In this episode of the Business of Coaching Workshop, host Andrew Jackson sits down with elite powerlifting coach, gym owner, and longtime hybrid coaching pioneer John Gaglione to unpack what it really takes to transition from in-person coaching to successful online and hybrid coaching.

With more than 20 years in the industry, John has built two gyms, coached world-class powerlifters, handled lifters at national events, and evolved his coaching business into a sustainable hybrid model that supports both family life and competitive success.

Andrew and John break down the real friction points coaches face when shifting online—client tracking, communication, programming, culture, and pricing—and why most coaches struggle when they try to scale without systems. John shares how he phased himself out of his original New York gym, built a new community in Delaware, and used TurnKey Coach to maintain coaching quality while gaining freedom and time back.

If you’re a gym owner, strength coach, or online coach wanting to grow your client roster, improve retention, transition to hybrid coaching, or build systems that scale—this conversation provides practical, hard-earned lessons you can apply immediately.

What You’ll Learn

• How John Gaglione transitioned from full-time in-person to a profitable hybrid coaching model

• Why most coaches fail when trying to move clients online

• How to reduce friction and train clients to use software effectively

• The power of team culture in both in-person and online coaching

• How John balances two gyms, online coaching, and family life

• Why tracking, video feedback, and systems unlock real scalability

• How hybrid coaching increases retention and client lifetime value

• The “lighthouse vs tugboat” mindset every coach needs

• How to choose the right events, communities, and networks as a coach

• Why hybrid coaching gives you time freedom without sacrificing client results

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & John’s introduction 03:10 – John’s origin story: wrestling, powerlifting, and early coaching influences 06:30 – Opening his first gym & growing a strength community 11:40 – Building a powerlifting team and coaching elite lifters 17:05 – The moment he chose to go all-in on coaching 20:45 – Creating systems that allow a coach to scale 25:20 – Moving states: phasing out, maintaining culture, and using hybrid coaching 31:10 – How TurnKey Coach reduced friction and improved client results 35:50 – Teaching clients to track, film, and communicate effectively 40:20 – Balancing family, travel, competing, and coaching 44:00 – Choosing events and investing your coaching time strategically 48:40 – Building community online and in-person 52:10 – Hybrid coaching as the path to sustainability 55:25 – Final advice for coaches transitioning online 57:10 – Where to find John & closing thoughts

PS – Want to scale your coaching business without burning out? Schedule a 1:1 call: https://app.reclaim.ai/m/mac-barbell-logic/turnkey-coach-team-call

Connect with Andrew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/ X: https://x.com/AndrewBarBender