Chick-fil-A's Secret Sauce? It's Not the Chicken.

In the fast-paced world of fitness, where new gyms seem to pop up on every corner, it's easy for you and I to get caught up in the race for expansion. But what if the key to success isn't about getting bigger, but about getting better? This was the revolutionary idea that propelled Chick-fil-A to billion-dollar success, while its competitor, Boston Market, faced bankruptcy.

In the '90s, when Boston Market was aggressively expanding and gobbling up market share, Chick-fil-A's founder Truett Cathy had a radical idea: focus on getting better, not bigger. This counterintuitive approach paid off handsomely. By 2000, Chick-fil-A hit $1 billion in sales, while Boston Market filed for bankruptcy.

The healthy takeaway for us as gym leaders? In our protein-shake-fueled race for growth, we've forgotten the main ingredient: Excellence.

Your gym and mine doesn't need more locations. It doesn't need fancier equipment or Instagram-worthy smoothie bars. What it needs are more authentic connections, more attention to detail, and a relentless focus on improvement. Imagine a gym where:

• Every trainer remembers not just their clients' names, but their goals, progress, and challenges

• No dust bunnies the size of Texas live under the dumbbell racks.

• The team, not just the front desk staff, greets every clients, every single time

These may seem like small gestures, but they have a big impact. They're the difference between a gym and a community, between a workout and an experience.

So, how can we as gym owners help our teams excel in these areas? Here are some practical steps:

1. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

• Hold weekly team meetings to discuss what "getting better" looks like

• Implement a suggestion box for staff and members

• Reward and recognize team members who go above and beyond

2. Enhance Client Service

• Provide comprehensive training on customer service techniques

• Implement a CRM system to track member preferences and milestones

• Create a mentorship program where experienced staff guide newer team members

3. Maintain Impeccable Cleanliness

• Develop a detailed cleaning schedule with clear responsibilities

• Conduct surprise cleanliness audits

• Invest in high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products

• Train staff on proper sanitization techniques

4. Pay Attention to Small Details

• Create a "details checklist" for opening and closing procedures

• Implement a system for staff to report and address maintenance issues promptly

• Regularly walk through the facility from a member's perspective to spot areas for improvement

5. Build Authentic Connections

• Train staff to remember and use members' names

• Implement a birthday recognition program for members

• Host regular community events to foster connections among members and staff

6. Continual Education and Training

• Provide ongoing education opportunities for staff in their areas of expertise

• Cross-train team members to understand all aspects of gym operations

• Encourage staff to obtain additional certifications and qualifications

7. Gather and Act on Feedback

• Conduct regular member satisfaction surveys

• Hold one-on-one meetings with staff to discuss their ideas and concerns

• Create an action plan based on feedback and share progress with members and staff

Here's a 3-step system kick-start this process:

1. Ask your team: "What does getting better look like for us?"

2. Implement the top 3 ideas that emerge from this discussion

3. Repeat this process every month, continuously refining and improving

Remember, it's about creating moments that matter. When it rains, hand out branded umbrellas to members leaving the gym. When someone's struggling with a workout, offer an encouraging word. When a member hits a milestone, celebrate like crazy. These are the touches that transform a gym from a place to work out into a community hub.

In the fitness industry, the race isn't always to the swift or the biggest. Sometimes, it's to the one who cares the most. It's to the gym that remembers your name, notices your progress, and makes you feel like you belong.

Building a community, not just a customer base, is the key to long-term success. It's what will keep members coming back, even when a cheaper option opens up down the street. It's what will inspire your staff to go the extra mile, even when no one's watching.

What will you do today to get better, not just bigger? How will you inspire your team to focus on excellence in every interaction, every cleaning task, every small detail? The future of your gym – and the health and happiness of your community – depends on it.

Your move. The path to excellence starts with a single step. Take it today.

Brent Gallagher is a husband, father, and founder of Avenu, and dedicated to helping others live their best lives. With a passion for redefining wellness beyond physical appearance, Brent has built a brand that measures the quality of life. Through his coaching and leadership development programs, he empowers high-performing leaders and challenges the fitness industry to prioritize meaningful connections with their clients and teams. When he's not inspiring change, Brent enjoys quality time with his family and cherishes the moments that make his life fulfilling. Interested in having Brent work with your team, speak at your conference, or appear on your podcast, click here.