#296

Most gym owners spend endless hours refining their programs, pricing, and marketing but overlook one of the biggest profit drivers in their business: the space itself.

In this episode, Billy sits down with Cuoco Black, a former faculty member at the New York School of Interior Design and one of the most sought-after gym designers in the world. Cuoco reveals why most fitness facilities unintentionally look the same, from graffiti walls to green turf and industrial lights, and how to design a space that actually sells.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why most gyms fall into the "generic box trap."
• How having a concept (not just a layout) creates emotional connection and brand differentiation.
• Why Cuoco says to invest 80% of your design budget in the reception area and how it can dramatically impact sales and member experience.
• How to make simple, strategic changes that elevate your brand without breaking the bank.

Connect with Cuoco Black: Instagram @gymdesigner

P.S. Speaking of building the business and life you actually love, have you registered for our 1-Day event in Orlando yet? Sign up now while spots are available.

#295

In this week's episode, Billy sits down with EOS Implementer Meryl Simmons to talk about what happens when your business starts to "grow up" and how to lead it with more clarity, accountability, and peace of mind.

Meryl explains how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helps business owners move from chaos to control using a few simple, powerful tools.
She shares her analogy of a business growing from a child to a teenager and what it looks like to mature as a leader in each phase.

They also dive into:

• When you know it's time to implement EOS
• What Traction really means in practice
• How to use Level 10 meetings and 90-day priorities to build momentum
• Why the best systems aren't complex but simple and consistent

Whether you're leading a gym, coaching business, or small team, this episode will help you think differently about how your business runs day-to-day and what freedom looks like as it grows.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.

👉 Learn more about Meryl and her EOS work:
Meryl Simmons helps burned-out business owners transform business chaos into calm, focused revenue growth.

• Claritycoach.io
• Meryl@Claritycoach.io
• 2025 Planning Package
• Traction Book
• Clarity Kit

Also, if our 1-Day workshop/mastermind event in Orlando would make sense for you, please register now while spots are available.

#294

I first saw Jillian Johnsrud speak at FinCon, and I knew right away I wanted to bring her on the show. What she shared was incredibly valuable not just for the personal finance community, but especially for fitness professionals and gym owners who work so hard and often think they have to wait until "someday" to enjoy life.

In this episode, Jillian explains what a mini retirement is, why it can be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, and how to plan for it intentionally. We talk about the time and money components, how to include your family, and how taking a step back can actually move you forward financially and personally.

Even if you're not ready to take one right now, the process of preparing for a mini retirement will help you put the right systems in place and gain clarity about what really matters.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What a mini retirement actually is (and what it isn't)
• Why it can provide unexpected financial and personal benefits
• How to think through the time and money pieces so it fits your season of life
• Tips for making the most of your time away, especially with family
• Why planning for a mini retirement can strengthen your business systems even if you don't take one yet

About the Guest

Jillian Johnsrud never expected to be able to retire early, so she hatched a plan to retire often. Inspired by the idea of sabbatical years, she set out to sprinkle retirements throughout her life. At 40, she has taken over a dozen mini-retirements. These allowed her to pursue dreams like

living abroad, traveling to 27 countries, adopting four kids (plus two biological kids), investing in real estate, and touring the U.S. in a camper.

Jillian has taught, coached, and wrote about mini-retirements for almost a decade. She hosts the Retire Often podcast and is a popular speaker and consultant for mini retirements. She lives in Montana, where she spends time in the garden drinking tea.

Jillian Johnsrud is the founder of Retire Often and a leading voice in the financial independence and lifestyle design space. She's helped thousands of people pursue meaningful work, intentional living, and financial freedom on their own terms.