Episode 727: Bedros Keuilian- Self-Made Trainer of Trainers

TL;DR

Bedros Keuilian shares his journey from immigrant to fitness empire builder.

Transcript

if you want to pump your body and expand your mind there's only one place to go mind with your hosts Sal de Stefano Adam Schaefer and Justin Andrews Pedro's cool Ian why is it quayle Ian you could do the movie you could do the movie guy one man yes takes on the world low one man world of freighter three children trainers who don't know [ __ ] about... Read More

Key Insights

• Bedros Keuilian's story is a testament to the immigrant edge, showcasing how overcoming adversity can lead to entrepreneurial success.
• The fitness industry often lacks business training for personal trainers, which Bedros addresses through his mentorship and programs.
• Bedros emphasizes the importance of sales skills in personal training, which are often overlooked but crucial for success.
• He highlights the significance of finding a niche in the fitness industry to stand out and thrive amidst competition.
• Bedros experienced a massive anxiety attack due to business stress, leading him to seek therapy and implement personal discipline.
• Mentorship and having coaches are crucial for growth, as they provide outside perspectives and guidance.
• Bedros identifies curiosity as a key trait for innovation and success, encouraging trainers to challenge traditional methods.
• He discusses the importance of leadership in scaling businesses, emphasizing that a strong leader can transform a team.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivated Bedros Keuilian to escape the Soviet Union?

Bedros Keuilian's family was motivated to escape the Soviet Union due to his brother's impending conscription into the Red Army, which was engaged in a war with Afghanistan. His father, a member of the Communist Party, feared for his son's life and sought a better future for his family. They escaped to Italy and then to the United States, seeking freedom and opportunity.

Q: How did Bedros Keuilian get into the fitness industry?

Bedros Keuilian got into the fitness industry after experiencing a personal transformation in high school. Overweight and lacking confidence, he began reading fitness magazines and working out, losing 30 pounds. This transformation boosted his self-esteem and led him to pursue a career in fitness, initially working as a personal trainer before expanding into business coaching for trainers.

Q: What challenges did Bedros face in building his business?

Bedros faced several challenges in building his business, including financial struggles, stress, and anxiety. His franchise, Fit Body Boot Camp, was $640,000 in debt at one point. He also had an adversarial relationship with his business partner, which contributed to his stress. Bedros overcame these challenges by seeking therapy, implementing personal discipline, and focusing on leadership.

Q: What is the 'immigrant edge' that Bedros refers to?

The 'immigrant edge' refers to the mindset and skills developed by those who have lived under oppressive conditions and then move to a place with more opportunities. Bedros attributes his success to this edge, which includes resourcefulness, seeing opportunities where others don't, and turning disadvantages into advantages. This mindset helped him build a successful business in the fitness industry.

Q: How does Bedros view the current state of the fitness industry?

Bedros views the current state of the fitness industry as highly competitive due to the booming economy, which has led to an influx of trainers and fitness businesses. He emphasizes the importance of finding a niche to stand out and thrive. He also sees the potential for trainers to create additional income streams through online platforms, leveraging their knowledge and audience.

Q: What role does curiosity play in Bedros's coaching philosophy?

Curiosity plays a significant role in Bedros's coaching philosophy as it encourages trainers to challenge traditional methods and explore new possibilities. He advises trainers to be curious about delivering results in different ways, such as reducing workout times or trying new group formats. This curiosity can lead to innovation and improvements in their training and business practices.

Q: Why does Bedros emphasize the importance of sales skills for trainers?

Bedros emphasizes the importance of sales skills for trainers because they are crucial for acquiring and retaining clients. While fitness certifications focus on training techniques, they often neglect the business aspect, leaving trainers unprepared to market themselves effectively. Bedros believes that mastering sales skills is essential for trainers to succeed and grow their businesses.

Q: How does Bedros help trainers scale their businesses?

Bedros helps trainers scale their businesses by identifying their primary income streams and focusing on scaling those. He teaches them to implement systems for marketing and operations, creating predictability and efficiency. Bedros also emphasizes personal discipline and structure, helping trainers develop routines that support their business growth while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bedros Keuilian shares his journey from escaping the Soviet Union to building a fitness empire. He emphasizes the importance of sales skills for personal trainers, which are often neglected in certifications. His mentorship and programs aim to fill this gap, helping trainers succeed.

• Despite facing immense stress and anxiety, Bedros overcame these challenges by seeking therapy and implementing personal discipline. He stresses the importance of having mentors and coaches for growth, as they offer crucial outside perspectives and guidance.

• Bedros highlights the need for trainers to find a niche in the competitive fitness industry. He identifies curiosity as a key trait for innovation, encouraging trainers to challenge traditional methods and continuously evolve to meet market demands.