The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get

Podcast

Today, I sat down with Tommy Stiles, Owner of Stiles Strength & Performance Online Coaching. He is a national-level bodybuilder who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In his past, he was a firefighter/paramedic in the Metro Detroit area. He is fascinated and obsessed with self-mastery and extreme discipline. The pursuit of self-improvement and achieving goals consumes him and fuels his passion to coach and help others do the same.

Tommy's story is one of calculated risks, a relentless work ethic, and the discipline required to build a thriving coaching practice from the ground up. His insights offer invaluable lessons for any strength and conditioning professional looking to elevate their coaching career and build a sustainable business.

10 Key Takeaways from The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get

Earn Your Keep Before You Charge
Tommy coached multiple clients for free and sought out mentorships before ever asking for payment. He emphasizes the importance of developing competence and earning credibility through results before monetizing your services.

Stay in the Game as a Client
Tommy highlights how being coached by others—from Jason Theobald to Dusty Hanshaw to Danny LaMartina—has significantly improved his coaching abilities. Every coaching relationship serves as an "internship" that expands your toolbox and perspective.

Know Who You Don't Coach
Rather than trying to serve everyone, Tommy has clearly defined his ideal client avatar. He acknowledges that adapting beyond his strengths takes away from both his energy and the quality of service he provides to his target clientele.

Lead from the Front
Tommy lives by the principle of never asking clients to do something he isn't doing or hasn't done himself. Being a "product of your product" creates authenticity and credibility that clients can immediately recognize and trust.

Master the Foundational Basics
Throughout his journey, Tommy repeatedly emphasizes the importance of returning to fundamentals. Whether in training or business, he focuses on perfecting the basics that don't require talent or genetics—consistency, discipline, and attention to detail.

Transition from Technician to CEO
Tommy discusses the critical shift from trading time for money to building systems and processes. He recognizes that actual business growth requires developing leadership skills and creating operations that can function without his constant presence.

Embrace Different Coaching Philosophies
Working with vastly different mentors, such as Dusty Hanshaw (a high-intensity, "sledgehammer" approach) and Danny LaMartina (intelligent, precision-based training), has given Tommy a broader range of tools to serve different client needs effectively.

Discipline Equals Freedom in All Areas
Tommy believes that discipline in fitness, career, and relationships creates fulfillment and purpose. This philosophy extends beyond physical training to encompass a comprehensive lifestyle approach that benefits both the coach and the client.

Build Anti-Fragile Business Systems
Using the example of "what happens if I get hit by a bus tomorrow," Tommy emphasizes the importance of creating business infrastructure that can operate independently, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Maintain Perpetual Growth Mindset
Tommy's approach to success involves continuously raising the bar and seeking new challenges. Rather than becoming complacent with achievements, he uses each milestone as a platform to identify the next mountain to climb.

Tommy's journey from sleeping on an air mattress in the back of a gym to building a thriving coaching practice in Arizona serves as a powerful reminder that success in the coaching industry isn't just about technical knowledge—it's about character, persistence, and the willingness to bet on yourself when it matters most. His story demonstrates that with the right mindset, relentless work ethic, and commitment to continuous learning, any coach can transform their passion into a sustainable and fulfilling career. As Tommy puts it, "There's always a way to find it"—and for coaches willing to put in the work, there's always a way to build the business and life they envision.

Find Tommy

Website -stilesstrength.com

Instagram - @tstiles2

YouTube - Tommy Stiles

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