On Episode 345 of CrossFit Radio, host Justin Judkins interviewed CrossFit Springfield owner Jeremy Mhire, as well as CrossFit Games veteran and CrossFit Krypton owner Ben Smith. This episode was webcast on Sept. 3, 2014.
3:13 Jeremy Mhire earned his Level 1 certificate in 2008 and started his affiliate with partners shortly thereafter. Since that time, CrossFit Springfield has grown to around 600 athletes. Mhire explained how he and his coaches stay true to the basic CrossFit business model and focus on virtuosity in all aspects of their enterprise. Mhire detailed how his on-ramp program has evolved since inception, and he said he’s very selective when bringing on new coaches. He’s learned a lot over the last six years, and he shared the one thing he would change if he could have a “do-over.”
19:11 Ben Smith and Team Reebok East are leading the CrossFit Team Series after Week 1. Smith gave his thoughts on the competition format and the workouts, and he shared the strategy that helped his team take the top spot. Each member of the team lives in a different state, so Smith and company had a logistical workout to complete before actually picking up a barbell. A longtime individual Games competitor, Smith talked about competing on a team, which he also did in the 2013 CrossFit Invitational in Berlin, Germany. The owner of a 2-year-old affiliate, Smith described what he’s done to build community and culture. After a seventh-place finish at the CrossFit Games, Smith said his current focus is on having fun and enjoying coaching and training.