John Farkas first opened Blue Ocean Fitness in Chesterfield, Missouri in 2011. Things went well enough that he expanded in 2014, and again in 2019. By that point, his gym was generating around $30,000 a month — a number many small gym owners would be satisfied with.
But Farkas wanted more. A lot more. So when Tim Lyons told him he was starting an exclusive mastermind group for high-earning gym owners, Farkas was immediately interested. In 2019, he became one of the first members of the Iron Circle.
Where He Is Today
Five years later, Blue Ocean Fitness grosses anywhere between $75,000 and $80,000 a month — and they're on track to exceed $950,000 in annual revenue this year. Beyond that, Farkas has opened three Alloy Personal Training studios in the St. Louis area, each grossing between $30,000 and $45,000 a month.
He's removed himself from coaching and day-to-day operations entirely. He focuses on recruiting and developing coaches, putting systems in place, and managing finances across four locations — work he can do from anywhere. This year alone, he's traveled to Hawaii, Iceland, Florida, and Toronto, with Sweden and London still ahead.
"It is possible. There is nothing special about me. I'm not that smart. I'm not that charismatic. I don't come from money. It's a matter of, yeah, you gotta work hard, but just do the basics, do the right things, and do it consistently over time. And that's where a lot of people fall short." — John Farkas
Three Keys to His Success
1. Pig-Headed Discipline and Focus
The first key, Farkas says, is avoiding shiny objects. Be clear about what your business is about and execute the fundamentals relentlessly rather than chasing trends.
"Everyone wants a magic bullet to lose 20 pounds. Everyone wants that quick fix, but it doesn't exist. You have to be brilliant at the basics, and success in the gym world really does come down to being brilliant at the basics and staying focused."
2. Systems for Everything
Farkas credits the Iron Circle with helping him build marketing and sales systems that now run without him. He doesn't make sales calls. He doesn't do consultations. The system handles it.
"I'm obsessed with systems. Everything to me is a system. How do you get leads, and then what do you actually do with those leads to create a system so that you can get clients, as opposed to just winging it."
3. The Right People Around You
Beyond his own team, Farkas attributes much of his growth to being surrounded by the right operators — people who have already solved the problems he's facing and who hold him to a higher standard.
"We all have blindspots. Surrounding yourself with the right people can help identify those blindspots and solve problems more effectively, which will only speed up your growth and success."
His Message to Gym Owners
"Do less, but better." And: "You can build a business that doesn't have to consume your entire life. I have done it, and I have done it multiple times. You can have a successful business that doesn't revolve around you having to live there."
If you're ready to build a business that gives you that kind of freedom, learn more about the Iron Circle and Private Coaching programs.
