Living The Red Life

How Two Veterans Built a Gym People Obsess Over

June 11, 2026·22 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What happens when two veterans decide to build a gym that feels more like a mindset movement than a fitness center?In this episode of Living The Red Life, Trevor and Samantha Pellerin share how they transformed an abandoned building into Psychotic Iron Athletic Club, one of the fastest-growing gyms in New Mexico. Drawing from military service, law enforcement, entrepreneurship, bodybuilding, and personal adversity, they reveal the mindset, discipline, and relentless execution required to build a business that members describe as therapy.From PTSD and personal struggles to creating a five-star fitness community, Trevor and Samantha explain why success starts in the mind, how they built a powerful brand through experience-driven design, and why they're now preparing to expand nationwide through franchising.This conversation explores fitness entrepreneurship, gym business growth, mindset development, leadership, personal transformation, and building a brand people genuinely believe in.Key Takeaways• Success begins with mindset long before business growth or physical transformation.• Creating a unique customer experience can outperform larger competitors.• Building a business around passion creates stronger long-term commitment.• Community and relationships drive member retention more than equipment alone.• Taking calculated risks is essential for building a meaningful legacy.Notable Quotes• "This is where people come to fight their demons."• "If you're not going to do it, no one's going to do it for you."• "The whole purpose of you being there is to build a better you."• "Every membership we get gets poured directly back into our facility."• "This isn't a paycheck. This is passion and drive."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter

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