Sam Tooley’s Tragedy & Triumph (S1:E14)

Business Unchained

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About Sam Tooley

Sam Tooley is a dedicated fitness entrepreneur and coach from Westfield, New Jersey. In 2017, he returned to his hometown to pursue his passion for coaching, starting with local cross country and track teams. This quickly evolved into an online coaching service where he trained endurance athletes globally. In 2018, Sam launched his first brick-and-mortar gym, The Garage Gym, which grew from a semi-private model into a 24/7 members-only fitness hub. In 2019, he founded Alpha Fit Club, a boutique group fitness concept offering circuit-style strength and conditioning classes designed to foster community and empowerment.

Reference Links:

• Linkedin
• Green Ridge Wealth Planning
• BobbyMascia.com
• Instagram - Bobby Mascia
• Instagram - Business Unchained

Sam Tooley’s Social Media

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Alpha Fit Club

• Website
• Instagram

The Garage Gym

• Website
• Instagram

Episode Highlights:

In today’s episode of Business Unchained, we sit down with Sam Tooley, co-founder and CEO of Alpha Fit Club, to explore his remarkable journey—from launching his first fitness studio to selling 20 franchises before opening the doors of the first one! Sam’s story isn't just about business triumph; it’s also about overcoming personal struggles and finding one's true path.

[09:05] "'I used the track as my punching bag. My coach, with his military background, pulled me aside once and said, 'You're the angriest runner I've ever seen.' I get emotional replaying that because it was a reflection of all the frustration I carried." - Sam Tooley

Sam opens up about his battle with addiction, grief, and the challenges he faced within his family, sharing how fitness became both his outlet and his salvation. Through his passion for coaching and his resilience, Sam found purpose and healing, which ultimately led him to create the Alpha Fit Club.

[15:47] "I was great at leading others, but I struggled to lead myself. It wasn’t authentic. When you finally start walking the walk, everything shifts." - Sam Tooley

[36:32] "At that moment, I finally gave myself permission to live my life. When you're operating out of anger and frustration, you're not truly living—you’re just going through the motions." - Sam Tooley

Sam’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative nature of personal growth. His journey from addiction and loss to building a thriving fitness franchise offers invaluable lessons for both entrepreneurs and individuals.

In this episode:

(01:04) Introduction to Sam Tooley

(05:01) College experience and early entrepreneurship

(10:26) Coping mechanisms and downward spiral

(15:03) Commitment to change

(20:40) Mindset and commitment

(30:22) First studio lease

(35:25) Training as an outlet

(40:14) Franchise development

(48:48) Future growth plans