Art Of The Float

Here we are, two months after “the big closings”, and some float centers are reopening and some are still waiting patiently (or impatiently, as the case may be). Given the complexities, added stipulations, and overall confusion with the PPP and EIDL, the crew chats about the funding they each received or didn’t receive. As we share our personal experiences, we urge you to remember that these are just that - our personal experiences, not legal or accounting advice. You’ll hear a bit about the struggle between covering the center, meeting the demands of the PPP, and not hurting employees by bringing them back to work too soon. There may also be some changes to the PPP stipulations on the horizon, so stay tuned for that. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

Depending on where you are in the country, your float center might be looking at opening up soon. In fact, Indiana is starting to reopen, so Kim and Gloria are gearing up, and Drew isn’t far behind. The crew checks in on the emotional roller coaster of it all, including the 4 locations + a full-time corporate gig life for Glo-Mo. (Who’s a control freak? No one on this podcast….) Using the newly released FTA guidance, everyone chips in on what they’re doing that aligns - or doesn’t (but mostly does). And just a friendly reminder that we’re each sharing our personal experiences and approaches for our own individual approaches. Some could call it entertainment, some may say it’s ATOF guidance, but we’re just sharing ideas so you can create the best plan of action for your center. This episode dives into wearing masks, asking clients to sign waivers, taking temperatures, using video for orientation, using the parking lot as a waiting room, asking for sneeze confessions, and some tools some of us are implementing.

So, the world is in waiting, and some of us are ready to “live free or die”. With many centers, including ours approaching 6 or so weeks since closing, it’s time to check in to see what’s happening in the minds of each co-host in regards to the financial assistance they’ve received, and their plans for reopening each center. You’ll hear a little venting, a little conspiracy theory, a little morality, and definitely some practicality as Dylan, Kim, and Drew share their views about reopening and updating procedures to make that happen. Because we believe in presenting multiple perspectives, you’ll get to pick which team you’re on: Team Open ASAP, Team Wait it Out, or Team Not Really Sure. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

In our last episode, we invited the float industry to join us as we talked to a small business attorney in a live recording. After his departure, we stayed on for this bonus episode as we check in to see how everyone is doing during this time. You’ll hear from Beth Jones, the current FTA president and a fellow float center owner, about how her center bounced back after a devastating hurricane hit her area a couple of years ago. Others share what they’re doing during “downtime”, how their mental health has been impacted, how they’re still striving to serve the community. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

The information shared in this episode is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. As a small business owner, times are certainly challenging right now. Most float centers have closed their doors and now need financial assistance to cover expenses and take care of their employees. For this live-recorded episode, we invited anyone in the industry to join us as we talked to Jesse Calm, a small business attorney who shared information about the Paycheck Protection Program, which is an element within the recently passed CARES Act in the United States. The PPP, administered through the SBA, is a loan that may be partially forgivable. If you’re interested in applying for it, talk to your local bank immediately, ideally one with whom you already have a working relationship. Jesse, among others in the crowd, shared details about l

NSFW: It’s vent time, ladies and gentlemen. This episode contains a few four-letter words. Times, they are a bit strange. Someone’s binging on Netflix, someone’s not sleeping, somebody is hanging with the Tiger King, and someone else might be getting cozy with the whiskey. With all four co-hosts’ centers closed during the COVID-19 closures, the crew chats about their expectations for the national relief programs and what they’re each doing during the “downtime”. You’ll hear a few ideas for keeping in touch with clients, taking care of employees, and some sobering thoughts on the future of your own business (and theirs). To help with the nitty gritty world that must go on, Kim shares some tips for what to share (or not share) on social media, Drew poses some thought-provoking sentiments about offering sales right now, and the whole crew shares in a little love and support. There are pros and cons to each decision you’re making along the way, of course, so you’ll have to arrive at your own conclusions, but no

If you listened to last week’s episode, get ready to zoom out, spin around, and question it all. Blood, sweat, and tears. It’s all here because it’s pretty amazing what can happen in a week, salty friends. The crew, along with Sanda (Dylan’s  amazing partner at The Float Shoppe and in life) comes back together to hash out what they’re feeling, what they’re doing, and how they’re handling the way events have unfolded in the last week with the COVID-19 virus. If you’re debating closing, you’ll hear the thought process each person went through in order to arrive at the decision to stay open or close their center - from the size of the center, number of employees, and how people get to work.  You’ll get a few tips on what to do if you do close, what assistance programs may be available to you, and how to start exploring the financial impact, emotional impact, and social impact of your decision. And Kim shares why she couldn’t hop in the tank right now. As an added bonus, we have a special guest- a nu

Coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 - it has so many names, and just as many stances to take. Are you a prepper? Avoider? Non-believer? Or just a float center owner who needs to be prepared to handle your business in this uncertain time? In this episode, we invited a special guest, Jason MacDonald to join us to talk about what we, as owners, should and shouldn’t do. Jason is an industry advocate who has spoken at past Float Conferences, and he is a health inspector in Alberta, Canada. Jason dispels some misinformation and shares his general perspective about how the virus is spread and how float centers are already well-equipped for this outbreak. (He even drops a few one liners that you could use for marketing campaigns!) While there’s a lot of uncharted territory with COVID-19, Jason sheds light on what to look for in your cleaning and disinfecting products to make sure you’re doing just that. Tip: contact/dwell times matter. Dylan, Gloria, Drew, and Kim then chat about what they’re each doing onsite for th

There are murmurs of a new hope for the FTA as Beth Jones joins the podcast and discusses how the FTA awakens. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com) Special Guest: Beth Jones.

The crew discuss the pitfalls of employee management and brainstorm ways to improve morale, employee output and overall cohesion. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

NSFW: This one might just be too hot y’all. We’re here to talk l-a-u-n-d-r-y friends. You might not be ready for this one, but you’re about to hear some passion. The crew is ready to talk about the honest to goodness truth of what most float centers REALLY do - laundry. Considering using a laundry service? Get ready to reconsider, unless you want arms of steel or you have a bank account that’s made of steel. It’s time for the battle of onsite laundry versus noise leaks, actual leaks, and the proper way to fold/roll your towels. We’ll dive into some conspiracy theories about why so many people use robes, and how to prevent that, as well as what products/tools to use… or not. We told you it’s going to be hot. Links Kim’s robe hang tag (https://www.dropbox.com/s/evwllclnlgmunbi/robe%20hanger.png?dl=0) Anti-vibration pads (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BVEMLR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Dropps laundry detergent (http://dropps.com) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataw

While we’ve all heard that Facebook is the place to spend your advertising dollars, no one can (or should!) resist the opportunity to welcome the media - from the news to magazines to local influencers and more. The gang is here to share how to get media folks into your space, what to expect, and how to prepare. Each person shares what kind of coverage they’ve gotten for their center, and how that went, as well as how much control they’ve had over the end result, and how to ask for more, if you need it. Everyone also checks in with an update on their person wellbeing goals for the year, as a follow up to the last group therapy episode. Links Dylan's KGW Interview (https://www.kgw.com/mobile/video/entertainment/culture/cassidy-quinn/float-tank-self-care/283-5149fb85-dc95-4c48-bebf-ec67b0742a8a) Kim’s social media help (https://www.mindfull.solutions/social-media-assistant) or email at kim@mindfull.solutions (mailto:kim@mindfull.solutions) Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataw

It’s time to get real. Really real. In part 2 of this episode, the crew talks through the challenges of “doing it all” – balancing families, spouses, pets, other jobs, other projects, and all of the demands that come with running a business. They’ll weave through hard topics like burnout, recognizing when it might be time to sell and move on, and beating death, and you might even hear something about screaming, swearing, and punching (pillows). They ponder the types of business owners, recognizing that while you might love the challenge of getting up and running, you might fizzle out when things are going smoothly, or you might burn out when they’re not. You’ll see Dylan in action as a podcaster/dad/husband/entrepreneur when his support network pops in with some sweet sounds and sweet treats. Listen to see who says, “Just because things are going well with the business, which I’ve always wanted, it doesn’t necessarily mean that that’s what I want for my life.” It’s a hard look at the raw, real life struggles

It’s time to get real. Really real. In part one of this episode, the crew talks through the challenges of “doing it all” - balancing families, spouses, pets, other jobs, other projects, and all of the demands that come with running a business. They’ll weave through hard topics like burnout, recognizing when it might be time to sell and move on, and beating death, and you might even hear something about screaming, swearing, and punching (pillows). They ponder the types of business owners, recognizing that while you might love the challenge of getting up and running, you might fizzle out when things are going smoothly, or you might burn out when they’re not. You’ll see Dylan in action as a podcaster/dad/husband/entrepreneur when his support network pops in with some sweet sounds and sweet treats. Listen to see who says, "Just because things are going well with the business, which I've always wanted, it doesn't necessarily mean that that's what I want for my life." It’s a hard look at the raw, real life struggle

Drew approached the crew with a simple question… “To expire, or not expire?” Little did he know, he was opening a can of worms that - once opened - could never really be answered, at least not with a straightforward yes or no, at least. You’ll hear why Gloria and Kim are sticklers about protecting member deals and the value of their regular price, and why Dylan considers the impact of the expiration on potential memberships. Drew shares his experience of offers several small sales one year, and then none the next year. Yes, it all weaves in, out, and around whether or not you should put an expiration date on gift certificates, memberships, and packages. The team highlights the legal ramifications and accounting impact of expirations and promotions, and by the time it’s all over, you’ll have quite a few questions to ponder before adding expiration dates to your own float options. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

If it’s on the internet, it must be yours for the taking, right? And since we’re one big, happy loving float family, we always share and play nice, yes? Well, maybe not. After a discussion was posted in the Float Collective about the sharing/borrowing/stealing of content, the Art of the Float crew is diving into the great debate to share their ideas about what’s right, what’s wrong, what’s a little right, but maybe not, and what’s probably always cool. Since Dylan and Kim have unique perspectives given their line of paid work in supporting other float center owners, you’ll hear how they feel about folks using their work with or without credit, and what’s important to consider before just snagging something for your own use. You’ll hear how it impacts branding, dinner tables, and even how “reusing” content can cause confusion for clients. We even sprinkle in a bit about how to protect your content, where to go to find free resources, and how to walk that fine line between “being inspired by” and “taking” som

Hap-, Hap-, Hap-, Happy Holidays, to you! The crew is back to dish about how the holiday season is kicking off. With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday/Sunday (is that really a thing, Gloria?!), and Cyber Monday in the rearview mirror, Dylan, Drew, Gloria, and Kim talk about the sales they’re doing… or not doing and why. Is it better to create FOMO (fear of missing out) with shorter timeframes to capture deals? Or continue that chill, floaty vibe with a longer sale that doesn’t rush anyone? What about in-person only deals? Should you reserve the best prices for new folks or members? And why on Earth wouldn’t you want current clients to come in to your center for a special event? Drew has a compelling reason, so be sure to listen. You’ll hear how it’s going since Black Friday was later in the year, and how that’s impacting shopping habits so far, as well as why getting 3 hours of sleep doesn’t make for a bangin’ Small Business Saturday. We hide nothing…. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway

In this episode, Juliet Mylan, Supreme Float Historian from Float Tank Solutions, joins the crew to hash out the nitty gritty details about the 2019 State of the Float Industry Report that was just released. Juliet dishes out some humility and some words of wisdom about taking the survey data with a 50-pound bag of Epsom salt. You’ll hear a little behind the scenes info about what didn’t make the report and why, as well as some hopes and dreams for the future industry reports. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)

The hype is real… and long lasting. The crew is still buzzing from all things FloatCon2019. You’ll hear their takes on the venue, format, and favorite speakers, as well as the most important part of the Float Con experience. Woven throughout are stories of burnout, leaning on each other, finding inspiration, sharing struggles, learning, and operating on minimal sleep… all while soaking in the latest floaty research. Sponsors Float Helm (https://floathelm.com) Floataway (https://floataway.com)