Starting Strength Gyms – Where We’re Going Next | Ray Gillenwater

[Mark Rippetoe]

I strongly advise taking a hard look at Las Vegas, NV for a SS Gym. Lots going on here and the population & development have been exploding for over 25 years, as rational Americans flee blue states or want a nicer place to live. I escaped SoCal in the mid-90's and started a business here 20+ years ago. The state/city are very business (and 2A) friendly, despite being blue-ish, mostly because the resort & tourism bosses own the politicians and won't let them ruin the state with anti-business policies that affect the bottom line of their billion-dollar resorts. There's also no state income tax. And there's enough high-to-good income residents here, that we have tons of premium grocers and organic food markets, like Whole Foods, Sprouts, etc.

I started doing SS several years ago with the blue book. But with no SS Gym in Vegas...and not wanting to join a typical 24hr gym...I converted half my garage into a weight/strength training room with a full weight rack and the equipment needed to properly do & continue the program. I might join a SS Gym placed here just to be among fellow lifters and learn & exchange info with others to better train. Or I might not...but it would be nice to have the option to join, if I felt I needed more guidance from professionals SS coaches or could help others starting out.

Overall, I believe Las Vegas would be a serious contender for a SS Gym, due to many factors.

My two cents.

Sounds like you might be the investor that puts it in. Contact Ray about this.

[Ray Gillenwater]

Overall, I believe Las Vegas would be a serious contender for a SS Gym, due to many factors.

I think so too. We've had several inquiries from Vegas and two leads that made it to the in-person meeting step of the franchisee qualification process. We haven't quite found the right fit yet. I'd be shocked if we don't have a gym there by the end of 2023.