Introduction to Stu McLaren
Stu McLaren is a recognized expert specializing in helping entrepreneurs build profitable membership businesses that generate sustainable recurring revenue and foster engaged online communities. Stu created The Membership Experience™ and co-founded Membership.io, guiding tens of thousands of business owners, authors, speakers, coaches, and consultants to launch and scale recurring revenue streams by transforming their knowledge and influence into thriving membership sites.
Early Ventures: WishList Member
In 2008, Stu McLaren co-founded WishList Member, the world’s most popular membership platform for WordPress. By the time he sold his interests in October 2014, the platform was powering over 70,000 online communities and membership sites.
Through this experience, he gained unique insights into what makes a membership thrive, focusing on strategies to keep members engaged and ensure long-term profitability.
Stu McLaren's Collaborations and Business Growth
After exiting WishList Member, Stu partnered with New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt to put his knowledge into action. By implementing membership strategies, they introduced recurring revenue models, streamlined digital product offerings, and optimized customer engagement.
As a result, Hyatt's business scaled significantly while reducing operational stress. Together, they grew Hyatt’s business from a high-6-figure, high-stress operation into a multi-million-dollar, low-stress enterprise. This transformation inspired Stu to coach and consult other high-level entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth without sacrificing personal priorities.
The Membership Experience™ Program
Today, Stu McLaren is the trusted mentor behind many high 7-figure membership site owners, hosting his exclusive IMPACT Mastermind for elite entrepreneurs. His Membership Experience™ (formerly TRIBE) program has trained thousands of individuals across diverse industries — from photography and fitness to business development and personal growth — proving that membership models work in virtually any market.
The Membership Experience™ provides a clear roadmap for launching, growing, and scaling a thriving membership site. With a focus on retention, engagement, and impact, Stu helps entrepreneurs build recurring revenue while serving their communities more deeply.
Stu McLaren's Book: Predictable Profits
Stu is also the author of Predictable Profits, an in-depth, step-by-step guide to building financial stability through memberships and subscriptions. The book outlines a time-tested blueprint for generating stable, predictable income by nurturing loyal, repeat customers.
Packed with hundreds of real-world examples, Predictable Profits teaches entrepreneurs how to transform their products, services, or knowledge into recurring revenue. It also reveals strategies to attract, serve, and retain members — so they stay happy and paying every single month.
Stu McLaren's Philanthropy: Village Impact
Stu’s passion extends beyond entrepreneurship. Inspired by his wife, Amy McLaren, he co-founded Village Impact, a charitable organization dedicated to bringing education to underprivileged children in Kenya.
A pivotal moment in his journey came when he learned that the salary of a full-time teacher in Kenya was just $100/month — a sum he realized could be covered by just one additional membership sale per month. This revelation reinforced his belief that business success can drive massive social impact.
Through Village Impact, Stu and Amy have built schools, funded teacher salaries, and created leadership programs that transform lives through education.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence in the Membership Space
Stu believes that adding recurring revenue isn’t just about financial security — it’s about building a business model that gives you more time, freedom, and impact. His mission is to help business owners create sustainable, stress-free income streams that allow them to focus on what matters most — whether that’s family, travel, philanthropy, or personal fulfillment.
He overcame personal struggles around money and purpose by realizing that financial success enables greater generosity and transformation. Today, Stu teaches entrepreneurs how to align their business goals with meaningful contributions to their communities and the causes they care about.
As a thought leader in the membership space, Stu continues to innovate, coach, and inspire entrepreneurs worldwide. Whether through his online programs, mastermind events, or philanthropic initiatives, he remains committed to helping others achieve lasting success — both in business and in life.
Join Stu McLaren
If you need predictable profits in your business, join Stu McLaren's The Membership Experience today!
