# How Two Veterans Built a Gym People Obsess Over

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-the-red-life-5927015/how-two-veterans-built-a-gym-people-obsess-over
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-the-red-life-5927015/how-two-veterans-built-a-gym-people-obsess-over.md
Podcast: [Living The Red Life](https://stenobird.com/podcast/living-the-red-life-5927015)
Published: 2026-06-11T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://rudymawer.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a7ed07a0-0385-4933-96ec-541c1105e7e7.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/living-the-red-life-5927015/episodes/how-two-veterans-built-a-gym-people-obsess-over
Duration seconds: 1361

## Resource

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: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter

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## Transcript

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