Episodes

  • 359. Helped an interested buyer evaluate another opportunity for sale

    359. Helped an interested buyer evaluate another opportunity for sale
    Dec 29 2024

    Send us a text

    Ever found yourself teetering on the edge of financial chaos, struggling to maintain a balance between personal peace and business demands? Join me in this episode as I share my personal journey through the unpredictable world of managing both household and business finances with my sale-savvy yet frugal wife. We confront the harsh realities of unexpected expenses that push us into overdrafts and the looming specter of bankruptcy, all while preparing for a crucial corporate meeting. The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship is laid bare, showcasing the difficult decisions and resilience required when financial insecurity hits home.

    Shifting gears, let's unpack the allure and realities of so-called "boring businesses," often overshadowed by glamorous entrepreneurial success stories. I explore why asset-based ventures, like owning rental properties or equipment, offer a stability that many fast-paced businesses lack. Learn from my insights on networking and leveraging others' experiences to steer clear of common pitfalls. Resilience and continuous learning in entrepreneurship aren't just buzzwords—they are survival tactics. This episode promises a candid exploration of the mental challenges that entrepreneurs face and offers a road map for staying motivated amidst adversity.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • 358. If there’s nothing more I can do then I’ve done it all, choosing to live today worth repeating

    358. If there’s nothing more I can do then I’ve done it all, choosing to live today worth repeating
    Dec 28 2024

    Send us a text

    What happens when your interim gym manager is out of town, and you're left juggling multiple roles? Join us for an engaging session as I recount the hustle of covering shifts, prepping for an upcoming fitness challenge, and managing my daily grind in the corporate world. Discover the art of distinguishing between tasks that need a quick fix and those that require a more thoughtful, documented approach. I share my strategy for showcasing effectiveness and efficiency, ensuring that, regardless of how busy life gets, progress is consistently made and recognized by the right people.

    Listen in as I reflect on the rollercoaster journey of owning a gym, offering a peek into the world of fellow franchisees grappling with tough decisions. Curious about gym ownership? I unravel the joys and challenges, providing advice to aspiring owners without overshadowing their dreams with my experiences. This episode promises a heartfelt exploration of problem-solving, decision-making, and the delicate balance of sharing expertise without imposing a narrative. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a multitasker in today’s fast-paced world, gain inspiration and practical tips from someone who's been there and done that.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
  • 357. Upskill your coworkers and make yourself obsolete and that will get you job security

    357. Upskill your coworkers and make yourself obsolete and that will get you job security
    Dec 27 2024

    Send us a text

    Unlock the secrets of proactive employment and discover how cultivating a workforce ready to take on executive roles—even without the executive paycheck—can transform your business. Imagine a world where every employee is empowered to lead, manage, and innovate, ensuring seamless operations even when key leaders are absent. Through candid anecdotes and real-world challenges, we highlight the critical need for delegation, upskilling, and fostering an environment where knowledge-sharing is not just encouraged but celebrated. You'll learn how creating a culture of empowerment can pave the way for greater organizational success and long-term employee retention.

    Reflect on the frustrations of being thrown into makeshift leadership training without preparation, and why having a well-prepared team to step up is non-negotiable. We discuss the pitfalls of hoarding knowledge for job security and flip the script on traditional views of irreplaceability. If you're in a managerial role or aspire to be, this conversation is packed with insights on how sharing knowledge and empowering your colleagues can make you an invaluable asset to any organization. Join us and reimagine what it means to lead from every chair in the room.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 356. Quarterly team training and what I’m talking optimistic during downtimes

    356. Quarterly team training and what I’m talking optimistic during downtimes
    Dec 26 2024

    Send us a text

    What if the key to thriving in business is mastering the delicate balance between transparency and optimism? In our latest episode, we unravel the complexities of leadership as we take you behind the scenes of our instructor training event. With the success of our recent challenge, surpassing our goal with 39 participants and nurturing 64 promising leads for the next round, we delve into our strategic approach to convert these leads into new challengers. Gain insights into our forecast as we set our sights on 42 participants, navigating the balancing act of openness and the potential for misinterpretation.

    Join us as we discuss the forthcoming standardization of membership pricing and packages ahead of corporate’s visit in November, ensuring a seamless operation. As the staffing situation stabilizes with new management team members, explore our goals and strategies to streamline scheduling and operations. Listen in to understand our approach to maintaining transparency while safeguarding optimism, and how we're steering our business through an ever-evolving landscape with confidence and foresight.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 355. Worked the night shift, the past due letters are beginning, don’t invest in stress

    355. Worked the night shift, the past due letters are beginning, don’t invest in stress
    Dec 25 2024

    Send us a text

    Struggling to keep your business afloat or thinking about pivoting in your career? Meet Nathan, a gym owner grappling with the harsh reality of being $12,000 short this month, as he faces the daunting process of closing his gym. Share in his candid reflections on financial hardship and tough decision-making, as Nathan talks about juggling debts and crafting a strategic exit plan with his attorney. His gym might be on the brink of bankruptcy, but Nathan’s outlook remains pragmatic and focused on what lies ahead, rather than succumbing to anxiety over a plummeting credit score.

    Nathan invites us into his world of resilience, drawing parallels between his current challenges and his past academic journey, where a shift from pre-med to economics redefined his path to success. Through his story, Nathan highlights the importance of recognizing when it's time to pivot and how personal growth often emerges from adversity. If you're navigating a similar storm or seeking inspiration to embrace change, Nathan's story offers insights and perhaps a bit of comfort, demonstrating that sometimes, the best way forward is to let go of fear and invest in the next chapter of life.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • 354. The business was dying from Day One so I feel no shame being unable to rescue a dying one

    354. The business was dying from Day One so I feel no shame being unable to rescue a dying one
    Dec 24 2024

    Send us a text

    What's truly at stake when you're fighting to keep a business on life support? Join us as I share a Sunday drive to the studio, a time typically spent planning for the week and finding a little joy in the Minnesota Vikings radio broadcasts. Yet, amidst the familiar routines, the weight of running a struggling business looms large. Conversations with my unwaveringly supportive wife offer a poignant reflection on the ethical responsibilities and the emotional turmoil of feeding hope in uncertain times. Together, we navigate the storm of keeping doors open when the odds seem stacked against us, and ponder the unjust blame similar to a failed rescue from an unavoidable shark attack.

    In this heartfelt episode, we explore what it truly means to put in the sweat equity, even when success isn't guaranteed. Like athletes who pour their all into a game with no promise of playoffs, the commitment to do right by our team and community remains steadfast. Listen as I reconcile the guilt of unmet expectations with the moral satisfaction of knowing we did our best. And for fellow entrepreneurs, I sprinkle in a practical tip about choosing an efficient printer—a light-hearted close to an episode filled with raw honesty and determination.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • 353. The present is always a snapshot and doesn’t last forever, that’s why we must be grateful

    353. The present is always a snapshot and doesn’t last forever, that’s why we must be grateful
    Dec 23 2024

    Send us a text

    What if revisiting a beloved place from your past could stir a whirlwind of nostalgia and unexpected emotions? Join us as we embark on a heartfelt reflection of a journey that unexpectedly took us back 15 years to a pivotal moment in our lives. Our conversation starts with the high energy and engagement of a memorable event marking the end of a 10-week adventure. We dive into the poignant reminder of life's fleeting moments, filled with relationships that have shaped our path. As we share our personal story, a trip down memory lane brings us face to face with the Jimmy John's that once symbolized our humble beginnings, only to find it has vanished, leaving us with a sense of closure and renewed appreciation for the journey.

    Through the lens of our past struggles and triumphs, we candidly discuss the reality of living on a tight budget during our college years and the relentless pursuit of dreams. We recount the grit it took to stretch every dollar while working and studying full-time, and how something as simple as day-old bread became a lifeline. This episode is a tribute to perseverance and the growth spurred by challenges, capturing a sense of closure as we look ahead to the future with gratitude for the lessons learned along the way. Join us for an emotional rollercoaster filled with laughter, sentimentality, and a deep appreciation for the journey that has brought us here.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 352. Test out for the 10 week challenge, interim GM and outgoing GM

    352. Test out for the 10 week challenge, interim GM and outgoing GM
    Dec 22 2024

    Send us a text

    How do you keep afloat when the financial tide is pulling you under? This episode delves into the raw realities and intense pressures of owning a boutique fitness studio, especially when you’re an absentee owner. Join me and a fellow franchisee, as we candidly share the ups and downs of our entrepreneurial journeys. We discuss the mounting financial struggles and the intense competition from both high-end health clubs and budget-friendly gym chains that squeeze the middle market. Discover the shared experiences that unite us, and the profound insights gained from moments of vulnerability and openness.

    Tune in to hear how we are navigating these challenging times, exploring strategies to manage stress and expectations amidst financial turmoil. We explore the importance of community and the essential counsel we rely on when contemplating tough decisions like bankruptcy. This conversation is a testament to the strength found in camaraderie and mutual support, a reminder that no one should endure the journey alone. Listen to learn from our experiences and discover why seeking support is crucial in times of adversity.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins