Many fitness enthusiasts dream of opening their own gym, but high costs and outdated models make it feel out of reach. Devan Gonzalez saw these challenges firsthand as a personal trainer. Frustrated with expensive, inefficient gym systems, he created Strive 11 Fitness—a franchise model that’s affordable, scalable, and designed with busy schedules in mind.
In this episode, Devan shares his journey from martial arts instructor to fitness franchise innovator. Learn how Strive 11 is breaking industry norms with no class times, flexible workouts, and a community-focused approach. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a seasoned trainer, discover how you can build a thriving business that transforms lives.
Key Takeaways:
• Breaking the Gym Mold: Devan reveals how Strive 11 Fitness offers a flexible, bootcamp-style gym model that accommodates busy schedules without sacrificing quality.
• Affordable Fitness Entrepreneurship: Learn how Strive 11 Fitness makes gym ownership accessible for trainers and entrepreneurs, with startup costs designed for scalability.
• Revolutionizing the Bootcamp Model: Strive 11 replaces rigid class times with free-flowing, trainer-led stations for personalized attention and higher member satisfaction.
• The Importance of Community: Discover how a focus on personalized greetings, rapport-building, and customer engagement drives retention and referrals.
• Future Plans for Expansion: Devan shares how Strive 11 is building a franchise system to support fitness entrepreneurs while introducing new revenue streams like branded supplements.
About the Guest:
Devan Gonzalez brings a powerful combination of grit, strategy, and inspiration to every podcast interview. Starting his journey as a martial arts instructor at just 13, he uncovered a passion for fitness, mentorship, and personal development. This passion fueled his evolution into a dynamic leader in the fitness industry. By 20, Devan had built a thriving 6-figure personal training business—achieved entirely in-person, bucking the trend of today's online models. His reputation for transforming lives, from athletes to fitness novices, set the foundation for even greater success.
Links:
https://www.devangonzalez.com/
Fast Five Questions
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Start a fitness social media account, offer free fitness tips, and reinvest the earnings from the first client into scaling the content.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Choosing gym management software without due diligence, leading to costly migrations and inefficiencies.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink—for lessons on leadership in business and life.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “CRM software—for automating client management, tracking leads, and improving organizational efficiency.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? Living life on your own terms—pursuing passions and choosing when and how to work, all while achieving happiness and fulfillment. “Living life on your own terms—pursuing passions and choosing when and how to work, all while achieving happiness and fulfillment.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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