Built for Legacy
Built for Legacy (previously The Nichols and Dimez Show) is the podcast for high performers navigating major transitions and building work that lasts. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this show features candid conversations with athletes, veterans, and entrepreneurs who have boldly shifted from peak careers into purpose-driven ventures built to leave lasting impact. Whether stepping off the field, leaving the military, or walking away from a corporate ladder, our guests share how they embraced their next chapter to grow, lead, and build with intention. Each episode dives into the mindset shifts, strategies, and lessons they used to move beyond their first chapter — from launching a business to scaling a personal brand. Built for Legacy offers actionable insights, inspiring stories of reinvention, and a playbook for those determined to make their next move the most meaningful yet.
Built for Legacy
Juan Leija | Building Onnit Gym: Unconventional Fitness, Aubrey Marcus, and Business Wisdom
Juan Leija is the owner of iconic Onnit Gym in Austin, TX and a Fitness & Strength Coach. He is one of the first team members of supplement and fitness brand, Onnit, alongside Aubrey Marcus and Joe Rogan. In this conversation, we discuss Juan’s role in the early days of building Onnit, his relationship with Aubrey Marcus, and the dynamic journey of Onnit Gym throughout various changes in the business over the years. We also talk about his “unconventional” fitness approach - with a concentration on kettlebells and other non-traditional tools, programming, biggest takeaways from running a gym, entrepreneurial lessons learned and what’s ahead.
Partners:
JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off
HOSTAGE TAPE: https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059
PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021 Use code DIMEZ for 40% off
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:09 - Background with Onnit & Onnit Gym
14:25 - Relationship with Aubrey Marcus
16:00 - MMA Background
20:15 - Onnit Gym’s Role for Brand Marketing, Joe Rogan & Sponsored Athletes (Dustin Poirier, Mighty Mouse, Cowboy Cerrone..)
24:25 - Acquisition Impact, Gym Growth Strategy
33:49 - Biggest takeaways from running a gym
36:10 - Unconventional fitness approach, kettlebells, & personal branding
40:14 - Programming: Mobility, Strength, Conditioning; Content Marketing strategy
45:32 - Biggest Entrepreneurial Challenge
48:39 - Next Big Goal, Total Human Optimization, Entrepreneur life hack
Follow Juan Leija:
Juan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/juannit_247/
Website: https://www.juanleija.com/
Follow Chris Nichols:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez/
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast/
Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005/
Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com
