Connor Abreu, owner of Thunder N Lightning Performance in New Jersey and winner of the 2024 Gym of the Year award from the Business of Strength group, joins the show to break down the strategies behind running a highly successful and profitable single-location gym.

We dive into what Connor would do if he had to start over in a brand-new city with zero connections, the core principles he would use to rebuild his membership base, and how he identifies true core-value fits when hiring staff.

Connor also shares how he develops employees, builds clear systems and SOPs, and ensures that high-quality individualized programming can still fit inside a scalable, efficient business model.

If you’re a coach or gym owner looking to strengthen your systems, staff, and long-term sustainability—this episode is a must-listen.

This podcast evolved from my book, Strength In Numbers — the ultimate mentorship guide for coaches.

Featuring insights from 100+ ELITE coaches across every level and sport, it’s an encyclopedia of coaching wisdom built to help you grow your career, navigate failure, and find long-term coaching success.

👉 Grab your copy of Strength In Numbers [by clicking here].

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thunder Lightning Performance

06:51 Transitioning from College Coaching to Entrepreneurship

09:29 Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Entrepreneurs

12:02 Building a Business from Scratch

17:41 Establishing Authority and Value in Coaching

20:45 Creating a Vision for Life and Business

23:04 Hiring and Evaluating Employees

31:34 Core Values in Hiring

39:58 Developing New Coaches and Standard Operating Procedures

48:35 Shifting Business Beliefs and Philosophies

54:35 Motivation and Growth in Business