In this conversation, Nick Castiglia and Jesse Topp discuss Jesse's journey in martial arts and how it saved his life. They also delve into the importance of running a martial arts school as a business and the steps to securing financing and investing in real estate. Jesse shares valuable insights on building a team, establishing a network, and finding the right professionals to work with. Jesse Topp shares valuable insights and advice for gym owners looking to build a successful business. He emphasizes the importance of hiring a mentor and surrounding yourself with people who are already achieving what you want to achieve. Jesse also discusses the benefits of leveraging your home to finance your business and the importance of having a solid financial structure. He shares his experience with commercial real estate and the BRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance), as well as the importance of taking care of your personal health and well-being. Jesse's key message is to not let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams.

Takeaways:

• Martial arts can have a profound impact on people's lives and can even save them in difficult situations.
• Running a martial arts school as a business is essential for financial stability and growth.
• Securing financing and investing in real estate can provide long-term financial security for martial arts school owners.
• Building a team and establishing a network of professionals is crucial for success in real estate ventures.
• Finding the right professionals, such as commercial real estate agents and mortgage brokers, is key to navigating the real estate market. Hire a mentor who is already achieving what you want to achieve
• Consider leveraging your home to finance your business
• Have a solid financial structure and consider commercial real estate
• Take care of your personal health and well-being
• Don't let the fear of failure hold you back from pursuing your dreams

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and me. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!

Dana Dickeson shares his journey in martial arts, from his childhood fascination with action movies to his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as a police officer. He recounts his experiences in MMA and the challenges of running a BJJ school in a small area. Dana eventually opens his own gym, Absolute BJJ, and discusses the growth of BJJ in his region. He also mentions his affiliation with Fabio Holanda and the decision to start his own team. Dana Dickeson shares his experience as a martial arts school owner and the lessons he has learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of finding help and building a team, as well as executing ideas without overthinking. He also discusses the success of his gym and the growth of his tournament, East Coast Grappling. Dana advises gym owners to be mindful of their finances, not to overspend on unnecessary gear, and to seek help and guidance from experts in the industry. He encourages gym owners to be brave and take risks, even when they are scared.

Takeaways:

• Dana's interest in martial arts was sparked by action movies of the 80s and 90s.
• He initially struggled to find a martial art that resonated with him until he discovered Judo and later Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
• Dana's journey in martial arts led him to compete in MMA and eventually open his own BJJ gym.
• Running a BJJ school in a small area presented unique challenges, but Dana persevered and saw the growth of BJJ in his region. Find help and build a team to support your gym
• Execute ideas without overthinking
• Be mindful of your finances and plan for a rainy day
• Don't overspend on unnecessary gear
• Seek help and guidance from experts in the industry
• Be brave and take risks, even when you are scared

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and me. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!

Brent Fryia shares his origin story of becoming a gym owner and MMA fighter. He started as a wrestler and had a successful career in university wrestling. After teaching for a while, he saw an ad for an MMA class and joined, eventually turning pro and moving to Asia to compete. When he returned, he found out that the gym he trained at had a falling out, so he decided to open his own gym. Initially, the gym was small and focused on MMA fighters, but it has since evolved to include recreational classes for boxing, kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu. Brent emphasizes the importance of the wrestling community and the tight-knit culture it fosters. He also discusses the challenges of running a gym and the need to delegate and invest in software to manage the business. Brent shares his experience of growing his gym and transitioning from being a one-man show to hiring staff. He emphasizes the importance of investing in coaches, creating a place for everyone, and fostering a strong gym culture. He also discusses his groundbreaking partnership with the school board to offer an in-school mixed martial arts program. Brent advises gym owners to respect the art of coaching, avoid making the gym too competition-focused, and prioritize professionalism.

Takeaways:

• Brent Fryia's journey from wrestler to gym owner and MMA fighter
• The evolution of his gym from focusing on MMA fighters to including recreational classes
• The tight-knit culture and community of the wrestling world
• The challenges of running a gym and the need to delegate and invest in software for management
• Investing in your coaches and groom potential coaches from within the gym
• Create a welcoming environment for all types of members, from recreational to competitive
• Foster a strong gym culture and prioritize community
• Respect the art of coaching and prioritize professional development
• Avoid making the gym too competition-focused and prioritize inclusivity
• Treat your gym as a professional business and seek help and guidance when needed

The Legacy Martial Arts Business Podcast is hosted by Nick Castiglia and Sam Hattlestad, Entrepreneurs and co-owners of Legacy Martial Arts Consulting.

Want to get in touch with us? Just visit www.martialartsgymownersunited.com to chat with Nick and me. Follow us on our socials and YouTube:

• Instagram: @legacymaconsulting
• YouTube: Legacy Martial Arts Consulting
• Linktree: Legacy Consulting

Don't forget to subscribe and stay connected for more valuable insights and inspiring stories!