In this episode of the Gym Owner’s Growth Zone podcast, our host Andres Escobar talks about personal and professional growth with Roger Harvey. Harvey is a 30+ year veteran of the fitness industry: he was the COO of Crunch from when they had 3 small studios until they had 27 gyms in 6 states, and he has helped countless businesses during many stages in their journey. Listen to them discuss Harvey’s evolution as a gym owner and the importance of service to others.

Background

  • Harvey Went to school for a degree in Movement Science but didn’t know what he wanted to do.

  • He worked at a gym in the World Trade Center before joining Crunch Fitness when they had 3 studios – the business has grown a lot since then and continues to grow!

Issues in the Fitness Industry

  • Compensation and career growth opportunities need to improve. Employees are paid minimum wage, so the level of work isn’t always quality.

  • Gyms have to create a budget that can allow them to pay employees more. Gyms also need to set clear expectations.

Who Provided Support for Harvey?

  • Roger Levine, the founder of Crunch, was a tough boss who also invested a lot of training in him. 

  • Showed him what to do in several ways, but also challenged him to think outside the box to get results Levine got in a different way.

Looking Back, What Harvey Would Change

  • He would invest in more education for himself and for the people who have worked for him.

  • “Regretting means you want to change the past. Remembering means you want to change the future.” He wouldn’t remove anything from his past – his challenges have helped him grow.

The Fast 5

  • Who is the most influential person/people in your business journey?

  • His parents. His mom taught him how to stand for something, his father taught him what to stand for.

  • What’s one thing you wish you had known when you began your business?

  • Bringing a vision to life can happen quickly in your mind, but it takes a lot of time and discipline to complete.

  • What’s a book/show/video/podcast/etc. that has positively impacted you?

  • Time to Win Again by Pete Moore

  • Spiritual Compass by Garry Guerrier

  • Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

  • Do you have a favorite online tool?

  • Prosper, an operations manager

  • What’s one practice or habit that you believe everyone would benefit from?

  • Practice listening daily. Make a point of it every day.

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