After years of hustling my way through every online side gig you can imagine—affiliate marketing, dropshipping, freelancing, you name it—I finally cracked the code and built a six-figure online business that lets me work on my own terms. But I remember all too well what it felt like to be stuck in that “just getting by” phase, piecing together income from different sources while dreaming of something bigger and more sustainable.
That’s exactly why I decided to take a closer look at Elite CEOs by Tanner Chidester. Like many of you, I’ve seen countless business coaching programs come and go, each promising the secret to explosive growth. But after hearing so many success stories from real entrepreneurs—people who, like me, started with nothing but grit and a laptop—I was curious if Elite CEOs could actually deliver on its bold claims.
In this review, I’ll share my honest, firsthand perspective as someone who’s navigated the ups and downs of the online business world, so you can decide if Tanner’s program is the missing piece for your own journey.
Table of Contents
What is Elite CEOs?
Elite CEOs is a business coaching and mentorship program designed to help online entrepreneurs—especially coaches, consultants, and fitness professionals—build, grow, and scale profitable businesses. What drew me in was its promise of not just teaching you how to make money, but how to create a sustainable, automated business that gives you more freedom and higher margins. The program is built around the exact step-by-step strategies that founder Tanner Chidester used to take his own businesses from zero to eight figures, and it covers everything from crafting irresistible offers and mastering sales conversations to building automated marketing systems and scaling your operations.
Inside Elite CEOs, you don’t just get theory—you get actionable systems, templates, and daily support. The curriculum dives deep into real-world digital marketing, sales funnels, paid ads, and business automation, so you can consistently attract leads, close high-ticket clients, and deliver results without burning out. Whether you’re looking to launch your first coaching offer, hit your first $10K month, or break into seven figures, the program is structured to meet you where you are and accelerate your progress.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Who Created Elite CEOs?
Elite CEOs was created by Tanner Chidester, a name that’s become synonymous with online business success—especially in the coaching and fitness industries. Tanner’s story is pretty inspiring: he started out as a broke personal trainer and former Division I football player, hustling at Olive Garden and struggling to make ends meet. After discovering the power of high-ticket online sales, he quickly scaled his first fitness business to $1 million in under three months. From there, he launched Elite CEOs, which has since generated over $100 million in sales and helped more than 50,000 entrepreneurs worldwide.
Tanner’s reputation is built on results. He’s not just a coach—he’s someone who’s actually done the work, built multiple seven- and eight-figure businesses from scratch, and now shares those exact systems with his clients. He’s known for his direct, no-fluff approach and has a strong track record of helping others achieve massive revenue growth in record time. The testimonials and case studies from his clients—many of whom have hit five- and six-figure months after joining—speak for themselves.
Who is Elite CEOs For?
If you’re an online entrepreneur who’s serious about scaling your business, Elite CEOs is built for you. The program is especially valuable for:
- Coaches, consultants, and service providers who want to attract more clients and charge premium prices
- Fitness professionals and gym owners looking to transition online or grow their digital offerings
- Anyone who’s tired of piecing together free advice and wants a proven, step-by-step system with hands-on support
- Entrepreneurs who want to build a business that runs on systems, not just their own hustle, so they can achieve both financial and time freedom
From what I’ve seen, Elite CEOs isn’t just for beginners—it’s packed with advanced strategies that can take you from your first $10K month all the way to seven or even eight figures. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and take massive action, this program gives you the tools, mentorship, and community to make it happen.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How is Elite CEOs Structured?
One thing I really appreciate about Elite CEOs is how comprehensive and organized the program is. It’s not just a collection of random videos—there’s a clear curriculum and a step-by-step roadmap, no matter where you’re starting from. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included:
- Elite University Access: The core membership portal, packed with training modules, templates, and resources covering every stage of building and scaling an online business—from launching your first offer to hiring and automating your team.
- $100M CEO’s Playbook: Insider access to the exact blueprints, tactics, and strategies that have generated over $100 million in sales for Tanner and his clients.
- Growth Acceleration Kit: Proven systems and copy-paste templates to eliminate guesswork and speed up your results.
- Elite CEOs Mastermind Insider Access: Exclusive mastermind content and advanced trainings that were previously reserved for high-ticket clients.
- 7-8 Figure Scaling Library: A massive resource library with deep dives into every aspect of scaling to seven and eight figures, plus monthly live masterclasses with industry experts.
- Elite360 Suite: An all-in-one marketing and sales platform that handles everything from lead generation and follow-up to payment processing and client management.
- Community and Coaching: Direct access to a network of 6, 7, and 8-figure entrepreneurs, daily support from specialized coaches (sales, ads, mindset, etc.), and even opportunities for one-on-one feedback from Tanner himself.
- Personal Onboarding and Roadmap Call: When you join, you get a personal onboarding session and a custom action plan tailored to your business stage.
The curriculum covers everything you need: offer creation, sales scripts, funnel building, paid ads, automation, mindset, and even hiring and scaling your team. Whether you want to sell high-ticket coaching, launch a membership, or just get more clients for your service business, the structure is designed to get you results quickly.
Are Elite CEOs Students Getting Results?
This is the part that really sold me: the sheer volume of real success stories coming out of the Elite CEOs community. I’ve seen testimonials from total beginners who landed their first high-ticket clients within weeks, as well as established entrepreneurs who doubled or tripled their revenue after joining.
Here are just a few examples that stood out to me:
“After four whirlwind months, I am maximizing my time way better, revenue is rolling in and increasing each month, and my lead generation process is far more measurable and predictable now. I can’t recommend Elite CEOs highly enough.”
— Andrea Marcellus, CEO & Founder at AND/life
“I did not have a business before starting with Elite CEOs. I was super nervous to start and completely transform my life, but my coach was amazing and so supportive along the way. I left my job a month ago and now pursue this full time. I can’t say enough good things about Elite CEOs!”
— Steph Kawaja
“In only the first 2 months of the program I over doubled my revenue. Unlike other mentorships, it wasn’t at expense of adding a ton of overhead to get there. The margins are significantly high. All in all a great experience & I would highly recommend.”
— Austin Paulsen, Coach
“I made my first sale within 10 days of starting the course and I feel like it’s going to take my business to the next level.”
— Maxwell Rust, Coach
“With Elite CEOs help, I was able to leave my corporate job and full-time run my fitness and nutrition coaching biz, which is a dream come true!”
— Mengyue Wang
And these aren’t isolated cases. According to their income disclosure, about 70% of students who finish the program make at least six figures a year, and those who stick around for two years average $61,000 per month. The community is full of people sharing wins, supporting each other, and actually implementing what they learn.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
How Much Does Elite CEOs Cost?
Elite CEOs isn’t the cheapest program out there, but after seeing the results and the level of support, I can see why. Here’s what you need to know about the investment:
- Elite University Membership: Starts at around $97/month, giving you access to the core training, community, and resources.
- Premium Coaching Packages: These range from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the level of support, one-on-one coaching, and done-for-you services you choose.
- Flexible Payment Options: Monthly payment plans are available, and you can cancel your membership at any time for the monthly option.
Refund Policy:
Elite CEOs offers a 14-day refund window, as long as you’ve completed less than 25% of the program material. If you request a refund within that period, they’ll process it minus any payment processing fees. After that, all sales are final, and if you’re on a payment plan, you’re required to complete all payments.
Honestly, I think the value is there if you’re ready to take action and use the resources. The community, coaching, and systems alone have saved me thousands in software costs and years of trial and error. If you’re serious about building a real online business, it’s a solid investment in your future.
Praises For Elite CEOs
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Comprehensive, Actionable Training
What I love most about Elite CEOs is the sheer depth and practicality of the training. The program covers everything from lead generation and sales to mindset and fulfillment, with step-by-step modules that are easy to follow and implement. For me, having access to proven scripts, funnel templates, and ad strategies meant I could start seeing results fast, without reinventing the wheel. Many other students echo this sentiment, saying they made their first sale within days or weeks of joining and that the systems are clear and up-to-date. -
Responsive, Specialized Coaching Support
One of the standout features is the level of support. You’re not just thrown into a course and left to figure things out alone. There are daily group calls on marketing, sales, ads, funnels, and mindset, plus a dedicated 1-on-1 coach who checks in regularly and answers questions quickly. I’ve found this incredibly valuable when I hit a roadblock or needed feedback on my strategy. Other members say the same—coaches are knowledgeable, accessible, and genuinely invested in your success. -
Thriving, Supportive Community
The Elite CEOs community is packed with driven entrepreneurs who are eager to share wins, offer advice, and keep each other accountable. For me, being surrounded by other six- and seven-figure earners was motivating and helped me level up my own game. Many students mention that the community is one of the most supportive and positive groups they’ve been part of, which makes the journey a lot less lonely. -
Proven Track Record of Results
The testimonials and case studies speak for themselves. From total beginners to seasoned business owners, people are doubling or tripling their revenue, making back their investment within weeks, and finally breaking through to consistent five- and six-figure months. I’ve personally seen my business systems improve and my revenue grow, and it’s clear I’m not alone—Elite CEOs claims over $1 billion in client sales, and many reviews back up those numbers. -
Constant Program Improvements
The team is always adding new strategies, tools, and resources to keep up with the latest trends. I appreciate that they don’t rest on their laurels; they’re committed to making sure the training stays relevant and effective, which is crucial in the fast-changing online business world.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Criticisms For Elite CEOs
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High Price Point
Let’s be real—the investment for Elite CEOs is significant. While there’s a lower-cost entry option, the main coaching programs can run into the five-figure range. For a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs, this is a big hurdle. I had to think long and hard before joining, and I know some people simply can’t afford it. That said, many students (myself included) feel the return on investment is worth it if you take action, but it’s not a small commitment. -
Not All Coaching Is Directly With Tanner
One thing that surprised me was that most of the 1-on-1 coaching is handled by Tanner’s team, not Tanner himself. While the coaches are experienced, some students feel misled if they expected direct mentorship from an eight-figure entrepreneur. There are also reviews mentioning that the quality of support can vary depending on which coach you’re assigned. -
Aggressive Sales Tactics and High Expectations
Some people have criticized the program’s sales process as being a bit aggressive, with bold promises about how quickly you’ll make your investment back. I’ve also seen feedback that if you struggle, you might be told it’s your own “limiting beliefs” holding you back, rather than getting more tailored help. This can be discouraging for those who need more hands-on guidance or who hit unexpected obstacles. -
Refund Policy and Perceived Value
The refund policy is strict, and some students have complained about difficulties getting their money back if the program didn’t meet their expectations. There are also reviews stating that the value didn’t match the price for them, especially if they didn’t see quick results or if they felt the coaching was generic. -
Best Suited for Certain Business Models
The program is heavily geared toward high-ticket coaching and consulting. If your goal is to build a different kind of online business (like e-commerce or affiliate marketing), you might not get as much value. I found the strategies worked best for service-based offers, so it’s something to consider before joining.
Overall, my experience with Elite CEOs has been positive, but it’s definitely not a perfect fit for everyone. If you’re ready to invest, take action, and want a proven roadmap for scaling a coaching or consulting business, it’s one of the best programs out there. But go in with your eyes open about the costs, the coaching structure, and whether it aligns with your business goals.
Should You Join Elite CEOs?
If you’re at a point in your entrepreneurial journey where you’re ready to go all-in, Elite CEOs can absolutely help you fast-track your results. The program lays out the groundwork for every aspect of building an online business—ads, copy, fulfillment, sales, and more—with a team of specialized coaches and daily support. I’ve seen firsthand (and through countless testimonials) that people from all backgrounds are able to double their revenue, leave their jobs, and finally achieve the consistency they’ve been chasing—provided they’re willing to put in the work and follow the system.
What really stands out to me is the level of support: you get a personal coach, access to a responsive community, and the Elite 360 platform, which has saved me thousands on software alone. The results speak for themselves—students are seeing measurable, predictable growth, and the community is genuinely supportive and invested in your success.
That said, this program isn’t for everyone. The investment is significant, and you need to be ready to take massive action and implement what you learn. If you’re just dabbling or not prepared to commit, you might not get the full value. But if you’re serious about scaling a coaching, consulting, or service-based business, I can confidently say Elite CEOs delivers on its promises and can help you reach the next level.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative
Elite CEOs Alternative
If you’re looking for a different approach to making money online—especially if you’re not ready for the high-ticket investment or want to avoid sales calls—Wealthy Affiliate is hands down the best alternative I’ve found. Unlike Elite CEOs, which focuses on high-ticket coaching and agency models, Wealthy Affiliate teaches you how to build a profitable affiliate marketing business from scratch.
Here’s why Wealthy Affiliate stands out for beginners and those on a budget:
- Affordable Pricing: Membership starts at just $49/month, making it accessible for anyone looking to start an online business without a huge upfront investment.
- Step-by-Step Training: The platform offers detailed, up-to-date training on building websites, driving traffic, and monetizing through affiliate programs—no sales calls or cold outreach required.
- All-in-One Tools: You get web hosting, keyword research tools, and everything you need to launch and grow your business, all in one place.
- Supportive Community: The Wealthy Affiliate community is active and helpful, with 24/7 support and regular live classes, which can be a game changer for new entrepreneurs.
- Free Starter Membership: You can try it out risk-free before committing, which is rare in the online business world.
While Wealthy Affiliate is perfect for those who want to learn affiliate marketing and build passive income streams, it’s not as tailored for high-ticket coaching or agency models. But if you’re looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly way to make money online with tons of support and proven results, Wealthy Affiliate is my top recommendation as an alternative to Elite CEOs.
In the end, it comes down to your goals, budget, and preferred business model. If you want to scale a coaching or consulting business fast and are ready to invest, Elite CEOs is a powerful option. If you’d rather start with affiliate marketing and keep your costs low, Wealthy Affiliate is the best place to begin.
Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.