Rich Froning, a 10-time CrossFit Games champion (individual/team) and G.O.A.T., was recently interviewed on the Beat the Heat podcast hosted by Todd Anderson. During the interview, Froning shared his thoughts on what he would do if he were the new CEO of CrossFit, beginning with revitalizing the community.
Remind me: CrossFit HQ announced last month that the brand is for sale and informed the community it is seeking a new owner. While rumors have circulated regarding potential buyers, there has yet to be any formal confirmation. However, speculation is always fun and prompts “if I were king for a day” conversations.
- “Let’s say you wake up tomorrow and you’re the CEO of CrossFit; you make all the calls. What are the first three things you do?” Anderson asked.
Community
“You gotta bring the community back,” Froning said. He elaborated on his answer by acknowledging that the brand needs to make money, but there must also be value in the name of CrossFit.
- Froning’s proposal: “You can freeze however long you decide — a couple of years, two years, whatever; we’re not taking any more new affiliates. We’re gonna let people come back in that have left. Within this period, we’re gonna try to mend the community.”
Push the Brand
Froning also suggested reintroducing a more robust media team to promote the brand.
- Froning’s proposal: “I think you have to get subject matter experts who are preaching, for lack of a better term, the gospel of CrossFit and do a podcast network.”
Bridge the Gap
Froning’s final suggestion was to reduce the gap between elite athletes and the broader CrossFit community.
- Froning’s proposal: “If you win the CrossFit Games, yes, you’re going to get your money. But to get a bonus, you’ve gotta agree to come to two communities, like a deliverable. We’ll make sure it’s not an inconvenience, but we’ve gotta connect the athletes back to the community.”
Froning acknowledged that there is no connection between athletes and CrossFit at the moment, and repairing that bridge is crucial for strengthening the brand.
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Featured image: @BeatTheHeatPodcast / YouTube
