Swallowing pride can be one of the toughest skills to master, yet it can be the key to unlocking a solution in seemingly insurmountable situations. We start off with a personal story about the journey from reaching out for help as a rookie to helping a business owner tackle a towering $30,000 credit card debt. Through candid discussions, we explore how taking on side gigs and choosing to confront financial challenges head-on can lead to transformative change. It's about acknowledging where you stand, identifying your goals, and having the courage to take those first uncomfortable steps towards bridging the gap.

In this episode, our journey with a determined gym owner navigating financial hurdles reveals the power of financial strategies like debt consolidation and the impact of high versus low-interest rates. By examining the potential of private loans in comparison to high-interest credit card payments, we emphasize the necessity of open conversations with family when seeking financial support. This conversation is a testament to the resilience needed for triumph in both business and personal life, and it's a reminder that with a supportive community and entrepreneurial spirit, seemingly daunting challenges can indeed be overcome. Tune in for actionable advice and a dose of encouragement if you're navigating similar paths.

Imagine discovering an unexpected large sum of money- windfall that changes the course of your financial future. That's precisely what happened to me in 2015, three years after opening my gym and going through the hardest year in our lives, setting the stage for a life-altering journey into financial literacy and strategic planning. In this episode, we explore a series of transformative experiences—from confronting financial crises as a gym owner in 2014 to embracing investment opportunities—that demonstrate the profound impact financial education can have on your life.

Our discussion kicks off with a personal narrative of navigating financial hardship, where tough decisions and creative solutions played pivotal roles. Guided by mentors such as Chris Cooper and insights from friend Connor Teskey, I learned invaluable lessons in long-term financial planning and investment strategies. These insights helped instill a disciplined approach to living below our means and avoiding consumer debt, all while seeking strategic growth opportunities.

We wrap up by emphasizing the importance of early investing and retirement planning, particularly for those who are self-employed. Reflecting on 12 years as a gym owner, I share my journey of creating job opportunities and fostering industry growth, highlighting the need for continuous effort and financial literacy. For those eager to learn more or discuss these topics further, I invite you to connect and continue the conversation with me at the gym, as we strive towards achieving long-term success and fulfillment.

What if the winding road of life led you to a dream you didn’t even know you had? Discover how my journey from aspiring teacher to a corporate job at Syntas, and eventually to gym ownership, unfolded against a backdrop of unexpected career twists and personal revelations. From the hustle of athletics in my youth to the challenges of navigating a changing job market, I share how a simple suggestion about opening a gym from a university friend planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion. This episode sheds light on the lessons learned from summer gigs and the resilience needed to follow a path of fitness entrepreneurship.

Hear how a family health crisis became the catalyst for a complete career overhaul, steering me towards something more fulfilling. From the frustration of a corporate environment to the liberating prospect of gym ownership, I recount the pivotal moments that sparked the shift. Through personal stories of building a client base with authenticity and dedication to CrossFit, I reveal how passion can become a profession. Join me as I reflect on finding purpose in helping others reach their fitness goals, overcoming obstacles, and embracing change to create a business rooted in passion and personal growth.