In this different type of episode, Les shares the messy, unpolished origin story: from building the first “Speed Lab” in a school closet, to testing elite athletes before the system even existed, to struggling financially while trying to scale something no one had ever built before. He breaks down how analytics, education, business systems, and community became the pillars that carried the company past 200 Speed Labs worldwide.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Speed Lab, schedule a time with our team at the link below.
https://universalspeedrating.com/learn-more-partner-with-universal-speed-rating-speed-lab-podcast
Episode Timestamps
00:00 – 01:02: Why this episode is personal + hitting 200 Speed Labs
01:02 – 03:40: How COVID, fatherhood, and a school basement led to the first Speed Lab
03:40 – 07:15: The first athletes tested & discovering what a “Speed Lab” really was
07:15 – 12:10: Standardizing speed, early testing chaos, and building the MPH database
12:10 – 17:17: Building software, courses, systems — and why community became the backbone
17:17 – 20:35: Burnout, overexposure, money struggles, and NFL players stepping up to invest
20:35 – 24:57: Finding his role, rediscovering the excitement, and blending family + business life
24:57 – 27:28: Lessons learned: Start before you’re ready & simplify everything you build
