146 - From Modern Fitness to FlowState: Building a Fitness Brand Through COVID, Systems, & Community

On the InNOLEvation® Mindset Podcast, host Mark McNees interviews Chris Bartell, CEO and founder of Modern Fitness Tallahassee and FlowState Hot Studio. Chris explains Modern Fitness’s hybrid training focus (functional fitness, barbells, group classes, and personal training, including youth athletes) in a ~5,000 sq. ft. facility, and Flow State’s infrared-heated classes (hot Pilates, hot yoga, stair-climber HIIT) plus recovery features like cold plunges and dual saunas with red light. He recounts launching Modern in 2019, enduring COVID shutdowns through community support and rent deferrals, and using the pause to improve programming and operations. Chris shares why Flow State became a separate brand to reach a different demographic, reduce overlap, and implement stronger systems, emphasizing trust, core values, and scalable operations, with plans to expand to Gainesville. Websites https://modernfitnesstally.com/ https://flowstatemidtown.com/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:45 Modern Fitness Overview 02:03 Training Style and Services 04:29 Flow State Recovery Features 05:30 Location and Demographics 06:18 Gym Stories and Longevity 15:11 FSU Roots and Starting Modern 15:31 COVID Shock and Survival 25:34 Why Flow State Is Separate 32:34 Scaling Systems and Trust 41:04 Scaling Needs Trust 43:06 Core Values Alignment 46:46 Missionaries vs Mercenaries 54:25 Consulting Reframes Problems 56:30 Systems Drive Outcomes 58:36 Engineering Workshop Breakthrough 01:06:34 AI and Fitness Future 01:10:53 Gym Etiquette Pet Peeves 01:13:17 Customer Rant Session 01:23:16 Advice to Past Self 01:25:55 Wrap Up and Outro