The fitness industry is full of transformative leaders, and Jon Kohn, founder of Thrive Gyms, is a shining example. With a career spanning 25 years, Jon has experienced every aspect of the fitness world, from starting out in sales to founding his own gym brand. On this Love Your Career Podcast episode, hosted by Lawrence Everest, Jon shared his career journey, valuable insights, and practical advice for fitness professionals. Here’s a deep dive into the lessons he shared.
1. Find Your Passion and Follow It
Jon’s journey began with a love for sports, which carried him through his university years at Loughborough, where he studied leisure management and even published a book on youth sports. His passion for sports evolved into a passion for helping others thrive—both as a leader and as the founder of Thrive Gyms. His advice? “Do what you love because you’ll spend so much of your life doing it.”
2. Keep It Simple and Focus on People
One of Jon’s core philosophies is simplicity. He believes that the fitness industry, at its heart, is about people. Whether hiring new team members or leading a club, his focus has always been on creating environments where people can flourish. This people-first approach has been key to his success.
3. Invest in Relationships
Throughout his career, Jon highlighted the importance of relationships. He attributes much of his success to learning from great mentors and connecting with others in the industry. For fitness professionals, building authentic relationships—whether with mentors, peers, or clients—can be the foundation of long-term success.
4. Stay Curious and Open-Minded
Jon’s approach to life and business reflects an openness to learning and adaptation. He credits his time traveling with his family for teaching him to observe and learn from different environments, whether it’s a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka or a café in Cape Town. His advice? “Look for inspiration everywhere and adapt it to make it your own.”
5. Focus on Service and Standards
Jon is a firm believer in the power of walking the floor and experiencing a business firsthand. From checking pool temperatures to sampling food, his commitment to understanding the customer journey has helped him maintain high standards in every role. Fitness professionals can take this lesson to heart: success often lies in the details.
6. The Power of Patience and Discipline
Jon credits much of his growth to patience and discipline. While his younger self was driven by ambition, he learned that taking the time to invest in people and processes leads to more sustainable success. His mantra? “Work hard, stay disciplined, and results will follow.”
7. Celebrate Others’ Success
As a leader, Jon has always prioritized the development of his teams. He takes pride in seeing his colleagues grow and succeed, often surpassing him in their careers. This focus on enabling others is a hallmark of great leadership in the fitness industry.
8. Stay Authentic
In interviews, recruitment, and business, Jon stresses the importance of authenticity. Whether it’s finding candidates who genuinely care or creating a gym environment that reflects your personality, authenticity builds trust and lasting connections.
9. Adapt to Change
Jon’s career has been shaped by pivotal decisions, such as transitioning from corporate roles to founding Thrive Gyms. His ability to adapt, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, showcases the importance of embracing change and taking calculated risks.
10. Know Your Why
Jon’s motivation has evolved over the years. While he once chased career accolades, his focus now is on creating meaningful impact—whether it’s helping a member achieve their first pull-up or being a role model for his children. Understanding your “why” can provide clarity and drive in your career.
Jon Kohn’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and passion. His career highlights the importance of staying true to your values while remaining open to growth and change. For fitness professionals looking to chart their path, his lessons provide invaluable guidance.
To hear more about Jon’s journey and his advice for thriving in the fitness industry, tune into the Love Your Career Podcast episode featuring Jon Kohn.
