From Kalgoorlie to Queen of F45: Laura Koedyk’s Journey of Grit, Growth & Community In this episode of Franchise Ventures, we catch up with the vibrant, driven, and downright hilarious Laura Koedyk—F45 studio owner, former teacher, and proud builder of one of Perth’s most passionate fitness communities. From growing up in Kalgoorlie and moving across the world to managing and eventually owning her own F45 studio, Laura opens up about the identity shifts, challenges, and wins along the way. We talk about: Her unexpected pivot from teaching to fitness Life and lessons from her time in Canada Building a studio culture rooted in values, care, and connection Why community trumps marketing every time The power of owning your space—with humility and heart Whether you’re in fitness, business, or just need some inspiration, Laura’s story will leave you fired up and smiling. Come for the laughs, stay for the leadership wisdom. Transcript 🎧 Top Moments Summary – Laura Koedyk on Franchise Ventures 0:00 – Introduction Host introduces Laura Koedyk, affectionately called the Queen of the West, and sets up the episode's relaxed, fun vibe. 0:55 – Laura's Background Laura shares that she’s from Kalgoorlie, now based in Perth. She started out as a teacher, but a move to Canada in 2018 led her to work at F45, eventually managing a studio there. 3:40 – Kalgoorlie to Perth Talk about Kalgoorlie's unique culture, gold mining economy, and growing up in a small town. Laura reflects on the culture shock of moving to Canada and adapting to a new lifestyle. 5:55 – Canada Adventures Laura loved living in Canada, describing it as one of the most exciting times in her life. She embraced the outdoors, explored constantly, and enjoyed the vibrant summer. 8:42 – Solo Travel & Growth Laura talks about traveling alone in her 20s and how it pushed her outside her comfort zone, building resilience that later helped her in business. 14:08 – Coming Home & Career Choice Returning to Australia brought on an identity crisis—should she go back to teaching or pursue fitness? Despite outside perceptions, she chose passion and stayed in fitness. 17:42 – Stepping into Ownership After working in multiple roles and facing layoffs post-COVID, Laura decided to pursue ownership. She briefly considered other brands, but Nedlands felt like home. 19:40 – Going Solo in Business Encouraged by her dad and former owner, she bought the studio outright. Laura shares the importance of staying true to her values and leadership style. 21:35 – People First Philosophy Laura emphasizes putting members first. From refitting the studio to coaching development, every decision centers around service, care, and passion. 22:55 – Leading with Intention She gives detailed examples of what service, care, and passion look like in daily operations—from vacuuming often to picking up water bottles during class. 26:40 – Focus on What You Can Control Laura talks about the advice she got before taking over: focus on your business, not competitors. That mindset has helped her studio thrive. 29:44 – Member Stories & Community Impact Stories about long-term members, like a 78-year-old woman crushing workouts and an artist gifting his work, illustrate the power of connection in the studio. 33:10 – More Than Fitness Laura and the host reflect on how community, connection, and emotional safety keep members coming back—far more than just the workouts. 36:40 – Accepting the Compliment Laura admits she’s learning to be proud of what she’s built. The support from members and staff shows the impact of her leadership. 39:07 – Vision for the Future Laura wants to install new equipment, continue growing membership, and invest in her staff. She sees herself as a caretaker more than an owner. 41:03 – Wrap Up The host thanks Laura for sharing her story, praising her energy, honesty, and leadership. Laura expresses gratitude and reflects on the joy of building something meaningful.
