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