness Alliance

    Today Jason is:

    - A Multifamily Real Estate Investor|Commercial Broker

    - Founder of Fit For Your Franchising

    - CEO of Fitness Premier 24/7 Clubs

    - Football Fan

    - Husband & Dad

    - Passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals

    Be sure to take notes as Jason shares:

    • Why it’s important to look into the future a little bit, see what’s coming, and pivot quickly

    • Why you should always make sure your cup is full so you can give to others in the best ways you know how

    • How choosing the right location can determine how that unit performs for the next decade

    • Why it’s important to realize the significance of your team members how building systems and communications around developing them can help your business succeed

    • Why a lengthy interview process can help you find the right candidates

    • Why it’s important to remember that more doesn’t necessarily equal better when it comes to locations

      • Jason’s tips will motivate you to take your business to the next level. Let’s get hacking!

      Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business. 

      19 min
    • Tips & Tricks For Business Owners with the President & CEO of Hudson Valley Swim, Jeff Gartner

      Are you a business owner looking for tips and tricks that will help you bring in new customers, retain them, and generate more revenue? Are you thinking about franchising your business and opening multiple locations? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Jeff Gartner, the President & CEO of Hudson Valley Swim, shares the tips and tricks he’s learned over the years that have helped him build & grow a successful multi-location swim school.

      Jeff Gartner is the President & CEO of Hudson Valley Swim tm, a swim school concept that he started over 20 years ago with his wife Joan. After several years of expanding to numerous corporate-owned locations, in 2022 they franchised their business. Due to the fact that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 4, the mission of Hudson Valley Swim is that Swim Lessons Save Lives!tm.

       

      Jeff and Joan reside in upstate NY where they raised three children, two of which have graduated college while one is a college senior. Jeff has worked in the technology industry for many years and has specialized mostly in business process automation where he holds 19 patents. Jeff has used his passion for streamlining business to build the Hudson Valley Swim franchise into one of the most recognized low-investment emerging brands in the industry.

      Be sure to take notes as Jeff shares:

      • Why getting behind what you do and having a mission is critical for your business

      • How having relationships with other local businesses and agencies can help grow your business

      • Why it’s important to set up your franchise so that your franchisees can get started quickly versus trying to figure everything out on their own

      • Why PTA’s can be a good way to expand your customer base if you have a youth-focused business

      • Why if you have classes it’s better to offer students the opportunity to get their money back if they don’t like the class rather than a free trial

        • Jeff’s tips and tricks will motivate you to take your business to the next level. Let’s get hacking!

        Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business. 

        24 min
      • How To Grow Your Business with the CEO of Zoom Room, Mark Van Wye

        Are you a business owner wondering how to grow your business? Would you like your business to bring in more customers and revenue? Do you wish you could open up more locations? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Be sure to tune in as Mark Van Wye, the CEO of Zoom Room shares his secrets for business success.

        Prior to Zoom Room’s launch in 2007, Mark maintained a career deeply rooted in educational values. He previously served as a teacher, writer and curriculum creator focused on the development of educational training programs. In his previous role, Mark also developed award-winning after-school programs for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and consulted on educational projects for notable companies, including Disney, Nintendo, Microsoft and a variety of children’s television programs. A lifelong dog owner and lover, Mark understood the ongoing instructional needs of both owners and dogs. Driven by his background in teaching, Mark seized the opportunity to redefine and evolve the dog training industry, coining the Zoom Room’s motto: We don’t train dogs. We train the people who love them.

        Be sure to take notes as Mark shares:

        • Why bringing in outside help can be the catalyst for scaling your business

        • Why it’s important to make sure that the model for your current locations is working and is profitable before pushing forward

        • Why you should never shy away from outside hires, that promoting from within is great, but it’s outside hires with different viewpoints that can propel innovation and growth

        • Why as a business leader it’s important to have a clean inbox and not have people waiting on replies from you

          • Get motivated to build the business of your dreams with Mark’s wisdom and advice - let’s get hacking!

          Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.

          23 min
        • Retention Secrets For Gym Owners from the Chief Revenue Officer for Wodify, Brendan Rice

          Are you a business owner who wants to improve customer retention? Do you wish your customers and clients would keep coming back and become raving fans of your business? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Brendan Rice, the Chief Revenue Officer for Wodify, shares his secrets for customer retention that can take your business to the next level.

          Brendan Rice is the Chief Revenue Officer at Wodify, the only all-in-one Customer Retention Platform, that is used by over 5,000 gyms & studios around the world. As a global technology leader, Wodify pioneered digital retention tools in Functional Fitness and is quickly developing the next wave of emerging Jiu-Jitsu business technology.

          Be sure to take notes as Brendan shares:

          • How to figure out your 90-day retention rate and why it’s important to know what it is

          • Why you need to make sure you focus on the first impression and first experiences your client is having with your business

          • Why as a fitness business owner it’s important to realize that what may be comfortable for you could be very intimidating to prospective clients and you need to make sure you are projecting a welcoming atmosphere and culture

          • Why you should mystery shop your own business from the top of the funnel all the way through

          • Why you should visit other similar businesses in your area to see what they are doing that you like and don’t like

          • Why it’s important to have personal touchpoints in the 23 hours your customers are out of your gym and how those touchpoints can increase retention and even referrals

          • Why leveraging technology will help improve your customer retention

            • Get motivated to improve your retention rates with Brendan’s insightful tips  - let’s get hacking!

            Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.

            25 min
          • Hiring Secrets from the Executive Vice President of LA Fitness Esporta, Jeff Willett

            Are you a business owner frustrated with hiring? Are you wishing you had a bigger applicant pool to select from? Do the people you hire not show up? Do you wish you could improve your employee retention? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Jeff Willett, the Executive Vice President of LA Fitness Esporta, shares his powerful hiring tips and tricks to help take your business to the next level.

            Jeff Willett is the Executive Vice President for LA Fitness Esporta. With 15 years of experience in the health and fitness business, Jeff has honed his skills as a sales representative and worked his way up to Executive Vice President of sales at LA Fitness. During his time at the company, he has overseen multiple states with several 100 employees, and he has had the opportunity to be a key player in rebranding LA Fitness clubs to Esporta clubs. One of his biggest accomplishments has been building the markets and sales teams from the ground up.

            Jeff has a proven track record of success in this area and takes great pride in helping others develop their skills and reach their full potential. His extensive experience in the health and fitness industry has given him a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in this field. He has a passion for helping people achieve their health and fitness goals, and he is always looking for new and innovative ways to motivate and inspire others. Overall, Jeff’s experience as an executive in the health and fitness industry has taught him the importance of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. He looks forward to continuing to contribute to this dynamic and rewarding field for years to come.


            Be sure to take notes as Jeff shares:

            • The 3 questions you should ask an applicant in an interview that will tell you if they will be a fit for your business

            • The real reason someone doesn’t show up after you’ve hired them

            • Why wishing someone well when they leave for another job can lead to a great employee on your team down the road

            • Why it’s important to remember you are not hiring the person that is sitting in front of you on the interview, that you are hiring the person you know you can turn them into

            • Why you should stop looking at resumes when hiring

            • Why it’s important to realize you are selling yourself to the applicant just as much as they are selling themselves to you

              • Get ready to be motivated by Jeff’s powerful hiring tips - let’s get hacking!

              Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.

              33 min
            • Powerful Marketing Hacks To Grow Your Business with the Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic Republic, Lindsay Simpson

              Are you a business owner looking for effective ways to grow your business? Do you wish you had more customers, more sales, and more revenue? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Lindsay Simpson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic Republic shares the marketing hacks she’s learned over the years that have helped grow every business she’s been involved in.

              Lindsay brings 2 decades of marketing experience in the active, sports and outdoor industries to Athletic Republic, with experience at global brands like Backcountry.com, Adobe, and Active.com Network. She's found how to combine her passions and profession throughout her career. As the CMO at Athletic Republic, she’s responsible for leading the strategy, creative, and development of all corporate sales & marketing, building global brand awareness, and supporting the customer acquisition and the franchise growth of the Republic network.

              Be sure to take notes as Lindsay shares:

              • Why you need to lose your perfectionism especially when it comes to promoting your business through video or photos

              • How authenticity in marketing stories, photos, and videos will create magic that stock photos and videos can’t

              • How filing just a couple of minutes of video on your phone can easily generate hundreds of marketing assets

              • Why it’s important to realize that as soon as you think you understand marketing it changes

              • Why being prepared in marketing is important but being able to hear the story and pivot is even more important

              • Why you should prefer one full-price customer over five discounted-price customers

                • Lindsay’s marketing advice will motivate you to take your business to the next level. Let’s get hacking!

                Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business. 

                34 min
              • How To Take Your Business To The Next Level With Founder & CEO of FIT4MOM, Lisa Druxman

                Are you looking for ways to take your business to the next level? Are you looking for easy hacks to implement that will bring you more growth and success? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Lisa Druxman, CEO & Founder of FIT4MOM shares tips and tricks she’s learned over the years that have helped her grow her business to 1000  locations.

                Lisa Druxman is the founder of FIT4MOM, the nation’s leading company for pre and postnatal health, wellness, and fitness programs for every stage of motherhood. FIT4MOM has created business opportunities for moms nationwide, with more than 300 franchisees and 1,000 locations across the U.S. In addition to leading her team at FIT4MOM, Lisa is a noted speaker, author, podcaster and powerhouse of energy. A self-proclaimed mom boss, Lisa is passionate about paying it forward and empowering other women in life and business.

                Druxman has also been nominated for and received numerous honors from organizations such as the National Association of Women Business Owners for creating one of the most desirable businesses for moms in the country. She has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, Access Hollywood and Home & Family, to name a few. She has also been featured in print publications including Entrepreneur, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Self, Fit Pregnancy, American Baby, and more. 

                Druxman lives and relishes the FIT4MOM mission statement every day, “Helping moms make strides in fitness, motherhood and life.” She resides in San Diego with her husband, son and daughter.

                Be sure to take notes as Lisa shares why:

                • You shouldn’t let a day go by without listening to a podcast, reading a book, or attending a conference to improve your growth as a leader

                • It’s important for your business success to do what you love, do what you’re good at, and bring a team along for the rest

                • As an owner believing only you can do everything will prevent your business from growing

                • Growth and education for both you and your team members should be valued highly in your business

                • Partnerships and micro-influencers can be your secret to success

                • Thanking and rewarding your brand ambassadors is an easy way to help your business become successful

                  • Get ready to be motivated by Lisa’s powerful tips - let’s get hacking!

                  Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.

                  28 min
                • How Taking Risks Can Change Your Life with the CEO of E3Live, Scott Ohlgren

                  Are you afraid to take risks? Do you prefer to follow traditional paths, doing the same things that many others have done before you? At the same time, do you wish you life was filled with more adventure, excitement, and success? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Scott Ohlgren, the CEO of E3Live shares his inspiring story about how taking risks changed his life.

                  Author Scott Ohlgren has been a natural foods manufacturer for decades, with his products selling in every Whole Foods and 1400 other natural groceries throughout the US and Europe.  His journey into the diet-disease/diet-health connection began at 20 after experiencing the profound cellular regenerative effects of a cleansing diet. The impulse to write The 28-Day Nutritional Cleansing program came from seeing how many people thought that doing a cleansing diet was difficult, and he wanted to show an easier, simpler, and highly effect way to do it. At 67, he is still using nutritional cleansing as his main method for remaining drug and pain free. Scott is currently the CEO of E3Live, https://www.e3live.com, harvesters and manufacturers of the fresh frozen blue-green algae. 

                  Get motivated to change your life with Scott’s inspiring story- let’s get hacking!

                  Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business.

                  33 min
                • Secrets Of Success with the Co-Founder of 2Inspire & President of Mad Science, Shafik Mina

                  Are you wondering how to get ahead in life or business? Do you wish you were more successful in your career or as a business owner? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Shafik Mina, the CEO of 2Inspire & President of Mad Science, shares his tips and tricks for success.

                  Shafik Mina, President & Co-Owner of the Mad Science® Group and Co-Founder of 2inspireTM and Crayola® Imagine Arts AcademyTM. Having conducted business in over 30 countries, Shafik brings a highly valued and pragmatic approach to his role as President. Outside of his career, Shafik is a business mentor and a value investor for a handful of innovative start-ups, as well as a dynamic presenter on a variety of business topics.

                  Be sure to take notes as Shafik shares:

                  • Why any job you do you should treat it like it’s your business like it’s your money on the line

                  • Why you should always ask yourself after completing a business task, “Is it good enough?”

                  • How surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you will lead you to success more quickly

                  • Why failing can be a badge of honor

                  • How learning from your mistakes, internalizing them, and moving forward can help your business grow

                  • Why being open to criticism can help you stand out among your competition

                    • Shafik’s valuable tips will be sure to motivate you in life and in business. Let’s get hacking!

                    Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business. 

                    26 min
                  • How To Start A Franchise With CEO & Founder of US Cryotherapy, Kevin Kramer

                    Do you dream one day of owning a franchise? Do you have a single location now and are making plans to start selling franchises? Then this week’s podcast episode is for you. Tune in as Kevin Kramer, the CEO & Founder of US Cryotherapy shares his secrets for how to start a franchise and what he wished he had known along the way.

                    Kevin is responsible for Executive Management and daily operations overseeing all functional divisions within US Cryotherapy Corporate (Direct Sales, Franchising, Company Owned Center Operations, and Manufacturing Partnerships). Focuses most of his daily activities on team building and evaluating infrastructure, Clinical Pathways, Marketing and Sales support, and external partnerships.

                    Be sure to take notes as Kevin shares:

                    • Why sometimes it’s best not to be first to market

                    • Why when starting you should build your first location, prove the concept, and then raise a significant amount of capital to quickly expand

                    • Why at the same time, sometimes growing too fast can negatively affect your business

                    • Why you need to open locations in key market areas

                    • Why it’s important to understand your value proposition and then stay in your business lane even when it comes to offers and promos

                    • Why it’s important to stand out from other brands

                      • Kevin’s motivational advice will provide inspiration to help you reach your business goals and dreams. Let’s get hacking!

                      Follow the Local Business Hacks podcast for more inspiring interviews, hacks, and insider secrets to help grow your business. 

                      23 min

                    About Local Business Hacks

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Welcome to Local Business Hacks! Get ready for tips and tricks to transform your business from average to exceptional! Join Carl Case, Global Director of Business Development at Referrizer, as he interviews top-notch health, wellness, and beauty leaders.