EMB #433: How to build a Loyal Tribe

My name is Kyle Flynn, I am the Owner of The Blueprint LA which is a Group Training Facility built on Culture, Community and Connection. I was born and raised in the City of Torrance and am the middle child of 3 boys. Growing up I participated in every sport under the sun and loved to compete. I was never a good student so I focused my energy on sports, being active and escaping from the classroom.

 

When I was in High School I excelled in Football and ended up earning a Scholarship to the University of Arizona State to play for the Sun Devils. Unfortunately, I found myself in some trouble and ended up going to LA Harbor College to play Football at the Junior College level. After a year and a half at Harbor College I was able to earn a scholarship to play Football at San Jose State University to play for the Spartans. 

 

My Training Career started after I was finished in San Jose and moved home. I came home and was dead broke, found a local gym and asked if I could start training there. At the time I was living out of a 1983 Chevy Blazer and didn't have 2 nickels to rub together. I spent many nights sleeping in my car and eating off the Taco Bell Dollar Menu with the Tip money I earned from giving away Free Personal Training sessions to get my name out into the Community.

 

I slowly caught some momentum and started to realize more and more that my purpose in life was to empower other people and connect them to their passion and purpose through fitness. I grew my Personal Training business into a group training business over the course of 3 years and decided it was a good idea to open up a Training Facility. In 2015 The Blueprint LA was established and I was officially a business owner with zero plan, zero experience and zero guidance. It was the best decision I have ever made. 

 

We struggled tremendously our first 2 years and I contemplated closing our doors because we only had 7 members and I was losing a lot of money every month. Instead of throwing in the towel I decided to buy out my partner and go all in. Second best decision I have made.

 

Over the past 3 years we have transformed hundreds of peoples lives and provided this community with a sanctuary of Empowerment, Passion and Positivity. Over the past year we have expanded from 3000 to 9000sq ft and are training a community of 350 people. I am planning to start hosting workshops for Gym Owners/Trainers that are looking to get in this space that need a guide. During my years of struggle it wasn't until I reached out for help that I saw the light.