Ready. Aim. Empire.

Your people can make or break your studio. Building a standout team is critical to protect your business. And that doesn’t just happen automatically, y’all.    Make sure you’re firing on all cylinders in Episode 668: The Secrets to a High-Performing Team with Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Matt Hanton.    Prioritize prep: draft an org chart and job descriptions with specific KPIs  Recruit selectively: hire for culture and train for skill – you can’t force fit Train to retain: templatize a comprehensive onboarding process Touch base: create agendas for 1:1s and team meetings; invite feedback  Hand out shout-outs: celebrate wins, share successes and give rewards    It takes a thoughtful commitment and ongoing efforts to nurture a stellar team. If it feels overwhelming, start with one step, then add on. Get all the insider tips in Episode 668.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HER

Y’all,   the noise about tariffs in recent months has stirred questions and anxiety among the fitness industry (and many industries, frankly) about the effects on their business.    Crediting Liz Clark’s and Mike Goscinski’s talk at the Health & Fitness Association’s Fly-In & Advocacy Summit, let’s dive into Episode 667: How Tariffs & Trade Can Impact Your Studio.     Universal uncertainty: legislative, studio and consumer unknowns  Lucky strike: service-based industries have an advantage Building up: construction costs jump due to steel and aluminum tariffs On the rise: price bumps on equipment and retail products made overseas  Good news: consumers prioritize fitness/wellness during economic challenges   Notify your local senators and congresspeople that higher costs on building and consumer goods will decrease jobs, tax revenue and economic growth. Learn the basics in Episode 667.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their stud

Y'all, Two industry powerhouses I'm absolutely fascinated by – Garrett Marshall and Debra Rogo! Garrett's been shaping our space for 22 years and just launched something that could change everything, while Debra brings her incredible insight from years of working with operators. Together they're solving the biggest challenge in fitness: how do we maintain our position of influence when 90% of our members are on their smartphones buying wellness products we don't offer? Tune in to our conversation with these two industry legends: Episode 666: The Big Picture with Garrett Marshall & Debra Rogo. ● The industry veteran: Started at Lifetime Fitness during their first IPO, learned how each department (personal training, spa, kids care, restaurants) runs on separate P&Ls - real respect for what's possible when you run fitness departments professionally ● WellBeats to Exponential: Co-founded WellBeats (originally Fitness Request) in 2007, then started competitor Fitness on Demand as CEO for 8 years under Lyft

Y'all, Two industry leaders I'm absolutely fascinated by – Jennifer Williams, founder of Physique 57 (one of the best barre brands in the world), and Jack Thomas, creator of The Fit Guide (the gold standard for fitness excellence, like the Michelin Star guide for our industry). They're both revolutionizing how we think about hospitality in boutique fitness! Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 661: The Big Picture with Lise Kuecker, Jennifer Williams of Physique 57, and Jack Thomas of The Fit Guide. ● Building boutique from scratch: Jennifer started Physique 57 in 2005 when boutique studios didn't exist - told architects she wanted it to feel "like coming to my house to work out" ● Hospitality over amenities: Their most successful studio had wear and tear but sold the most memberships because of warm feeling and community - proves it's about connection, not expensive finishes ● Two types of training: What to teach (mechanics for safety) vs. how to teach (hospitalit

Y'all, when someone tells me they can measure my body composition with just my phone camera, I'll admit I was skeptical. But after sitting down with Jason Moore (founder of Ren) and the fabulous data nerd herself, Deborah Roko, I'm convinced we're looking at the future of fitness coaching. And it's arriving faster than you think. These two are solving the biggest pain point in our industry: what happens during those 163 hours when your clients aren't in your studio. ● Camera magic: Independently validated technology that measures body fat percentage, lean mass, and muscle distribution using just your smartphone - no more $12K DEXA scans or InBody machines ● AI coaching clones: Coaches can literally train their own AI that texts with clients twice daily, providing 24/7 guidance without burning out the human coach ● HRV mastery: Real-time biofeedback through heart rate variability that predicts recovery, stress, and aerobic fitness - plus instant meditation feedback through breath control ● VO2 max breakthrough

Y'all, when you've been in this industry as long as I have, you can feel the big shifts coming. But even I wasn't prepared for the Pilates explosion we're witnessing right now. It's unlike anything we've seen before, and if you're not paying attention, you're missing the boat on the biggest opportunity in boutique fitness. Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 663: The Pilates Explosion - Global Growth with STOTT Pilates' Beth Gibbs-Bartel. ● Education empire: STOTT Pilates has trained 80,000+ instructors across 100 countries with unmatched anatomical focus ● Asia domination: unprecedented growth in China, Middle East, and APAC regions driving global expansion ● Reformer revolution: studios shifting from 6-machine comprehensive setups to 20+ reformer-only concepts ● Know your limits: instructors finding their sweet spot for class sizes (hint: it's probably around 16 max) ● Chair emergence: stability chair group classes becoming the next big trend, especially in in

Y'all, For boutique fitness studio owners, scaling from a single location to a multi-club empire while maintaining premium standards seems impossible. But what if you could learn from someone who's done exactly that? Meet Rob Beal, Fitness Director at Third Space, who's helped grow them from 4 to 13 premium clubs across London and built the highest-valued fitness concept per square foot worldwide. Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 662: Building Premium Fitness Empire - Lessons from Third Space London. ● Own your IP: keeping all training, programs and instructors in-house instead of outsourcing to freelancers ● Pilates leads the pack: Reformer Pilates is their #1 performing modality, now in 10 of 13 clubs ● Strength over HIIT: consumer demand has shifted from high-intensity to strength-focused programming ● Recovery revolution: spa, wellness and recovery services are essential for premium positioning ● Data-driven future: integrating wearable tech data and AI

One brand I’m so excited to watch is LiveMetta – currently 11 yoga and Pilates studios (along with one spa) in Southern California. They’re truly bringing something different to our space!    Tune in to our new series of conversations with amazing industry leaders: Episode 661: The Big Picture with Lise Kuecker and Chris Farnsworth of Live Metta.    Mission critical: embodying loving kindness as a foundation and culture Competition killer: thoughtfully expanding to fully own select markets Golden Rule: prioritizing relationships, ensuring support, paying well Lifelong learning: investing in professional development and continuing ed Change agent: donating to local nonprofits through LiveMetta Heart Space   Check out how LiveMetta shines brightly in the boutique space. And meet co-founder, Chris (who I call my Southern brother), after you hear from him in Episode 662.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their f

Y’all may assume that because 77% of boutique fitness studio members are women, marketing to females is a no-brainer. They’re showing up anyway, right?    Wrong. To grow, you must keep tweaking your outreach to this demographic. Learn how with Coach Rachel Prairie in Episode 660: Attracting & Retaining Female Clients in Your Studio.    Get close up: know your client avatar’s age, interests, hobbies and more Give them something to talk about: capitalize on word-of-mouth referrals  Create touch points: cultivate community with events, programs and socials  Make it easy: have great intro offers, flexible memberships and pricing options Educate & empower: share information about holistic wellbeing   Win women by carefully customizing your studio’s messaging, products and services. Review and refine your approach in Episode 660.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and jo

Want a relatively easy win-win for your studio? Consider partnering with another local business to drive traffic and boost sales in both places.    This goes beyond sharing a flyer or offering a discount. Coaches Rachel Prairie and Sep Uyttendaele lay out the possibilities in Episode 659: Partnering with Local Businesses.    Focus on fit: consider which businesses align with your brand and clients Create a wish list: identify local shops and ask members for recommendations  Get creative: think events, programs, presentations and bundled services Make an offer: draft a detailed proposal outlining mutual benefits  Build a relationship: collaborate closely, track key metrics, address snags    Linking to the right business can deliver a valuable ROI that includes a flow of steady leads and increased brand awareness. Open your eyes to the opportunities with Episode 659.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their fre

For boutique fitness studio owners, sometimes you’re so deep in the weeds with sales, marketing and operations that you miss the big picture of what’s happening in the industry.    So step out for a moment to look at the landscape with Coaches Rachel Prairie and Conor McGarry in Episode 658: Emerging Trends & Innovations in Fitness.    Follow the leaders: Pilates and strength are top trends in 2025 Go virtual: consumers want digital on-demand and livestream classes  Custom fit: personalized instruction and options drive loyalty  Welcome wellness: recovery products and services are hot Cultivate community: people crave connection and belonging   Assess your current offerings, evaluate the opportunities and align new products and services with your brand. Episode 658 gets your wheels turning.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and join the party! www.studiogrow.co www.

I’m pretty sure that most (all?) of us didn’t open a boutique fitness studio to stare at spreadsheets and crunch numbers. Yet that’s part of owning a business.   Learn what you really need to know with Coach Lindsey Hammond and guest CPA Kimberly Tara in Episode 657: Everything You've Been Too Embarrassed to Ask Your Accountant.   Know your obligations: you’ll owe income, payroll, sales and property taxes Pick smart partners: consider a bookkeeper, tax preparer or accountant  Classify correctly: designate employees or independent contractors  Pay yourself consistently: plan for revenue fluctuations to take home a check Look for loopholes: request that your accountant use tax strategies to pay less   You’ll find in Episode 657 that you don’t have to know everything if you have pros on board. Check out Kimberly,  a CPA-certified tax coach and strategist for mom entrepreneurs.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build

Y’all, be honest. Do you really understand what a mission, vision and core values mean for your studio and why they matter? And why should you care?   Consider these essentials for a moment with Coach Matt Hanton and Lisa Taylor, Studio Grow’s Bespoke program director, in Episode 656: Building Your Mission, Vision & Core Values.   Learn the language: mission is what you do; vision is the utopia you’re aiming for Know thyself: understand how your own values influence your business   Insist on specificity: empty platitudes don’t deliver direction or results Create your compass: thoughtfully articulate your studio’s North Star  Keep watch: ensure core values are observable, measurable and re-creatable   Your mission, vision and core values define and embody your brand. Without them, you’re simply running fitness classes. Explore the rationale and the process in Episode 656.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build

Sure seems like everyone today is desperately seeking some zen on the mat. The global yoga industry is expected to climb from $180B in 2024 to $215B in 2025.   Coach and yoga studio owner Caroline Plambeck lays out the optimistic landscape of opportunities to capitalize on surging interest in Episode 655: The State of the Yoga Industry.   Ask for wish lists: chat with clients about their preferences for yoga offerings Broaden your appeal: accommodate beginners, advanced yogis and men Practice variety: mix it up with specialized classes, workshops and retreats Welcome workers: create tailored corporate wellness programs for nearby companies Add URL to IRL: beef up online/live stream options to extend your reach   As the demand for holistic wellness and steady stress relief grows, build your business by capturing new and potential yoga practitioners. Plan your next moves with Episode 655.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio busines

Let’s talk money – as in financing your first studio or funding to scale and add locations. By understanding your options, you can quell your anxiety and prepare for the process.    Coaches Caroline Plambeck and Alex Lavelle got you covered in part 3 of our series: Episode 654: Real Estate, Loans and Investment: Deciding the Best Financing for Your Studio.   Speak the language: know conventional, non-conventional, credit stacking and niche Saddle up: getting approved for an SBA loan can be a time-consuming challenge Think big: buying your building may be better than leasing or renting Collect cards: consider credit stacking to fund smaller projects  Fear not: denials happen, so fine-tune, be tenacious and don’t quit   The bottom line, according to Alex? Know the rules. Play by the rules. And play to win. Get ready to get in the game with Episode 654.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Sub

Turning your vision into a reality can be intimidating without some know-how about the process. After securing funding, learn how to hire and work with a contractor in part 2 of this series.   In Episode 653: From Planning to Build-out: Financing Your Studio the Right Way, join Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Alex Lavelle for smart suggestions on this next step.   Tap your resources: seek referrals or visit Home Depot or Lowes to find contractors Vet thoughtfully: check out scope of work, confirm license, request wholesale pricing Persevere: keep interviewing contractors to find the best fit; don’t settle Shop around: get several quotes and ask preferred contractor to match lowest cost Set expectations: arrange meetings, timelines and payment schedules with contractor    You can save thousands of dollars (and headaches!) by choosing the right contractor. Create a systemized approach based on in-the-trenches advice in Episode 653.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve d

I get it – funding and financing can be daunting when starting or expanding your studio. In this 3-part podcast series, we’ll uncover some of the mystery to boost your comfort level.     Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Alex Lavelle start with the foundation in Episode 652: The Mindset of Financing: How to Fund Your Studio's Growth.    Check your wallet: your personal finances impact your ability to get funding Do your homework: lenders require a business plan and pro forma  Speed date (sort of!): expect to interview several lenders to find the right one Embrace options: think SBA, conventional, non-conventional, credit stacking  Strap in: financing is a process and can take longer than you think     Funding doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems. Armed with knowledge and good coaching, you may be surprised by what’s possible. Begin with Episode 652.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom em

A smarter approach than avoiding conversations that feel uncomfortable is confronting them thoughtfully. So stop dodging and start diving in.      But first, have a process in place. Coach Matt Hanton and Coach Rachel Prairie offer tested recos in Episode 651: Difficult Dialogues in Boutique Fitness, Part 2.    Anchor your angle: base discussions on your policies, mission, vision and values Seek solutions: focus on information-finding and collaboration to fix problems Document discussions: keep a written record and ensure understanding Stay timely: don’t delay or turn a blind eye, which implies validation  Commit to consistency: treat everyone the same in addressing issues     Ultimately, strive for productive conversations that strengthen your team and your business. Reframe your thinking and establish a procedure with Episode 651.   Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their studio business and build their freedom empire. Subscribe HERE and jo

Y’all, I know that scaling your business seems kinda like a pipedream when you’re eyeballs-deep in teaching classes, whipping up marketing, running payroll and washing towels.    But pause for just a moment to learn how to lay the groundwork with Coach Caroline Plambeck and guest Vince Gabriele, a gym owner, author and business coach, in Episode 650: Building a Strong Foundation: Key Strategies for Studio Success.    Know your goals: determine how you want your business to fit into your life Master marketing: be laser-focused on what your avatar cares about Delegate discriminately: don’t dump on your team if they don’t have capacity  Launch thoughtfully: onboard clients intentionally with a high-touch process Prioritize profitability: pay yourself, minimize attrition and maintain cash on hand   Episode 650 is loaded with practical suggestions and personal anecdotes from the trenches. For more from Vince Gabriele, check out www.vincegabriele.com.     Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio

Even past the January New Year’s resolutions crush, you’ve still got an opportunity to capture people who dropped off after an intro package or those who haven’t yet jumped on their goals.    To capitalize on these ripe leads, refine your sales strategy with Coach Caroline Plambeck and Coach Matt Hanton in Episode 649: Refreshing Your Sales Strategy in a New Year.    Assess your avatar: tailor your approach to the psychology of each individual buyer Give to receive: leverage reciprocity, such as a free class, to encourage sales Showcase success: highlight testimonials and community to maximize social proof Foster FOMO: emphasize scarcity and urgency to compel immediate action Relate & recommend: empathize with objections and suggest realistic solutions   Knowledge is power in the sales process. Benefit from this timely reminder to reassess your goals, opportunities and audience in Episode 649.    Catch you there,   Lise   PS: Join 2,000+ studio owners who’ve decided to take control of their st