Best of Midland covers the people, places and stories that make Midland, Texas home. On the podcast, Ryan Shewchuk sits down with local business owners, leaders and organizations to hear how they got here and what they love about this town.
Vik Gupta: Leaving Oil and Gas to Buy Orangetheory Fitness Midland
Vik Gupta spent seven years as a petroleum engineer in the oil field. Then he turned down a move to Houston, sent a LinkedIn message to the owner of the Orangetheory he worked out at, and bought it.
In the first episode of the new Best of Midland podcast, Vik walks through how he actually bought an existing franchise: the cold message that started it, making the numbers work, what he changed on day one, what he refused to touch, and who should not buy a franchise at all. Plus his five picks for My Best of Midland.
Hosted by Ryan Shewchuk.
Find Vik and Orangetheory Fitness Midland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangetheorymidland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTFMidland
Vik's picks, with where to find each one: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/vik-gupta-orangetheory-fitness-midland/
Midland's best in your inbox every Tuesday: https://bestofmidlandtx.com/newsletter/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2sl--UwpOsc
Want to be on the show? https://bestofmidlandtx.com/be-a-guest/
Chapters
0:00 Why can't that be us?
0:44 From Sugar Land to Midland
2:48 Why he turned down Houston
4:21 A member before he was an owner
5:22 The LinkedIn message that started it
5:47 What Orangetheory actually is
10:16 Some members are worth losing
11:37 Buying a business while still at Exxon
14:26 Family, mentors and confidence
17:30 Making the numbers work
20:20 Riding a wave, or building a business?
22:38 Other buyers and protecting the deal
25:28 The first morning as the owner
27:59 Leading a staff that knew more than him
29:03 What he changed first, and what he didn't touch
31:58 Growing the membership
32:58 Competition and fitness trends
35:34 Who's walking through the door
39:57 Is a franchise a good deal?
42:45 Who shouldn't buy a franchise
44:40 Keeping longtime members engaged
48:40 GLP-1s and weight loss
50:22 Why the group workout works
52:06 Marketing a small business
56:48 Money he spent that didn't work
58:53 Pricing and memberships
59:39 Why Midland works for business
1:01:20 My Best of Midland
1:01:51 Downtown Farmers Market
1:02:30 Café de Luna
1:03:44 Kafeology
1:05:08 Midland International Airport
1:06:26 432 Run Crew
1:08:05 If you can't make the numbers work
1:11:46 What's next
1:13:45 Would he do it again?
1:16:40 Where to find Vik
14 Oct 2025
Spectrum of Solutions Is Changing Lives Across Midland TX
Spectrum of Solutions serves hundreds of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the Permian Basin. In this episode, Eddie James and Krystian Chacon join host Ryan Shewchuk to share how the organization is enriching lives — and how the community can get involved through their upcoming Cruise for a Cause weekend.From their Children’s Therapy Center to Adult Vocational Services and Host Homes, Spectrum of Solutions provides critical support for individuals of all ages. Plus, hear about their Mad Men–themed gala, car cruise, car show, and the incredible Porsche giveaway — all happening October 23–25 at the Horseshoe Arena.Learn more, volunteer, or register your vehicle: https://spectrumofsolutions.orgTimestamps:0:00 – Intro0:47 – What Spectrum of Solutions Does2:25 – What is IDD and Who They Serve3:10 – Programs for Children (Speech & Music Therapy)5:00 – Early Signs for Parents to Watch6:15 – Adult Housing & Vocational Programs8:30 – Building a New Vocational Center9:50 – Community Support & Volunteer Opportunities13:00 – How Anyone Can Get Involved14:20 – The Mad Men Gala & Cruise for a Cause16:10 – Car Show Details & Registration Info18:30 – Porsche Raffle Announcement20:00 – Auctions, Prizes & Weekend Schedule22:00 – Final Thoughts & Volunteer InvitationCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com
13 Oct 2025
Uniting Nonprofits and Volunteers in Midland Texas with Every Neighbor
In this episode, host Ryan Shewchuk sits down with Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp, the passionate leaders behind Every Neighbor, a platform that connects volunteers with local organizations and opportunities to serve.Cindy and Leslie share how their work is bridging gaps across Midland, why community involvement is so vital, and the impact they’ve already seen through Every Neighbor. Their stories highlight the power of people coming together to meet needs, big and small, right here in our city.Be sure to check out @EveryNeighbor (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC4Jj9cXXhyYj6ifmlhuuZ0w)'s own podcast, Good Work West Texas, where they continue the conversation by showcasing inspiring people and organizations making a difference across the Permian Basin.Learn more: https://everyneighbor.comCONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://www.bestofmidlandtx.comRyan Shewchuk: https://www.instagram.com/shewchukTerra Avery: https://www.instagram.com/terrawaypantsTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@bestofmidlandtxFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestofmidlandtxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofmidlandtxFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestofmidlandtx—-----------------------LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/bomtxitunesSpotify: https://bit.ly/bomtxspotify—-----------------------PRODUCED AND EDITED BY FORTY WOLVES STUDIOShttps://www.fortywolves.com
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
824,204
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.0 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
97
YouTube
93
Engagement
75
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