Starting a gym can feel impossible until someone breaks down the actual steps.

In this episode of The Gym Owner’s Podcast, Anthony Pasquale sits down with Andrew Bono, a 23-year-old entrepreneur preparing to open his first gym, Agon Fitness. Instead of hearing from an owner years after opening, this episode captures the gym startup journey while it is still happening.

Andrew shares how he first connected with Gym Insight after seeing Steven Harvalias of Super Fitness talk about the software, and how those early conversations helped him start mapping out the path from idea to execution.

Anthony and Andrew walk through the startup process step by step, beginning with forming an LLC, getting an EIN, building momentum, preparing financial projections, and understanding why the first move is often the hardest. Andrew explains how creating his LLC took less than 30 minutes once he finally decided to take action.

The conversation also covers commercial lease negotiations and why new gym owners should avoid signing anything without the right guidance. Anthony and Andrew discuss lease terms, CPI increases, HVAC responsibility, location visibility, grocery-store foot traffic, and tenant improvement allowance that can help fund the buildout.

Andrew also shares his evolving approach to equipment, layout, and gym design. He originally wanted the modern all-black aesthetic, but learned that equipment quality, durability, member experience, and long-term value matter more than matching colors. The two discuss used vs. new equipment, turf, power racks, platforms, selectorized machines, and building a gym that appeals to everyday members without losing the serious training edge.

A major part of the episode focuses on SBA loans, financial projections, presales, founding memberships, and grand opening strategy. Anthony explains why starting with zero members creates unnecessary pressure and how presales can give a new gym a running start before opening day.

They also talk through cancellation policies, simple membership options, selling goals instead of prices, the power of giving a proper tour, and why thinking like the customer can help a new gym stand out.

For anyone who has dreamed about opening a gym but does not know where to start, this episode is a practical look at the real process: LLC, loan, lease, buildout, presales, software, and grand opening.

In This Episode:

• Opening a gym at 23
• Forming an LLC and getting an EIN
• Building financial projections
• Applying for an SBA loan
• Negotiating a commercial lease
• Understanding tenant improvement allowance
• Choosing gym equipment
• Designing a practical gym layout
• Creating founding memberships
• Building presale momentum
• Planning grand opening giveaways
• Keeping memberships simple
• Making cancellations customer-friendly
• Selling the tour before showing prices
• Using SBDC and SCORE as startup resources

Follow Andrew’s Journey: Instagram: @agonfitnessgym TikTok: @agon.fitness Facebook: Agon Fitness

Connect with Gym Insight: If you own a gym, studio, or fitness facility and want help managing memberships, billing, access, reporting, and daily operations, visit GymInsight.com or call 855-367-4967.

The Gym Owner’s Podcast is powered by Gym Insight.