Club Solutions Magazine

Now more than ever, current and potential employees are looking for positive working environments to continue their careers in. Ideal job titles and salaries are often not enough to retain talent with job morale becoming more important for personnel.

Nate Welch, the vice president of operations for Cross Gates Family Fitness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the different aspects of creating culture in the workplace.

Welch and Zabonick-Chonko talk about why Nate was drawn to Cross Gates due its positive culture, the importance of core values to a brand’s success, ways to reinforce culture through hiring and training, and much more.

Listen to the full conversation here.

Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss serving the next generation.

Topics of discussion:

- What programs/equipment do you see Gen Z drawn to the most?

- How are you marketing to reach the younger generation?

- What sets Gen Z apart from previous gym goers?

- How can gyms capitalize on this generation?

Panelists include:

- Billy Grenham, Chief Marketing Officer of CycleBar

- Matt Wright, Partner & General Manager of The Fort Athletic Club

- Ann Marie Barbour, Director of Programming and Operations at The Mine

Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss how to keep new members engaged after the New Year rush.

Topics of discussion:

- How are facilities marketing to new members, enrolling them and managing their expectations.

- How to help new members make exercise a priority and routine.

- What role gyms play in helping members achieve behavior modification.

- Successful strategies for retaining new members.

Panelists include:

- Colleen Kennedy, Director of Membership Sales at The Houstonian Club

- Jacob Thomas, Owner of Razor Sharp Fitness

- Jersey Giambrone, Founder of Fuel Bootcamp

- Marie Gonzalez, CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical fitness has emerged as a top trend in the industry. With the trend aimed at maximizing a person’s health and quality of life, medical fitness helps impact more lives in the community and get more members back in clubs.

Sue Boreskie, the CEO of Reh-Fit, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss medical fitness and how Reh-Fit facilitates the popular trend to members.

Boreskie walks us through the many unique aspects of her center and the advantages medical fitness provides. It’s a very informative chat that outlines how far the trend has come and where it’s going.

Listen to the full conversation here.

The fitness industry is continuing to invest in new technologies to make visitor experiences highly personalized and more efficient. One popular tech trend is the rise of body composition scans for health data and analysis.

Rico Francis, the president of Club Solutions and Peake Media, recently sat down with Ed Zouroudis, the CEO of Evolt, to talk about how Evolt is improving the club experience for members and increasing overall retention.

Listen to the full conversation here.

Being a leader is no easy task, which is why only a specific kind of individual can succeed as the head of a team, group or company. Difficult times, such as the beginning of months of the COVID-19 pandemic, often showcase the very best attributes of leaders.

Justin Drummond, the chief operating officer of PF Growth Partners, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the most important aspects of being a leader in the industry's current environment.

Drummond offers his valuable perspective on the importance of core values, how to cultivate a positive culture, leadership styles and more.

Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss how to best prepare your club for a recession.

Topics of discussion:

- Best practices to prepare for financial uncertainty.

- How to support your staff through a potential recession.

- Tips for keeping members engaged at the club and off your freeze list.

- How to prepare for financial success beyond 2023.

Panelists include:

- Christopher Montoya, President, Thrive Business Development

- Justin Drummond, COO, Ohana Growth Partners, a franchise division of Planet Fitness

- Mark Miller, COO, Merritt Clubs

- Paula Neubert, President and General Manager, Club Greenwood

The past year was filled with exciting developments for the fitness industry while the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The close of 2022 brings even more new hopes and goals for 2023.

Michele Wong, the chief operating officer of Active Wellness, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss what industry trends to keep an eye on in the new year.

Wong provides an expert overview of numerous current trends from outdoor fitness, recovery, strength training, virtual fitness and more.

Thought leaders from a cross-section of the industry discuss the top industry trends for 2023. Sponsored by ASF.

Topics of discussion:

-Trends operators predict will be paramount in 2023.

-A review of 2022 and what may change in the year ahead.

-Biggest challenges and opportunities in 2023.

-Potential recession navigation tips.

-Advice for other operators.

Panelists include:

-Joe Cirulli, Owner & CEO, Gainesville Health & Fitness

-Amy Bueme, Owner, Catalyst Fitness

-Assaf Gal, Franchisee, Crunch

-Cher Harris, General Manager, The Houstonian Club

-Frank Lawrence, CEO, Little Rock Athletic Clubs

The fastest growing sport in the U.S. right now is pickleball. Due to the sport’s easy learning curve, accessibility and slow pace, the surge of interest in pickleball isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Anish Manrai, the assistant director of community programs and services for the Columbia Association, recently sat down with Club Solutions Magazine Podcast host Rachel Zabonick-Chonko to discuss the pickleball boom.

Manrai provides a masterclass in everything you need to know about pickleball from why the sport is exploding, to how to market it and more.