Samson Strength Coach Collective

Strength Built to Last with Jerry Simmons

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Jerry Simmons shares a lifetime of lessons learned through strength coaching at every level—from college football and the NFL to Special Forces training. Growing up on a farm instilled a work ethic that shaped his coaching philosophy and expectations. Jerry reflects on mentorship, athlete evaluation, equipment quality, and the relationships that define a long career, while celebrating 50 years of Samson Equipment and its role in the profession. Key Takeaways: * A farming mentality builds discipline, consistency, and accountability * Hard work remains the great separator in coaching success * Great coaches recognize athletes as people first * Mentorship shapes careers more than job titles * Equipment quality directly impacts training standards and safety * Relationships are the true legacy of strength and conditioning Quote “If you’re gonna be good at it, you’re gonna have to work hard at it.”— Jerry Simmons

A Journey Through Strength Coaching with Rick Huegli

Rick Huegli joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to celebrate 50 years of Samson Equipment and reflect on his decades-long career in strength and conditioning. From his early aspirations as a college football coach to leading programs at Wake Forest and the University of Washington, Rick discusses the realities of earning athlete trust, navigating outdated myths about strength training, and building lasting professional relationships. The conversation highlights how leadership values, reliability, and communication—both in coaching and business—have defined long-term success. Key Takeaways: * Trust is the foundation of effective strength coaching * Winning environments accelerate athlete buy-in * Coaches must consistently challenge outdated strength myths * Long-term relationships drive success in coaching and business * Samson Equipment’s reliability mirrors Rick’s coaching philosophy * Leadership values shape culture and longevity * Retirement can be a meaningful transition focused on growth * Clear communication strengthens partnerships * Consistency matters more than trends * Legacy is built through people, not products Quote: “You want to buy it once.” — Rick Huegli

Building NBA Toughness with Bill Foran

In this episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Bill Foran—former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Miami Heat—walks through his decades-long career in sports performance. Bill discusses his transition from college athletics to the NBA, the cultural standards that defined the Heat organization, and how quality equipment and strong relationships shaped athlete development. He also offers candid advice for young coaches navigating a rapidly evolving profession. Key Takeaways * Building culture is just as important as building strength * Early NBA strength coaches helped define today’s performance standards * Quality, customizable equipment plays a major role in athlete development * Trust is earned through consistency, care, and work ethic * Modern athletes require variety while still mastering fundamentals * Mentorship remains a cornerstone of coaching growth * Strength and conditioning continues to evolve with technology and specialization Quote: “You gotta care and work with them.” — Bill Foran

The Evolution of Strength & Conditioning with Doug Briggs

In this special 50 Year Legacy Series episode of the Samson Strength Coach Collective, Doug Briggs shares decades of perspective on the evolution of strength and conditioning. Doug breaks down how training philosophies have shifted, the growing focus on injury prevention, and the cultural changes within gyms. Drawing from personal experience, he explains why returning to basic training principles may be essential for developing stronger, more resilient athletes—while honoring the role Samson Equipment has played in shaping training environments over the last 50 years. Key Takeaways: * Strength and conditioning has evolved significantly over the past five decades. * Injury prevention has become overemphasized at the expense of performance. * Training has shifted away from large, compound movements. * The late 80s and early 90s marked a turning point in coaching philosophy. * Balance-focused training is not universally beneficial. * Foundational training methods are regaining importance. * Training intensity was higher in previous generations. * Gym culture and etiquette have changed dramatically. * Anecdotal coaching experience still provides valuable insight. * Samson Equipment has played a meaningful role in the 50-year evolution of training spaces. Quote: “We train too much to prevent injuries.”— Doug Briggs

50 Years of Strength: Scott Warman & the Samson Legacy

As part of the Samson Legacy Series celebrating 50 years of Samson Equipment, Scott Warman joins the Samson Strength Coach Collective to share stories from his pioneering career in strength coaching. Scott discusses the evolution of training across sports, the importance of safety in the weight room, and the innovations in equipment design that helped establish Samson as an industry leader. He also reflects on his long-standing relationship with Dave and Linda Schroeder, whose integrity and vision have been central to Samson’s longevity and success. Key Takeaways: * Scott Warman is a pioneer in strength coaching with a deep industry history * Samson Equipment has evolved significantly over the past 50 years * Safety in the weight room is critical to long-term athlete development * Innovative equipment design has always set Samson apart * Dave and Linda Schroeder’s leadership shaped Samson’s foundation * Strength training is now widely accepted across all sports * Early strength coaches faced skepticism and limited resources * Samson’s legacy is rooted in integrity and quality * Scott’s passion for strength training remains strong * The bond between Scott Warman and the Schroeder family defines the Legacy Series Quote: “I’m gonna keep lifting to my last breath.” — Scott Warman