Fitness World CEO and Founder Chris Smith has been through it all, from filing for bankruptcy during the pandemic to now having 16 locations. Talk about grit and perseverance.



Did I mention he also advocates for his business and other local businesses on a political level? We talk about his journey from worst to first as well as why he isn't afraid to educate the government about the world of business owners.

Fitness World CEO and Founder Chris Smith has been through it all, from filing for bankruptcy during the pandemic to now having 16 locations. Talk about grit and perseverance.
 
Did I mention he also advocates for his business and other local businesses on a political level? We talk about his journey from worst to first as well as why he isn't afraid to educate the government about the world of business owners.

Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business & financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. 

You can also find Faisal as the Business and Market Expert for CTV Morning Live and QR Calgary. 

All opinions voiced by Faisal are Faisal's own.

Welcome to The Karmali Exchange, hosted by experienced business &amp; financial expert Faisal Karmali. On this podcast, Faisal dives into conversations with successful business owners to learn how they grew their company and broke through. 
You can also find Faisal as the Business and Market Expert for CTV Morning Live and QR Calgary. 
All opinions voiced by Faisal are Faisal's own.

The Karmali Exchange

From bankruptcy to 16 locations - How Fitness World went from worst to first

Your Financials Tell the Story

Measure What Matters, Not Just Revenue

Smarter Margins Create Stronger Businesses

Stay Connected to Where Every Dollar Goes

Financial Leadership Starts at the Top

As you head into a new fiscal year, take a moment to refocus on what really drives your business forward: your financials.

In this special episode of The Karmali Exchange, we’ve compiled five standout moments to help you kickstart your fiscal mindset and lead your business with clarity and confidence.

From margins to metrics, these leaders share how understanding your numbers shapes better decisions, stronger leadership, and smarter growth.

Featuring insights from:

Marcel Teunissen (Parkland Corporation)

Connor Curran (Local Laundry)

Chris Kneeland (Cult Collective)

Stephen Deere (Modern Steak)

Maeghen Cotterill (5 Elements Martial Arts)

Robert Price (Bōde Canada)

Jan Jaffer (TREC Dental)

As you head into a new fiscal year, take a moment to refocus on what really drives your business forward: your financials.
In this special episode of The Karmali Exchange, we&rsquo;ve compiled five standout moments to help you kickstart your fiscal mindset and lead your business with clarity and confidence.
From margins to metrics, these leaders share how understanding your numbers shapes better decisions, stronger leadership, and smarter growth.
Featuring insights from:
Marcel Teunissen (Parkland Corporation)
Connor Curran (Local Laundry)
Chris Kneeland (Cult Collective)
Stephen Deere (Modern Steak)
Maeghen Cotterill (5 Elements Martial Arts)
Robert Price (Bōde Canada)
Jan Jaffer (TREC Dental)

5 Highlights to Kickstart Your Fiscal Mindset

This quick tip from Faisal Karmali highlights why how you take money out of your company really matters and how planning ahead can save you tax.

This quick tip from Faisal Karmali highlights why how you take money out of your company really matters and how planning ahead can save you tax.

Plan Ahead, Keep More: A Business Owner’s Tax Tip

Overcoming Trauma

Family Influence & Values

Marketing with Heart

The Power of Throttle Therapy

The Secret to Running Multiple Businesses

Faisal Shares His Fear of Motorcycles

Joseph “JD” Dubois has lived through two serious motorcycle accidents, but instead of walking away from riding, he leaned in and built a business around it.

In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, JD shares how resilience, passion, and “throttle therapy” inspired him to create Freedom Biker Tours - a company that’s as much about authenticity and brotherhood as it is about motorcycles.

Listeners will also hear how JD’s military family upbringing shaped his values, why human connection is his most powerful marketing tool, and how he’s taking his brand global while staying true to its roots. From lessons in resiliency to building a brand on people first, his story offers practical takeaways for any entrepreneur.

Joseph &ldquo;JD&rdquo; Dubois has lived through two serious motorcycle accidents, but instead of walking away from riding, he leaned in and built a business around it.
In this episode of The Karmali Exchange, JD shares how resilience, passion, and &ldquo;throttle therapy&rdquo; inspired him to create Freedom Biker Tours - a company that&rsquo;s as much about authenticity and brotherhood as it is about motorcycles.
Listeners will also hear how JD&rsquo;s military family upbringing shaped his values, why human connection is his most powerful marketing tool, and how he&rsquo;s taking his brand global while staying true to its roots. From lessons in resiliency to building a brand on people first, his story offers practical takeaways for any entrepreneur.

From bankruptcy to 16 locations - How Fitness World went from worst to first

In 1 playlist(s)

The Karmali Exchange

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips