Business is Fcking Hard
The Business is Fcking Hard podcast invites business owners to share their stories with host, Trevor Koot. Stories of how they started, and the challenges and successes along the way. Stories of lessons that can be shared with others. And, most importantly, stories filled with uninhibited, unedited and unfiltered truth.
Business is Fcking Hard
Ron Partlow
In this episode of Business Is Hard, Trevor sits down with Ron Partlow, former pro bodybuilder, coach, gym owner, and co-founder of West Coast Iron. Ron shares his journey from accidentally launching a coaching business in the early 2000s to building one of BC’s most respected independent gyms.
They talk about what it really takes to grow a grassroots brand, how Ron leveraged authenticity over advertising, and the lessons learned from the early days at Mutant, where he helped shape a new model for fitness marketing.
Ron also opens up about the challenges of gym ownership during COVID, the decision not to over-expand, and why chasing happiness — not just growth — drives his business mindset today. It’s a conversation about loyalty, identity, risk, and self-awareness as a founder.
Whether you're in fitness, retail, or building from scratch, Ron's story is for you.
Find Ron:
https://bigronpartlow.com/
https://westcoastirononline.com/team/ron-partlow/
Trevor Koot hosted this episode. Alex Harris produced and edited the show.
Find Business is Fcking Hard on social media and our website: https://linktr.ee/businessisfckinghard
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Thanks for listening! See you next time!