How much revenue are gym owners losing because of failed payments, expired memberships, missed follow-ups, and outdated door-access systems?
In Episode 468 of The Gametime Guru Podcast, Shane Larson sits down with Jonathon Klem, founder of ManageMemberships, to discuss how independent gyms, martial arts academies, fitness studios, gun ranges, and other membership-based businesses can simplify their operations, improve member retention, and stop revenue from falling through the cracks.
Jonathon explains how ManageMemberships brings recurring billing, digital waivers, member communication, QR-code check-ins, customer relationship management, and 24/7 facility access together in one system.
The idea began after Jonathon suffered a meniscus injury and suddenly had extra time away from Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While helping friends who owned a powerlifting gym and a gun range, he discovered that their payment, membership, point-of-sale, and door-access systems could not communicate with one another. After months of trying to connect the existing tools, he decided to build his own solution.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How gyms lose revenue through failed payments and outdated processes
- How members can purchase a day pass, pay, sign a waiver, and enter without staff present
- How QR-code access can replace shared door codes and physical key fobs
- Why automated follow-up is essential for improving member retention
- How owners can receive immediate alerts when a member's access is denied
- How CRM triggers reconnect gyms with members who stop attending
- How ManageMemberships pricing and door-access hardware work
- How the system can be installed in facilities throughout the country
- Why membership software can work beyond traditional fitness centers
- How customer feedback influences the development of new features
- How Jonathon is bootstrapping and scaling ManageMemberships
- How Brazilian jiu-jitsu helped Jonathon transform his health and find community
- What goes into organizing an amateur kickboxing promotion
Connect with Jonathon Klem and ManageMemberships:
Website: https://managememberships.com/
Book a Free Demo: https://managememberships.com/book-demo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-klem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathonmklem/
ManageMemberships LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/managememberships
Email: jon@managememberships.com
Pricing, plans, hardware, and features may change after the recording of this interview. Visit the official ManageMemberships website for current information.
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If you own a gym, martial arts academy, yoga studio, dance studio, gun range, ATV park, or another membership-based facility, share this episode with someone who could benefit from a better way to manage memberships, payments, communication, and facility access.
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