Lisa Semerly's professional journey began in pharmaceutical sales, where she excelled working for Merck, specializing in respiratory care for over a decade. Seeking a change, Lisa took a buyout and ventured into the wellness arena by opening her own medical spa, a move that allowed her to blend her pharmaceutical insights with a passion for natural health.

After nearly five successful years managing her spa, Lisa crossed paths with Steve Spiro (CEO) and was immediately impressed with the company and numerous uses of salt therapy for enhanced respiratory and overall health. Starting as a consultant, she swiftly transitioned into a full-time sales role. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and sales acumen, Lisa ascended to the position of Chief Revenue Officer. She has since been a driving force at Halotherapy Solutions for a decade, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success.

Lisa and Pete also chat about collaborations with leading fitness clubs and spas, revealing not only how they can be added as a profit center but also how integrating salt therapy into workout routines can help enhance athletic performance and recovery.

Rearding 'compact wellness solutions' Semerly mentions, "One of the huge benefits is being able to take a small . . . say 40" x 48" inch, 4' x 4' space, and then stack your infrared heat (which works on pain management, weight loss, muscle recovery, lots of great things) . . . on top of your salt therapy, which is a complete detox of the skin and the lungs."

Key themes discussed

• Transitioned from pharma sales to wellness industry.
• Quickly growing interest in salt therapy especially post-COVID.
• All-natural recovery using stacked therapy modalities.
• Therapy, self-care, recovery essential for health.
• Small-space recovery: red light, salt, IV therapy.
• Anytime beta tests: positive feedback from consumers.
• Salt therapy provides relaxation and improved breathing.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Evolution and Increased Awareness of Salt Therapy: Lisa highlights salt therapy has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly during COVID due to an increased focus on respiratory and immune health. People are much more aware of the benefits of salt therapy today than they were ten years ago.

2. Ease and Demand of Selling Wellness Solutions: Transitioning from pharmaceutical sales to the HALO space, Lisa noted that selling HALO-focused products, like salt therapy equipment, to health clubs and spas is generally easier and more rewarding. There is a far more enthusiatic and positive reception from the wellness sector when compared to the more challenging and competitive pharmaceutical space.

3. Stacked Modalities and ROI: The trend in the wellness industry is moving towards combining different recovery modalities within small footprints to maximize the return on investment. For example, combining infrared saunas with red light and salt therapy in one space optimizes both the use of space and the benefits for users, making it a lucrative setup for facility owners.

4. Immediate and Tangible Benefits: Users of salt therapy often report immediate relief and benefits such as improved respiratory function, reduced congestion, and a general sense of well-being.

5. Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Challenges: Semerly shared her personal journey moving from a secure pharmaceutical career to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs includes staying disciplined, drowning out the negative noise, believing in oneself, and continuously putting one foot in front of the other to achieve success.

Click to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Lisa Semerly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-marie-semerly-9136a118 
• Halotherapy Solutions: https://halotherapysolutions.com 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Today's episode will be a movie one day! Siavash Fashi's extraordinary story of resilience, ambition, and success is truly remarkable. His journey from the war-torn streets of Iran to the vibrant fitness community of Culver City is incredible. He went from being a young lifter inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger to a determined refugee navigating the turbulent streets of England and eventually the challenging landscapes of America. 

Fashi's passion for fitness and bodybuilding started as a teenager. At around 18, he often visited a wrestling gym and lifted weights with whatever resources he could find. (Bodybuilding was illegal in Iran back in his days!) Despite the challenges of lacking proper nutritional knowledge and language barriers, he remained all in. He trained his entire body daily, driven by inspiration from fitness images and the scant, often incorrect information he could access.

With grit and unwavering determination, Siavash founded Six Pack Gym, a thriving hub in Culver City, CA where he's not only built a successful business but also transformed countless lives. He opens up about the trials and triumphs that shaped him, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and how he turned his dreams into reality.

On turning pain into progress Siavesh opines, "Those painful moments? They all become your assets. My book is all about the the bad stuff that I went through. All this . . .the knowledge that I'm sharing with a lot of people is from those bad times. Just hang in there, push through, and the thing is with your business, during the bad times, you grow along with it."

Key themes discussed

• Escaped Iran, worked in a pizza shop, and eventually a gym.
• Mistaken for militant, held in prison, granted asylum eventually.
• Passion for training sparked surprising success.
• His grandfather's war stories inspired resilience and determination.
• Survived on Balance Bars during financial hardship.
• Streamlined running small gyms, low barrier, community-focused.
• Painful experiences become valuable growth assets.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Inspiring Journey of Resilience: Siavash's journey from war-torn Iran to becoming a successful gym owner in the states is a testament to his resilience. Despite facing extreme hardships, including fleeing his home country, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and multiple instances of homelessness, he never gave up on his dream of being a bodybuilder and helping others achieve their fitness goals.

2. Impact of Adversity on Growth: Fashi emphasizes that the painful and challenging times he went through became his greatest assets in life and business. His experiences taught him perseverance, and those difficult moments provided him with valuable lessons that he now shares with his clients.

3. Building a Community-Centric Business: Siavash's approach to building and running Six Pack Gym focuses on creating a close-knit community. Despite starting with minimal equipment, his dedication to providing personalized and effective training led to substantial growth. He also values the relationships and support he received from his clients, highlighting the importance of community.

4. Innovative Approach to Fitness Training: Due to limited resources initially, Fashi developed a unique 30-minute workout system that effectively taxed the muscles within a short period. This not only helped in client retention but also became a distinctive feature of his gym, catering to busy professionals who need efficient workouts.

5: Vision for Empowering Aspiring Gym Owners: Fashi's vision includes helping others start their own small gyms with minimal investment. He has created courses and certification programs aimed at teaching aspiring gym owners how to successfully model what he has done. His goal is to empower individuals to build local gyms that can have a significant impact on their communities.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Siavesh Fashi: https://siavashfashi.com/ 
• Siavesh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siavash-fashi-b75942151/ 
• Book: Small Gym, Big Results: https://www.smallgymbigresults.com/order-book-v2 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this episode, we're talking with Peter Webb, CEO of Nuforma. Although reliatively new to Pilates, Peter brings with him an extensive 25-year background in the HALO sector. We dive into the innovative world of Nuforma, which takes a groundbreaking approach to make Pilates more accessible to a wider audience. 

We'll look at how Nuforma's unique reformer units, which come equipped with monitors and self-service functionalities, are transforming traditional Pilates classes. Peter shares insights into the company's journey, including the development of the equipment and its expansion strategy. Whether you're an operator looking to introduce Nuforma to your gym floor or simply interested in the burgeoning Pilates sector, this episode is a must-listen! 

About the Nuforma, Webb states, "Obviously, this is a a much different type of unit than you would have versus a 'classical' reformer. It's made of steel. It's German engineered. It has the monitor, and so on. We've also added a new element-a weight plate system." 

Key themes discussed

• Nuforma launches new equipment in Pilates market.
• Pilates studios expanded; personalized workouts with monitors.
• $17,000 German-engineered reformer with gyrotonic-like features.
• Pilates classes on gym floors, self-service concept.
• Nuforma total immersion-enhancing a personalized Pilates experience.
• Recurring revenue model similar to razor blades.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Introduction of Nuforma: Peter discusses the unique aspects of Nuforma Pilates, which looks to modernize and make Pilates more accessible to a wider audience. The Nuforma reformer incorporates a monitor with pre-recorded classes and a 'sound shower' speaker system, allowing users to have individualized workouts within a group setting.

2. Expansion and Accessibility: 'Traditional Pilates' classes often face issues of limited capacity and specialized appeal. Nuforma's model allows for flexible scheduling and self-guided workouts, making Pilates more readily available and lowers the barrier to entry. 

3. Pivot from Studios to Manufacturing: Although Nuforma operates five studios, the company is shifting focus to manufacturing and selling its reformers. This includes making them commercially available to gyms, hospitality sectors, and other multi-site operators, as opposed to focusing solely on expanding its studio network.

4. Franchise and Global Reach: Nuforma is exploring franchising. They have already established franchises in Australia and Saudi Arabia and are working on launching in the UK. This aligns with their mission to make Pilates a more 'mainstream' fitness activity globally.

5. Unique Equipment Features and Benefits: The Nuforma reformer is distinct from other Pilates equipment because it is designed to cater to different mobility levels and body types. It includes a weight plate system and a high-low pulley system, which are not typically found in 'classical' reformers. This makes it versatile and user-friendly, appealing to a broader audience and providing a fuller range of movement options.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Peter Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterawebb 
• Nuforma: https://www.nuforma.net 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

At 22 years old, Vince Gabriele attended his first Perform Better seminar as a newly minted personal trainer. When he saw long-time industry veteran, Tom Plummer speak, he was instantly inspired and became determined to be in his shoes one day. Today, Vince is a highly successful gym owner-turned consultant. He shares his journey from struggling with money management to mastering essential business metrics like EBITDA, cost per lead, and lifetime customer value.

He discusses insights on prioritizing personal success, family time, and the satisfaction of helping others grow without financial gain. Vince emphasizes the importance of understanding and catering to your target market, the significance of community-building within gyms, and the traits that distinguish successful gym owners. He also reflects on the practical advice from marketing expert Seth Godin that shaped his career decisions.

On learning from his past financial mistakes, Gabriele states, "I got really into some hot water because I wasn't doing a great job with managing money and managing my finances. I got into some really hard stuff financially, and that is when I realized I needed to learn how to run a business."

Key themes discussed

• Former lineman becomes trainer, opens New Jersey gym.
• Helping businesses optimize for funding or sale.
• Consider carefully before opening another gym.
• Success is personal: Define what it means for you.
• Impactful community-building integrated into business model.
• Target market determines business pricing strategy.
• Helping gym owners focus on key business priorities.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Business Metrics Beyond Cash Flow: Vince emphasizes the importance of understanding key business metrics such as EBITDA and others. He mentions the importance for gym owners to go beyond just monitoring cash flow to achieve sustainable success.

2. Defining Personal Success: Gabriele underscores the importance of defining personal success based on individual priorities rather than societal norms. For him, focusing on running a single, successful gym and teaching others aligns with his values, inspired by advice from Seth Godin. He highlights prioritizing family time and personal happiness over relentless business expansion.

3. Client-Centric Business Model: Understanding your target market is crucial. Vince shares that his premium pricing strategy—charging $500 a month for gym memberships—works well with his affluent clients like doctors and lawyers. This stems from deeply understanding their needs, fears, and desires, as emphasized in a recent talk he gave where he advocated for earning a "Ph.D in customer insights."

4. Data-Driven Decision Making: Gabriele stresses the importance of data and basic "financial literacy" for making informed decisions. He describes his gym’s process of maintaining detailed client cards, which combine both tangible data (e.g., physical conditions) and intangibles (e.g., personal details) to personalize client experiences. This approach helps gym owners focus on client acquisition, retention, and cash flow.

5. Building Community Within Gyms: A strong sense of community is more than just a buzzword in the HALO sector. He highlights actionable strategies such as organizing local events to drive client retention and foster a communal atmosphere. Vince cites the success of CrossFit in creating such an environment, stressing that true community building requires both ongoing effort and authentic engagement.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Vince Gabriele: https://vincegabriele.com/ 
• Fitness Business University: https://vincegabriele.com/podcasts/ 
• Click for a free Small Group Personal Training book! 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this episode, we're excited to once again chat with fellow B2B HALO sector podcaster and industry veteran, Eric Malzone. Eric--known for his work in the Future Fitness and the Podcast Collective-- has conducted over 800 interviews and dives deep into the evolving landscape of the HALO space with host, Pete Moore. He shares his journey from selling his gyms to slowly becoming a leading voice in fitness podcasts, emphasizing the impact, reach, and direct feedback podcasts provide.

Eric journey as a podcaster began with a simple realization: If he was going to create content, he might as well share it with others. This led him to start recording his discussions and sharing them with a broader audience. The impact of (any podcaster's!) work can be measured in two significant ways: The tangible metrics such as audience numbers, LinkedIn impressions, and social media interactions. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is the direct feedback you receives from listeners about specific episodes or topics, which truly underscores the value and influence of what you're putting out in the world. 

Pete and Eric dive further into key trends capturing the industry’s attention, such as GLP-1, longevity, and women’s health and fitness. Eric also discusses his other ambitious projects, like an NASM podcast course and his interest in leveraging AI for playbooks and operational manuals. With a focus on the future of fitness, Eric and Pete delve into how podcasts can serve as a powerful tool for continuing education and business development. They also touch on the potential of AI in transforming business processes and content creation.

Key themes discussed

• Convert podcasts into continuing education credits?
• Pete setting up educational drills on deal processes.
• Building community for monetization and collaboration. (Podcast Collective)
• Long-form interviews allow topics to unfold naturally.
• AI-generated content may eventually replace 'traditional' manual writing.
• Technology impacts business valuation and employment roles.
• Health clubs should leverage podcasts for authority.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Podcasts as Educational Tools: Eric brings up the often significant impact podcasts can have on the fitness industry by serving not just as a medium for information dissemination, but also as tools for ongoing education for executives in the space.

2. Emerging Topics in Fitness: The episode also touches on several emerging topics in the space, such as GLP 1, longevity, and women's health and fitness. Malzone and Moore emphasize the importance of staying current with these trends to cater to evolving audience interests.

3. The Role of AI in Content Creation: Eric also chats about the potential of AI in revolutionizing business operations, especially for creating playbooks and manuals. Malzone discusses an ongoing project to develop a course on using ChatGPT for podcasters, illustrating how AI might soon change traditional methods of content and course creation.

4. Future of Fitness and Podcasting: A hockey analogy is brought up to emphasize the importance of anticipating future industry changes rather than just focusing on what's current. There's a critical need--especially in this space--for businesses to be forward-thinking, and to stay prepared for new trends and technological advancements that can shape the future of the HALO sector going forward.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Eric Malzone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malzone-8b452a3/ 
• Podcast Collective: https://www.podcastcollective.io 
• Future of Fitness Podcast: https://futureoffitness.co/ 
• Eric Malzone & Pete Moore: https://futureoffitness.co/episode/pete-moore-halo-trends-2024-glp-1-hsafsa-recovery-more 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this first-ever "HALO Talks Live" episode held at Sid's Gym in NYC on October 17 2024 to a packed house, we dove deep into everything from fitness innovation, building a brand from the ground up, deciding to 'break the mold' of the fitness space, guerilla marketing, and a ton more with legendary Crunch Fitness founder Doug Levine. Host Pete Moore and Doug explored Crunch's creative, unorthodox beginnings, from viral marketing campaigns to avant-garde classes like aerial yoga and others. 

Sue Hitzmann, visionary creator of the world famous MELT Method (and also a Crunch veteran from the early days & HALO Talks alum!) started us off and discussed the importance of fascia health for true body wellness, emphasizing proactive self-care, how 'recovery' has changed over the years, the importance of proper trainer education, why facilities should strongly consider getting their instructors up to speed on the methodology, and more. 

Levine was the driving force behind Crunch Fitness, and he transformed the fitness industry by fostering a unique sense of community. Under his leadership and working side by side with Roger Harvey--Crunch's first COO of 12 years--Crunch defied the stereotype of a massive, impersonal corporation. Instead, it became a closely-knit environment where instructors bonded, attended each other's classes, and learned collectively. Doug ensured that the instructors felt valued and well-compensated, emphasizing personal investment in their growth. His vision extended beyond group exercise to personal training, establishing a comprehensive, supportive, and thriving fitness community. Doug not only built a successful brand but literally revolutionized the health club experience.

On the early days of advertising Levine recalls, "So nobody knows this, but . . . Time Warner didn't like running people's local ads. Local ads, when they introduced it into New York, were largely Midas muffler shops, Jiffy Lubes, etc. They were franchises that had ads produced by corporate and they could afford. But our deal with Time Warner was that--because they loved the creativity of Crunch's ads--we would get almost all of their unsold inventory. So basically, we would spend $10,000 a month and get a half a million worth of ads, or or whatever their unsold inventory was for many, many years!" 

We also want to acknowledge Sid Raman (another HALO Talks alum!) from Xpriential on his patented treadmill, which blends cutting-edge technology with incredible, immersive exercise experiences. These treadmills are game-changing and do not exist anywhere else in the world (yet!)

Whether it's franchising insights, AI's role in fitness, branding, risk-taking, the evolution of wellness trends and more. . . this one runs the gamut! 

Key themes discussed

• Sue Hitzmann--MELT Founder--explores fascia's role in pain.
• Self-treatment technique for physical and emotional health.
• Medication masks symptoms; addressing root causes critical.
• In a key move, Crunch evolved to a recurring, monthly membership.
• Evaluating on-brand, trendy group exercise programs.
• New, innovative 'boutique fitness trends' attract interest.
• Cool, diverse brand, universal language, special plac and community.
• Building a brand from scratch is incredibly complex!

A few key takeaways: 

1. Innovation and Creativity in Fitness: Doug emphasized the importance of unique and creative fitness programs, such as Crunch's iconic drag queen and aerial yoga classes, which helped set the brand apart and establish new trends in the industry. The organization's ability to leverage creativity instead of relying solely on traditional KPI's was crucial to its early success.

2. Embracing New Advertising Methods: Doug shared an inspiring story about utilizing creative local TV advertising to market Crunch, leveraging free resources from advertising professionals who were members and huge fans of the brand. This strategy was a part of Crunch’s PR-driven marketing approach that insisted on standing out without high costs, demonstrating the power of ingenuity in growing a brand from scratch. 

3. Importance of Fascia Health: Sue Hitzmann discussed how fascia health impacts overall bodily function, joint stability, and mobility—highlighting that repetitive movements can lead to problems in the fascia, causing joint issues and inflammation. She argued against merely masking symptoms with medication, stressing the need for proper self-care to address the root causes of pain.

4. Experiential Fitness Technology: Sid Raman introduced an innovative treadmill simulator that combines hardware, software, and AI to offer immersive movement experiences through virtual reality. This "experiential" fitness equipment provides diverse, entertaining activities suitable for all ages, showcasing the future of tech-enhanced workouts.

5. Franchising and Community Building: Doug and Pete discussed the challenges and rewards of growing Crunch through franchising. Despite the potential for dilution, maintaining an inclusive community and vibrant culture at each location remains vital. The conversation underscored the importance of early franchisee buy-in and mentorship for successful brand expansion, 'transferring' the original company’s DNA into new franchises.

Resources: 

• Doug Levine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-levine 
• Crunch Fitness: http://www.crunch.com
• Roger Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-harvey-926528117/
• Roger Harvey HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-363-roger-s-harvey-wearelvel5-corp-founder-awareness-coach/ 
• Sid's Gym: http://www.sidsgym.com
• Xpriential: https://www.xpriential.com 
• Sid Rahman HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-481-sid-raman-unveils-next-level-treadmill-technology/ 
• MELT Method: http://www.meltmethod.com 
• Sue Hitzmann: https://www.suehitzmann.com 
• Sue Hitzmann HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-372-sue-hitzmann-melt-method-founder/     
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Arman Eckelbarger began his career in consulting, experiencing initial success before pausing to prioritize family life. As his family grew, he eventually moved to a more stable 9-to-5 job in insurance and investments, a field he dedicated eight years to. That really do it for him, so he returned to consulting, embracing the always-evolving HALO space. Today, he focuses on enhancing health, muscle span, and lifespan, guiding individuals to enjoy the rewards of their financial success while maintaining overall well-being. His journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Arman dives deep into his systematic approach to health optimization including extensive lab work, customized nutrition and exercise plans, and the integration of DNA methylation tests. He discusses the importance of belief alignment with clients and the critical role of insulin in managing health. Listen now to hear Arman's insightful perspectives on achieving better health, and learn about the cutting-edge methodologies and science-based protocols that are changing lives.

As far as decreasing injuries Arman states, "Strength training is going to keep the ligaments and tendons where they need to stay and help keep the muscles strong around them, so you're less likely to have those strains or tears. But you also have to listen to your body. If you have an abnormal feeling in the knee from pickleball or something as an example . . . you need to learn to give it a break and then rehab that as quickly as possible." 

Key themes discussed

• Transitioned from consulting to insurance, then returned to the industry.
• Companies should focus on results, avoid aggravation.
• Solving health issues through HALO ecosystem involvement.
• Strengthen muscles, rest injuries, stay lean.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Arman emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health evaluations, including extensive lab work that goes beyond standard medical tests. His approach involves checking for hormones, metabolic panels, inflammation markers, and DNA tests, providing a detailed understanding of a person’s health status.

2. Customized Health Plans: Each health plan Arman creates is highly personalized based on individual needs and health conditions. Clients go through a detailed questionnaire and lab work which help tailor the plan to address their specific health goals and challenges, ensuring a high level of customization.

3. Importance of Belief Alignment: Arman talks about the necessity of aligning beliefs with clients, especially regarding nutrition and exercise. He emphasizes that it's crucial for clients to be open to potential changes in their lifestyle and beliefs for the programs to be effective.

4. Role of Insulin in Metabolic Health: Arman provides insights on the role of insulin and how its management is critical to metabolic health. He explains that excessive carbohydrates and sugars can lead to elevated insulin levels, contributing to fat storage and various health issues, including diabetes.

5. Leveraging Modern Technology and Resources: Arman uses various modern technologies and resources such as specialized apps for nutrition and training, and partnerships with medical teams for evaluating lab results. He also mentions that his programs can be funded through HSA or FSA accounts, making them accessible for more people looking to invest in their health.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Arman Eckelbarger: https://www.armaneckelbarger.com
• Arman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-eckelbarger-75664823
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In this episode we welcome Meghann Butcher from RepSpark, a B2B e-commerce platform that's revolutionizing retail for boutique gyms, golf shops, and pro shops. Meghann shares her expertise on the challenges faced by studio operators in managing retail and how RepSpark can seamlessly bridge the gap, helping businesses maximize their retail potential.

Butcher is a seasoned expert dedicated to simplifying operations for business owners and operators. She clearly understands that many of these professionals aren't trained buyers or merchandisers, despite their unique opportunity to serve a guaranteed daily clientele. Meghann focuses on making the entire processes easy and seamless, empowering owners to maximize potential profits without the hassle of managing a complex back end.

Megan goes into depth about not only optimizing retail spaces, but also making them a profitable extension of your fitness studio. Whether you're running a small boutique gym or a larger operation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help turn your retail from a cost center into a robust profit center. 

Key themes discussed

• Efficient, flexible ordering; know customers' preferences.
• What's the retail revenue potential for studios?
• Microsites enable inventory-free sales for events.
• Exploring revenue potential for studio operators' space.
• Boost work achievements with desired employee incentives.
• Incorporate apparel rewards for engaging studio communities.
• Quick setup for brands on digital platforms.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Retail Strategy for Studios: Meghann discussed the importance of having a retail strategy for boutique gyms and studios. She emphasized that retail sales should be part of the overall revenue strategy and needs to be intentional. Understanding member preferences and curating products that align with their needs can boost sales.

2. Ease of Ordering and Inventory Management: She highlighted how RepSpark's platform makes it easy for studio operators to manage their retail offerings. The platform allows for seamless ordering, inventory management, and reordering of products in different sizes and colors. It eliminates the need for direct interaction with sales representatives, saving time for studio operators.

3. Customization and Co-Branding: RepSpark supports customization, offering an opportunity for studios to brand products like towels, bags, and apparel with their logos. This not only serves as a marketing tool but also enhances member loyalty, as members like to showcase their association with the studio.

4. Revenue Potential from Retail: Pete and Meghann discussed the revenue potential of the retail space in studios. Comparing it with golf pro shops, there is a significant opportunity for studios to generate substantial revenue through well-curated retail offerings. She mentions that consumables, basic apparel, and accessories like socks and candles move quickly and can be profitable.

5. Microsites and Pop-Up Shops: Meghann introduced the concept of microsites and pop-up shops, which allow studios to offer products without holding inventory. These can be used for special events, challenges, or seasonal promotions. Members can shop directly from these microsites, and the products can be customized, offering additional value without the need for significant upfront investment.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Meghann Butcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannbutcher/ 
• RepSpark: http://www.repspark.com  
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Curtis Christopherson has been a pioneering force in the personal training industry in Canada for the past 25 years. At a time when personal training was predominantly reserved for the affluent, athletes, and celebrities, he launched Innovative Fitness with a single location. He successfully navigated the company through significant challenges such as the dot-com bubble, the financial crisis, and the pandemic. Today, Innovative Fitness is renowned for its high-end boutique model, specializing in one-on-one and one-on-two personalized fitness and training sessions within their 4,000 to 5,000 square foot facilities. His commitment to quality and innovation has firmly established the brand as a leader in the field.

Curtis details the operational and strategic initiatives that have fueled their continued growth as well as discuss the importance of standardizing personal services in their franchise model, the benefits of brand partnerships, and the holistic approach to wellness that includes everything from movement to metabolic health. He also provides insights into overcoming challenges like noncompete clauses, the critical role of training for new franchisees, and their use of technology to enhance customer experiences and trainer capabilities. 

On building out the brand Christopherson states, "We have a pipeline of eager and hungry people that want to help us expand, many of which were our employees and the people that work for us. . . We also had a client base that were affluent enough and loved what they experienced from a service perspective."

Key themes discussed

• Expanded to Seattle, focused on local engagement.
• Studio operators should embrace engaging community conversations.
• Discussed CrossFit franchise challenges, growth strategies needed.
• Trainers wield influential, trusted prescriptions over customers.
• ABC Fitness: A "34-year overnight success" in the billing industry.
• Feature offers significant opportunity for Trainerize and Glofox.
• Holistic fitness: Movement, nutrition, sleep, metabolic health.
• Supporting franchisees operationally ensures mutual success.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Operationalizing and Standardizing Personal Services: Curtis emphasizes the necessity of detailed documentation and providing franchisees with tools for hiring and scaling. This ensures consistency and helps franchisees deliver on brand promises.

2. Strategic Partnerships and Support Systems: He underscores the value of brand partnerships that add significant benefits for franchisees, such as connections with insurance and equipment providers. Their collaboration with ABC Trainerize and Glofox for membership management systems illustrates a strategic approach to operational efficiency.

3. Trainer-Centric Business Model: The Innovative Fitness model prioritizes employing full-time trainers working exclusively for the company. This ensures a balanced supply and demand for the clientele, while also maintaining their high quality of personal training services.

4. Holistic Fitness and Wellness Trends: Curtis discusses the industry’s evolution towards integrating movement, nutrition, sleep, hormone, and metabolic health into fitness offerings. Their platform supports wellness professionals in prescribing products and services, portraying a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellbeing.

5. Expansion and Franchise Support: With plans to expand from Vancouver to Toronto and into the US market, Curtis outlines their methodical planning process for growth.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Curtis Christopherson: https://curtischristopherson.com/ 
• Innovative Fitness: https://www.innovativefitness.com/ 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, selling his first company to Adobe and working with customers including NASA, Nike, and the NFL.

Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His multifaceted knowledge spans movement recognition, coaching intelligence, artificial intelligence, and athletic intelligence. Webster and host Pete Moore explore his early passion for computers sparked initially by his Dad (an electrical engineer) to eventually founding ASENSEI, a company specializing in movement recognition technology for fitness and healthcare.

We uncover Steve's insights on enhancing consumer engagement, solving real-world problems through AI, and the future of interactive training technology. This is a deep-dive into the convergence of fitness, technology, and business innovation.

Key themes discussed

• ASENSEI: Movement recognition company for various applications.
• AI coaching potential to scale being digitally demonstrated.
• Athletes training with consumers in real time.
• Solve frustration to validate business funding needs.
• Building on existing AI is an industry standard practice.
• Customer experience tests show high net promoter scores.
• Trade shows are arsenals for success strategies.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Holistic View of Digital Transformation: Webster emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in the HALO space. Drawing parallels with successful digital shifts in ecommerce and financial services, he underscores the necessity for both legacy and pioneer brands to integrate advanced technologies to stay competitive.

2. Martial Arts Influence: Webster shares how his background in martial arts strongly influences his approach to coaching and technology. Martial arts not only offer physical benefits but also emotional and behavioral improvements. This translates into his work with ASENSEI, where movement recognition technology enhances fitness and health applications.

3. Asensi's Technology Implementation: The episode focuses a lot on ASENSEI's movement recognition technology and its practical applications in fitness and health. Initially applied to indoor rowing, the tech has expanded to meet the demands of home workouts. Examples include using cameras for analyzing exercises to prevent injuries and using AI to interpret and improve physical activities.

4. AI and Coaching Synergy: Webster clarifies that their technology is designed to complement, not replace, human coaches. The AI serves as a "copilot," capturing user movements and providing real-time feedback based on expert coaching insights. This ensures the technology enhances the coaching experience rather than detracting from the human element.

5. Legacy Brands and Market Evolution: The discussion around how legacy fitness brands are leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences is especially noteable.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Steven Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwebster 
• ASENSEI: https://www.asensei.ai 
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com

In today's episode, host Pete Moore welcomes (for his second appearance on HALO Talks) Deekron Krikorian--formerly known as the Fitness DJ--and currently a new author, fitness professional specializing in those over 40, and a seasoned entrepreneur. He shares how his father's rugby background created a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Transitioning from a corporate career to promoting customized, curated fitness music for professionals, Deekron's prior company "Motion Traxx" grabbed over 100,000+ listeners monthly, leading to powerful brand partnerships. He's since authored a new book focusing on the "9 shifts"—a holistic system addressing the Mind, Body, and Life challenges that many of us face, especially as we get older.

Deekron and Pete delve into crucial topics including deception in 'healthy snacks' marketing, the significance of 'imperfect actions' for high achievers, and balancing data-driven fitness coaching with personal accountability. Deekron also discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and personal development in achieving lasting health and wellness. 

On the power of emotional intelligence, Krikorian opines, "The one thing I've  benefited from even more, I would say, than my business school experience was the personal development work I did to understand how I'm wired, to understand my emotions, thoughts, feelings, where are they coming from, and how do I shift them so I could get out of things that other people struggle with. Things like self doubt, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, self criticism, shame, all these things that we go through as human beings. There's not enough emphasis on understanding that and gaining emotional intelligence."

Key themes discussed

• Challenges for over-40s: Mind, body, life categories.
• Specialize in mindset coaching, public speaking, holistic solutions.
• GLP drugs: Weight loss, smoking cessation, appetite reduction.
• GLP-1 agonists may cause long-term digestion issues.
• Clients graduate, reconnect, and new ones join.
• Personal development surpasses business school for growth.

A few key takeaways: 

1. Holistic Coaching Approach: Deekron's unique coaching philosophy centers on a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and mental factors. His method, as outlined in his book, involves tackling challenges related to the mind, body, and life in a structured 3x3 system, which he believes is key to sustainable wellness and personal growth.

2. Imperfect Actions Over All-or-Nothing Mentality: High achievers often fall prey to the all-or-nothing mentality, where they neglect exercise if it can’t be "perfect." Krikorian encourages focusing on "imperfect actions" like shorter, more frequent walks, which can be more achievable and still significantly beneficial for overall health.

3. Personal Development and Emotional Intelligence: One of the critical aspects of Deekron's coaching is the emphasis on personal development and emotional intelligence. He advocates for understanding one's emotions and habits to drive behavior change. His book serves as a tool for self-help and personal growth, encouraging readers to introspect and change from within.

4. Scaling Through Relationships and Technology: Deekron doesn't aim to build an empire but rather to nurture meaningful, personalized relationships with his clients. He underscores the importance of technology in scaling his coaching model, through training and certifying coaches who can replicate his approach and maintain the same level of personalization with clients.

5. Long-Term Health Over Quick Fixes: In discussions about weight loss drugs and other "quick" solutions, he cautions against the allure of such shortcuts and highlights their potential long-term side effects. He advocates for building mental strength and discipline and prioritizing sustainable health practices over temporary fixes.

Click here to download transcript. 

Resources: 

• Deekron Krikorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deekron/
• The Healthy Higher Performer: https://www.theinpowermentco.com/ 
• The Nine Shifts: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Shifts-Mind-First-Method-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CRYHM6GW  
• Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
• Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
• HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com 

Connect With Us: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/  Website: https://www.halotalks.com