In this episode of Beyond The Studio, I sit down with Kevin Beeman, the mastermind behind Mecka Fitness, a dynamic and thriving fitness community that blends CrossFit, bootcamps, rowing, cycling, and more—all under one roof. Kevin shares his journey from discovering CrossFit in Miami to building a 20,000-square-foot fitness powerhouse in Pittsburgh. We dive into how he successfully expanded from a small gym to a multi-modality fitness brand while maintaining a high retention rate and keeping clients engaged for over a decade.

Kevin and I also talk about how Mecka strategically combines multiple fitness offerings with flexible membership models, making it easier for clients to explore different modalities. Plus, we touch on the importance of treating your fitness business like a real business and not just a social club. Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur or just curious about scaling a fitness brand, this episode is packed with insights on marketing, retention, and growth strategies that have kept Mecka thriving for over 13 years.

[2:12] – Kevin’s journey: From discovering CrossFit in Miami to launching Mecka Fitness in Pittsburgh.

[7:45] – Building multiple fitness brands under one roof—CrossFit meets bootcamp, cycling, and more.

[13:20] – How Mecka uses low-barrier entry points and class variety to attract and retain members.

[18:05] – The power of social media and strategic partnerships in driving growth.

[23:40] – Navigating challenges: Surviving COVID and scaling to multiple locations.

[30:10] – Why treating your gym like a business (not a social club) is key to long-term success.

[36:50] – Choosing the right CRM: Why Mecka moved to WellnessLiving after trying multiple platforms.

In this episode of Beyond the Studio: Fitness Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Jim Kennedy, owner of Gym Kennedy in Oklahoma, to uncover what it really takes to build and sustain a successful training facility for over 13 years. Jim shares his unique approach to fitness, blending post-rehab training, sports performance, and general strength training to create a space that truly serves everyone—from collegiate athletes to stroke survivors.

We dive into the business strategies that have kept Gym Kennedy thriving, from prioritizing cleanliness and equipment maintenance to fostering strong client relationships and word-of-mouth marketing. Jim also breaks down why investing in ongoing education, understanding the evolution of strength training, and staying adaptable in an ever-changing fitness industry are key to long-term success. Whether you're a gym owner, trainer, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with insights on building a gym with purpose and longevity.

[2:15] - How Jim Kennedy got started in the fitness industry and the inspiration behind Gym Kennedy

[6:42] - The evolution of his gym and why he designed it to serve everyone from athletes to rehab clients

[10:18] - The importance of ongoing education and staying ahead of fitness trends

[14:50] - Why strength training isn’t just for athletes—how it benefits all age groups

[20:35] - The business side of Gym Kennedy: growth strategies, member retention, and marketing tactics

[27:48] - Competing with big-box gyms and why personalized service always wins

[34:15] - How Jim stays true to his mission while adapting to industry shifts

🔗 Connect with Jim Kennedy:

• Website: www.gymkennedy.com
• Email: jim@gymkennedy.com

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Beyond The Studio: Fitness Marketing Podcast, I sit down with an absolute legend in the fitness industry—Janice Jaicks, founder of FitnessFest. With nearly 40 years of experience in the field, Janice shares how she turned her passion for fitness into a long-standing, industry-renowned event that continues to grow year after year. We dive into the evolution of FitnessFest, how she expanded from water aerobics into a multi-discipline fitness education conference, and why continued education is crucial for fitness professionals.

Janice also gets real about the challenges of running a fitness business, including the impact of COVID, navigating team dynamics, and staying on top of industry trends. Plus, we talk about the rise of holistic wellness, the importance of networking, and how FitnessFest is adapting to the latest shifts in fitness education. Whether you're a personal trainer, gym owner, or fitness entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on building a lasting brand and making a meaningful impact in the industry.

Episode Highlights:

[2:10] - How Janice got her start in fitness and the unexpected opportunity that led to her career

[6:45] - The origins of FitnessFest and its evolution into a multi-discipline fitness education event

[12:30] - Why continued education is more important than ever for fitness professionals

[18:15] - The impact of in-person networking and why virtual events can’t replace live interaction

[24:40] - The biggest challenges in running a fitness event, from COVID setbacks to team dynamics

[31:20] - Emerging fitness trends: active aging, holistic wellness, and the rise of GLP-1 conversations

[38:50] - Janice’s advice for aspiring fitness entrepreneurs on marketing, networking, and scaling a business

What does it take to build a gym that thrives on culture and community? In this episode, I sit down with Josh Rabar, founder of Firehouse Fitness, a unique gym in Abilene, Texas, that has become a cornerstone of its local fitness scene. Josh shares his journey from personal trainer to gym owner, the lessons learned from acquiring an existing facility, and how he and his wife transformed it into a space that reflects their values. We also dive into the tough decisions that shaped Firehouse Fitness, from turning away misaligned members to doubling down on community engagement as a marketing strategy.

Plus, we discuss marketing tactics that actually work for local gyms in 2025, the power of grassroots referrals, and why traditional advertising like local news stations and OTT platforms might be the secret weapon many gym owners are overlooking. If you're a gym owner or fitness entrepreneur looking to create an authentic, thriving community, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

[2:05] – How Josh’s background in athletics led him to the fitness industry

[5:20] – The decision to buy Firehouse Fitness and challenges of gym ownership

[10:45] – Redefining gym culture: How removing TVs and enforcing a vibe changed everything

[15:30] – Why Josh and his team actively turn away members who don’t fit their community

[20:55] – How Firehouse Fitness leverages local partnerships and nonprofits for lead generation

[27:15] – Marketing strategies that work: Meta ads vs. Google ads vs. OTT advertising

[32:40] – The future of gym marketing: The power of inbound calls and pay-per-call strategies

[38:00] – Josh’s advice for new gym owners and entrepreneurs

What does it take to build a thriving personal training business that lasts nearly two decades? In this episode, we sit down with Andy Salazar, owner of Empower Fitness, to uncover the strategies behind his long-term success. From starting small in a 400-square-foot space to growing into a sustainable, high-retention business, Andy shares the lessons he’s learned along the way.

We dive into the importance of marketing, the shift in lead generation from traditional calls to digital automation, and how consistency plays a crucial role in client retention. Andy also opens up about the challenges of expanding too quickly and the systems he now has in place to streamline his business. Whether you're a new studio owner or looking to take your gym to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you build a lasting fitness brand.

[1:45] – Andy’s journey from aspiring coach to gym owner and how Empower Fitness was born.

[6:30] – The key advice that saved Andy from making a costly mistake when starting his business.

[10:50] – How the fitness industry has evolved over the past 20 years and why digital marketing is now essential.

[14:20] – The biggest shift in lead generation: Why phone calls are dead and automation is key.

[18:15] – The importance of client retention and how a simple strategy helps keep members for 8-12 months on average.

[24:00] – Lessons learned from a failed gym expansion and what Andy would do differently today.

[30:10] – Andy’s best advice for aspiring gym owners: Stay hungry, stay adaptable, and always be learning.

Episode Summary:

What does it take to run a thriving fitness club for 20 years? In this episode of Beyond the Studio, I sit down with two powerhouse women in the fitness industry—Betsy Long and Courtney, co-owners of Olympia Fitness Clubs in Salisbury, Maryland. With nearly three decades of combined experience, they share their journey from employees to owners, their secrets to retaining members for years (even decades!), and how they navigated the challenges of COVID while keeping their gym community engaged.

We dive into the power of relationships in business, why Olympia prioritizes in-person experiences over digital convenience (but is finally embracing online sales!), and how they continue adapting to industry shifts. Plus, you won’t want to miss their creative approach to keeping members connected during lockdown—including a hilariously named online series. If you’re a gym owner, fitness entrepreneur, or just someone looking for inspiration in community-driven business success, this one’s for you!

Episode Highlights:

[2:15] – Meet Betsy & Courtney: Their background and journey at Olympia Fitness Clubs

[6:48] – The history of Olympia Fitness Clubs and what sets it apart from chain gyms

[11:02] – The key to their incredible member retention rate (some have been there since 2005!)

[15:30] – Navigating the challenges of taking over ownership & maintaining a loyal client base

[20:45] – How they kept their community engaged during COVID (spoiler: it involved game shows!)

[26:10] – The biggest challenges they face today in adapting to industry trends

[30:27] – Advice for aspiring gym owners on leadership, team-building, and growth

Links & Resources:

🌐 https://www.olympiafitnessclubs.com/

📸 Instagram: @olympiafitmd