Peter Taunton founded Lift Brands, the US-based parent company of Snap Fitness and one of the largest wellness brands in the world.
His latest venture is as CEO and co-founder of Nautical Bowls, an Acai bowl franchise concept which has just launched in Australia. It’s a long way from his childhood in small town America.
In a podcast interview, Taunton talked about lessons in leadership learned at an early age from his father.
Taunton has gone from selling popcorn outside his father’s grocery store to scaling a one gym-studio to a global chain.
He talks about being an entrepreneur, about what motivates him after 35 years of building businesses.
Leadership and learning
“Never bet the farm,” he says. “It is important to be fiscally accountable, thinking not just of yourself but of the family’s you impact.”
“Anyone will tell you that all the learning in their career came in times of strife, in times of difficulty.”
Anyone can run a company in good times, he says.
Taunton describes his role as head coach, spotting talent and polishing individuals into fine diamonds.
“I’m very grateful I had a front row seat to the American dream. We didn’t have much, but my dad gave us opportunity to work in his little grocery store, and then I had the opportunity to turn around a failing health club and turn it into one of the world’s largest health brands.”
“When one of the businesses close, it affects me, I don’t want them to lose faith. There’s nothing more rewarding than getting into a business and gowing that business having it thrive, and suddenly you’re in a place in your life where you’ve go financial freedom, flexibility to spend time with friends and family.”
Listen to the podcast here.
