Reflecting on 2024 – 15 Lessons to Build a Better Fitness Business in 2025

As 2024 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey this podcast has taken.

Profit Made Simple has been a passion project that has grown into something truly special, and I owe much of its success to the wisdom of the amazing guests we’ve had this year.

Over 20 of the best minds in fitness, business, and leadership have graced the podcast, sharing their insights, stories, and strategies. Narrowing it down to just 15 lessons wasn’t easy, but these are the standout takeaways that I believe will help you have a phenomenal 2025.

Whether you’re a gym owner, personal trainer, or entrepreneur, these lessons will fuel your growth and inspire action. Let’s dive in.

1. Structure Your Day to Win – Craig Ballantyne (Ep. 24)

Craig Ballantyne, known as the most disciplined man on earth, teaches that the key to success lies in how you start your day. It’s not about long morning routines or rituals – it’s about intentionality. By 8am, Craig has already completed deep work on the most important levers in his business.

Key Takeaway: Win your mornings, and you’ll win your day. Tackle your highest-priority tasks first and watch your productivity soar.

2. Overcome the Victim Mentality – Bedros Keuilian (Ep. 22)

Bedros Keuilian’s story is one of triumph over adversity. As an immigrant facing countless challenges, his core lesson is this – stop blaming external factors. The economy, competition, and team issues will always exist. True success starts with personal accountability.

Key Takeaway: Take full ownership of your life and business. Your growth begins when you stop playing the victim.

3. Lead with Passion – Martin Rooney (Ep. 8)

Martin Rooney is a powerhouse of energy, and his biggest advice is simple – bring the passion. Passionate leaders inspire action, and people gravitate toward that fire. Your energy is contagious, and it sets the tone for your team and clients.

Key Takeaway: If you’re not excited about your vision, why should anyone else be? Lead with heart and passion every day.

4. Build Systems for Freedom – Jen Collins (Ep. 32)

Jen Collins emphasises the power of systems. If you want freedom in your business, you need to automate and delegate. Systems create scalability and prevent burnout. Jen’s journey from overworking to thriving is proof of this.

Key Takeaway: Stop being the bottleneck. Build systems that allow your business to grow without sacrificing your time and well-being.

5. Embrace Change in the Digital World – Chris Lynton (Ep. 34)

The fitness industry is evolving rapidly, and Chris Lynton believes staying adaptable is the key to long-term success. Online training, AI, and digital tools are reshaping the landscape.

Key Takeaway: Innovate or get left behind. Be open to technology and trends that can enhance your services and keep you competitive.

6. Core Values Drive Longevity – Thomas Plummer (Ep. 18)

Thomas Plummer, a mentor of mine, stresses that businesses built on strong core values stand the test of time. When you operate with integrity and authenticity, you naturally attract the right clients and team members.

Key Takeaway: Define your values, live by them, and build a business that reflects them.

7. Spot and Act on Trends – Charley Valher (Ep. 10)

Charley Valher advises staying ahead of industry trends. Early adopters gain a significant advantage, and spotting market opportunities early can lead to exponential growth.

Key Takeaway: Keep an eye on industry shifts and move quickly. Early movers reap the biggest rewards.

8. Start Small, Stay Consistent – Jackson Millan (Ep. 6)

Wealth-building expert Jackson Millan reminds us that financial freedom is a long game. Even small, consistent investments compound over time.

Key Takeaway: Begin with small, regular investments in your future. Consistency is more important than size.

9. Build a Personal Brand – Dan Bolton (Ep. 40)

Dan Bolton champions the power of personal branding. In 2025, your brand is your greatest asset. People want to connect with the person behind the business.

Key Takeaway: Share your story, be authentic, and build trust through your personal brand.

10. Deliver Exceptional Client Experiences – Kosta Drak (Ep. 28)

Kosta Drak understands that unforgettable client experiences drive retention and referrals. The fitness industry is about experiences, not just workouts.

Key Takeaway: Go above and beyond for your clients. Create moments that keep them coming back.

11. Master Sales – Rob Theo (Ep. 36)

Rob Theo’s powerful journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship is built on one skill – sales. Learning to sell with confidence and integrity is a game-changer.

Key Takeaway: If you can sell, you can succeed in any business. Make it a priority to sharpen this skill.

12. Invest in Your Team – Bec Anderson (Ep. 14)

Bec Anderson’s business thrived because she empowered her team. Investing in their growth fuelled the growth of her business.

Key Takeaway: Develop your team. Their success is your success.

13. Resilience Through Adversity – Jye Lee (Ep. 13)

Jye Lee’s story of perseverance reminds us that persistence is key. Adversity is inevitable, but resilience leads to breakthroughs.

Key Takeaway: Don’t give up when things get tough. Keep pushing forward.

14. Financial Fitness – Billy Hofacker (Ep. 26)

Billy Hofacker draws parallels between physical and financial fitness. Building financial habits is just like building muscle – consistency wins.

Key Takeaway: Give your finances the same attention you give your fitness.

15. Community is Everything – My Lesson to You

For me, the biggest lesson is that community is everything. Surround yourself with people who uplift, challenge, and support you.

Key Takeaway: Build a strong community around your business. Collaboration and connection are the foundation of growth.

Thank you for an amazing 2024. Here’s to a successful, impactful 2025!