Digital Social Hour Episode Summary

Episode Title: How Gym Culture & Fitness Influencers are Changing the Business Game | David Poole And Marc Fabiani DSH #1249
Release Date: March 19, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
Guests: David Poole and Marc Fabiani

1. Introduction to Guests

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly is joined by David Poole and Marc Fabiani, the dynamic duo behind Old School Energy, a burgeoning name in the energy drink market. The conversation opens with a reflection on the serendipitous meeting that led to their successful partnership.

Notable Quote:
David Poole: "We have literally manifested this whole business. So, like, meeting you, meeting him. Right. Meeting everybody we've met was literally just a conversation we had two weeks before it happened." ([00:00])

2. Origins of Old School Energy

David and Marc delve into the inception of Old School Energy. Starting from their backgrounds—David's experience coaching professional bodybuilders and Marc's tenure as a policeman—they discuss the transition from personal passions to launching an energy drink business. Their initial idea was pivoted from creating a supplement line to developing an energy drink, which they found more feasible in terms of sourcing ingredients and manufacturing.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: "We actually were going to start with a supplement line and this just seemed to be a little bit easier to get started as far as sourcing ingredients and stuff like that." ([01:30])

3. Product Development and Unique Flavor

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the unique flavor profile of their energy drink. Unlike traditional energy drinks with predictable tastes, Old School Energy aims to develop a distinct flavor that becomes iconic over time, much like Coca-Cola.

Notable Quote:
David Poole: "The drink is something distinct. It's like its own type of flavor. People are always trying to guess what the flavor is because we don't tell anybody." ([02:45])

4. Navigating the Competitive Energy Drink Market

David and Marc acknowledge the saturated energy drink market dominated by giants like Red Bull and Monster. They express their ambition not to compete directly but to carve out their own niche by offering a superior and unique product.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: "They pioneered the industry, and now there’s room for more with the market growing at about 8% a year." ([06:24])

5. Health-Conscious Formulation

A key differentiator for Old School Energy is their commitment to health-conscious ingredients. They highlight the inclusion of L-Theanine and thiamine, minimal sugar content, absence of high fructose corn syrup, and no artificial food colorings. This formulation aims to provide sustained energy without the typical crash associated with other energy drinks.

Notable Quotes:
Marc Fabiani: "Thiamine reduces inflammation in the brain, making you think clearly." ([28:16])
David Poole: "We’re a health-conscious drink. People trying to stay away from those ingredients turn to ours." ([06:51])

6. Scaling the Business and Demand

Despite being relatively new in the market, Old School Energy has experienced rapid growth. From small pilot runs to producing hundreds of thousands of cans, the demand has consistently outpaced their supply, with numerous retailers eager to stock their product.

Notable Quote:
David Poole: "Every time we do another run, we're not just doubling the number, we're like quadrupling the number." ([25:46])

7. Insights on Gym Culture and Industry Trends

The conversation extends to the broader gym culture, discussing the high costs of premium gyms like Lifetime and the decline of traditional franchises like Gold’s Gym. They emphasize the shift towards more holistic wellness centers offering amenities beyond standard gym equipment.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: "Lifetime is building a third one in Vegas in a year. It's crazy, man." ([11:04])

8. The Role of Social Media in Business Growth

David and Marc highlight the indispensable role of social media in their business strategy. From Instagram to TikTok, they discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining a strong online presence to engage with their audience and leverage influencer partnerships.

Notable Quote:
David Poole: "In 2025, it’s very important that you stay alert and know that you’re on it." ([17:08])

9. Influencer Marketing and Content Creation

The duo shares their experiences working with fitness influencers and athletes, including collaborations with UFC fighters. They stress the importance of authenticity and creating a community or "family" around their brand to foster loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing.

Notable Quote:
David Poole: "We have a really good network and a lot of people are interested in wanting to jump because the way we do it over here is literally a family." ([04:36])

10. Personal Anecdotes and Industry Observations

Throughout the episode, David and Marc exchange personal anecdotes about the challenges of scaling a business, their involvement in events like Power Slap, and observations about the evolving nature of gym memberships and social media trends.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: "We've got to think we've only been selling products since for seven months. Since March." ([26:22])

11. Future Plans and New Flavors

Looking ahead, Old School Energy is excited about introducing new flavors, including mango raspberry lemonade and prickly pear coconut. They emphasize their commitment to maintaining quality and health standards while expanding their product line.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: “We’re coming out with a mango raspberry lemonade and a prickly pear coconut.” ([34:16])

12. Conclusion: The Power of Words and Manifestation

The episode wraps up with a reiteration of the power of positive thinking and manifestation in their entrepreneurial journey. David and Marc acknowledge the synergistic nature of their partnership, where each brings unique strengths to the table, ensuring the continued growth and success of Old School Energy.

Notable Quote:
Marc Fabiani: "Words are powerful, man." ([24:28])
David Poole: "We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him, and we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me." ([32:10])

Key Takeaways

• Unique Product Positioning: Old School Energy distinguishes itself through a unique flavor profile and health-conscious ingredients, setting it apart in a crowded market.

• Rapid Growth and Demand: Their strategic approach has led to rapid scaling, with high demand from both consumers and retailers.

• Importance of Social Media: Leveraging social media and influencer partnerships has been crucial for brand visibility and community building.

• Adaptability and Persistence: Navigating industry challenges with adaptability and persistent efforts has been central to their success.

• Future Expansion: Plans to introduce new flavors and maintain quality standards indicate a strong trajectory for future growth.

Where to Find Old School Energy

Listeners interested in trying Old School Energy can purchase their products online at oldschoolenergy.com.

End of Summary