In the latest episode of the Alloy Personal Training Business Podcast, host Rick Mayo welcomes Adam Blankenship, Alloy Franchise Business Coach and Presales Specialist, for a deep dive into the true meaning of semi-absentee ownership.
With years of experience leading presales and now overseeing Alloy’s corporate gym operations, Adam shares a hands-on perspective of what it really takes to succeed as a semi-absentee owner—especially for those without a background in fitness.
Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as a completely absentee business owner. But the good news is you don’t have to live in your gym to be profitable and impactful.
Debunking the Absentee Ownership Myth
Rick and Adam quickly address a common misconception in franchising: the idea of “absentee ownership.” In reality, fitness franchises—like Alloy—are not passive investments. Unlike real estate syndicates or stock portfolios, fitness studios are dynamic, people-first businesses that require oversight, structure, and human connection.
However, semi-absentee ownership? That’s a different story.
With the right systems in place and an intentional approach to leadership, you can run a successful studio without needing to be there every hour of the day. The secret lies in knowing what to measure, how to lead your team, and when to engage.
The Power of Engagement: Inspect What You Expect
When Adam took over operations at Alloy’s corporate gym, he immediately began implementing what he’s been coaching franchisees to do for years: inspect what you expect.
His first step? Listening to recorded phone calls between staff and members or prospects. Thanks to Alloy’s systems, owners can easily review these interactions remotely. Phone conversations are important because they are often the first impression of your brand. Are staff members following the script? Are they enthusiastic, empathetic, and setting the right
Another tool Adam recommends is EOS’s GWC model—“Get it, Want it, and Capacity to do it.” This simple but powerful lens helps determine whether you’ve got the right people in the right seats. If your director or head coach doesn’t meet all three criteria, it’s time to make a change or provide the necessary support.
Show Up (Even if it’s Just for a Workout)
You don’t need to be on the floor every day, but presence matters. One of the easiest and most insightful ways to engage with your business is to take a session yourself. By doing so, you gain firsthand knowledge of the customer experience. Are coaches following the seven core tenets of the Alloy training system? Are members feeling supported and celebrated?
“You can be a technically great trainer, but if people don’t want to be around you, it doesn’t matter. You’ve got to make people feel seen.”
~ Adam Blankenship, Alloy Franchise Business Coach and Presales Specialist ~
It’s these little things—celebrating small wins, saying “great job,” sending a quick follow-up text—that make a member’s day and separate Alloy from the competition. As Rick emphasizes, “You’ve done what they paid you to do, and now they’re thanking you. That’s powerful.”
KPI Metrics: The Non-Negotiables
Structure isn’t restrictive—it’s liberating. Successful franchisees thrive in environments where expectations are clear and performance is measurable.
Adam recommends breaking down key performance indicators (KPIs) into daily and weekly goals instead of waiting for monthly reports. For example, if your monthly sales goal is 60 new members, that’s about two sales per day. This approach provides immediate clarity and keeps your team focused.
KPI Metrics
- Number of new sign-ups
- Number of cancels
- Starting point sessions completed
- Total revenue vs. previous month
- Lead-to-sale conversion rates
When these numbers dip, you can trace back the issue. Are leads not converting? Listen to calls. Are people ghosting appointments? Check your follow-up system. Are sessions underwhelming? Take a class yourself.
The Role of Accountability
Accountability is often seen as a challenge, but when delivered with kindness and consistency, it becomes a catalyst for growth. As Rick puts it, “If you do it with care, with a clear why, and in partnership with your team, everyone wins.”
“I’ll run through a wall for you, but we’re going to run through that wall together.”
~ Adam Blankenship, Alloy Franchise Business Coach and Presales Specialist ~
It’s not just about motivating staff—it’s about building systems that support them. Structured meetings, regular check-ins, and clear goals foster a culture of ownership and pride.
The Four-Month All-In Mindset
One of the most empowering takeaways from this conversation is Adam’s challenge to new owners: Commit fully for just four months. Whether you’re in pre-sale or already open, go all-in with energy, focus, and effort. If you do it right, you’ll only have to do it once.
After those first few months of grind, your gym will reach “escape velocity”—that 100+ member milestone where retention kicks in, marketing becomes more about referrals, and the business runs smoothly.For example, franchisees like Ken Campbell and Russ (Maryland/Virginia) started with no health club experience. Through smart systems and hard work, they hit their growth goals and now maintain them with less effort. Ken’s second gym saw over 40 pre-sales from referrals alone.
Semi-Absentee Ownership Roadmap
This episode doesn’t just redefine semi-absentee ownership—it clarifies the roadmap to achieve it.
- Listen to phone calls
- Take sessions yourself
- Use GWC to assess staff
- Measure daily metrics
- Lead with structure and accountability
- Commit to an all-in mindset for four months
As Rick notes, once your gym is full and your systems are running smoothly, it’s hard to mess it up. Subscription-based revenue and high retention rates make Alloy a standout in the fitness franchise world. But it starts with focused, intentional leadership—especially in the early days.
Final Thoughts: People Over Products
In closing, Adam and Rick agree: while the Alloy workout is science-based and effective, what truly sets the brand apart is the experience. Alloy isn’t just about fitness—it’s about connection, encouragement, and accountability.
Being a semi-absentee owner doesn’t mean being distant. It means knowing what matters, building strong systems, and showing up in meaningful ways.
So if you’re dreaming of owning a fitness business that changes lives without consuming yours, the Alloy franchise system—with the right mindset and effort—just might be your perfect fit.
Podcast 283
👥 Connect with Adam Blankenship on LinkedIn: Adam Blankenship
👥 Connect with Rick Mayo on LinkedIn: Rick Mayo
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Key Takeaways
- Intro (00:00)
- Discussion on semi-absentee ownership (02:17)
- Importance of phone calls and member engagement (04:34)
- GWC and daily presence (06:17)
- Member experience and core tenets (16:46)
- Managing daily and weekly metrics (18:08)
- The role of accountability and structure (20:17)
- The importance of knowing your numbers (25:28)
- The concept of semi-absentee ownership revisited (27:35)