HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

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Welcome to HALO Talks, where we take deep dives into the minds behind the most dynamic brands in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoors space. In this episode, we're joined by Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness and a true industry operator whose path took him from upstate New York to the heart of Florida's gym scene. Starting as a young gym enthusiast, Tony's grass-roots experience paved the way for an entrepreneurial ride . . . moving from walking the floor early on, to eventually leading a powerhouse Crunch franchise group with over 100 locations.

Tony opens up about the value of hands-on leadership, the importance of ownership mentality at every level, and what it takes to scale through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We'll hear his candid thoughts on private equity partnerships, building resilient teams, and staying true to your brand identity in the face of rapid evolution. Plus, Tony shares his excitement about tackling hyper-competitive markets like Phoenix, rebranding Crunch for the next era, and why surrounding yourself with sharp, experienced minds is his secret weapon for success.

If you're passionate about scaling operations, navigating deal flows, learning what's involved when private equity jumps in, and more, this one is a must-listen.

When it comes to brand identity versus just pure imitation, Scrimale says, "Just because everybody else has something doesn't mean that we have to have it too. What does Crunch identify themselves at? We don't have to have everything, but the stuff that we do have, I wanna be great at!"

Key themes discussed

Ownership mentality and hands-on leadership
Transition from athlete to fitness entrepreneur
Relationship-driven vs. volume-based gym models
Scaling through private equity and acquisitions
Importance of team and infrastructure in growth
Staying true to brand identity and focus
Adapting to evolving industry and new markets

A Few Key Takeaways

Ownership Mentality at Every Level: Tony emphasized the importance of developing an "ownership mentality" regardless of your title or role. He highlighted that truly successful operators treat every inch of the business as their responsibility, from picking up trash in the parking lot to ensuring excellence in customer service. This mindset is essential not only for operational excellence but also for anyone aspiring to run or own a facility one day 09:43.
Scaling with Private Equity-Plan, Don't Just Grow: The conversation touched on the nuanced impact of bringing in private equity. While access to capital accelerates growth and reduces personal financial risk, Tony pointed out that maintaining a healthy balance between rapid expansion and operational capability is critical. He advised not to sacrifice infrastructure or culture for the sake of speed, warning against reckless acquisitions that don't align with the company's strengths or market strategy 17:46, 18:08.
Stick to Your Brand Identity & Don't Chase Every Trend: Scrimale explained how the temptation to mimic competitors or pursue every new trend can dilute a company's purpose and effectiveness. He stressed the importance of knowing what your brand stands for and investing in being the best at core competencies, rather than trying to be all things to all people, 22:33.
The Evolution of Health Clubs: From Personal to HVLP 3.0: Reflecting on industry changes, Tony described a shift from high-touch, relationship-driven gyms to high-volume, low-price models (HVLP), and now towards hybrid models with enhanced amenities. Success in a competitive environment, especially with sophisticated brands like Crunch, depends on the team's ability to quickly establish trust and differentiate through both service and offerings despite significantly less member interaction time 13:01, 15:06.
Choosing the Right Brand and Partners Fuels Growth: Tony highlighted how alignment between personal passion and brand identity fuels authentic leadership and better business performance. He also underscored the importance of selecting equity partners who support, rather than stifle, the vision and culture, citing positive experiences with North Castle and Sixth Street, who empower the management team rather than impose dramatic change 28:42.

For B2B executives and investors in the HALO sector, Tony's journey underscores the value of ground-up experience, maintaining focus in the face of rapid growth, and the critical role of both internal culture and external partners in scaling success.

Resources:

Tony Scrimale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-scrimale-54a44941
Crunch: https://www.crunch.com
Related episode: Future of Crunch: CR Fitness Expansion, Innovative Offerings, and Operational Strategy
Related episode: Keith Worts, CEO of Crunch
Related episode: Assaf Gal, Crunch Fitness Franchisee
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world's fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it's carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West.

From navigating linguistic debates (is it "padel" or "paddle"?), to the complexities of building courts, sourcing coaches, and attracting capital, Dario delivers an insider's perspective. He unpacks the differences between padel, pickleball, and tennis, the need for innovation in business models, and how communities in places like Spain can serve as a benchmark for what's possible.

Whether you're a fitness executive, an investor, or simply curious about what's next in the HALO sector, this conversation offers valuable insights on seizing opportunities in an industry at the very beginning of its American ascent.

On padel's cultural phenomenon, Dario states, "You have housing developments that instead of having a pool in the middle, they have padel courts with grills around them. People want to raise their kids around this sport."

Key themes discussed

Growth and adoption barriers of padel in the U.S.
Lack of standardized business models for padel facilities
Institutional capital vs. private investment in padel
Comparison of padel to pickleball and tennis
Spectator appeal and media presence of padel
Coaching shortages and challenges for talent development
Community-building and entrepreneurial ecosystem in padel

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Padel in the U.S. Is the New "Wild West": The American padel market is in a raw, unstructured phase with no set blueprint, governing body, or proven business model. This creates both uncertainty and a prime opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and new entrants looking to shape the industry's direction 05:15.

Barriers to Scale Differ From Pickleball: Unlike pickleball, which has low costs and minimal barriers to entry, building a padel facility is costly and complex, often ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per court, requiring municipal approvals, engineering, and expertise to build properly. These higher hurdles explain why institutional capital has not yet flowed into padel at the same pace, though private and venture investors are starting to show interest 07:09.
No Proven Facility Model . . . Yet: There's no consensus on the best facility model for padel. Operators are experimenting: some go premium with club-like amenities, others take a stripped-down approach by placing courts in urban spaces with minimal services. Ancillary income from food & beverage, social spaces, and wellness amenities are believed to be important, but no one model has emerged as consistently successful 16:01.
Lack of Coaches Is a Major Growth Bottleneck: One of the biggest constraints to padel's U.S. growth is the acute shortage of qualified coaches. Most have to be imported, which raises costs and complexity. There's an emerging focus on converting athletes from other racket sports, but true domestic, homegrown coaching talent will take years to develop 18:16.
Ecosystem Building Trumps KPIs at This Stage: For leaders like Dario, success is about catalyzing an ecosystem—getting more people passionate about padel, inspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to build complementary businesses, and spreading awareness. Traditional business metrics take a backseat to community creation and sport evangelism at this early stage 22:11.

Resources:

Dario Miceli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dario-miceli-padel-magazine
Padel Magazine: https://www.readpadelmag.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Rich Drengberg, CEO of EoS Fitness and a seasoned leader in the fitness industry. In a rare podcast appearance, Rich shares his journey from Gold's Gym SoCal to transforming EoS into a powerhouse of high-value, low-price gyms across the Sunbelt. Listeners will get an inside look at EoS's disciplined growth, the importance of industry relationships, lessons from private equity partnerships, and why knowing your brand's identity is crucial, straight from someone who's helped steer one of the fastest-growing health club chains in the country.

Whether you're an operator, investor, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights on building teams, scaling strategically, and staying ahead in a competitive landscape.

Regarding chosing the right partner when looking to sell, Rich states, "We were in a great situation when we went to market that we didn't have to sell, and we were able to kind of pick who we wanted to partner with. And it was an interview process both ways. And because of that, we were able to have our cake and eat it too."

Key themes discussed

Transition from Gold's Gym to EoS
Strategic and disciplined growth decisions
Importance of experienced teams and industry relationships
Private equity influence and operational mindset shift
Real estate strategy and anchor tenant positioning
Staying true to brand identity amidst trends
Partner selection and aligning with TSG for expansion

A Few Key Takeaways

The Power of Sticking to a Clear Identity: Staying true to the company's vision and brand identity was emphasized as vital for long-term success. EoS avoided "chasing every trend" and only adopted changes that matched their strategic direction, which helped them avoid diluting their brand and losing their core audience 25:23.
Disciplined, Focused Growth Strategies: EoS's growth was marked by a disciplined approach to new markets and acquisitions. Opportunities were critically evaluated, and only those fitting their model (right location, box size, and alignment with EoS values) were pursued. This sometimes meant saying "no" to enticing deals that didn't fit the vision 05:10.
Mentorship and Learning from Experience: Rich credited much of his development and EoS's success to mentors like Bob Giardina and Bruce Bruckman. Their guidance helped shift his mindset from operating a handful of gyms to building a scalable platform, and highlighted the importance of focusing on real estate and bigger picture growth rather than getting bogged down in minor operational optimizations 12:29.
Building Relationships is Key to Expansion: Entering new markets and securing prime real estate depended heavily on building trust and relationships with landlords, developers, and REITs. Early on, EoS was not the first choice for many landlords, but through perseverance and relationship-building, they became a preferred anchor tenant 15:28.
Industry Know-How Over Outsider Expertise: The episode stressed that having a team with deep industry experience ("gym rats" as described) was critical. EoS's management came from fitness, not coffee chains or hardware stores, enabling them to make better, faster decisions pertinent to the unique demands of the fitness business 17:26.
Rich Drengberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-drengberg-5923046/
EoS Fitness: https://www.eosfitness.com
Journey To A Billion Dollar Deal-2 Minute Financial Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQtaGUQIyxY
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pepe Jr., CEO of IGNITE Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Planet Fitness area developers and a second-generation leader in the health club industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in fitness entrepreneurship, with his father tracing back to the industry's early days, Joe shares his path evolving from a family-owned gym business to building one of the most successful Planet Fitness franchises in the country.

Pete and Joe also touch on how early risk-taking, embracing disruptive business models, and leveraging private equity fueled explosive growth from just a handful of clubs in Connecticut to over 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Joe also discusses the importance of company culture, strategies for scaling teams, the role of marketing, and the impact of industry partnerships, along with a look ahead at opportunities in acquisitions and market development.

On the topic of 'front desk to leadership' and the importance of investing in people, Pepe states, "There are so many stories of people that came in as a minimum wage, front desk worker and now have progressed three, four, five layers on. It's great to see, brings you a lot of joy to see people develop that are truly bought in and enjoy being part of something bigger."

Key themes discussed

Family legacy in health club industry
Early adoption of Planet Fitness model
Transition to private equity ownership
Franchisee network's role in best practices
Marketing strategies for continuous growth
Building and developing internal talent
Expansion through acquisitions and greenfield development

A Few Key Takeaways

Legacy and Early Adoption of Planet Fitness: Joe shared how his family were early movers in the Planet Fitness brand, converting legacy clubs into some of the first Planet locations in the early 2000's. Their willingness to switch from big-box gyms like World Gym and Gold's Gym to the Planet Fitness model positioned them as pioneers and benefitted from the new brand's explosive growth.
Scaling with Private Equity: He described the pivotal shift from a family-run operation to a private equity-backed enterprise. Bringing on investors enabled them to accelerate growth, hire specialized talent, and reach over 100 locations through both acquisitions and new builds, something not possible without significant capital and operational rigor.
Power of the Franchisee Network: This episode also highlighted how valuable the Planet Fitness franchisee network is for knowledge sharing and best practices. Regular meetings, councils, and conferences foster collaboration and have been instrumental for operators like Pepe to learn, share, and refine their approaches.
Continuous Investment in Marketing: A key component of Planet Fitness's success is relentless, ongoing marketing at both national and local levels. Planet does not throttle back on ad spending after grand openings, but instead works year-round to attract first-time gym goers and continue fueling growth, maintaining brand visibility and saturation.
Growth through M&A and Internal Talent Development: Joe discussed the increasing opportunities in acquiring independent gyms and legacy operators as a growth channel, emphasizing respectful integration and understanding of sellers' perspectives. Additionally, internal development and promotion, from front-desk to leadership, remain core values, creating a culture of advancement and loyalty.
Joe Pepe Jr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joepepe
IGNITE Fitness Holdings: https://www.ignitefh.com/
Planet Fitness: https://www.planetfitness.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Cricket Wardein, founder of Mighty Pilates, and Cat Martin, the company's CEO and longtime fan, to explore the explosive growth and evolution of their premium Pilates studio brand. Starting with a single location in San Francisco in 2009, Mighty Pilates has grown to 11 studios, with a 12th on the way, successfully combining authentic, high-quality Pilates instruction with a strong sense of community and innovative business strategies.

Listen in as Cricket Wardein and Cat Martin share the story of Mighty Pilates, discuss building a sustainable and inclusive fitness brand, and reveal how a commitment to instructor training and neighborhood-focused locations has helped them thrive in an ever-expanding wellness market.

On creating an inclusive fitness experience, Cat states, "We don't want technology to be the first thing someone sees when they walk in the door. We want it to be a smiling, welcoming face, a tour that takes you through the studio, a connection with a teacher that really understands how to move with your body."

Key themes discussed

Mighty Pilates' growth and expansion strategy
Importance of high-quality instructor training
Community-building and member experience
Intentional studio design and amenities
Pricing, market differentiation, and competition
Flexibility and local adaptation in scheduling
Balancing scale with operational excellence

A Few Key Takeaways

Purposeful, Gradual Growth: Mighty Pilates expanded slowly and intentionally, choosing quality over rapid expansion. The company started with two studios, focusing on perfecting the member experience before scaling up to eleven locations, with a twelfth in progress. This growth was largely funded by studio profits rather than external capital, underscoring a sustainable, disciplined approach 03:14.
Commitment to High-Quality Instruction: A core differentiator for Mighty Pilates is its rigorous teacher training program. Instructors must complete 400–600 hours before teaching classes, and the company runs six to seven training cohorts per year. This commitment ensures a consistently high-quality experience, especially compared to the much shorter certifications at some other studios 07:01.
Community and Inclusivity Drive Retention: The studios are designed to foster community, with intentional spaces for clients to connect before or after class. Efforts such as coffee and tea stations, happy hour events, and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere encourage members to spend more time at the studio, strengthening loyalty and satisfaction 21:02.
Flexible, Data-Informed Studio Operations: Each studio tailors its class schedule and offerings to its local community, rather than applying a cookie-cutter approach. This involves analyzing neighborhood-specific habits (e.g., peak hours relating to school drop-off or urban work schedules) and responding nimbly to market trends like demand for heavier weights or new class types 17:32.
Selective and Strategic Expansion: Site selection is highly curated: for every twelve locations considered, only one may be chosen. Factors go beyond typical financial models, with heavy emphasis on surrounding amenities, neighborhood fit, and long-term potential for building community and training pipelines. The company avoids mass franchising, preferring to fill key markets and cluster studios where they can truly embed themselves 25:17.

Resources:

Mighty Pilates: https://www.mightypilates.com
Cat Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catmartin
Cricket Wardein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cricket-wardein-90625b
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading."

Together, they dive into the science and practice behind offset loading, its demonstrated benefits in boosting strength and hypertrophy, and its potential to revolutionize fitness across diverse populations, from elite athletes to those with neuromotor conditions. The conversation also explores upcoming AI-powered equipment, patent approvals, published research, and how their approach challenges conventional wisdom in the strength and conditioning world. Tune in for insights on how this technique not only exposes and corrects physical asymmetries, but also enhances cognitive effort and neurological adaptation, setting a new standard for functional fitness.

On the viral potential of offset leading, LoDuca states, "We have so many verticals that we can now attack. We can attack general fitness, we can attack athletes, we can attack neuromotor conditions like early stage Parkinson's or MS. We can attack military training, and we can attack other potential cognitive diseases as well."

Key themes discussed

Origins of offset loading and company origin
Neurological and physiological benefits of offset loading
Offset loading's role in injury prevention and performance
Commercialization and patenting of new fitness equipment
Application of AI and metrics for personalized training
Offset loading for athletes, general population, and neurological conditions
Need for certification and industry education on offset methods

A Few Key Takeaways

Origins and Concept of Offset Loading: Offset loading originated from an exploration into methods that would expand the nervous system of athletes, particularly through randomization and contralateral training. This technique, which Dr. Seedman has practiced and refined for over a decade, involves using different weights on each side of the body to challenge both sides of the brain and improve performance and resilience in athletes 00:27.
Scientifically Proven Benefits: A study on offset loading in the bench press demonstrated its effectiveness, increasing strength by 36% and muscle size (hypertrophy) by 44% compared to traditional training methods. This provided measurable proof of offset loading's value beyond anecdotal experience 05:11.
Technology and AI Integration: Plans are underway to commercialize offset loading using patented machines with independent electromagnetic resistance motors and artificial intelligence. These machines will measure user asymmetry and automatically adjust resistance, aiming to both expose and correct muscular imbalances efficiently and safely 05:32.
Neurological Advantages: Recent research using EEG caps found that offset loading enhances connectivity between the sensory, motor, and cognitive brain areas, requiring increased cognitive effort and expanding the nervous system more than traditional, repetitive weightlifting 10:03.
Wide-Ranging Applications and Market Approach: Offset loading is not only beneficial for elite athletes but also has applications for general fitness, rehabilitation, neuromotor diseases (like early-stage Parkinson's), and military training. The team is developing both certification protocols for trainers and the specialized equipment, emphasizing the importance of education for widespread adoption in the fitness industry 07:35, 19:42.

Resources:

Dr. Joel Seedman: https://www.advancedhumanperformance.com
Sal LoDuca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatore-loduca-44394922
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome back to HALO Talks! In this episode, we're joined once again by Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC Gym, for another conversation that explores the evolution of the brand since his last appearance in May, 2019. (Link below.) Adam takes us behind the scenes on navigating the challenges of COVID-19, transitioning to a franchise-focused, asset-light business model, and expanding globally, with UFC Gyms now operating in 48 countries and growing.

You'll hear firsthand how strategic decisions protected both the UFC brand and its franchisees, why careful franchisee selection and capitalization are crucial, and how UFC Gym's new concepts, like boutique jiu-jitsu studios, are shaping the industry's future. Plus, Adam shares very candid advice for fitness entrepreneurs, his thoughts on brand partnerships, and what true community means inside—and outside—the gym doors. Whether you're a franchise veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with a ton of takeaways.

Key themes discussed

UFC Gym's global franchising strategy and expansion
Navigating COVID-19 financial challenges without bankruptcy
Franchisee support, training, and operational infrastructure
Introducing UFC Gym Jiu Jitsu boutique model
Importance of franchisee passion and capitalization
Opportunities for gym conversions and management partnerships
Synergies and potential for brand sponsorships in clubs

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Asset-Light, Franchise-Focused Strategy Post-COVID: The organization shifted from owning corporate gyms, creating significant rent and debt liabilities, toward an asset-light, franchise-centric model. Assets were sold to well-capitalized franchisees, and proceeds were used to pay off debt, allowing the company to emerge stronger post-pandemic 06:07.

Disciplined Franchisee Selection: Success in franchising is not just about expansion but about choosing the right partners. The best franchisees are both properly capitalized and deeply passionate about the brand and its mission. A lack of either capital or passion is a deal-breaker, and sometimes it's about connecting people who have both qualities 20:39.
Global Expansion & Diversified Models: The brand is now developing in 48 countries, opening nearly one new gym every week, and is on track to increase that pace. Performance is especially strong in larger 30,000-40,000 square foot models. Additionally, they've launched a low-capital UFC Gym Jiu Jitsu studio to serve smaller markets and new owner-operator franchisees, expanding their reach and appeal 06:23.
Operational Infrastructure and Automation: To scale effectively, automation, robust systems, and support infrastructure are essential. The company leverages tools like Club Connect, comprehensive CRMs, and AI to support franchisees, enabling even average teams to perform at high levels by following well-crafted operational manuals 17:41.
Potential and Practice of Facility Conversions: There is growing opportunity in converting existing, often underperforming, fitness facilities (sometimes with landlords becoming franchisees) into refreshed UFC Gym-branded locations. The model is flexible, allowing for such conversions and even management partnerships where the UFC Gym team operates facilities on behalf of landlord-owners 26:24.

Resources:

Adam Sedlack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsedlack
UFC Gym: https://www.ufcgym.com
Adam's first HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/adam-sedlack-president-ufc-gym (May 2019)
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, we welcome Nick Ovenden of GreatLIFE, an organization that has redefined community recreation in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. What began as a sort of "accidental" golf course acquisition has evolved into a network of six golf courses, 19 fitness centers, and a bowling alley, serving over 40,000 members within a 90-mile radius. Nick joins us to discuss the unique business model that blends fitness, golf, and family activities under one membership, fostering inclusivity and long-term member engagement.

Pete and Nick also dive into how their employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is shaping company culture and succession planning, the impact of combining recreational offerings on attrition, and GreatLIFE'S commitment to building community through partnerships and transparency.

When it comes to the recovery trends that were brought up in discussion, Nick states, "If you have not gotten on the workout recovery train yet, your time and your stop is now. You got to get these products in there before these workout recovery and spas end up saturating your market."

Key themes discussed

Combining golf, fitness, and bowling for family experiences
Membership structure: simplicity and inclusivity
Community partnerships and local business integration
Reducing attrition through varied activity options
Transparency in financials and business education
Board-driven decision-making post-ESOP transition

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Unique Multi-Activity Membership Model: GreatLIFE combines golf courses, fitness centers, and a bowling alley under a single membership structure. Members can choose between single, couple, or family plans and select either a Fitness Plus or Golf and Fitness Plus membership, aiming to keep things simple and all-encompassing. This approach fosters a stronger sense of community and encourages member retention by offering a broad range of activities for various interests and life stages.

Intentional Face-to-Face Member Onboarding: The organization has deliberately chosen not to use online sign-ups. Instead, all memberships are started in person to ensure that team members can fully explain their offerings and guide new members to the option best suited to their needs. This helps reduce attrition by keeping members engaged with new activities as their interests change. 09:04.
Low Attrition Rates Driven by Diverse Offerings: With multiple activities available like fitness, golf, pickleball, bowling, and group classes, members are less likely to leave since there is always something appealing. As a result, their annual member attrition rate is relatively low (about 30%), and staff turnover is also below industry averages 09:45.
Community Over Competition: GreatLIFE maintains close, non-competitive relationships with other local golf courses and fitness entities. Rather than trying to compete directly, they work together and even refer potential members elsewhere if their own services do not match a visitor's needs. This bolsters the overall community and reputation, benefiting everyone. 07:16.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) as a Succession Strategy: A key differentiator is the adoption of an ESOP for succession planning. This structure allows employees to gradually gain ownership stakes in the company, fostering long-term commitment and a sense of shared responsibility. The move also helps preserve the company's culture, aligning incentives and making employees more invested in the company's success. 10:55

Resources:

Nick Ovenden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-ovenden-8b047349
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness: https://joingreatlife.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks NYC! In this episode, in this episodes, host Pete Moore sits down with Vancouver-based fitness entrepreneurs Trevor Linden and Carl Ulmer to explore the fantastic growth behind Club 16 and She's Fit health clubs in British Columbia. From the early days of innovating women's-only fitness spaces to strategic brand evolution and ambitious expansion plans, Trevor and Carl share candid insights on adaptation, leadership, and building a values-driven organization.

They discuss how professional athletics translate to business, the increasing importance of inclusivity and wellness amenities, and what it takes to maintain a winning team culture in a rapidly changing industry. Whether you're a fitness operator, entrepreneur, or just curious how sports savvy shapes business success, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiration.

On building fitness communities for all ages, Trevor states, "One of the best things I saw was that we had a group of, I think they're 75 years old, they go for coffee at Tim Hortons and they come in for a workout and it was a, it was exactly what we wanted to see is that is, is bringing fitness to, making it accessible for people."

Key themes discussed

Evolution of women's-only fitness models
Brand alignment and personal reputation
Transition from defense to offense post-COVID
Facility upgrades and equipment trends
Diversity's impact on fitness offerings
Maintaining independence vs. partnering with private equity
Staff culture and leadership development

A Few Key Takeaways

Legacy of Adaptability and Innovation: Carl explained how his stepdad, Chuck Lawson, shifted from operating Gold's Gyms to pioneering women's-only fitness in British Columbia, launching Just Ladies Fitness, and later transitioning to the value-priced She's Fit brand when he noticed market trends shifting. Chuck exemplified never resting on success and continually adapting the business to meet evolving needs, which became a fundamental company value.
Authenticity in Leadership and Brand Alignment: Trevor described his careful assessment before putting his name on Club 16, emphasizing the importance of personal brand integrity and shared values with business partners. He insisted on active partnership rather than just lending his name for royalty, making sure his values and the company's vision matched.
Women's-Only Fitness is Booming: There is significant evidence of increasing demand and success in women's-only fitness spaces. Carl cited strong performance and expansion plans for She's Fit, attributing it to demographic diversity and a trend towards women seeking strength training and safer, private workout environments. Their locations are often at or over capacity, and new growth is a "no brainer."
Focus on Team and Culture Over Name Recognition: Both Trevor and Carl stressed that a brand name does not make a company successful; rather, it's the team and culture. They credit their deep bench of long-tenured employees, investing in people, and maintaining company values as key drivers of ongoing success, not just Linden's celebrity.
Growth Ambitions Are Grounded in Operational Discipline: The company has ambitious plans: aiming for 3 new She's Fit and 2 Club 16 locations annually starting in 2027, reaching about 41 locations by 2030. Despite increasing competition—including from private equity—they maintain operational independence, strong financials, and a preference for slow, quality-focused growth over rapid expansion for its own sake.

Resources:

Trevor Linden Fitness: https://www.trevorlindenfitness.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Richey Hansen, a former college athlete turned sports injury prevention clinic founder, coach, and now. . . venture investor. Drawing from his roots in the sports world and experience leading the Roots Running Project (a nonprofit that supports post-collegiate athletes) Richey talks about the unique dynamics of training groups, the benefits of nonprofit structures for athlete development, and his transition into the world of healthcare venture capital.

He goes on to discuss what it takes to evaluate and invest in early-stage companies, lessons learned from managing a portfolio of dozens of startups, and the ambitious mission behind his latest venture, Ola Capital, which is focused on closing the gap between healthspan and lifespan. Whether you're interested in athlete development, tech innovation in wellness, or the "behind the scenes" nuts and bolts of starting a venture fund, this episode has insights you won't want to miss.

When it comes to fundraising in today's private markets Hansen states, "Fundraising is obviously a challenge, especially in the current environment. And part of that is just the lack of liquidity that's occurred within private markets over the last couple years. It just leaves a lot of LPs still waiting for those liquidity events to occur so they could redeploy back into either new funds or new technologies."

Key themes discussed

Athlete-driven nonprofit model for developing post-collegiate runners
Challenges and strategies in raising investment funds
Evaluation criteria for early-stage health and wellness startups
Differences between nonprofit and for-profit sports organizations
Operational support for founders as a venture investor
Transition from sports rehab clinics to tech and investing
Healthy aging and longevity investment focus at Ola Capital

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Roots Running Project's Innovative Nonprofit Model: Hansen described the rationale behind structuring Roots Running Project as a nonprofit. This allowed for diverse funding sources, flexibility in athlete sponsorships, and greater support for post-collegiate athletes who might not initially qualify for top-tier brand sponsorships. The nonprofit format enabled more athletes to reach their potential without brand exclusivity constraints. 03:33

Value of Athlete Development Parallels Early-Stage Investing: Richey also drew parallels between supporting developing athletes and early-stage founders. Both require belief in potential, focus on character and drive, and the right kind of support without micromanagement. The operational approach in coaching athletes informed his perspective in nurturing founders as a venture investor. 11:18
Niche Venture Focus Yields Strategic Advantages: While at Revere, Hansen and his team leveraged deep industry relationships—particularly in oral health—to inform investment decisions. This provided unique "inside baseball" perspectives, helping to select companies likely to be adopted or acquired by partners in the space, and showing how specialized funds can offer significant value to both startups and investors. 13:53
Venture Fundraising Demands Long-Term Relationship Building: Raising a venture fund, especially in the current private market environment, is a long, relationship-driven process. Hansen detailed how the process for the $35 million Ola Capital fund relies on networks with founders, executives, medical experts, family offices, and athletes who share a passion for health, wellness, and longevity. Fundraising typically takes 12–36 months and hinges on trust, track record, and shared vision. 19:12
Ola Capital's Mission-Closing the Gap Between Healthspan and Lifespan: Ola Capital focuses on healthy aging, aiming to reduce the sizable gap in the U.S. between years lived and years lived in good health. Richey explained how the fund leverages elite athlete networks and clinical expertise to source, validate, and promote technologies that can support longer, healthier lives for all, not just elite performers. 22:21

Resources:

Richey Hansen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rthansen
Ola Capital: https://www.olacapital.vc
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with internationally renowned marketing expert John Dwyer, also known as JD, for a deep dive into proven direct response marketing strategies that deliver real ROI . . . no vague brand-building promises. Hailing from Australia and celebrated for his practical, results-oriented approach, Jack shares stories from his decades-long career, including how a simple contest formula brought hundreds of qualified leads to gyms at a fraction of the usual cost, and why creative incentives like vacation vouchers trump discounting your own services.

With anecdotes spanning from licensing Disney characters to orchestrating a bank campaign featuring Jerry Seinfeld, Dwyer reveals the nuts and bolts of incentive-based marketing, the mindset shifts needed to outpace the competition, the power of persistent idea generation, and the importance of a strong call to action. Whether you're running a gym, leading a fitness franchise, or simply want to sharpen your marketing acumen, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways from one of the industry's most persistent and inventive minds.

On viral gym incentives, Jack says, "Instead of giving up the first month membership, which of course every gym does, they replace that by saying, join my fitness center and I will give you a free vacation to Disney World, New York, Orlando, call the hotspots, and we give these vacation vouchers to them for $50."

Key themes discussed

Direct response marketing vs. traditional advertising
Incentive-based marketing to drive gym memberships
Cost-effective lead generation strategies
Using contests and giveaways for engagement
Leveraging licensing and brand equity
Importance of a strong call to action (CTA)
Adapting marketing for small and medium businesses

A Few Key Takeaways

Direct Response Marketing Over Traditional Branding: John emphasized a fundamental difference between his approach and that of traditional ad agencies: Instead of building brand love in hopes customers will eventually try the product, his strategy is to get people to try the product first so they fall in love with the brand later. Measurability and ROI are central, and "face on the side of a bus" advertising is dismissed for most businesses unless they're global giants like Coca-Cola or Nike (01:04).
Leveraging Incentives—"Happy Meal Toys" for Grown-Ups: A key to successful direct response marketing, especially in the fitness sector, is offering incentives unrelated to price discounting. Dwyer discusses "Happy Meal toy" strategies—low-cost incentives (e.g., vacation vouchers) with high-perceived value—that drive response and differentiate offers without eroding core business value (07:24).
Facebook Contests for Lead Generation: John shared a proven contest model for gyms and fitness centers: Run Facebook contests where prospects can win a 6- or 12-month membership. The vast majority who don't win remain red-hot leads for follow-up offers. Reported costs per lead are dramatically lower ($1–$5) than those from typical lead generation companies, with much higher volume and exclusivity of leads (04:03).
Powerful Call to Action is Critical: Five key elements to effective direct response are: (1) Identify the problem, (2) Aggravate it, (3) Provide a solution, (4) Offer proof (testimonials), and (5) End with a strong call to action (CTA). Dwyer noted most campaigns fail due to a weak CTA, underscoring the importance of an irresistible, incentive-based close (22:15).
Borrowing Equity from Big Brands & Trends: A recurring theme with John is "borrowing" the equity of established brands or cultural trends via licensing (e.g., Disney, Ninja Turtles) or celebrity endorsement (e.g., Jerry Seinfeld for a bank's ad campaign). This shortcut to consumer attention and trust can be particularly powerful for smaller enterprises when deployed wisely (13:28).
John Dwyer: https://theinstituteofwow.com/about
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jim Stallman, the driving force behind Eco Global Manufacturing, a multi-generational family business based in Providence, Rhode Island. From its humble beginnings in upholstery supply after World War II to a diverse portfolio spanning technical foams, medical supplies, playground equipment, and pet products, Eco Global's story is one of relentless innovation and American manufacturing pride.

Jim shares how the company evolved, their deep commitment to keeping production stateside, the strategic decision to move into direct-to-consumer brands, and the passion projects like Imagination Playground, which fosters imaginative, screen-free play for kids worldwide. Listen now for a conversation spanning everything from entrepreneurship, adaptation, and purpose-driven business that now spans playgrounds, pets, and beyond.

On listening to customers to drive innovation, Jim says, "When we listened to our customers, we adjusted the product by what they said, what they wanted, and then took that end product and threw it into a design award against . . . multimillion dollar playground installations like tens of millions versus our little playground set. We came in third!"

Key themes discussed

Family business history and evolution
Pivoting from original equipment manufacturing (OEM) to direct-to-consumer
American-made manufacturing advantages
Product innovation: Imagination Playground and Chew'ems
Marketing brands vs. contract manufacturing
Impact of screen time on children
Opportunities in health clubs and community spaces

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Legacy and Evolution of a Family Business: Jim shared the company's origins, starting from an upholstery supply business post-World War II, growing through decades of innovation in materials (including crosslink foams and open pore urethane), and pivoting strategies to remain viable in modern manufacturing (00:31 – 03:04).

Emphasis on American Manufacturing: The company made a deliberate decision to keep manufacturing and jobs in the U.S., even acquiring the Imagination Playground brand to prevent its relocation to China. This has become a point of pride and a significant marketing advantage, especially given supply chain challenges during COVID (04:00 – 09:12).
Vertical Integration and Brand Ownership: Shifting from an OEM supplier to owning and marketing their own brands (such as Imagination Playground and Chew Ems) has brought more direct control, creativity, and fulfillment, enhancing the company's agility and internal morale (05:47 – 11:18).
Play, Wellness, and Social Impact: Imagination Playground's open-ended play products are designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and inclusion among children. The company is dedicated to getting kids off screens and promoting healthy, active, social play, especially important in light of increased screen time and reduced face-to-face socialization due to COVID (16:37 – 20:21).
Opportunities with Health Clubs and Community Centers: There is untapped potential for partnerships with health clubs, YMCAs, and community organizations. Deploying Imagination Playground in these environments not only offers a valuable amenity for families but also aligns with broader missions of combating loneliness, obesity, and inactivity among youth (22:17 – 24:24).

Resources:

Jim Stallman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-stallman-1a7501281/
Eco Global Manufacturing: https://ecoglobalmfg.com
Imagination Playground: https://imaginationplayground.com
Chew Ems: https://www.chewems.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome back to HALO Talks. In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Alexander Tsiaras, founder of StoryMD and a pioneering force at the intersection of digital health and patient empowerment. From his roots as a DARPA programmer developing virtual surgery for astronauts and soldiers (!!) to raising over $55 million in grants and private capital, Alexander has dedicated his career to transforming healthcare data into a powerful, patient-centered narrative.

Together, they discuss the fractured landscape of medical records, the journey of building an AI agent that acts as your personalized primary care, and the impact of making complex medical data accessible and actionable. Tsiaras shares how this technology helped his wife during her cancer treatment and why turning data into stories is the key to thriving, not just surviving.

Whether you're an elite athlete, working through a health challenge, or passionate about wellness innovation, this conversation will change the way you think about your own healthcare journey.

When it comes to the frangmentation that goes on "behind the scenes" Tsiaras states, "Everything is fragmented and the individual has to actually cobble it all together. And the whole point is that all of these big electronic medical records and all the technologies . . .are all about billing and administration. No one is actually empowering a great athlete or a patient . . . They're going through the same thing, fragmentation, where they have to cobble all the information together for themselves."

Key themes discussed

Fragmentation of patient medical records and healthcare data
Empowering patients to own and understand their health journey
Storytelling approach to personal medical information
Use of HL7 coding for comprehensive data integration
AI agent as personalized primary care in your pocket
Monetization and responsible use of patient health data
Strategic partnerships for scaling and commercialization

A Few Key Takeaways

The Power of Personal Health Storytelling: Alexander emphasizes that understanding individual health requires more than statistics, it requires personal storytelling. By converting a patient's data into a narrative, users gain actionable insights and a stronger sense of agency over their wellness journey 01:19.
Fragmentation of Medical Records is a Major Issue: Through a personal example involving his wife's cancer treatment, Tsiaras highlights the fragmentation of patient data across multiple institutions and systems, which leads to a confusing and inefficient patient journey 02:05.
StoryMD Empowers Patients with Their Own Data: The digital platform is fully patient-focused. It enables individuals to import records from over 85,000 medical institutions, incorporate wearable and clinical data, and use an AI agent to interpret this data into a narrative that is understandable and actionable—all focused on the patient's unique journey 05:09.
Monetization Through Responsible Use of Data: While the import and basic interpretation of data is free, Alexander describes a model where the value comes from the quality and responsible monetization of anonymized data, with a focus on benefitting patients rather than exploiting their information 05:42.
The Future of Primary Care May Be in Your Pocket: StoryMD is evolving into a platform where an AI agent acts as a pocket-sized primary care resource, reviewing comprehensive and personalized health data to provide real-time, individualized advice, meeting a growing need as traditional primary care accessibility declines 15:20.

Resources:

Alexander Tsiaras: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandertsiaras/
StoryMD: https://storymd.com/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Tony Saxby, founder of W.O.L.F Fitness ("Workout Live Fierce") to explore his lifelong path in the HALO space. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) From humble beginnings as a teenage personal trainer at a local YMCA, through years of law enforcement, to building and scaling a unique community-centered gym franchise (that has attracted the attention of Dave Bautista), Saxby shares his philosophy for creating spaces that go far beyond four walls and equipment.

Discover how W.O.L.F differentiates itself from big-box competitors like Planet Fitness and Crunch by prioritizing community, elevated amenities, and grassroots engagement, and why Tony believes finding the right franchise partners is the key to sustainable success. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, fitness, or learning what it takes to build a genuine community, this episode promises valuable insights from the frontlines of gym innovation.

When Saxby opines on the truth about some franchise ownership situations, he pulls no punches. "One, they're often hyper-unaffordable for the regular person, you need like an investment group. Two, they're not really a gym. Their job is marketing. Their job is reselling you equipment every three to five years at full market while they're getting it for a lot less. That was something that we would never sign, my wife and I." Key themes discussed

Building community-centric gyms over traditional gym models
Challenges and lessons in franchising and selective growth
Differentiating W.O.L.F gyms from competitors on amenities and size
Importance of grassroots, local marketing and B2B partnerships
Flexible pricing structure based on regional real estate
Franchisee empowerment and fit for the W.O.L.F brand
Upgrading tech and CRM systems for scaling operations

A Few Key Takeaways

1.Community First, Gym Second: Tony emphasized that the W.O.L.F franchise is focused on building genuine community connections before building gyms. They prioritize engaging in grassroots efforts, fostering relationships with local businesses, and hosting regular open houses to embed themselves in neighborhoods. 14:09

Unique Franchise Approach and Accessibility: Unlike many fitness franchises, W.O.L.F aims for affordability and accessibility for regular individuals, not just large investment groups. Saxby's goal is to find "100 cool people" to run gyms defined by core values like honor, integrity, community, and commitment, rather than simply expanding numbers. 04:16
Selective Franchise Growth: Tony also talked about the hard lessons learned from early franchise expansion, admitting that saying yes to everyone led to some early failures. The brand has since become highly selective, investing in vetting and strong systems to ensure only the right people join. 05:19
Differentiation in the Market: W.O.L.F distinguishes itself from brands like Planet Fitness and Crunch not by undercutting prices, but by capping memberships for a better member experience, offering premium amenities (like red light therapy, cold plunge, and soon hyperbaric chambers), and (wisely!) resisting the race to the bottom on pricing.
Adaptability and Member Loyalty: The story came full circle with Saxby sharing examples of strong member loyalty, such as community support during COVID and gratitude over continual gym improvements. These reinforce W.O.L.F's commitment to being more than just a gym. It's very much a valued piece of members' daily lives. 21:54

Resources:

Tony Saxby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-saxby-b120982a3
W.O.L.F. Fitness: https://www.wolfgyms.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Matt Fornaro, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience, now dedicated to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. Having left the world of "big law," Matt brings invaluable insights into the legal challenges that new and growing companies face, everything from intellectual property and commercial leases, to the need for proper contracts and the pitfalls of relying solely on digital tools like AI for legal advice.

Listen now as Pete and Matt talk about building a solid legal foundation for your business, why cutting corners on agreements can cost you, and practical tips for working with franchisors, negotiating leases, and planning successful business exits. If you're an entrepreneur or looking to start a business, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid common legal mistakes and set your venture up for long-term success.

On why every entrepreneur should prioritize IP, Fernaro states, "If they're developing a brand or a product, they need to protect it as soon as possible because otherwise you put it out there, someone's going to take it and someone's going to appropriate it. So you always have to put into the budgetary process intellectual property protection, whether you're inventing something and you need a patent or you're coming up with an idea, a logo, a name, a website, and you need to trademark it."

Key themes discussed

Transition from big law to supporting entrepreneurs
Flat fee vs. equity-based legal compensation
Local startup ecosystem and incubators in Florida
Intellectual property importance and protection strategies
Operating agreements and legal document pitfalls
AI in legal practice and client document reviews
Franchise and commercial lease exit strategies

A Few Key Takeaways

1.The Importance of Tailored Legal Support for Entrepreneurs: Matt emphasized that startups and small businesses are often underserved by large law firms, which tend to focus on big corporations. He launched his own firm to specifically address the unique legal needs of entrepreneurs, offering more accessible and personalized support. 00:53. 2. Avoid Cutting Corners on Legal Agreements: Many entrepreneurs rely on generic or templated agreements pulled from the internet, which often fail to address their specific business structure or jurisdiction. Matt warns this is a critical area where cutting corners can result in significant problems down the line and stresses the need for an attorney-drafted document tailored to the business's and location's exact needs. 07:14.

Intellectual Property Should Be Prioritized Early: Fornaro consistently advises clients to prioritize protecting their intellectual property—whether that's patents, trademarks, or brand assets—as early as possible. Failure to do so risks others copying or commandeering unprotected ideas, trademarks, or products. 04:03.
AI is a Tool. It's Not a Replacement for Legal Experience: While Matt welcomes the use of AI for drafting and research, he emphasizes that ultimate legal judgment should come from a qualified attorney. AI-generated documents can be helpful for organizing ideas but often lack crucial nuance and legal specificity, especially across different jurisdictions. 11:08.
Planning for Exists in Franchising & Leasing: Negotiating franchise and commercial lease agreements up front is vital, particularly regarding succession or assignment clauses. Many entrepreneurs overlook assignment and exit provisions, leading to complications when they want to sell or transfer the business, sometimes finding themselves still liable for leases after selling. Proper legal guidance from the beginning can make future exits much smoother. 15:59.

Resources:

Matthew Fornaro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfornaro/
Fornaro Legal: https://fornarolegal.com/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks NYC! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Ashok Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of TheraNow, and talks about the future of telehealth and its impact on physical therapy. From humble beginnings and unique inspirations to the challenges of building a specialized tech-enabled service, Gupta discusses launching and scaling TheraNow alongside his wife and Co-Founder.

Together, they discuss bridging gaps in healthcare access with the power of virtual care, how technology is transforming patient assessment, and the innovative solutions they've brought to large hospital systems across the country. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship in health tech, the state of remote physical therapy, or how to foster seamless patient care in a changing landscape, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and inspiration.

On the reality of tech in healthcare Gupta states, "I do not try to disguise ourselves as a tech company, when at the end of the day, what we offer is a service which is our physical therapists, our clinicians, speech therapists, occupational therapists are providing care to the patient. That is what we are actually billing and getting them paid for."

Key themes discussed

Telehealth physical therapy origins and its necessity
Access to care and healthcare gaps
Technology and computer vision in remote PT
Partnership with hospitals and staffing solutions
Therapist onboarding, credentialing innovations
Quality of care and regulatory reimbursement

A Few Key Takeaways

Telehealth Physical Therapy Innovation: Ashok shared how TheraNow was founded to address the issue of greater access to physical therapy care, especially for those living far from clinics. By leveraging telehealth and building a proprietary technology platform, TheraNow can extend quality care remotely, removing barriers tied to geography and physical clinic capacity. 00:41 2. Advanced Use of Computer Vision: Rather than relying on hardware sensors, TheraNow uses computer vision and AI via a regular webcam to assess patient movements, allowing therapists to evaluate functional motion and prescribe therapy without requiring specialized equipment. This improves accessibility and simplicity for patients. 09:25
Flexible and Scalable Therapist Network: TheraNow has configured its network of 400+ therapists to flexibly meet state-by-state requirements, employing both W2 and 1099 models. The business uses technology not only in care delivery but also to vastly speed up hiring and onboarding: what once took 14 days is now accomplished in 12 hours thanks to an asynchronous software platform. 12:18
Consistency and Quality of Care: Patients matched with a TheraNow therapist can expect to continue with the same clinician throughout their episode of care, which addresses a common pitfall in traditional physical therapy settings. The company exclusively employs highly trained therapists (Doctor or Masters of Physical Therapy) to maintain quality, and internal clinical data shows outcomes are as good as, or better than, in-person care. 18:28.
Bootstrap Success Story and Hospital Focus: TheraNow was started by Ashok and his wife (also a Doctor of Physical Therapy) and was largely bootstrapped or funded by family and friends. The company grew to profitability and now serves hospitals as its primary customers, filling a crucial gap for large systems with more patients than physical locations or clinicians can handle. 20:36

Resources:

Ashok Gupta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ashok-gupta-dpt-2b5a7023
Theranow: https://theranow.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Sam Circh, founder of Watch Me Move NYC, a unique non-profit program dedicated to bringing movement and fitness experiences to thousands of children across Manhattan. Sam shares his path from volunteering at Genesee Valley Rotary Camp in Rochester, New York to pioneering adaptive and early childhood fitness in the city.

Pete and Sam discuss the challenges and successes of creating inclusive programs for kids who don't always fit into traditional sports, building community-based activities, and the importance of fostering confidence and core strength in young people. Whether it's transforming public parks into playful, safe spaces or collaborating with schools and local organizations, Sam's commitment to child development and accessible fitness shines throughout.

When it comes to more unconventional fitness options for kids, Circh states, "Just seeing that most of the fitness outlets for kids are specifically for sports . . . if there's somebody in between, there's not really too many options for a kid to move in a fun and safe environment. So I started Watch Me Move."

Key themes discussed

Special education and adaptive education experience
Youth fitness and inclusive movement programs
Importance of relationships and community building
Challenges accessing space and facility partnerships
Need for non-competitive, safe movement options
Growth of Watch Me Move programs in NYC
Impact of Genesee Valley Rotary Camp on community

A Few Key Takeaways

1.The Power of Early Volunteer Experience: Sam credits an early experience volunteering at Genesee Valley Rotary Camp for special needs in Rochester as a pivotal moment in shaping his career path toward special education and adaptive fitness, noting, "I kept going back and kept going back and that was 20 years ago. I've only missed one summer in 20 years." 01:10.

Creating Inclusive Movement Spaces for Kids: Seeing a lack of fitness options for children outside of traditional sports, especially for those who might not fit into standard teams, Circh founded Watch Me Move, which focuses on creating fun, safe movement environments for all children, including those needing extra support. 03:13. 3. The Need for Community and Flexible Space: Securing space is one of the main growth challenges. Sam emphasizes that having access to reliable facilities . . . either through partnership or permanent arrangements—could help scale the program and serve more families, saying, "If I have the space, the kids will come." 06:36. 4. Focus on Functional Movement and Core Strength: There's a strong focus on helping kids develop core strength and basic movement skills, rather than emphasizing sports performance, noting, "A lot of the kids in New York City, just core strength is missing from a lot of the kids." 09:38.
Importance of Community and Positive Experiences: Throughout his work, Sam also stresses the importance of community and making children feel good about themselves, quoting Maya Angelou: "All people remember is how you make them feel," and making that a touchstone of his approach. 20:44.

Resources:

Sam Circh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-circh-5253b386
Watch Me Move: https://www.watchmemove.org
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Jody Merrill, founder of btone fitness, to explore her path from speech therapy to building a thriving Pilates-based studio business in Boston. Merrill shares some candid stories of personal reinvention, the inspiration that led her to launch btone, and the challenges of navigating the fitness industry . . . including how she leverages her unique background to cultivate strong teams and authentic connections.

From opening her first location using funds she inherited and a bathroom read of "Franchising for Dummies," to expanding through a thoughtful franchise model that prioritizes culture and unit economics, Merrill discusses the growing pains and lessons learned on her path to multi-location success. She provides solid, actionable insights on building community, choosing locations, and maintaining integrity while scaling while (clearly!) maintaining a fantastic sense of humor. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, fitness, or turning life's curveballs into new opportunities.

On redefining success through just simple human connection, Jody says, "To me, whenever I thought of success, it was just like being happy at what you were doing, and doing it like the best you could do it. I was always this kind of jack of all trades, master of none. I wanted to learn a little bit of everything and just dabble and understand how things worked. But ultimately, I was a communicator and a people person . . . and as long as you can connect with people, that's really what we're in the business of doing."

Key themes discussed

Founding btone after personal experience with Pilates
Transition from speech therapy to fitness entrepreneur
Challenges and opportunities in studio expansion
Importance of core strength and injury prevention
Franchising journey and decision-making process
Building community and team-focused culture
Unit economics and thoughtful franchise growth

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Personal Journey Led to Business Creation: Jody transitioned from speech therapy to fitness entrepreneurship after personal experiences with endurance sports injuries and a transformative Pilates class in San Diego. Her path emphasizes how personal challenges and interests can spark business ideas.

The Importance of Unit Economics: Unlike some franchise concepts that expand prematurely, Pete notes that Jody's btone had proven unit economics before scaling through franchising, ensuring stability and viability for new locations.
Franchise Growth Driven by Community: The majority of btone franchisees are former clients or instructors, which has led to a strong sense of community, loyalty, and brand understanding. This organic growth has minimized the need for aggressive advertising and upfront sales pitches.
Strategic Approach to Expansion: Jody stresses the importance of location and patience, preferring to freeze expansion periodically to focus on quality over quantity. She advocates for walking locations and waiting for the right real estate rather than rushing openings.
Core Principles: "Don't Be a Dick" and Adaptability: Jody shares two key philosophies: Treat people well ("Don't be a dick!"), and always evaluate what got you to the current point to evolve for the future ("What got us here won't get us there.") She also encourages comfort with feedback and resilience . . . critical attributes for franchisors and trainers.

Resources:

Jody Merrill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-merrill-66bb11170/
btone: https://www.btonefitness.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Garrett Salpeter, founder of NeuFit, for a conversation about breakthrough technologies in injury recovery and nervous system stimulation. Salpeter shares his personal journey from college hockey player facing disappointing traditional rehabilitation, to discovering the power of functional neurology and direct current devices that changed his trajectory, and helped heal his own injuries without surgery.

Diving deep into the science, Garrett explains how NeuFit's Neubie device leverages neuro-bioelectric stimulation to restore function, accelerate rehab, and, in some cases, deliver rapid results for athletes and weekend warriors alike. The discussion explores the latest on how electrical, magnetic, and light energies impact the body, why nervous system re-education is a game-changer for recovery, and how the device is reshaping protocols for everyone from post-op patients to those suffering with chronic pain.

Tune in to hear real-world success stories, the business of bringing new medical technology to over 400 clinics, and what's next for this rapidly growing field. If you're interested in workout recovery, new innovations, and helping people get back to peak performance faster, this is a must-listen.

On the evolving importance of rehab after surgery, Garrett says, "There was, even in the time of my own career in the last 15 to 18 years, when many surgeons had the mindset of, 'I did the important part, the surgery's done, what you do after that doesn't really matter. It's going to be the same no matter what you do.' Now I think the pendulum has swung . . . to a much more appropriate understanding of, 'Hey, the rehab that you do afterwards has a huge impact on the overall outcome, and the ability to reduce the risk of reinjury and get back to higher levels of perform— or similar levels of performance.'"

Key themes discussed

Garrett's injury and foray into neuro-recovery technology
Differences between light, magnetic, and electrical healing modalities
How the Neubie device accelerates functional recovery
The nervous system's role in healing and performance
Common injuries and conditions addressed by Neubie technology
Collaboration and acceptance from traditional medical professionals
Business model and adoption in clinics and fitness facilities

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Personal Experience Led to Innovation: Garrett shared how his disappointing experiences with traditional injury recovery as a college hockey player sparked his journey into functional neurology and, ultimately, his mission to develop better healing technologies. His own recovery from a serious ligament injury, where alternative approaches helped him avoid surgery, was a pivotal moment in his career.

Direct Current & Nervous System Focus: The NeuFit technology, specifically the Neubie device, is built on leveraging direct current electrical stimulation to work with the body's nervous system, rather than just targeting the muscles themselves. This creates a fundamentally different and, as Salpeter argues, more effective pathway for recovery and functional restoration.
How It Works: The device is used to "map" the body, helping identify neurological hotspots, areas where the nervous system isn't responding well due to injury or chronic compensations. The device stimulates these target areas, helping restore proper neuromuscular function, which often results in large, rapid improvements in mobility and pain reduction.
Broad Applications, Rapid Results: While the tech can help with a wide range of issues—from acute sports injuries and surgeries to chronic pain and even neurological problems, it excels at accelerating recovery. Garrett provided examples, including high-profile athletes who experienced significant breakthroughs after stalling in traditional rehab.
Integration with Mainstream Rehab & Business Model: The tech is currently used in hundreds of clinics, and Salpeter noted that the medical community has become more accepting and collaborative, especially as proof mounts of improved recovery outcomes. Clinics can either purchase or lease the device, and the model is designed to deliver strong client results, engagement, and retention through visible, rapid progress.

Resources:

Garrett Salpeter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-salpeter-a860ab4
NeuFit: https://www.neu.fit/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Chris Mirabile, founder of NOVOS, for an inspiring conversation about the science of longevity, the importance of preventative health, and the journey from personal health crises to building an impactful company in the supplement space. Chris shares his compelling story of surviving a brain tumor at age 16 which launched his lifelong passion for optimizing long-term health, and reveals how that experience shaped his unique view on wellness and aging. The conversation goes into the challenges of building credibility in a noisy market, and the rigorous scientific process (and team) behind NOVOS' approach.

Expect to hear insights on biological aging versus chronological age, the steps NOVOS takes with clinical trials and advisory board selection, strategies for building a mission-driven company, and how to stay authentic amid the wellness industry's hype.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a health enthusiast, or just curious about the future of aging, this episode offers a blend of personal conviction, actionable business advice, and leading-edge science.

Regarding a recent Mayo Clinic endorsement Chris says, "Some of the practitioners, including the head of longevity medicine at Mayo Clinic Arizona said, 'I want to recommend this to my patients. I want it readily available at the Mayo Clinic store.' So that, that is something that is really symbolic."

Key themes discussed

Personal journey inspiring longevity focus
Evolution of health terminology: Wellness, anti-aging, longevity
Human psychology, short-term vs. long-term health goals
Building a respected scientific advisory board
Competition in the longevity and supplement industry
Scientific validation and clinical trials for NOVOS
Measuring and reducing biological age with epigenetic tests

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Personal Health Crisis Sparked a Lifelong Passion: Chris shared how being diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 16 completely reshaped his outlook on health, shifting his priorities from aesthetics and performance to long-term health, disease avoidance, and optimal well-being.

The Language of Longevity Matters: Both Pete and Chris discussed the evolution of words used in the industry. Mirabile isn't a fan of "anti-aging," and prefers "longevity," emphasizing a holistic, forward-looking approach to health focusing on long-term outcomes rather than quick fixes.
Bridging Science and Supplements with Credibility: Chris described how NOVOS set itself apart by investing years into R&D, building relationships with renowned scientists (like Dr. George Church), and producing clinical trials for their products, standing in contrast to the more hype-driven supplement companies.
The Importance of Short-term and Long-term Benefits: A key insight Chris stressed is that compliance is crucial. NOVOS products are formulated to offer both immediate benefits (so users feel a difference) and actual long-term health impacts, supporting both "healthspan" and "lifespan."
Biological Age Testing and Results: NOVOS offers an epigenetic biological age test called Novos Age, which Mirabile says is one of the most scientifically grounded tools available. Initial data suggests that consistent use of NOVOS supplements can help users "slow down" or even reduce their biological aging rate.

Resources:

Chris Mirabile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismirabile
NOVOS: https://novoslabs.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jessica and Damien Zouaoui, the husband-and-wife team behind Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver, Colorado. They started in New York City, where feeling professionally unfulfilled, they decided to quit their corporate jobs, sell everything, and head off on a 14-month adventure across 25 countries looking for a unique business idea! Along the way, they experienced beer spas in the Polish Alps, social wellness spots in South Korea and Japan, and quickly realized Americans were missing out on these accessible, communal wellness concepts.

Jessica and Damien talk about how their love for hospitality and wellness merged with their analytical approach to create Oakwell Beer Spa, a modern, science-backed spa experience where hydrotherapy baths infused with hops and barley offer real holistic benefits.

From navigating the challenges of getting funding and finding the right city, to making the spa inclusive for both men and women and designing it for scalability, their story is packed with insights for entrepreneurs and wellness enthusiasts alike. Listen as Pete unconvers how the team turned Oakwell into a thriving business and how they're now preparing to franchise the concept across the U.S.

When it comes to the number one question they get Jessica states, "Just for everyone that's listening, you don't actually bathe in beer! That is the number one question that we get. So we're not pouring a PBR Coors into a tub! The water, it's hydrotherapy that's infused with hops, malt, and then we have different herbal blends."

Key themes discussed

Entrepreneurial journey and world travel for inspiration
Origin and concept of the Oakwell Beer Spa
Adapting global wellness experiences for the U.S. market
Avoiding gimmicks and focusing on real wellness benefits
Overcoming funding and commercial space challenges
Importance of corporate job experience for entrepreneurship
Scaling strategy: Franchising versus corporate-owned locations

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Beer Spa Origin Story: Jessica and Damien talked about how their entrepreneurial path began in New York City, where they found themselves unfulfilled in corporate jobs. Their decision to quit, travel to 25 countries, and search for a unique business idea culminated in the creation of Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver, a fusion of hospitality, wellness, and their love for beer, inspired by spa concepts encountered during their travels.

Beer Spa Concept. More Than a Gimmick: They emphasized that Oakwell Beer Spa is not a "bathe in beer" gimmick. The hydrotherapy bath infuses water with hops and malted barley (key beer ingredients), which have legitimate wellness benefits; Hops offers a relaxing aromatherapy effect, and barley nourishes the skin much like an oatmeal bath. They collaborated with herbalists to develop various infusions to address different wellness needs.
Intentional Market Selection & Adaptation: After researching, they chose Denver for its beer and wellness-centric culture, affordable costs, and manageable competition. Their approach was deliberate: Bring in a global wellness trend to the U.S., but adapt it to local tastes and legal considerations, ensuring the business would be scalable and not just a novelty.
Overcoming Entrepreneurial Hurdles: Their story is a lesson in persistence. Despite pitching to over 40 banks and being turned down due to the unproven nature of their concept, they eventually secured funding through city-backed small business loans and nonprofit lenders. They also faced real estate challenges due to the city's low vacancy rates and potential landlords' skepticism about an unproven concept.
Scalability and Franchise Vision: From the beginning, their goal was to scale. After perfecting their concept with two corporate-owned locations, they began preparing for franchising—refining operations, training systems, and brand standards to ensure consistency.

Resources:

Jessica Zouaoui: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfrench10
Damien Zouaoui: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienzouaoui/
Oakwell Beer Spa: https://www.oakwell.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where Pete Moore sits down with Angel Olavarria, founder of Strive mens skincare, and cosmetic chemist from Forest Hills, Queens. Angel reflects on his journey from a career in sales to becoming an entrepreneur in men's skincare. He reflects on the idea that people tend to attribute positive attributes to others who are very attractive, inspired him to dig deeper into self-presentation, which eventually led him down the path of skincare science.

Angel discusses the often confusing (and slightly sometimes sketchy) world of men's skincare, his hands-on approach to developing formulas, and the importance of using the proper amount of evidence-based ingredients. He also opens up about the process behind launching his business, staying true to his principles, and building a brand that values authenticity over flashy marketing tricks.

It doesn't matter if you're interested in men's skincare or not. What is key here are the lessons Angel has learned as he continues to (rapidly!) scale Strive. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or even seasoned business owner and are looking for fresh insights into building a thoughtful and impactful brand, this episode offers a candid look at balancing passion, discipline, and business in today's competitive market.

Key themes discussed

Journey from sales to skincare entrepreneurship
The complexity and science behind truly effective skincare
Importance of authenticity and principles in entrepreneurship
Product development: Balancing simplicity and efficacy
Marketing strategies: Digital, SEO, and sampling challenges
Pricing, margins, and growth without sacrificing values

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.The Power of Skincare for Personal Branding: Angel shared how men's attention to self-care and skincare can enhance the tendency for people to attribute positive qualities to those who appear attractive and well-groomed. This observation sparked his journey into men's skincare and eventually founding Strive.

Authenticity in Entrepreneurship: He stressed how he builds his business on strong principles, refusing to compromise quality or add unnecessary complexity to men's routines. He wants Strive to be genuinely useful, not just another product pushed by aggressive marketing.
Science-Backed Formulations vs. Marketing Gimmicks: The chat also highlighted the importance of using ingredients with proven efficacy, like niacinamide or retinol, both backed by decades of research. Olavarria pointed out that many competitors focus on trendy but unproven plant extracts, often prioritizing marketing narratives over results.
Lean Operations and Smart Growth: Angel explained how he handles most of his business personally, takes advantage of contractors and US-based suppliers, and leverages technology (like AI) to stay nimble. He emphasized starting with fewer SKUs and growing thoughtfully to avoid complexity and inefficiency.
Philosophy of Continuous Improvement and Authentic Brand Building: The brand name "Strive" embodies the drive to always work toward something and improve. Angel wants the brand to inspire men to strive, not just for looks, but for personal growth. He also values authentic ambassador relationships, only working with those who genuinely connect to his products.

Resources:

Angel Olavarria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelolavarriajr
Strive Skincare: https://www.striveskin.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this new episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with David Appel from KORB Health to dive into the rapidly evolving world of GLP-1s, fitness, and clinical care integration. Pulling from his experience as a longtime coach-turned-operator, Appel talks about the genesis of KORB and how they're working to bridge the gap between telehealth, health clubs, and innovative weight loss solutions. They bring up marketing strategies that connect with new demographics, the challenges and opportunities of GLP-1 programming, and the importance of education for both fitness professionals and their clients.

If you're curious about the future of fitness, medical wellness, and how health club operators can leverage these advancements to better serve their members, this one is a must-listen.

Regarding the role of provider relationships in weight loss success: "Through this provider relationship they're not going to ramp up the drug just to get the weight loss if you're not doing any of the other parts to help with it . . . because otherwise you're just going to end up feeling sick, because you have too much of the medication going on, your body isn't going to be able to adapt."

Key themes discussed

Integration of GLP-1 therapies with fitness and clinical care
Marketing challenges for GLP-1 workouts in health clubs
Creating specialized programming for GLP-1 users
Partnerships between telehealth platforms and health clubs
Addressing stigma and privacy for GLP-1 medication users
Effects of GLP-1 on muscle strength and aging
Education and training for trainers on GLP-1 protocols

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.New Approaches to Programming & Marketing: David emphasizes the importance of offering low-impact, accessible workout programs for people on GLPs. However, clubs should avoid overtly labeling classes as "GLP Workouts" to spare members any stigma, instead designing inclusive, beginner-friendly options. The success comes from blending with existing offerings and focusing on education and engagement.

Partnerships and Revenue Sharing: Appel explains that KORB partners with established fitness chains like InShape Family Fitness, using marketing agreements involving SMS, email, and in-club signage. They've seen successful campaigns, with up to 3% penetration in club populations through integrated services and revenue share models.
Importance of Ongoing Support and Telehealth: KORB Health provides telehealth care without long-term contracts or membership fees. Members get virtual consultations and ongoing support, leading to better retention and more effective weight loss compared to drop-shipped, no-support solutions. The personal provider relationship is critical to sustainable results.
Market Challenges and Opportunities: The industry is still the "Wild West" with many low-cost and questionable suppliers. David stresses the importance of using vetted providers and compounding pharmacies. He believes health club operators should see GLP integration as an opportunity, not a threat, to grow their business and deliver improved outcomes for their members.

Resources:

Dave Appel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-appel-8211305
Korb Health: https://www.korbhealth.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! On today's Fast Break, host Pete Moore catches up with Erika Wasser, Co-Founder of Prospr. This is Erika's second appearance on the pod, her first being back in 2020. (Link below to the full episode.)

Wasser has been on a mission to streamline club and studio operations for years, tackling the challenge of consolidating disparate tools into one seamless platform. She shares some exciting updates about how Prospr has evolved into an enterprise-level solution, now integrating with major platforms like Awardco, Mariana Tek, and Mindbody, with more on the horizon.

She also touches on why a lot of businesses are switching over to her solution. Mainly it's because of its power to consolidate multiple management tools and create operational consistency across. She mentions tons of new features like auto-routed ticketing, robust operational checklists, AI-powered scheduling, and bilingual communications, all designed to make life easier for managers and frontline staff.

As always, Erika brings her trademark wisdom and humor ("If you're an entrepreneur, prep your liver!") offering candid advice for fellow entrepreneurs about patience and perseverance. Listen now to hear how Prospr is transforming the way studios and clubs operate.

Resources:

Erika Wasser: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-wasser-b7176817
Prospr: https://prospr.work/
Erika's first HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/erika-wasser-co-founder-prospr-at-work/
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore reconnects with longtime friend and real estate industry veteran Jeff Roseman, Vice Chairman at Newmark and previous guest. (Podcast #151. Link below.) Together, they dive into the surging demand for fitness and wellness tenants in New York City, discussing how the HALO space has helped revitalize the retail and office markets.

Jeff shares insider perspectives on landlord-tenant dynamics, the nuances of leasing deals—including the New York-centric "good guy clause"—and the importance of understanding market economics. The conversation covers emerging concepts, evolving tenant rep strategies, and the exciting growth of new brands shaping the city's HALO landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned operator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what's driving NYC's commercial real estate trends, this episode is packed with practical insights, some fun anecdotes, and a bullish outlook on the future of in-person fitness and retail.

On the good guy clause Roseman says, "The good guy guarantee is just you basically guaranteeing that you're going to stay in the space, you're guaranteeing that you're going to pay rent, and if business is terrible and you have to leave, you just hand back the keys . . . because getting the keys back from a delinquent tenant can take a year, if not longer. And that really screws everything up."

Key themes discussed

Surge in fitness/wellness tenants in NYC real estate.
Landlord flexibility with new fitness concepts and brands.
Importance and explanation of the Good Guy clause.
Tenant support: Financial guidance and market understanding.
Shifts in lease terms, rents, and office building resets.
Notable fitness/wellness brands landlords favor recently.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Fitness & Wellness Tenants Are Booming in NYC: Jeff mentions that fitness and wellness tenants in NYC surged by 40% year-over-year. The variety of brands—from Pilates to high-intensity and recovery concepts—highlights a vibrant, evolving landscape that's energizing the local commercial real estate market.

The HALO Sector Has Been a Lifeline for Commercial Real Estate: Fitness, wellness, and associated businesses have played a crucial role in making office buildings more attractive post-pandemic. Amenities like fitness centers, healthy cafes, and wellness offerings are now seen as vital for drawing people back to workspaces, not just traditional banks or drugstores.
Landlord-Tenant Dynamics & the Role of Good Guy Guarantees: Pete and Jeff also talk about the "unique" structure of New York City leases, especially the use of the "good guy" guarantee. This provision allows independent operators flexibility to exit a lease without ongoing liability if things don't work out, while big national chains with strong credit are typically held to stricter long-term obligations.
Site Selection Is About More than Just Rent and Buildout Costs: Roseman emphasizes the importance of understanding market dynamics, competition, and location history—not just the physical space or potential cost savings from a previous tenant's buildout. Success comes down to execution, market insight, and a thorough understanding of what makes a site (and business model) viable.
The Resilience of In-Person Retail and Fitness: Despite predictions that online shopping and the pandemic would devastate brick-and-mortar retail and fitness centers, Jeff Roseman is bullish on the future. In-person experiences—whether for workouts, wellness, or shopping—are proving essential, and new, creative concepts continue to drive the city's vibrancy.

Resources:

Jeff Roseman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreydroseman
Jeff's prior HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/jeff-roseman-vice-chairman-newmark-knight-frank
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this Fast Break, HALO sector veteran Jay Shoates put forward some powerful ideas on building fitness businesses that serve both professionals and the local community, as well as the importance of always learning and adapting.

Some key takeaways:

Agility in Business: The HALO sector isn't one-size-fits-all. Jay emphasized the importance of being agile, exploring different roles from facility operations to consulting to ensure full utilization and holistic contribution to the industry.
Community Connection: Success isn't defined by facility size, but by the value you provide and your connection to the community. As Jay puts it, "You have to be in some form a servant of your community in order for your community to come service you."
Consistency and Lifelong Learning: Whether managing a boutique gym or expanding to a 30,000 square foot facility, consistent service and a commitment to ongoing learning (Jay is still eager for more with the HALO Academy!) remain the foundation for sustainable growth.

If you're in the HALO space, these are words to live by . . . and build by!

Resources:

Jay Shoates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-shoates-227348108/
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Hunter Ziesing, founder of Longevity Health, to dive into the rapidly chaing volving world of preventive health and personal wellness data. Bringing decades of experience from Wall Street, athletic pursuits, and nonprofit work, Hunter shares his inspiration for moving into longevity and healthspan solutions after seeing friends and family struggle with preventable health issues.

He discusses Longevity Health's mission: Democratizing access to clinical-grade health data and AI-driven recommendations. . . basically what elite practitioners charge six figures for, made accessible to the masses. Learn about how he aims to empower individuals to truly own their health data, integrate information from wearables and medical tests, and leverage AI for personalized action.

This episode also explores the business of building scalable solutions, collaborating with fitness chains, and balancing the desire to revolutionize public health with mindful entrepreneurship.

On affordable (preventative!) health care for all, Zasing states, " My mission is to really give people the Peter Attia. You know. . .what he charges $150,000 for, for as little as 30 cents a day."

Key themes discussed

Leveraging personal health data for prevention and longevity
AI integration in health management and recommendations
Consumer ownership and use of health data
Partnerships with fitness clubs and labs for testing
Transition from nonprofit to for-profit health ventures
Scaling health platforms through technology and collaborations
Challenges and vision for democratizing preventive healthcare

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Data-Driven Personalized Health is the Future: Hunter is building a platform (Longevity Health) that brings together personal health data—from wearables, medical records, blood tests, and more—to help guide individuals in preventative health and wellness. His mission is to democratize access, offering "Peter Attia-level" insights at an affordable price.

Behavior Change is Achievable and Measurable: Through previous ventures like the national cycling series supporting Livestrong, and his work at Paceline, Hunter demonstrated that motivating people with goals, teams, and rewards (even as simple as a dollar for hitting your heart rate target) can create real, lasting behavior change.
AI-Powered Recommendations Enhance Preventive Care: The company is beta testing an AI engine that analyzes your consolidated health data, gives personalized recommendations, and will eventually act almost like a virtual doctor. For now, a human clinician still reviews and oversees the AI's conclusions, ensuring safety and accuracy.
Consumer Ownership Over Health Data is Key: Both Ziesing and Pete discuss the importance of individuals owning their own health data. Regulatory shifts (even tech giants like Apple and Google are getting behind this) are beginning to empower consumers, rather than siloing data within companies.
Partnerships and Integrations Will Drive Scale: Rather than trying to own every piece of the ecosystem, Hunter emphasizes the strategy of partnering with gyms, health clubs, and existing testing providers. The vision is to make Longevity Health the connective "last mile" that ties together disparate data to deliver actionable insight—potentially white-labeling the tech or integrating with large fitness chains for scale.

Resources:

Hunter Ziesing: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterziesing/
Longevity Health: https://www.longevityhealth.me/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Chris Rotondi, franchisee of a Serotonin Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. From his early days as the 13th employee at Shift4 to his foray into the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space, Chris talks about his entrepreneurial path and passion for biohacking, longevity, and helping others transform their lives.

Listen now as Pete and Chris discuss the hard truths behind starting and scaling a HALO business, the importance of authentic local marketing, and the unique advantages (and sometimes challenges!) of joining a strong franchise network.

Whether you're interested in the business side of wellness, new trends in anti-aging, or just enjoy hearing candid stories from the front lines of entrepreneurship, this episode delivers plenty of insights and takeaways. (And if you missed it, we interviewed Seratonin Center CEO Eric Casaburi a while back. Link down below.)

On expanding within a franchise, Rotondi states, "After your first store it gets a lot easier to take where you are in that first location, and start the second one from that same level, rather than going back and having to relearn all those rookie mistakes that maybe you made when you first opened."

Key themes discussed

Chris's inspiration to open a Serotonin Center.
The importance of word-of-mouth and community marketing.
Challenges and rewards of operating a franchise.
The evolving mainstream acceptance of biohacking and longevity practices.
Collaborations and partnerships with local businesses for mutual growth.
Scaling, staffing, and operational complexities in health franchises.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Entrepreneurial Path & Inspiration: Rotondi shared how his extensive experience at Shift4, where he was surrounded by entrepreneurs and watched a company scale from startup to IPO, inspired him to eventually strike out on his own. This not only shaped his mindset but also gave him the confidence and motivation to take the leap into business ownership.

Choosing Serotonin Centers Was a Passion Play: Rather than conducting an exhaustive analysis of possible business options, Chris says that he was immediately drawn to Serotonin and felt a strong alignment with the concept. He dabbled in real estate but realized he needed a business that delivered a tangible positive impact—and found that in the HALO space.
Transformative Results Make the Business Rewarding: The most fulfilling aspect of running the center is seeing noticeable transformations in clients—whether it's 35-40 pounds of weight loss or improved health outcomes. These stories not only validate the mission but also create infectious momentum through word of mouth.
Franchising as a Strategic Advantage: Rotondi also emphasizes the value of being part of a franchise system, especially in a highly regulated, evolving industry like health and longevity. The franchisor provides critical infrastructure, best practices, and ongoing support, allowing franchisees to scale faster and avoid common pitfalls that solo operators might typically face.
Local Networking & Authentic Marketing Are Key: For growth, Chris focuses on the importance of networking and building authentic relationships in his local market (Greenwich, CT). Word of mouth remains king, and collaborations with other health and wellness businesses (like co-branded menu items with nearby cafés) drive new client acquisition and community engagement.

Resources:

Chris Rotondi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rotondi
Seratonin Centers: https://www.serotonincenters.com
Eric Casaburi Seratonin CEO: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-368-eric-casaburi-serotonin-anti-aging-centers
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks-FastBreak, host Pete Moore welcomes University of Georgia student and public health major Ethan Bezner for a transparent conversation about tackling today's greatest health issues—loneliness, obesity, and diabetes. Bezner shares his motivations about why he dove into research around early onset type 2 diabetes, exploring risk factors like sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and our evolving relationship with fitness.

The conversation steers into into the reality of the public health system as Ethan recounts stories from his time as a clinic phlebotomist, where systemic education gaps and real-life challenges come to light.

They also discuss the role of government and food manufacturers in transparent labeling, and debate the best ways to reach younger generations, whether through books, social media, or a combination of both. Listen now for a look at the factors shaping public health today and the future leaders working to solve them.

Some key takeaways:

The lifestyle-disease connection is real: Bezner's research spotlights how technology-driven sedentary habits, ultra-processed food consumption, and reduced physical activity contribute to the rise in early-onset diabetes.
Education (and transparency) matter: There's a huge gap in understanding food labels and health risks. Both policy makers and manufacturers must do more to provide honest, accessible information.
Hands-on perspective: Working with patients facing real barriers (like income and access to healthcare), Ethan sees first-hand how education, empathy, and community-driven solutions are critical to make things happen.

Kudos to him for waving the HALO flag high and representing the next generation of health leaders! 🟢 If you want to check out his final literary research review, check out the link below.

Resources:

Ethan Bezner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-bezner-6bb405348
Final Research Review: https://www.halotalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Final-Literary-Review-Ethan-Bezner.pdf
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Bryce Berry, a New York native whose career led him from Westchester County to the mountains of Salt Lake City, and eventually to building a powerhouse presence in the Gold's Gym franchise network. Bryce shares his entrepreneurial path, starting with the unexpected lessons learned from running Dairy Queen stores, before moving into the health club industry and launching some of the largest and most successful Gold's Gym locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington.

From the intricacies of site selection and gym operations to adapting to changing market dynamics and member expectations, Bryce reveals how he's created "rainmaker" clubs by offering standout amenities like expansive weightlifting and cardio areas, basketball courts, racquetball, pickleball, and innovative tanning and recovery services. He digs into the evolving branding landscape of fitness franchises, the role of pricing strategy, and why the Gold's Gym name still carries significant weight in local communities.

Listen now to hear Bryce's insights on building thriving gyms, the impact of market trends on business decisions, and how his commitment to quality and member experience is shaping the future of fitness for the next generation of club-goers.

Key themes discussed

Gold's Gym franchise growth and operations.
Site selection strategies for gym locations.
Importance of brand recognition in fitness industry.
Pricing models and market positioning for gyms.
Community amenities: Basketball, pickleball, saunas, recovery.
Private equity partnerships and business structure.
Adapting gym facilities to trends in strength and cardio equipment.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Strategic Growth and Site Selection: Bryce talks about his career path from Westchester County to building a network of Gold's Gyms, detailing how he strategically drew a 300-mile radius around his home and used his knowledge from previous business ventures (like a book bindery) to select prime gym locations. His hands-on, boots-on-the-ground approach to site selection set the foundation for successful club launches.

Gold's Gym Brand Equity: Bryce highlights the enduring power of the Gold's Gym brand. Despite new competitors and rebranded gyms popping up (such as VASA, EoS, and Fitness Connection), he argues that Gold's still has strong recognition and credibility with consumers. People know Gold's Gym, which translates into excitement, loyalty, and ongoing business success.
Mid-Range Pricing Wins: Berry defends the decision to position his clubs in the mid-price range, emphasizing that this "middle" is where the majority of the market is. Instead of chasing ultra-low-cost volume or high-end exclusivity, his strategy is to deliver great value for a reasonable price, which has continually proven successful in the communities he serves.
Amenity-Rich, Community-Focused Clubs: The Gold's Gym facilities in Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington are designed as urban or suburban "country clubs" with oversized footprints (some over 50,000 sq ft). Bryce invests heavily in amenities like basketball courts, racquetball, pickleball nights, dry saunas, and top-of-the-line equipment to create a vibrant community feel and cater to a broad clientele.
Innovation and Adaptation for Younger Members: Bryce discusses a current trend he's seeing with younger members (especially ages 18–40) favoring strength and cardio equipment, recovery spaces, and high-quality gear such as the Matrix treadmill. He's focused on adapting his clubs to these preferences, particularly with recovery rooms, oversized saunas, and best-in-class equipment—which has helped him attract and retain this growing demographic.

Resources:

Gold's Gym: https://www.goldsgym.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Dr. Joey Munoz, a leader in the world of fitness and nutrition, straight from Tampa by way of Miami. Joey shares his transformation from an overweight teenager to earning a Ph.D in nutritional sciences, and explains how education and mentorship shaped his evidence-based approach to health. They dive into the evolving landscape of the HALO sector, discuss the confusion that many face around nutrition labels, and stress the importance of taking ownership of your health through education rather than relying on the latest "hacks," "latest diet," or supposed "quick fixes."

Munoz also opens up about founding Fit For Life Academy, his commitment to helping everyday people—not just athletes—build sustainable, enjoyable health habits, and the crucial role accountability plays in making lasting changes. Whether you're a fitness pro, operator in the space, or just beginning your wellness journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you take charge of your nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.

On taking control of your own health, Munoz states, "I think education is one of the most powerful things, and educating ourselves is one of the most powerful things that we can do to have clarity and to not feel confused around things like food labels, what foods to eat, and what foods not to eat."

Key themes discussed

Evolution of fitness and nutrition industry.
Importance of education in health decisions.
Personal journey and mentorship experiences.
Decoding and interpreting food labels.
Role of accountability and coaching.
Building sustainable, enjoyable health habits.
Impact of modeling healthy behaviors for kids.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.The Power of Education Over Regulation: Joey and Pete discuss the confusion around food labels and nutrition advice. Munoz emphasizes that while more transparency from food companies would be great, real power lies in personal education and taking agency over our own behaviors. Teaching people how to interpret labels and understand nutritional priorities is central to his approach.

Mentorship and Evidence-Based Practices Matter: Joey also credits his development to powerful mentors and his education in nutritional sciences, highlighting the impact of Dr. Lane Norton in particular. He's built his coaching philosophy around an evidence-based approach and mentorship, focusing on practices that are scientifically sound and genuinely effective.
Focus on Sustainable, Enjoyable, and Personalized Health: A defining theme in Joey Munoz's work is helping clients make meaningful changes that last, without sacrificing mental health for physical progress. He's adamant that fitness and nutrition programs should fit into a person's lifestyle and be both sustainable and enjoyable—moving away from overly restrictive, yo-yo dieting patterns.
The Critical Role of Accountability in Lifestyle Change: Both Pete and Joey also reflect on how accountability, whether to a coach or a community, is a game-changer for building consistency and forming healthy habits. Munoz notes that accountability acts as a bridge until desired actions become habitual and part of one's identity.
Modeling Healthy Habits for Future Generations: The conversation wraps up by touching on the importance of parents not just lecturing kids about nutrition and fitness, but modeling those behaviors on their own. Joey states how involving his own children in workouts and celebrating healthy choices can be more effective than simply just telling them what to do.

Resources:

Dr. Joey Munoz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-munoz-a09a27295
Fit 4 Life Academy: https://fit4lifeacademy.health
Fit4 Life Free e-book: https://fit4lifeacademy.health/blueprint
Joey Munoz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.joeymunoz
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Hewitt Tomlin, the entrepreneur behind Teambuildr—a software platform that's changing the game on how strength coaches and personal trainers deliver programming. Starting with a simple idea in college, Hewitt has built Teambuildr into a leading solution for gyms, coaches, and athletes, empowering thousands with better tools for training and performance.

Together, they dive into the rapidly-evolving landscape of fitness technology, discussing the rise of strength training in gyms, the impact of AI on coaching, and how fitness pros are adapting to new ways of working in a post-pandemic world. From leveraging digital apps for personalized programs to building strong trainer-client relationships, this candid conversation uncovers what it takes to stay innovative in the fast-paced HALO sector.

Tomlin also shares his passion for expanding athletic training into new markets specifically golf—with his involvement in DRVN, a fitness app aimed at merging athleticism with golf performance.

Key themes discussed

Evolution of Teambuildr and fitness technology.
Adoption of AI by strength coaches and trainers.
Changing trends in club equipment, focus on strength.
Personal trainers utilizing digital tools and apps.
Balancing innovation vs. refining existing product features.
Retention vs. impact as a measure of success.
Entrepreneurial mindset and self-defined business goals.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Evolution of Teambuildr and Fitness Tech: Hewitt shared the journey of Teambuildr—from its origins as a simple workout distribution platform for college strength coaches to its role as a robust SaaS solution that now supports thousands, not only in team sports but also across private gyms and brick-and-mortar facilities.

AI's Role in Coaching: The conversation highlighted how fitness software is rapidly moving from basic digitization (getting off Excel) to integrating AI. Early adopters among coaches are using AI as a "co-pilot" to enhance programming and audit workouts, freeing up more time to apply their expertise where it matters most.
Changing Attitudes Toward Training Technology: Tomlin also talked about the shift in the industry: while trainers were once skeptical about templates and AI-generated programs, there's now a broader acceptance of tech-driven best practices. Still, personalization and expertise remain key, especially for more seasoned coaches.
The Personal Trainer's Balancing Act: Independence vs Community: Post-COVID, many trainers tried going independent, but Hewitt noted the challenges of customer acquisition and scaling. Bigger box clubs like Lifetime offer access to a steady stream of potential clients and a sense of community, making them an attractive option for many trainers seeking sustained growth.
Founder Perspective: Success Isn't Just About Growth: The episode also touched on how Hewitt's vision as a founder goes beyond revenue metrics and external pressures. He values building loyal, long-term customer relationships, personal impact, and conversations with trainers and mentors over chasing aggressive growth targets influenced by VC funding.

Resources:

Hewitt Tomlin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hewitttomlin
Teambuildr: https://www.teambuildr.com/
DRVN Golf App: https://www.drvngolf.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes industry veteran Steve Roderick, the man behind Bozeman, Montana's Ridge Athletic. Steve began his career in the HALO sector serendipitously—thanks to a chance encounter in a Wyoming bar—Roderick talks about how his love for athletics fueled his vision to elevate community health and wellness.

From building the Ridge from the ground up to navigating the constantly evolving landscape of Bozeman, he reflects on the importance of creating a multi-generational, welcoming environment, his strategies for growth, and the value of relationships—both inside the club and across the industry.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, an operator, or a passionate member of the HALO sector, Steve's story is packed with insights on building culture, driving community impact, and staying ahead through collaboration.

When it comes to the secret of building out a great team Roderick jokes, "If you're gonna run a business, the thing you need to do is hire people smarter than you. And I said, 'Well, that's gonna be easy!'"

Key themes discussed

Origins and evolution of Ridge Athletic.
Strategic location and real estate development.
Building brand equity and community presence.
Facility design and member demo.
Growth of Bozeman and regional opportunities.
Creating strong company culture and staff retention.
Importance of networking and industry learning.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Building from the Ground Up and Taking Risks: Roderick got his (very) unexpected start in the fitness club business when he was literally handed the keys to a 30,000 square foot facility in Wyoming that was going out of business. He didn't know much about running a gym but dove in, learned quickly, and eventually built his own fitness center from scratch in Bozeman.

The Importance of Location and Vision: When developing Ridge Athletic, Steve chose a piece of land on the outskirts of Bozeman, trusting that the community would eventually grow around the facility. Over time, his vision proved spot-on, with Bozeman's expansion making The Ridge a hub of activity and fitness in the center of town.
Community and Brand Equity: Maintaining both a main facility and a satellite downtown location allowed The Ridge to reach diverse demographics and reinforce its presence. Steve recognized the value of building relationships in the business district while also expanding with a larger, flagship facility.
Creating a Welcoming Culture for Staff and Members: A key to The Ridge's success is the positive, team-driven culture Steve built for both employees and members. He focuses on hiring people who are passionate and smarter than himself, fostering an environment where staff feel respected and motivated, which translates to a better experience for members.
Catering to All Ages and Building for the Future: The Ridge is intentionally inclusive, offering programs and spaces for everyone—from children to seniors. He emphasizes that creating meaningful programming for kids encourages family memberships and helps foster lifelong fitness habits. He also stresses the need for continued professional growth and industry connection, citing the value of mastermind groups like REX Roundtable.

Resources:

Steve Roderick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-roderick-735133b3
Ridge Athletic Club: https://ridgeathletic.com/
REX Roundtables: https://www.rexroundtables.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Johnny Hilbrant—SoulCycle instructor turned viral sensation, also known as "PE Guy." From his roots riding and teaching at Soul in Chicago and Boston, Johnny talks about his journey from fitness enthusiast to comedic creator, blending his knack for improv and sharp observational humor to lampoon a familiar character . . . the "private equity bro" you inevitably get cornered by at a wedding or some other event.

The conversation gets into how Johnny developed his PE Guy persona, why the character resonates so widely (with both chuckling fans and the occasional real-life PE pro who's less amused), and how he manages authenticity even as brand partnerships and cameo requests start rolling in. Along the way, Johnny and Pete also discuss the importance of self-awareness, the ability to laugh at yourself, and the line between satire and selling out.

Whether you're in the PE world, the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor), or just love a good roast, this episode is packed with insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of laughs.

On the private equity lifestyle Hilbrant states, "Some of these folks seem to be a little bit . . . haphazard, like a runaway train, because they're among other people who are buying watches and flying privately."

Key themes discussed

SoulCycle instructor journey and community.
Industry changes and business model evolution.
Creation and popularity of "PE Guy" character.
Satire of private equity culture.
Audience feedback and handling criticism.
Brand partnerships and authenticity challenges.
Creative process behind viral content.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Journey Into SoulCycle & Fitness Industry Johnny shared how he began his SoulCycle journey in Chicago while searching for his next career move. After auditioning with 60 others and being one of only two selected, he trained with Soul before relocating to Boston, where he found both community and success as an instructor.

Evolution of SoulCycle Culture: The conversation also touched on the shifts in SoulCycle's energy and market position over the years. Hilbrandt acknowledged changes due to increased competition and tweaks to the business model, but emphasized that the unique, immersive studio experience and community still remain, even if the industry's "buzz" has faded a bit.
Viral Creation of "PE Guy": The "PE Guy" character began as a playful exaggeration of a certain type you meet at weddings—someone who talks at you endlessly. He used a filter to bring this persona to life, and after giving the character a private equity job, the videos quickly went viral. He credits the rapid rise to relatable satire and people recognizing the archetype.
Reception of Satire—Mostly Positive, Rare Backlash: Most of the audience, even those in private equity, really appreciate Hilbrandt's satire. He's largely received positive feedback, with a few exceptions (such as one in-person encounter with a Bain professional who took it personally.) He noted the importance of self-awareness and being able to laugh at oneself, a skill he thinks can foster humility and potentially even positive changes in the finance industry.
Creative Process & Brand Partnerships: Hilbrandt described his creative process as a mix of structured and spontaneous inspiration—sometimes scripting out ideas, other times improvising based on something he sees or hears. The success of "PE Guy" has led to lucrative partnerships, especially with B2B and tech brands, though luxury brands are often hesitant to be self-deprecating. He's committed to maintaining authenticity and resisting "selling out," balancing brand deals with staying true to the character's comedic roots.

Resources:

Johnny Hilbrant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-hilbrant-partridge-721b1b87
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyhilbrant/?hl=en
Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/pe-guy-instagram-tiktok-johnny-hilbrant-partridge-private-equity-2025-6
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Host Pete Moore sits down with branding expert and MonoGram Group founder Scott Markman for a wide-ranging conversation on private equity, marketing, and the art of standing out in a competitive landscape. From Scott's early days building powerhouse brands in PE—like Antares Capital—to the inside stories and lessons learned from working with over 100 PE firms, you'll get a front-row seat to how branding and storytelling have evolved in finance and beyond.

Pete and Scott riff on everything from the importance of humanizing private equity to the bold branding of consumer favorites like Liquid Death. You'll hear candid insights on how to keep brand integrity alive, the power of team sports mentality in business, and the struggle to get new industry terms—like "HALO"—to catch on. It's definitely a no-holes-barred, no-nonsense chat guaranteed to inspire anyone growing their business, building a brand, or navigating the always frothy private equity world. Listen now for some straight talk, a few laughs, and real advice you can use!

Regarding how to stand out in private equity, Markman states, "Just get something that you believe in that is true, that is understandable, that you can rent, repeat 100,000 times. And if you can do that, you're going to be way ahead of anybody else because the bar is set in private equity very low."

Key themes discussed

Branding strategies for private equity firms.
Humanizing and differentiating in competitive markets.
The importance of storytelling in marketing.
Leveraging brand equity and reputation management.
Risk-taking and thinking big in brand building (e.g. Liquid Death.)
Optimizing portfolio company operations and collaboration.
Building and scaling industry categories, like HALO.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Brand Differentiation in Private Equity Matters: Scott emphasized that PE firms often focus too much on facts, figures, and professional credentials, but overlook the human and brand elements that truly set them apart. Building trust and emotional connection with company owners and deal partners is a core differentiator in a market that's becoming increasingly commoditized.

The Power of Storytelling and Consistency: Markman stressed that defining a clear, consistent message and sticking with it is critical. He compared this to the power of Starbucks' branding, noting that the companies that repeat and reinforce their message, vision, and values win in the long haul.
Thinking Big in Branding Works: The two also discussed the branding of Liquid Death and how audacious, risk-taking approaches can differentiate brands in even the most commoditized of categories (like bottled water!) Scott praised the boldness of such campaigns and pointed out that creative, gutsy execution can sometimes pay off big!
PE Firms Undervalue Internal Collaboration Across Portfolio Companies: Scott and Pete also observed that many PE firms miss out on synergies by not sharing best practices, vendors, or marketing expertise across portfolio companies. While some firms coordinate shared services, most still operate in silos, missing out on substantial value creation.
Branding the HALO Sector—A Movement in Progress: Pete shifted to the effort to brand "HALO" (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) as its own sector, rather than lumping it under generic terms like "wellness" or the word-salad that often results when people try to describe the space. He shared his long-term vision to make "HALO" the go-to term in industry circles, highlighting the uphill journey from grassroots advocacy to a recognized category and the importance of relentless, repetitive communication to achieve that.

Resources:

Scott Markman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmarkman
MonoGram Group: https://www.monogramgroup.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore catches up with good friend and industry veteran Rich Novelli, marking his second appearance on the show. With over 40 years in the HALO space, Rich shares how he's now turning his focus from traditional health clubs to the rapidly-growing world of corporate wellness.

He discusses how his new platform, Alegria Wellness, leverages tech and personalized coaching to drive higher employee participation—especially in small and underserved businesses. Novelli explains why simply offering discounted gym memberships just isn't enough, how accountability and personal connection make all the difference, and what companies can do to create healthier, more engaged teams.

Whether you're a business leader, HALO sector professional, or just passionate about corporate wellness programs, this conversation offers fresh ideas on boosting both individual and organizational performance.

On empowering smaller businesses, Rich states, "I am targeting these smaller scale companies because that's where I feel the underserved market is at this point. It's getting with these small companies and really making a difference in an impact."

Key themes discussed

Growth of corporate wellness sector and market projections.
Importance of personalized coaching for employee wellness.
Challenges with low health club participation rates.
Leveraging tech and apps for scalable wellness programs.
Targeting underserved small businesses with wellness solutions.
Team building and increased employee engagement through challenges.
Removing barriers: Affordability, participation, and personalization.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Corporate Wellness Is No Longer "Nice to Have"—It's Essential: Novelli highlights how the convergence of technology and corporate culture has pushed employee wellness from a "fringe" benefit to a strategic necessity. The sector is rapidly growing, with market projections to hit $25 billion in the next five years.

Small Businesses Are an Underserved Market: Most corporate wellness solutions target large organizations, but Rich is focusing on smaller companies (5–300 employees), arguing they need accessible, scalable wellness programs. His app-based platform, Alegria Wellness (powered by Nuvita), is designed specifically for this demographic.
Participation Is Key—And Personalized Coaching Drives It: Traditional health club memberships often yield low participation (only ~10%), but Novelli is aiming for 30–40% by leveraging both personalized coaching and tech. The program includes exercise, nutrition, stress management, socialization, and uses a blend of digital tools and personal touch to keep users engaged.

4: Team Building and Engagement Creates ROI: Wellness programs can be gamified for small teams, with six-week challenges that foster team spirit and healthy competition. These short-term commitments help boost engagement and can lead to growing participation rates, delivering meaningful ROI for employers beyond just health metrics.

Personalized, Hands-On Approach Removes Barriers: Rich stresses the need for tailored coaching and accountability, adapting to individual needs whether or not employees use a health club. His system also removes the heavy lifting for companies—providing marketing materials, analytics, and all necessary support—making wellness both affordable and easy to implement, especially for businesses without a dedicated HR department.

Resources:

Rich Novelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-novelli-4770856
Rich's First HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/rich-novelli-highpoint-sport-wellness-general-manager/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Reka Gobis from Kisaco Research. They discuss how their Connected Health & Fitness Conference is evolving to bring together industry leaders—from boutique gyms and major brands like Nike and Adidas, to healthcare giants like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. They discuss the importance of creating actionable, science-backed insights and meaningful connections in an intimate setting, all designed to help operators deliver tech-enabled solutions and drive real change in the HALO sector.

If you're looking for fresh ideas, strategic partnerships, and inspiration for 2026 and beyond, this episode is a great guide to why you should be at next year's Connected event in LA on Feb 18-20!

Gobis states, "At Kisako, and especially at our Connected event, we focus on content all of which is based in hours and hours of research with the industry and most importantly the primary market. The gyms, boutiques, wellness clubs, hotels, spas, longevity clinics we spoke to . . . are based on the key challenges that they are experiencing in the industry, and what we're trying to do over the year is find potential solutions to these key challenges."

Key themes discussed

Evolution of the Connected Health & Fitness Conference.
Integrating the health, wellness, fitness, and technology sectors.
Senior-level industry attendance and networking opportunities.
Science-backed, actionable conference content and research.
Partnerships between operators, brands, and healthcare providers.
Dedicated focus on women's health and longevity.
Emphasis on community, member experience, and practical takeaways.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Evolution and Focus of the Connected Event: Rika explained how the Connected Health & Fitness event has evolved over seven years, expanding beyond just connected fitness to now fully encompass health, wellness, fitness, and tech. The goal is to create an ecosystem that enables operators to deliver science-backed, holistic, and tech-enabled solutions for the industry.

High-Level Attendees and Diverse Ecosystem: One of the distinctive aspects of the event is its seniority of attendees—50-60% are C-level executives. The audience isn't limited to traditional fitness operators but also includes hotels, spas, healthcare providers (like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic), insurance, pharma, and big brands like Nike and Adidas. This diversity encourages powerful partnerships and networking across adjacent industries.
Research-Driven, Actionable Content: The programming is based on extensive industry research, focusing on real, current challenges faced by operators, boutiques, hotels, and clinics. The format emphasizes rapid-fire, specific sessions (typically 20-30 minutes) driven by data and science, not just generic panel discussions. Rika personally ensures all sessions deliver tangible ROI and actionable takeaways.
Special Emphasis on Emerging Topics: Women's Health & Longevity: A unique aspect of the 2026 event is a multi-hour Women's Health Symposium—a significant step up from the usual short panels—tackling issues like hormones, fertility, training around the menstrual cycle, and case studies from operators leading in this space. There's also a significant focus on longevity and how fitness operators can position themselves as preventive health "hubs" in partnership with healthcare.
Opportunities for Hands-On Learning, Networking & Fun: Attendees will have access to workshops, a workout room, media lounge for podcasts, workout/recovery pop-ups, and the chance to try the latest in equipment and wellness experiences. Rika guarantees not just actionable business insights, but meaningful connections and enjoyable experiences that can reshape attendees' strategic plans for 2026 and beyond.

Resources:

Reka Gobis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/r%C3%A9ka-g%C3%B3bis-business-management-and-marketing
Connected Fitness: https://connectedhealthandfitness.com/events/connected-health-fitness-summit-2026
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, industry veteran CJ Bouchard opens up to host Pete Moore about the realities of entrepreneurship in the fitness industry, sharing candid stories of risk, resilience, and what it really means to build from the ground up. From betting his savings on a fledgling franchise in North Carolina and initially making daily two-hour commutes, to pivoting and learning tough lessons about club size, site selection, and market expansion, CJ reveals how grit, adaptability, and a clear mission have fueled Excel Fitness's phenomenal growth.

Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT) is one of the largest and fastest-growing operators of fitness centers in the U.S, and Excel Fitness Holdings is one of their largest franchisees currently operating 150+ clubs in Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth, Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Georgia, and Virginia. Their mission is to build a team culture and atmosphere constructed on trust, humility, and strong relationships, always leading by example and putting others first with the utmost integrity, dedication, and accountability.

Pete and CJ also dive into how partnering with private equity has transformed the business, what it takes to be a successful operator in today's market, what to expect when working with a PE firm, and the importance of building a strong team and community-driven approach. CJ also shares the meaning behind his "Hope is not a strategy" tattoo, and why execution—not wishful thinking—remains his guiding principle.

Whether you're a club owner, aspiring HALO sector entrepreneur, or curious about how major fitness brands expand, this episode is packed with actionable insights, real-world advice, and plenty of inspiration from one of the industry's top leaders.

Key themes discussed

Entrepreneurial journey and early struggles in fitness industry.
Evolution and disruption of the Planet Fitness business model.
Challenges involved in club building and expansion.
The critical importance of location for a gym's success.
Strategic growth: Acquisitions, private equity, and territory development.
Leadership style: Clarity, vision, and execution over hope.

A Few Takeaways:

Entrepreneurial Grit & Humble Beginnings: Bouchard started in the fitness industry as a personal trainer without a college degree, working in Connecticut's gym scene and grinding through tough times. He didn't take a paycheck for two years and put payroll on credit cards when launching his first Planet Fitness in North Carolina. Real entrepreneurship often means sacrifice, resilience, and relentless commitment.
Evolution from "Hardcore" Gyms to Disrupting the Market: CJ's transition from traditional gyms (Gold's, World Gym, etc.) to Planet Fitness highlights a change in business philosophy. It went from focusing on "results" to focusing on "access." He recognized Planet's disruptive model early on, betting on a concept that many were skeptical about and ultimately building one of the largest Planet Fitness area development companies in the country.
Importance of Site Selection and Operational Knowledge: Both Bouchard and Moore emphasized how crucial it is to understand the nuances of real estate, site selection, and the operational details of running clubs. The value of personally touring sites and knowing the history and layout of each location is essential. Software and reports can't replace firsthand experience.
Strategic Growth: Mergers, Acquisitions & Private Equity: Under CJ, Excel Fitness strategically expanded through acquiring clubs, merging with other operators, and partnering with private equity (Olympus Partners.) CJ shared how growth now includes both new club development and acquisitions of existing gyms (like Texas Family Fitness), always with an eye on preserving legacy and community as much as possible.
Culture, Team, and Values: CJ's leadership philosophy stresses execution, daily engagement in operations, and a moral compass focused on building communities through fitness. His tattoo "Hope Is Not a Strategy" clearly shows his belief in preparation and action, not relying on luck. He also spoke passionately about valuing long-term employees and creating opportunities for others in the organization.

Resources:

CJ Bouchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-bouchard-9ba3aa7
Excel Fitness: https://www.excelfitness.com
Planet Fitness: https://www.planetfitness.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and industry veteran Tom Muller, owner of Elevate Fitness in Syracuse, NY. With roots that stretch back to the Gold's Gym days, Tom shares his journey through decades of shifting trends, club expansions, and the pivotal decision to rebrand and tech-enable his business for the modern member experience. From innovative fitness programming and thriving tennis and swim programs to the impact of major local investments like Micron and Amazon, Tom reveals the strategies that have kept Elevate thriving in a stable, but fiercely competitive market.

Tom has always focused on building strong programming for his clubs. Under his guidance, both locations have developed powerful personal training programs and dynamic group exercise offerings. Group X classes, including yoga and Pilates, are a highlight, and Tom even launched a dedicated Pilates studio for reformer sessions. As fitness trends changed, he also transitioned away from spinning classes, transforming that area into a personal training studio and expanding turf areas.

Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur, club owner, or just passionate about the HALO sector, you'll find plenty of actionable insights in what Tom has gone through. Stay tuned for a deep dive into leadership, community, and the evolving future of fitness in Upstate New York!

Regarding keeping clubs relevant Muller states, "I think we've done a decent job of keeping our capex up, staying relevant, and having the clubs new. I mean they're built in the 70's! And I don't think when you walked in you probably didn't think you were going back in the 70's."

Key themes discussed

Club evolution and facility repurposing.
Strength training's resurgence in fitness trends.
Member-focused tech and software upgrades.
Layered memberships and revenue strategies.
Impact of local economic developments (Micron, Amazon.)
Tennis and swim programming excellence.
Real estate ownership and long-term club investment.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Club Evolution & Adaptability: Tom shares his story from Gold's Gym to Elevate and explains how adapting the club's facilities (converting tennis and racquetball courts to new amenities, etc) has been key to staying current with industry trends and maintaining relevance in the community.
Focus on Programming & Membership Layers: A strong emphasis is placed on diverse programming: Personal training, Group X classes, Pilates, yoga, and more. Tom also highlights the move to layered memberships, allowing for upselling and greater value for members, especially through services like recovery centers.
Leveraging Technology: Switching to an integrated platform like Zenoti streamlined operations, combined all member-facing tech under one roof, and has allowed Tom and his team to better track member behavior, manage layered memberships, offer targeted promotions, and drive revenue more efficiently.
Real Estate Ownership as a Strategic Advantage: Owning the club real estate provides flexibility for ongoing capital improvements. Muller underscores how continuous investment in capex helps keep the clubs up-to-date and competitive, especially crucial in a stable but slowly evolving market like Syracuse.

5: Strength in Tennis, Swimming, and Community Roots: Tom mentioned that tennis and swim programming are extremely stable parts of the business, with strong staff and high-quality instruction leading to waiting lists despite competition. Tom's approach is to "grow where you're planted," mastering the local market and building deep community ties rather than spreading too thin or constantly pursuing greener pastures.

Resources:

Tom Muller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-muller-elevate-fitness
Elevate Fitness: https://www.elevatesyracuse.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Excited to share highlights from this week's HALO Talks FastBreak featuring Kaitlin Miller from Court Kings. A level 5 player herself, Kaitlin and Pete dive deep into the rapid growth of pickleball and how Court Kings innovative court solutions are shaping the industry—especially for health and fitness facilities.

3 key takeaways:

Booming Demand: Pickleball courts in NYC (especially at Life Time Inc.) are booked solid from open to close—sometimes with waitlists to join! If your facility hasn't added pickleball yet, now is the time.
Turnkey Court Solutions: Court Kings was recently named the preferred court builder for USA Pickleball and offers end-to-end services from consulting and court surfacing to fencing, nets, and soundproofing—making it easy for facility owners to get started.
Fast Installation: With proper planning, facilities can have new courts installed in as little as 2–4 weeks. Early communication (with the General Contractor especially) and material ordering are key to a smooth rollout.

If you're considering adding pickleball to your location, listen now for fresh industry insights and practical advice on possible next steps.

Also? If you missed it, we have an entire pickleball category playlist on HALO Talks. Check that out here: https://www.halotalks.com/category/podcasts/pickleball/

Contact Kaitlin directly for more information: kaitlin@courtkings.com

Resources:

Kaitlin Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlin-miller-40a354a3/
Court Kings: https://courtkings.com/
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! In today's episode, Integrity Square Founder and host Pete Moore sits down with Steve Marchese, the founder of LightStim, to dig into the transformative power of LED light technology and its growing role in med spas and wellness centers across the country.

Steve shares the LightStim origin story, which was born out of a personal mission to help his own son combat dangerously high blood pressure when traditional medicine offered no solutions. What started as a family "Hail Mary" turned into years of rigorous innovation, FDA collaboration, and breakthroughs in the science of light therapy. The conversation touches on how LightStim developed from handheld devices for skincare to pioneering full-body LED beds, navigating ongoing regulatory controversies of LED and red light therapy, and the persistence needed to create products that truly deliver results.

After a few years, Steve saw an opportunity to expand, developing adjustable facial panels for the professional market. This new direction quickly gained traction, and soon, his company was supplying advanced skincare technology to nearly 50,000 spas, med spas, and doctors' offices across the country.

Pete and Steve discuss not only the science and technology "backbone" of the products, but also the entrepreneurial journey, the realities of protecting intellectual property, and the future of wellness tech in the HALO sector. Plus, Steve relays a very cool story about how LightStim helped NFL star Saquon Barkley make an unlikely comeback. (Just one example of the real-world results this technology can achieve!)

When they made the decision to build an LED bed, Steve states, "There really weren't any beds on the market at that time. We didn't know what it would do, but it was kind of our Hail Mary. The bed ended up taking us six years working directly with the FDA and millions of dollars to actually perfect it before we put it on the market."

Key themes discussed

Development and innovation of LED light therapy beds.
FDA clearance and regulatory challenges for medical devices.
Family-run business and entrepreneurial journey.
Scientific explanations: ATP and nitric oxide impacts.
Industry competition and copycat products.
Legal risks and class action lawsuits.
Med spa and HALO sector expansion.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Persistence in Innovation Leads to Breakthroughs: Steve shared the challenges of developing LightStim—what began with handheld LED devices for wrinkles, acne, and pain, evolved into a full-body LED bed. The driving force was personal: Helping his son with dangerously high blood pressure when traditional medicine couldn't. This persistence, trial and error, and working closely with the FDA led to a patented technology that now serves both home consumers and professionals in 50,000+ locations.
Understanding Science Behind Red Light Therapy: The effectiveness of their LED bed wasn't mere luck. Initially Steve thought the improvement was due to increased ATP production in mitochondria. Later, with input from Dr. Nathan Bryan, he realized the real impact was in the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
Navigating Regulatory and Legal Landscapes: Getting FDA "clearance" (not "approval"—that's for drugs), especially for a full-body device, is an extremely rigorous process requiring through technical testing and proof of efficacy. Steve explained (some of the many) specific FDA requirements that go into this, such as needing to heat the whole body to the right temperature. Few competitors can actually demonstrate passing these tests, despite what they claim, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now aggressively policing unsubstantiated wellness claims.
Dealing with Competition and Copycats: When asked how he handles rivals with copycat products, Marchese emphasized focusing on building a trustworthy brand and continuing to innovate, rather than spending resources on chasing down every infringer. He pointed out that regulatory and legal scrutiny (from both the FTC and class action law firms) is also helping to weed out companies making unsupported claims.
Growth and Family-First Business Approach: LightStim is a classic case of a family-run business that managed to scale. Steve mentioned his wife runs the company as President and his son is now COO—showing a strong family dynamic and a personal connection to the business's mission. The company supports large-scale franchise partners and offers both purchase and leasing options for its products.

Resources:

Steve Marchese: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-marchese-04168472
LightStim: https://lightstim.com/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks, where we dive into the entrepreneurial journeys and strategic insights shaping the HALO sector! (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and industry veteran Jim Solomon, founder of Hone Fitness. Broadcasting on location from Toronto, Jim shares his story of more than 26 years in the fitness space, from his early days as a senior associate at Gold's Gym to building and selling clubs in Toronto's unique urban neighborhoods. They talk candidly about the "puzzle" that is site selection in metropolitan cities, the evolution and simplicity of the Hone Fitness brand, and the importance of understanding real estate and local culture to create lasting success.

Jim and Pete reflect on decades of fitness industry experience, discuss lessons learned from mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships, and reveal how a lean, neighborhood-focused strategy led Hone to thrive in a fast-growing, diverse city. Whether you're an operator, investor, or just passionate about health and fitness, this episode offers valuable perspectives on building resilient businesses—and unlocking growth in ever-changing urban landscapes.

When it comes to learning to embrace discomfort while you're growing, Jim states, "When you put your CEO and Founder hat on while you're working for a private equity fund, you go to that fund and say, 'Hey, I'm going to bring you opportunities. None of these opportunities are going to look the same and you're going to have to be comfortable or get comfortable.' That's what we talk about when it comes to neighborhood box traffic flows, density, where things are going and what might be coming. In a gentrifying neighborhood, you gotta get comfortable with being uncomfortable."

Key themes discussed

Strategic site selection and urban gym growth challenges.
Importance of neighborhood-specific approaches in city locations.
Differentiating gym brands in competitive markets.
Role of simplicity in gym membership models.
Private equity influence and acquisition in the fitness industry.
Team-building and leveraging immigrant talent.
Toronto's unique demographic and public transit's impact on gyms.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Urban Fitness Expansion Is a Puzzle, Not a Formula: Both Pete and Jim emphasized that successful urban health club development is highly neighborhood-driven, not something simply solved by software or standard models. Detailed, hands-on site selection, walking the neighborhoods, and understanding local demographics are key. As Pete shared, "You gotta live it, really literally live it," underlining the complexity of choosing gym locations.
Simplicity Wins in Membership and Operations: Jim built Hone Fitness on the principle of keeping things simple—no hidden fees, straightforward pricing, and easy-to-understand memberships. This allows for a better customer experience, less conflicts at the front desk, and high rates of online membership signups. He purposely avoids complexity, saying, "I like it simple. I've always liked it simple at Crunch, Extreme, and now Hone."
Neighborhood "Ownership" Drives Success: Hone's strategy is to become a destination for a specific neighborhood rather than trying to match competitors directly. This means taking advantage of each area's unique dynamics and avoiding duplication of offerings that are better served elsewhere, such as group fitness or children's clubs. As Jim explained, "You have to own a neighborhood when you're in a city like Toronto."
Young Immigrant Workforce Is a Competitive Advantage: The team at Hone is largely composed of young immigrants who are motivated, industrious, and looking for opportunities they couldn't find at home. Jim noted the importance of this for management and front desk positions, highlighting that their drive and willingness to work hard has been a huge asset for the business.
Subway Access Is Critical in Urban Gym Strategy: In Toronto, proximity to major subway lines is a critical factor in site selection. Jim also stressed that gyms on these lines perform well because they match where young, dense populations travel. "Young and Bloor have the two big subway lines—if you're there and not too close to a GoodLife, you'll do well."

Resources:

Jim Solomon: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jim-solomon-81187317
Hone Fitness: https://www.honefitness.com/
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Luke Hartelust--a dynamic entrepreneur and now the founder of MNLY--who made the leap from the oil and gas rigs off the coast of Australia to California's innovative health tech scene. Luke shares his journey from the grueling world of offshore drilling to launching and scaling fitness businesses, including his instrumental role in bringing F45 Training to Southern California.

The conversation dives deep into his latest venture, a groundbreaking men's health platform that uses AI, cutting-edge blood analysis, and custom supplementation to help men take true ownership of their health. Tune in to hear his insights on building community, the power of personalization in wellness, and what it takes to stand out in the rapidly evolving health optimization space.

When it comes to the personalized health revolution he states, "Based on your blood work, our model will prescribe specific doses of specific micronutrients, aminos, herbs, extracts and minerals into that custom supplement formula that comes in morning, noon and night packs."

Key themes discussed

Career transition from oil and gas to health tech.
Entrepreneurship journey and lessons learned from failures.
F45 Training franchise growth and operational strategies.
Brand protection and building strong community engagement.
Men's health issues and the need for accountability.
Personalized, AI-driven health optimization and supplement plans.
Differentiation of in the men's health market.

A Few Key Takeaways:

From Oil Rigs to Health Tech: Luke shared his path from working shifts on oil rigs to building fitness businesses and eventually moving into health tech. His drive was sparked by a personal epiphany—wanting to create a better life and help others, which led him to become an entrepreneur.
Lessons Learned from F45 and Brand Protection: Luke's experience scaling F45 franchises in Southern California gave him a "six-year apprenticeship" in what to do—and what not to do—when building and protecting a brand. A key takeaway: Focus on the emotions your brand evokes and prioritize building a strong community before chasing customer acquisition at scale.
Identifying a Gap in Men's Health-Accountability Over Access: After experiencing low energy despite living a healthy lifestyle, Luke discovered his own testosterone was severely low and saw first-hand the ineffectiveness and friction in telehealth for men. He believes the real crisis isn't just health, but accountability and ownership—people need tools and systems that make it easier for them to take proactive control of their well-being.
MNLY's Personalized Health Platform-Seamless, AI-Driven, and Fast: MNLY stands apart by integrating AI-powered testing and personalized recommendations to deliver tailored health plans and custom supplement packs. Customers use an at-home blood kit and environmental health assessment, then receive actionable insights and products within days—removing friction points common in traditional telehealth models.
Proven Results and a Focus on Efficiency: MNLY's approach delivers results about 50% faster than most competitors, according to Luke, and their pilot data showed significant improvements in markers like testosterone (on average, a 30% increase in 90 days among test users). Their evolving concierge model combines AI-driven support with human coaching, aiming to streamline the path to better health for busy men.

Resources:

Luke Hartelust: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-hartelust-597332253
MNLY: https://www.getmnly.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Rick Dennis, Co-Founder of Bakersfield's Body Xchange and a definite "OG" in the HALO sector. With over 30 years of experience—including a storied career at Family Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and launching successful clubs with longtime partner John Ovanessian—Rick shares insights on evolving gym models, member experience, and responding to changing trends.

Rick and Pete chat about how Body Xchange became a place "where everybody trains," adapting to the post-COVID demand for more strength training, flexible facilities, and self-guided workouts. Rick opens up about the importance of listening to your local community, running a tight operation with zero leverage, and the unique advantages of local ownership in a burgeoning market like Bakersfield, CA.

Pete and Rick also chat about future growth—both for Body Xchange and the Bakersfield area itself—as well as reflections on how today's athletes are changing the game in high school sports and beyond. Listen now for a conversation packed with industry wisdom and practical takeaways for fitness professionals (and enthusiasts!)

On the "power" of staying debt-free Dennis states, "We're definitely not a leveraged company. I think that's something that's really important to understand because as you mentioned, with 24 Hour Fitness, once you get leveraged then there's restrictions to that. We've never had those kinds of restrictions because of the foundation and how we built it."

Key themes discussed

Evolution of Body Xchange and their club model.
Shift toward strength training post-COVID.
Local market dynamics and growth in Bakersfield.
Importance of a debt-free, reinvestment-focused business.
Personal touch of local ownership versus national chains.
Future expansion opportunities in nearby cities.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Evolution of Member Experience & Strength Focus: Rick highlighted how their business model has shifted post-COVID, with a significant pivot towards strength training and member-driven use of space. Recognizing the growing interest in free weights and Olympic lifting, they repurposed areas like group fitness rooms to fit more strength equipment, reflecting the changing fitness trends among younger demographics.
Deep Local Roots & Smart Growth: The Bakersfield market is robust and expanding, with affordable housing attracting a young population. Rick emphasized how their deep local knowledge allows them to strategically backfill old locations and position themselves in growth corridors, staying ahead of national chains and big box gyms.
Debt-Free, Locally-Owned, and Well-Maintained Clubs: Rick and John built Body Xchange with a focus on being debt-free and maintaining strong local ownership. This approach means they can swiftly reinvest in facilities, ensure equipment is always up to par, and maintain a high-touch presence—reasons why members prefer their facilities over less locally involved national chains.
Adaptable Operational Strategy: Body Xchange made a post-COVID decision to pause personal training, acknowledging a shift toward self-guided, technology-driven workouts. Rick notes they still onboard members and provide guidance, and could easily reboot personal training if the right talent emerges.
Expansion Opportunities & Local Demographics: Looking ahead, Rick sees potential for 2–3 more locations within Bakersfield and more expansion into comparable communities like Palmdale and Lancaster, as well as midsized cities between Bakersfield and Fresno or west along the Central Coast. He stressed their ability to replicate the Body Xchange DNA by maintaining control over real estate and ensuring each new club matches the model's culture and values.

Resources:

Rick Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-dennis-795252175/
Body Xchange: https://www.bxfitness.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Duff McDonald, former investment banker and well known business journalist, for a fantastic chat. Duff, whose career has spanned investment banking, business journalism, and bestselling books like "The Golden Passport" and "Tickled," shares insights on how numbers and data have come to dominate our understanding of business and life—but why they often fail to capture what really matters.

In this episode, you'll hear Duff break down the difference between "experts" and "specialists," challenge conventional thinking on metrics, and advocate for living—and doing business—in the present. Pete and Duff explore why true connection, presence, and awareness can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more meaningful work, especially in the world of health clubs and other verticals in the HALO sector.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about finding more joy and meaning in your day-to-day, this conversation will invite you to rethink how you measure success and what it means to build something that truly "tickles" you.

When we talk about coming "full circle," Duff definitely can relate. He says, "I worked at Goldman Sachs for two years. I was an investment banker in their analyst program, left that and went into business journalism and spent 20 years as a magazine writer, left that and sort of stopped doing so much magazine writing when the Internet kind of destroyed the economics of print, and weirdly, ironically, ended up writing books after that!"

Key themes discussed

Numbers vs. Essence: Counting doesn't capture true meaning or human experience.
Specialists vs. Experts: Doing is valued over analyzing and predicting.
Relationships Over Metrics: Human connection outweighs numerical data in business.
Entrepreneurship Mindset: Focus on purpose, not just growth or financial results.
COVID Reflections: The pandemic brought unexpected personal growth and realizations.
Recruiting and Team Building: Seek people driven by passion and engagement.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Numbers Don't Capture the Whole Story: McDonald challenges the idea that, "if you have the numbers, you have the story." Having spent years in business banking and journalism, he realized that while numbers can track growth or comparison, they can't really grasp the true essence of a business. Counting and data analysis are certainly valuable, but they're just one dimension—true meaning often lies elsewhere.
The Power of Presence Over Metrics: The most impactful moments in life and business happen when you're fully present in the moment—not distracted by the past or anxiously projecting into the future. Duff relates how, during the pandemic, his own mindset shifted to appreciating the "now," leading to more genuine experiences and better decision-making. This is a reminder that being present—not just monitoring KPIs or quarterly numbers—can actually produce the strongest connections and best results.
The Difference Between Experts and Specialists: Duff makes a subtle but powerful distinction: Experts count, analyze, and predict; specialists do, master, and experience. (Read that again!) Real business insight (and life satisfaction) often comes from those with hands-on expertise—the "specialists"—rather than just those who look at or talk about the data. For example, if you're sick, you want the infectious disease specialist, not just the epidemiologist with numbers.
Human Connection and Authenticity Trump Data for Retention: Specifically for health clubs and service businesses, Duff and Pete agree that relationships are everything. Customer retention and loyalty aren't driven by clever data models, but by staff who are present, ask questions, and genuinely care. Looking people in the eye, building trust, and creating a real bond is more effective (and fulfilling) than merely simply tracking attrition rates or conversion numbers.
Find What "Tickles" You—and Others: Duff's philosophy, as explored in "Tickled," is about seeking out what genuinely excites and engages you. When people are truly passionate ("tickled" by what they're doing), their energy is palpable and contagious—whether in recruiting, management, or customer interactions. Asking "What are you passionate about?" or "What tickles you?" leads to deeper, more meaningful relationships, both personally and professionally.

Resources:

Duff McDonald: https://theduffproject.com/
Duff McDonald LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duff-mcdonald-076a8664
Duff's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Duff-McDonald/author/B001K8NXAU
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Logan Chierotti, founder of Physician’s Choice supplements, to dig into the in's and out's of building a high-growth company in the HALO space. Logan discusses his journey from working in digital marketing to launching what is now the top probiotic brand on Amazon, with annual revenues approaching $250 million. He opens up about the importance of focusing on value and science-backed products, the challenges of navigating both e-com and retail distribution, and the lessons learned in building a top-tier executive team.

Whether you’re a health club operator considering selling supplements or an entrepreneur looking for growth tips, you’ll want to hear Logan’s takeaways on company culture, self-awareness, and long-term success in a rapidly evolving, highly-competitive space.

When it comes to educating customers beyond just price, Logan states, "We wanted to give consumers value. And what's nice is with the Internet or e-commerce or even . . . med spas or health clubs, is you can educate the consumer more, right? They come into your store or they come online and you have all the marketing there so you can really educate them as opposed to just dropping your product in Walmart, which is a pure brand or commodity game. People are buying there based on price or based on packaging, versus when you control the distribution channels, you can educate them a lot more."

Key themes discussed

Transition from e-commerce to retail distribution strategies.
Building a high-quality executive and leadership team.
Navigating retailer partnerships and managing risk.
Importance of a singular brand focus: Probiotics and gut health.
Educating versus marketing to the consumer.
Value and growth of subscription business models.
Founder self-awareness and letting go of ego.

A Few Key Takeaways:

Hyper-Growth Through Strategic Focus: Logan shared how Physician's Choice grew quickly by narrowing their initial focus to just probiotics and gut health. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, they became the top probiotic brand by focusing on a science-backed, in-demand supplement.
Controlling Distribution—Don’t Chase Every Retailer: Logan emphasized the importance of controlling your own distribution channels, especially in the early stages. He cautioned against being seduced by “sexy” big box retail deals, which often shift risk onto the product provider and can become a logistical and financial nightmare. Physician's Choice only says yes to retailers who agree to their terms.
Value-Driven Brand Built on Education: The brand positioned itself as a value brand—affordable, yet backed by science and trust in the name. They focused on educating consumers through controlled channels like e-commerce and social media rather than relying on traditional retail, where purchasing decisions are much more driven by price and packaging.
Building a Strong Executive Team: Chierotti’s biggest learning was recognizing his own strengths and weaknesses early. He surrounded himself with a high-level executive team, brought in a CEO when the company reached a certain size, and freely gave equity to key hires. He stressed that hiring smart people and getting out of their way was crucial to scaling up.
The Power and Patience of the Subscription Model: About 40-50% of Physician’s Choice revenue comes from subscriptions—compounded over years. Logan pointed out how businesses (health clubs, supplement companies, etc.) often underestimate how long and compounding subscription revenue can take to build, but if you stick with it and focus on customer retention, the growth will come.

Resources:

Logan Chierotti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganchierotti
Physician's Choice: https://www.physicianschoice.com
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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In today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with returning guest Jason Moore, CEO and founder of Spren (formerly Elite HRV.) Jason shares the journey of his company’s cutting-edge technology, which transforms any smartphone into an advanced biomarker and body composition analysis tool. With over a million users and thousands of coaches trained, Spren’s platform is accelerating how gyms, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts track results and stay motivated.

Pete and Jason dive into the evolution of Spren’s technology, lessons learned from the pandemic, and how partnerships with industry leaders like Fitness On Demand are reshaping the member experience across more than a thousand gyms. Jason also pulls back the curtain on the powerful data trends Spren has uncovered, including what truly drives lasting health changes among gym members—and why focusing on muscle may be the key to long-term success.

Whether you’re a club operator, coach, or just passionate about fitness technology, this episode is a candid look at where health and wellness measurement is headed, how to engage members both inside and outside the gym, and the grit it takes to keep innovating in the HALO sector.

In discussions surrounding tech, there's always the question of data. On that Jason states, "Ultimately the member owns their data . . . that's how we think of it. Like you Pete, or whoever's listening, you own your own data, you can delete it all or take it with you. There's a big trend towards data portability."

Key themes discussed

Evolution of Spren’s body composition technology.
Integration with Fitness on Demand and gyms.
Seamless, phone-based body measurement solutions.
Learnings from SDK/API versus turnkey offerings.
Role of data and biomarkers in fitness journeys.
Member engagement and personalized coaching tools.
Trends in gym programming and equipment preferences.
Spren's Technological Evolution: Spren has transitioned from a prototype-focused company to delivering a full-fledged, scalable product. Their tech uses just a phone camera to provide accurate body composition analysis comparable to a DEXA scan. Over the last two years, they've moved towards offering turnkey solutions that require no IT or development resources, making implementation easier for fitness operators of all sizes.
Strategic Partnerships & Expansion: Spren has formed partnerships with major fitness platforms like Fitness on Demand, enabling rollouts across over a thousand gyms. These collaborations let gyms effortlessly integrate body composition tracking and personalized coaching for members, meeting the growing demand for accountability and measurable wellness outcomes.
Market Learnings & Business Model Shift: Jason shared that initially, Spren focused on offering their technology as an SDK/API for other tech teams to integrate. However, long implementation timelines and the complexity of custom integrations led them to shift toward simple, self-contained solutions that appeal directly to operators and members—and the market has responded positively to this shift.
Holistic Data & User Experience: Spren not only tracks body fat and muscle composition but also integrates data from blood labs and wearables to provide a more comprehensive view of a member's health. The company emphasizes user privacy and data ownership, and keeps the member in control of their own data, with growing features for research and cross-platform health data portability.
Industry Trends and Actionable Insights: One of the biggest insights from Spren’s dataset is that consistent gym-goers and those who work with qualified coaches show significantly better health outcomes. Also, members who focus on muscle building and preservation, not just fat loss, enjoy better long-term outcomes. Jason also noted a shift in club operators showing a greater willingness to pay for high-impact technology that enhances retention and member results, acknowledging that wellness tech can be an investment rather than just an expense.

Resources:

Jason Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehumanjason
Spren: https://www.spren.com
Jason's First HALO Talks Episode: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-384-unlocking-biometric-sensing-technology-w-jason-moore-of-spren-elite-hrv
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Cori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, to dive into the world of adult swimming—and why it’s never too late to learn. Cori shares her personal passion for water, the (often substantial) psychological hurdles adults face when learning to swim, and how her unique Foundations of Change program helps people overcome fear and embrace aquatic confidence.

Pete and Cori explore the relatively untapped demand for adult swim instruction, discuss the mental and physical dynamics of learning new skills later in life, and offer insights for health clubs considering specialized swim programming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a club owner or manager that has access to a pool, or just someone eager to get more comfortable in the water, this episode delivers thoughtful advice, actionable strategies, and a refreshing perspective on aquatics for all ages.

On the untapped potential of adult swim programs, Myka states, "That's the piece that I think is an underserved, underutilized component in the swim industry. It's really because there's such a focus on children, which is great, but there are more adults out there than kids."

Key themes discussed

Overcoming adult fear of swimming.
The psychological aspect of learning to swim.
Differences between adult and child swim instruction.
Opportunities for adult swim programming in clubs.
Creating supportive communities for adult learners.
Market demand and pricing for adult swim lessons.

A Few Key Takeaways:

1.Half of Adults Can’t Swim—But They Can Learn: According to Cori, about 50% of adults do not know how to swim. While there’s a major focus in the industry on children’s swim lessons, the adult market is underserved and much larger than many people realize. Cori’s mission is to reach these adults and show that it’s never too late to learn.

Psychology and Fear Are Major Barriers for Adult Learners: For adults, fear is a significant barrier to learning how to swim—much more so than for kids. Cori’s “Foundations of Change” program is tailored to this, focusing two parts on mindset and one part on physical skills. Progress is based on how adults feel in the water, and it typically takes 20–100 hours for an adult to feel comfortable in deep water.
Adult Swim Programming Is Underpriced and Undervalued: There’s a big revenue opportunity for clubs willing to offer adult swim programming, especially when marketed and priced at a premium—often comparable to or higher than kids’ private lessons. These programs can utilize off-peak pool hours, making them a win for both facilities and clients.
Online and In-Person Learning Are Both Essential: While some instruction can be done online (breaking down the learning steps and addressing mental blocks), the kinesthetic, in-water experience is irreplaceable. Cori’s approach blends these, guiding adults step-by-step without overwhelming them, and leveraging online cohorts or local instructor training to scale the model.
Creating a ‘Water Culture’ Starts with Adults: For families, making swimming a regular part of life is vital to kids’ comfort in the water. Cori emphasizes that the main barrier for kids is often parents’ own fear or inexperience. Adults who learn to swim not only change their own lives—they open doors for their families and help build a culture where water safety and confidence are the norm.

Resources:

Cori Myka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cori-myka-62314a18
Calm Within Adult Swim: https://adultswimlesson.com
Orca Swim School: https://orcaswimschool.com/meet-our-staff
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On today’s episode, Founder of Integrity Square and HALO Talks host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and Talent Optimizer Group founder, Tom Johnston. They dive deep into the power of talent optimization and why having the right people in the right seats is the ultimate game-changer for HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) sector businesses. Tom unpacks how health clubs can move beyond traditional hiring practices, bring rigor to their people strategy, and use data-driven insights—like employee engagement surveys and behavioral assessments—to build winning, high-performing teams.

From real-world case studies with leaders like Club 16’s Trevor Linden to practical advice on boosting employee retention and preparing your business for sale, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help club owners turn their workforce into a true differentiator. Whether you’re scaling up, planning an exit, or just want more engaged employees and less churn, you’ll get an inside look at the role of compassionate leadership and systematic talent development.

On bridging the gap between 'business strategy' and 'people strategy,' Johnston states, "Most organizations have a business strategy. They know what results they're looking to achieve, but they don't necessarily have a people strategy. There's a discipline around how we go about hiring the right people for the right role, and how we go about retaining talent."

Key themes discussed

Importance of talent optimization in business strategy.
Building and retaining a high-performing team.
Role of data and surveys in employee engagement.
Value of organizational transparency and action.
Impact of employee retention on company valuation.
Process of talent acquisition and onboarding.
Significance of compassionate leadership for team success.

A few key takeaways:

Talent Optimization Is a Discipline, Not a Buzzword: Tom emphasizes that talent optimization goes beyond simple recruiting—it’s about aligning "business strategy" with a well-thought-out "people strategy." This means intentionally hiring, retaining, and developing employees to match organizational goals, much like building a high-performing sports team.
Data-Driven Approaches Improve Employee Engagement: Tom discusses using tools like the Predictive Index to survey and assess team fit, manager-employee relationships, and overall engagement. These surveys, which are anonymous and concise, provide actionable insights leaders can use to improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Cultural Fit and Leadership Matter Just as Much as Skills: It’s not just about a person’s resume (“the briefcase”); hiring should prioritize behavioral fit (“the head”) and passion or values alignment (“the heart.”) Compassionate leadership and a focus on psychological safety foster a winning, loyal team.
Optimizing Talent Directly Impacts the Bottom Line: Tom shares case studies (like Club 16) illustrating how improved organizational structure and engagement have led to multi-million dollar gains. Reducing turnover, maximizing existing payroll, and scalable talent systems translate into real, measurable financial value—especially important when positioning a company for sale.
Winning Cultures Are Built on Transparency and Action: Both Pete and Tom stress the need for leaders to be transparent with teams—sharing survey results, explaining the “why” behind changes, and taking meaningful action. This not only helps employees feel seen and valued, but also drives consistent improvement and business success.

Resources:

Tom Johnston: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassjohnston
Talent Optimizer Group: https://www.talentoptimizergroup.com
Club 16 Case Study: https://talentoptimizergroup.com/case-study
Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Larry English—former NFL player, real estate developer, and now the mind behind Mind Body Mastery and the Union Capital Company. Larry opens up about his journey from achieving his childhood dream of playing in the NFL, to facing the tough transition into business and entrepreneurship. He shares the pivotal realization that his champion mindset and focus on health, once honed as a pro athlete, was just as essential in the world of business.

Larry talks about the importance of optimizing the "operator behind the business," using a data-driven approach to health and performance that goes far beyond "typical" fitness routines. Learn how a life-changing moment—watching the film "Concussion"—sparked his commitment to longevity and cognitive health, leading him to invest heavily in cutting-edge wellness strategies. Now, Larry helps executives and entrepreneurs unlock their peak potential through personalized, high-accountability programs that blend science, discipline, and mindset.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that proves whether on the field or in the boardroom, true performance starts with taking care of yourself first. You'll gain actionable insights on building sustainable vitality, avoiding burnout, and playing the long game in health and business.

On the hidden cost of ignoring your own health as an entrepreneur, English states, "As business people, we don't debate or second guess the fact that we need to know our numbers in our business. We need to know our KPIs . . . we need to watch that P&L like a hawk. We need to know our conversion rates and cost per acquisition, leads, how many leads we're bringing in . . . all these things, right? But then we look at our health and we think that it's supposed to just happen on its own, intuitively, by happenstance? And that's just not the case."

Key themes discussed

Transition from NFL career to entrepreneurship and business.
Importance of health optimization for business performance.
Data-driven approach to personal health and performance.
Mindset shifts after major career setbacks.
Accountability and structure for lasting personal change.
Defining success and fulfillment beyond financial achievements.

A few key takeaways:

The Importance of Optimizing the "Operator" (You!): Larry emphasizes that just like in sports, your personal health and performance as an entrepreneur or business professional are crucial to overall success. He points out that many professionals fail to recognize that a performance mindset and maintaining health are just as important in business as they are in athletics.
Lessons from Professional Sports Transition to Business: Larry draws direct parallels between elite athletics and building a business. He discusses how data-driven approaches, discipline, and having a clear playbook are not just for sports, but equally vital for high-performing business leaders. Just as athletes track performance metrics, business leaders should monitor their KPIs—and their health metrics.
Facing and Overcoming Burnout: Burnout isn't just a result of overworking. As Larry puts it, “your operating system is busted.” After leaving the NFL, Larry learned the hard way that abandoning a health-first mindset led to a decline in vitality and performance—even as he achieved success in real estate. His story illustrates the need to reset and refocus on personal well-being for sustained high achievement.
Data-Driven, Holistic Optimization Programs: Larry’s program is built on a holistic, science-based approach. It includes training, nutrition, biomarker optimization (via bloodwork), supplementation, and lifestyle supports. Success isn’t just about willpower; it’s about a system that offers expert guidance, accountability, and customization to each client's needs—so that health goals can directly power professional and personal ones.
Seeing Setbacks as Setups for Transformation: One of Larry’s most powerful reflections centers on how a major business deal falling through led him to reconsider his true purpose. Rather than letting the setback define him, it pushed him to pursue his passion for helping others optimize their lives. He now uses the lessons—and the systems—that helped him transition from NFL athlete to successful entrepreneur and coach as a blueprint for others who want to “win the war, not just the game."

Resources:

Larry English: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryenglishmindbody
Mind Body Mastery: https://mindbodymastery.com/training
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Beverly Wolfer, Executive Director of Tina’s Wish, to dive into the critical topic of health literacy and the power of community-driven change. Beverly shares her journey from the world of consulting to the nonprofit sector, where she leads efforts toward early detection of ovarian cancer—a mission inspired by the legacy of Judge Tina Brozman.

Pete and Beverly explore how HALO sector leaders (health, active lifestyle, outdoors) can champion women’s health through partnership, awareness, and education. Beverly sheds light on the life-saving potential of spreading knowledge about ovarian cancer’s subtle symptoms, and explains how Tina’s Wish is building a powerful platform—“What to Know Down Below”—to bridge gaps in health literacy and empower women to advocate for themselves.

Listeners will also hear Beverly’s inspiring perspective on purposeful career pivots, the importance of giving back, and the deep meaning she finds in honoring her brother’s legacy through another nonprofit supporting American troops.

On 'solving herself' out of a job, she states, "My goal is for us to solve Tina Brozman's dying wish and to find an early detection. And I can't think of a better way to put on my next resume, you know, how to put myself out of a job. Because we solved the problem that we went into solving, right?!"

Key themes discussed

Health literacy and gynecologic cancer awarenes.
Importance of early detection for ovarian cancer.
Tina’s Wish Foundation mission and impact.
Community partnerships and fundraising in fitness spaces.
Personal fulfillment in nonprofit career transitions.
Honoring veterans and family legacies through service.

A few key takeaways:

Mission of Tina’s Wish-Early Detection for Ovarian Cancer: Tina’s Wish was founded in memory of Judge Tina Brozman, who passed away from late-diagnosed ovarian cancer. The foundation’s mission is to fund research to develop an early detection screen for ovarian cancer—a test that currently doesn’t exist. The foundation has raised $29 million since 2008, fueling innovation and bringing hope closer to reality.
The Power of Health Literacy and Community Education: Beverly emphasized the importance of health education, especially about gynecologic cancers and women’s health. Her organization’s “What to Know Down Below” platform and podcast series empowers women to recognize symptoms and advocate for themselves, literally saving lives through awareness and knowledge.
Partnership Opportunities for Health and Fitness Communities: Tina’s Wish is seeking collaborations with fitness clubs, yoga studios, and wellness businesses. Ways to get involved include co-branding materials, distributing educational decals (such as in locker room bathrooms), and participating in turnkey fundraising events—making it easy for organizations to support the cause and educate their communities.
Running a Nonprofit: Purpose and Professional Fulfillment: Beverly’s transition from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership was driven by a desire for purpose. While the daily work still involves tasks like HR and accounting, knowing her efforts are mission-driven makes a profound difference. She shared that her ultimate goal is to “put herself out of a job” by solving the very problem her organization was founded to address.
Honoring Personal Legacy and Service: Beyond her role at Tina’s Wish, Beverly runs a foundation in memory of her brother, a Jewish American soldier killed in Iraq. Her family focuses on education, awareness, and meaningful care packages for deployed soldiers, highlighting both the personal impact of service and the ongoing need to keep memories and lessons from the past alive.

Resources:

Beverly Wolfer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-wolfer-nerenberg-38749467
Tina's Wish: https://tinaswish.org
What To Know Down Below podcast: https://tinaswish.org/whattoknow
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Andrew Petcash—former college basketball player, venture capitalist, and one of LinkedIn’s most insightful voices on the business of sports. Andrew shares his journey from building a massive NBA YouTube channel as a teenager to founding Profluence Capital, a sports-focused venture fund that connects founders, investors, and cutting-edge sports businesses.

The conversation dives deep into Andrew’s strategy for breaking down sports industry segments, sourcing valuable market data, and building authentic, action-oriented thought leadership (or, as Pete calls it, “action leadership!") He unpacks how his personal brand has become a powerful engine for attracting investment targets and shares why transparency in the investment process can spark even more opportunities in the ever-evolving sports landscape.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just interested in youth and collegiate sports—including the ripple effects of NIL—this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how major trends are being identified, funded, and built from the ground up. Petcash also offers candid advice for aspiring investors about the best ways to get involved in early-stage sports deals.

On their investment aproach, Petcash states, "Most of our companies have said we're their most helpful investor because we can also get them a lot of attention from our channels from a marketing lens. We also just have a huge network to get them more investment or to get them more customers or whatever."

Key themes discussed

Building credibility through content and thought leadership.
Action-oriented investing in sports and health sectors.
Market research and sizing sports investment opportunities.
Navigating early-stage venture capital and due diligence.
Challenges and opportunities of NIL in college sports.
The value of networks and relationships in sports investing.

A few key takeaways:

Content Creation as a Market Differentiator: Andrew leveraged his expertise in content creation to position himself as not just a thought leader, but an “action leader” in the sports and VC world. By sharing insights and market analysis on platforms like LinkedIn, he built trust, credibility, and created a network effect that brings founders and opportunities directly to him.
Unique Approach to Market Sizing and Research: Andrew highlights his process of identifying investment opportunities in sports—especially youth sports and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changes. He combines feedback from industry contacts, exclusive data access, and his own proprietary database, blending qualitative and quantitative insights not widely available elsewhere.
Innovative Venture Capital Model: Profluence goes beyond the typical VC approach. They split their portfolio between more predictable, linear investments (e.g., sports teams/events—what he calls “layer one” assets) and higher-upside venture bets. This aims to balance risk and ensure strong fund returns, even if only a few high-risk investments succeed.
The Value of Strategic Partnerships and Advisory Networks: Petcash also emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with subject matter experts and private equity partners as both LPs (limited partners) and advisors. This adds significant strategic value when evaluating deals and managing portfolio companies, helping Profluence "punch above its weight" in deal selection and support.
Advice to Investors-Use Funds Over Angel Investments: Both Pete and Andrew caution against direct angel investments into early-stage companies, unless you have professional oversight and industry-specific expertise. Instead, they recommend investing through established funds with strong governance and a relevant network—offering better diversification, professional vetting, and an increased chance of success.

Resources:

Andrew Petcash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcash
Profluence Capital: https://capital.profluence.com/team/andrew-petcash
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Tony Reed—a longtime marathoner, accomplished CPA, grandfather, and passionate advocate for healthier communities. Tony shares his journey that initially began with a childhood diagnosis of pre-diabetes and grew into a lifelong commitment to fitness. He discusses how running not only changed his own life, helping him avoid diabetes, and chronic disease, but also inspired him to support others, particularly within the African American community, through education and community-building.

Tony details the beginning of the National Black Marathoners Association, the myths they aim to dispel, and the training and sustainability programs they've launched over the past 20 years. He also talked about the organization's impact—including producing documentaries and creating a nationwide network of running clubs—and offers solid advice for anyone looking to balance a demanding career with a purpose-driven mission. Whether you’re a runner, a club owner, or an advocate for healthier, more inclusive communities, Tony’s story and insights are absolutely worth your time!

When it comes to starting up clubs, Reed states, "We've encouraged our members to get their coaching certifications either through the Roadrunners Club of America or USA Track and Field. Then once they get their certifications, for example, they could partner with a health club, and within that health club, they can actually have a distance running club."

Key themes discussed

Diabetes prevention and health through running.
Overcoming myths about African Americans in distance running.
Founding and mission of Black Marathoners Association.
Importance of education, training, and sustainability.
Partnerships with health clubs and coaches.
Inspirational stories and role models in running.

A few key takeaways:

Personal Health Journey as a Catalyst Tony was pre-diabetic as a child and was told he’d likely need insulin as a teen. Instead, through consistent physical activity, inspired by mandatory sports in school and Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book "Aerobics," Tony committed to a lifelong goal—averaging three miles a day. Decades later, he's run over 51,000 miles and never needed insulin.
Turning Personal Motivation into Community Impact Tony’s health transformation and running achievements led him to create a formal organization aimed at getting African Americans more involved in distance running. Sparked by community interest when he neared his 50th marathon, he turned his personal discipline into a mission and movement, focusing on education, training, and sustainability.
Dispelling Myths and Creating Representation One of the association’s core pillars is education: Challenging the myths that African Americans are only sprinters and not suited to distance running. Tony and his organization have produced documentaries to showcase role models and share inspirational stories within the community.
Building Partnerships and Running Communities The organization actively encourages members to get certified as running coaches and set up local running clubs—sometimes in partnership with health clubs. They provide role models, resource sharing, and opportunities to affiliate local clubs with the wider movement, enhancing retention and engagement in health clubs by helping members train toward collective race goals.
Impact and Legacy Tony’s organization is a non-profit with free membership and has directly or indirectly influenced over a quarter million African Americans to get active. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the association continues to grow, foster community, and provide platforms (like their annual summit) for sharing ideas and expanding their impact.

Resources:

Tony Reed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreedcpa/
National Black Marathoners Association: www.BlackMarathoners.org
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Hope you’re having a winning week! We’re back with this week’s 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 and today we're focusing on a game-changing question that we get asked a lot at Integrity Square: When is the best time to sell?

Here are some things to keep in mind:

🏆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Just like in sports, the HALO space rewards winners. Brands and businesses that consistently outperform, scale effectively, and deliver more value to their members are the ones catching the eye of investors and securing higher valuations.

📈 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Are things going well for your business after the challenges of recent years? Now might be the ideal time to think about your exit strategy. Selling when you’re on top—when revenues and EBITDA are strong—means you’re more likely to get a premium valuation. Don’t wait for another downturn when performance and prospects might dip.

🔄 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 = 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 The best franchises (in any industry) have a repeatable playbook, a winning culture, and fans who stick around. Whether it’s jerseys sold or fitness memberships renewed, sustained excellence sets you apart—and attracts both area developers and investors.

💡𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Build and maintain a culture of consistent achievement.
Track your performance, and recognize when you’re “winning.”
If you’re considering selling, do it from a position of strength—not as a turnaround.

Go HALO!

Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials

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Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDOSE for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com

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𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

This week we're finally at the ninth-inning in closing our deal.

We've gone through all the prior steps. . . club financials continue to perform and—against all odds (!) —every landlord signed their lease assignments. No last-minute disasters, no drama. (This never happens, but work with me for the sake of illustration. Ha)!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆?

All parties expecting cash are listed in a Funds Flow Excel sheet.

In this case, $3 million is set aside into an escrow account for two years, ready for any unforeseen surprises.

Equipment lenders (like Macrolease) get paid directly by the buyers, ensuring all liens are cleared before ownership fully transfers.

Every last closing cost—success fees, accountants, landlord payments—is disbursed.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗽

With all wires sent and debts cleared, what’s left? A classic “tombstone” celebration for the team, and a HUGE sense of accomplishment.

These deals take a long time to close. . .anyone who says otherwise is lying (or doesn't truly know the space.) Our shortest deal in the history of ISQ took 60 days. Our longest? About 14 months.

Until next week—Go HALO!

We go into much more detail in the HALO Academy. Registration open now for our September cohort: https://www.thehaloacademy.com

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In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and veteran health club entrepreneur, Marc Rothschild. From launching his first gym in 1995 to navigating the evolving landscape of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space, Marc shares his journey through the industry’s highs and lows—including insights gained through decades of club ownership, expansion, and his own, personal transformation.

The conversation dives deep into Marc’s shift from traditional gym operations to curating meaningful wellness experiences, like his transformative retreat in Costa Rica. Pete and Marc reflect on the power of disconnecting from daily anxiety, reframing self-care, and the importance of creating supportive communities—both inside and outside the gym.

Whether you’re a fitness professional, club owner, or someone in search of inspiration for your next chapter, this episode is packed with upfront wisdom, real talk about growth, and a look at what it means to both "lead and heal."

Key themes discussed

Personal growth through fitness and mental health.
Evolution from health club operations to wellness retreats.
Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga as transformative tools.
Importance of community and supportive environments.
Embracing discomfort for personal development.
Reframing life’s hardships into strength and compassion.

A few key takeaways:

Transformative Power of Retreats and Mindful Experiences: Marc shared how attending a retreat in Costa Rica was a huge turning point for him, both personally and professionally. He mentioned it challenged him physically and mentally, helping him disconnect from daily anxieties and reconnect with nature, mindfulness, and himself. He now feels pulled to curate similar experiences for others, focusing on true transformation rather than just a "typical" vacation.
Embracing Discomfort for Personal Growth: Marc emphasized growth comes from getting out of your comfort zone. Whether it's sharing a bungalow with strangers or pushing through physical pain during the retreat, stepping into discomfort allowed him and others to experience real change and build resilience.
Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. "Traditional" Employment: Throughout his career—from opening his first gym in 1995, partnering on joint ventures, to his current pursuits—Marc has always been a serial entrepreneur. He reflected on the importance of building a life and work style true to oneself, especially as he’s realized he thrives when running his own show versus working for someone else.
A Holistic Approach to Fitness, Health, and Recovery: Marc’s perspective on health over the years has shifted to a more holistic view. He talked about the importance of integrating modalities like yoga, Tabata, and strength training with mental and emotional well-being, clean nutrition, and recovery. He suggested that feeling your best is about making cumulative positive choices—what you eat, how you move, and how you care for your mind.
Community and Connection Versus "Just a Gym": Marc’s clubs (like Rock Creek Sports Club) have found success not just by offering fitness classes and equipment, but by fostering real community. They focus on culture, inclusivity, and kindness, attracting and retaining members who want support, encouragement, and genuine connection rather than just your "standard" gym experience.

Resources:

Marc Rothschild: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-rothschild-84a31252
Solluna Yoga Retreats: https://solluna.yoga
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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In today's 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 we're excited to bring you another portion of our panel discussion at the recent Athletech News Innovators Summit held in NYC, July 2025.

Integrity Square Founder Pete Moore had the pleasure of moderating a panel with Mark Federico (CEO of Crunch Fitness CR Fitness Holdings, LLC) and Terry Blachek (Orangetheory Fitness) for a deep dive into the real-world challenges—and strategies—of scaling fitness franchises.

M&A Is More Than Just Numbers: At its core, M&A is (also!) about “multiples and add-backs” 😉—understanding valuation drivers and how projecting future growth (and dealing with the inevitable aftershocks) can make or break a deal.
The HALO Sector Has Transformed: Once dominated by just a few big players, the space is now segmented with unique opportunities (and risks) for each vertical. Brands like EoS, Vasa, and Fitness Connection may look new, but actually. . . many are evolutions of legacy Gold's clubs.
Valuations: Investor sentiment is extremely strong right now, with leading brands commanding impressive multiples (EoS at 13x, Crunch corporate at 18x.) A diverse club portfolio across states also usually means higher valuation and more investor interest.

We encourage everyone to work hard to understand the bigger picture that's literally happening right now in health club M&A—beyond just the financials.💡

Want to learn more? (You should. Otherwise you're playing checkers while the rest of the industry plays chess.)

Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials

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Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDOSE for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com

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𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

Navigating the Final Steps in Asset Sales—What Happens After You Sign?

If you've been following along, Pete Moore has breaking down what’s happening behind the scenes as five groups compete to acquire 20 health clubs.

In our latest 2 Minute Financial Drill, he goes behind the scenes of what happens after signing an APA ("Asset Purchase Agreement.") Here’s what’s happening once the ink dries:

After a series of back-and-forth's (think maybe 3-5 rounds of drafts between lawyers!), both the buyer and seller are now locked into detailed representations ("reps") and warranties. Every piece of information—disclosures about competitors, potential lawsuits, or governmental issues—must be fully transparent.

Also? These reps and warranties don’t just disappear right after closing; they can survive for years, or even indefinitely if it involves major issues like ownership or taxes.

But we’re (not even close) to finished yet! 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀!

If you’re selling a group of clubs (and don’t own the real estate), every lease needs to be transferred—with landlord consent. This means approaching every landlord individually to get their sign-off on the new buyer. If the seller is still guaranteeing any lease, efforts are made to release or indemnify them, so later liabilities don’t haunt them after the sale is done.

We go into much more detail in the HALO Academy. Registration open now for our September cohort: https://www.thehaloacademy.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Kristin Anderson, a trailblazer in the HALO sector and a well-known, high-profile Pilates instructor out of Los Angeles. Kristin shares her journey from competitive figure skating to entrepreneurship, revealing how her passion for movement has shaped her approach to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives. Kristin drives home points about "the power of small, consistent movement," the enduring value of Pilates, and how she's leveraging technology to make fitness more accessible.

This is a fun one! And it's packed with inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone looking to “feed their humanity” through movement—plus a nod to shared passions for Taylor Swift and how Pilates is benefiting everyone from pop stars to pro athletes!

Anderson is known for successfully launching several products, though being ahead of the curve hasn't always been easy—sometimes leading to frustration or skepticism from others. Still, her ability to anticipate change and her commitment to personal authenticity keep her moving forward.

When discussing a healther future, she says, "This is fighting for what you believe in! You guys (Integrity Square) are about getting rid of childhood diabetes and obesity, because those things are still around, and you can't sleep at night when it's going on out there! I have that same thing. It's like . . . it's just a tiny bit of movement. It makes me feel better, you feel better, and then I still have time to do all my other things, because when I get out of balance, it's not good."

Key themes discussed

Scaling wellness and Pilates impact beyond local communities.
The benefits and science behind Pilates practice.
Movement as a tool for mental and physical well-being.
Balancing personal career ambitions with community contribution.
The evolving role of technology in fitness and Pilates.
Importance of daily movement—no need for lengthy workouts.
Pilates’ integration into sports, rehabilitation, and "mainstream" fitness.

A few key takeaways:

Movement Is Essential—Not Just for Fitness, But for Life: Kristin emphasizes that movement isn’t just about working out or looking a certain way—it’s about staying healthy, feeling good, and functioning well in everyday life. She says, "Some kind of movement, regardless of who you are, will get you some endorphins . . . and that actually influences the rest of your life and all these other areas that we're always trying to knock down.”
The Power of Scaling Positive Impact: Kristin shares how her drive isn’t about money— it’s about helping more people through movement. She believes in a “butterfly effect”: helping one person move better can ripple outward to help countless others, feeding her “purpose” of giving someone the gift of a better day.
Pilates Is Here to Stay—and Evolving: As a Pilates innovator, Kristin points out that Pilates is no passing fad. It has become a foundational movement system for everyone from athletes (like the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift!) to everyday people. She predicts that Pilates principles will become further ingrained in mainstream fitness and even children’s physical education.
Balance and Community Matter for Longevity and Joy: Kristin talks about how she structures her own schedule to balance client work, creative projects, personal pursuits, and mentorship—because “when I get out of balance, it's not good.” She stresses the importance of community, connection, and feeding “your humanity.”
Pilates (and Movement) Is Becoming More Accessible and Customizable Looking to the future, Kristin sees Pilates (and movement-based wellness in general) getting even more personalized. Whether it’s bite-size routines for specific goals (like sport recovery or rehab) or leveraging tech/AI to deliver targeted programs, she envisions a world where the benefits of Pilates are widely available and “normalized.”

Resources:

Kristin Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-anderson-thankyou/
HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): https://bit.ly/2minutedrills
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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In today's Fast Break we're excited to bring you (a snippet) of our panel discussion at the recent Athletech Innovators Summit held in NYC, July 2025. Integrity Square Founder and HALO Talks host Pete Moore moderated a panel with Mark Federico (CEO of Fitness Holdings/Crunch Fitness) and Terry Blachek (Orange Theory Fitness) for a deep dive into the real-world challenges—and strategies—of scaling fitness franchises.

Mark Federico’s Growth Playbook

Mark walked us through his journey, from running a nine-club independent brand to leading a 50+ club Crunch Fitness operation across 10 states.
He shed light on the big question: Build new locations (greenfields) or buy existing ones (acquisitions)? He shared the calculus behind each approach, breaking down real cost factors and explaining why “development space” is critical for franchisees.

Franchise Valuation—Not All Clubs Are Created Equal

Many single-gym owners want “big company” multiples, but Mark explained why scale, growth runway, and strategic value make a huge difference in valuation.
Pro tip: Buying a single club isn’t the same as absorbing a whole region. If you want premium pricing, bring growth potential to the table.

Financing Franchise Expansion

Terry opened up about the risks and strategies he used to finance Orange Theory locations, including SBA loans, finding investor partners, and personally guaranteeing leases.
They discussed what it really takes to stand behind a business—sometimes with tens of millions in personal guarantees—long before private equity gets involved.

The Realities (and Rewards) of Entrepreneurship

Both guests emphasized the massive personal and financial risks entrepreneurs take to build these fitness empires. Pete made an important point: These risks deserve respect and reward, not scorn.

Bonus Insight: The "Microwave vs. Crockpot" Growth Model

Terry shared Orange Theory’s approach to expansion, balancing rapid growth with careful, sustainable development. If you're a franchisor or area developer, this is a must-hear perspective.

Want to learn more? (You should. Otherwise you're playing checkers while the rest of the industry plays chess.)

Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials

==================================================

Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDose for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com Resources

Athletech News: https://athletechnews.com
Mark Federico: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-federico-163069182
Terry Blachek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174
Orange Theory Fitness: https://www.orangetheory.com
Crunch Fitness: https://www.crunchfitness.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Mary Laudati, a seasoned sales and marketing leader with deep roots in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space. From her days leading the sales group at Sports Club LA to her current role as a consultant working with top clubs across the U.S. and internationally, Mary shares her insights on building effective sales strategies, leveraging cutting-edge software like Salesforce, and creating a powerful culture of member engagement and retention.

She provides boots-on-the-ground, immediately actionable tips on using data, recording sales calls, and mystery shopping to pinpoint where clubs are leaving revenue on the table—plus, the importance of strong onboarding and personal connections to keep members coming back. Mary also discusses the latest trends in CRM technology, club operations, and the shift toward shared memberships and referral models.

Whether you’re a club owner, sales team leader, or just passionate about the business of the HALO space, Mary’s advice on finding—and keeping—members is pure gold.

On early member retention, she states, "Those three months are crucial . . . for those clubs that don't have salespeople, not only do you want to embrace the incoming (they've got to follow up and make a lot of phone calls), but they also have to check on the new members and look at their attendance to make sure that they're coming in."

Key themes discussed

Importance of sales strategies and processes in health clubs.
Customizable CRM/software solutions for sales and retention.
The critical role of training and investing in your employees.
KPIs, net growth, revenue, and retention.
Mystery shopping and call recording for sales team improvement.
Enhancing member engagement, onboarding, and relationship-building.
Shared membership/referral programs to boost membership and loyalty.

A few key takeaways:

Sales Process Needs Structure and Ongoing Evaluation: Mary emphasized that many clubs claim to have a strong sales team, but more often than not lack strategies, scripts, or KPIs. She underlined the importance of having sequential, process-driven systems and regular evaluation—often through recording, analyzing calls, and “mystery shopping” the current experience.
CRMs and Custom Software Are Game-Changers: A major part of the episode centers around the critical need for effective, customizable CRMs. Mary championed Salesforce for its adaptability, noting her experience implementing it at Millennium Partners. She highlighted recent successes helping clubs (like Powerhouse Gyms in Novi, MI) leverage technology to understand their numbers, coach their teams, and boost revenue.
Training and Investment in People Drives Revenue: Laudati strongly advocates investing in employee training alongside technology. She’s seen clients who paired software adoption with robust training, and realized up to 25% growth year-over-year. She's a believer in hands-on onboarding, coaching, and ensuring team members are held accountable—not just to sales, but to ongoing member engagement.
Retention is as Critical as Acquisition: Both Mary and Pete stressed the importance of looking beyond just new member acquisition to also address attrition. Laudati recommends clubs track net growth (sales minus cancels), invest in the early months of a member's journey, proactively reach out to disengaged members, and create meaningful connections (a la “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name!)
Shared Memberships and Ongoing Engagement are Winning Strategies: Highlighting clients like Bay Clubs, Laudati also talked about the explosion of shared or referral-based memberships and how they can create instant community and value. She noted the value of actively integrating new members into programs or group activities (think personal training, group ex, or even pickleball) during the crucial first three months to help maximize retention.

Resources:

Mary Laudati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-laudati-89206232
Mary Laudati Sales Consulting: https://www.marylaudati.com
HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): https://bit.ly/2minutedrills
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks

===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

View Details

In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Marco Benitez—a guest who brings together the worlds of Taekwondo and biomedical engineering! Marco is the founder of Rook, a "middleman" company specializing in connecting data from hundreds of wearables and medical devices. Drawing on his extensive background in sports and years in big pharma, Benitez discusses the challenges and opportunities in bridging data silos in the fitness, health, and insurance spaces.

He also dives into the origins of Rook, the significance of B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) models, and the importance of building predictable, scalable solutions that empower organizations to actually use their data—not just collect it. Whether you're a fitness pro, entrepreneur, or just interested in the quickly evolving landscape of fit tech, this episode is packed with insights into how smart data integration is reshaping the way we approach the HALO space. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors)

On working in the enterprise space Marco mentions, "Working with enterprise clients . . . takes a lot of time to close deals but once they are closed, you will receive a lot of feedback, and you will be in the heart of their company. Because we are an API solution, we live 'inside' the platform . . . inside the app."

Key themes discussed

Importance and value of data integration.
Rook’s middleware solution for wearables.
Challenges of connecting multiple wearable devices’ data.
Building and scaling a B2B SaaS company.
Lessons from sports and long-term business growth.
The evolving role of data in healthcare and insurance.
Differentiating real, actionable intelligence from the AI hype.

A few key takeaways:

Rook Connects Wearable Data Seamlessly: Rook acts as a middleware platform that allows companies to easily integrate and extract data from over 300 different wearables and medical devices. This solves a huge pain point for fitness apps, gyms, digital health, and insurance companies that need unified, standardized, and actionable user health data without having to build separate integrations for each device.
B2B SaaS with Active User Pricing: Rook is a B2B SaaS company, charging clients (gyms, fitness apps, insurers, etc) based on the number of active users accessing data through the platform. This recurring revenue model is 'sticky' and predictable, making it attractive for both business growth and investors, since switching out such a middleware solution tends to be costly and pretty disruptive for clients.
Wearables Becoming Medical Devices: The wearables ecosystem is quickly evolving, with many devices attaining FDA clearance. This means the data they provide is now medically credible and increasingly important for areas like digital health, fitness, and prevention-oriented insurance models—creating new demand for integration platforms.
Long-Term Perspective: Building to Become a Data Science Company: Benitez emphasizes the value of the long game—he compares entrepreneurship to earning a taekwondo black belt. Rook’s long-term vision is to move beyond just delivering clean, structured data to offering actionable intelligence, insights, and predictive analytics to their clients.
Flexibility Driven by Customer Need: A key lesson? Rook’s roadmap for integrating new wearables is customer-focused. Rather than chasing each new device that comes out, the team prioritizes devices with the most client demand and market share. This way, they deliver real value where it matters most, instead of losing focus.

Resources:

Marco Benitez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzg
Rook: https://www.tryrook.io
HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): https://bit.ly/2minutedrills
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here:

====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks

======================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

View Details

In today’s episode, host Pete Moore talks with Lauren Schoenfeld, founder of Active Core Consulting and a powerhouse fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) specializing in the boutique fitness space. With an impressive finance background spanning PwC, WeWork, and Equinox, Lauren has a unique blend of skills in the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) to help studios and gyms not only survive but thrive. She relays her journey from athlete to finance entrepreneur, the creation of her consulting agency during the pandemic, and how her team supports fitness businesses with everything from streamlined financial and business planning, to holistic sales and operations coaching.

Schoenfeld dives into common financial pitfalls fitness operators face, why understanding your KPIs on a weekly and monthly basis is critical, and her hands-on approach to guiding owners toward sustainable growth and profitability. Whether you're struggling to get your cash flow under control, looking to scale to multiple locations, or simply want to run a tighter ship, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-world studio benchmarks, and Lauren’s “just ship it” mantra. Tune in for an insightful conversation that’s critical listening for anyone in the HALO space aiming to manage, measure, and ultimately maximize the value of their business.

On the power of personal connection in the digital space, she states, "I also think that because our world has become so digital, even having the front desk team learn how to have conversations with people that are coming into the studio is a huge area of opportunity that we help our clients with."

Key themes discussed

Importance of financial clarity for fitness studios.
Role and value of a fractional CFO.
Building and tracking key business KPIs.
Strategies for boutique studio revenue growth.
Managing cash flow and operational adjustments.
Software tools and systems for studio management.
Community engagement and sales through conversation.

A few key takeaways:

Strong Financial Foundations Are Essential, Not Optional: Lauren highlights many fitness studio owners lack a true understanding of their finances. She says it's not just bookkeeping that's missing but a real, hands-on understanding of cash flow, profitability, and Key Performance Indicators (KPI's.) Solid financial processes and regular P&L reviews help owners avoid surprises, make better decisions, and ultimately set themselves up for growth or a potential exit.
Fractional CFOs Offer Comprehensive Benefits: Lauren’s firm, Active Core Consulting, provides not only CFO-level guidance but holistic support—combining bookkeeping, financial modeling, three-year business plans, and ongoing operational consulting. This all-in-one approach is especially valuable for boutique fitness studios needing more than just a traditional bookkeeper or an accountant.
Regular KPI Tracking Drives Better Outcomes: She stresses the importance of tracking KPIs weekly (and monthly)—not just revenue, but also leads, intro offers, membership sales, and class packs. By setting benchmarks and monitoring progress, studios can make fast changes and improve their results over time.
Sales and Operations Training is Often the Missing Link: Lauren found that many studios simply didn’t have a solid sales process, clear guidelines, or strong community marketing strategies. Her agency often helps struggling studios by focusing first on sales and operations coaching—sometimes before touching the financial model—believing operational tweaks can quickly stop the bleeding and boost revenue.
Entrepreneurial Flexibility Can Beat Franchise Rigidity: While franchises promise a business-in-a-box, Lauren sees real opportunity for independent owners (and even franchisees) to create more tailored systems that genuinely fit their vision, rather than following (in many cases) overly-rigid franchisor mandates. Her team encourages owners to build scalable, profitable businesses with proven frameworks but without unnecessary constraints.

Resources:

Lauren Schoenfeld: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschoenfeld1
Active Core Consulting: ttps://www.activecoreconsulting.com/podcast
HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): https://bit.ly/2minutedrills
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks

===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

View Details

In this episode, host Pete Moore reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Emory University alum, Marcus Gordon. They dive into the significant evolution of endurance sports over the years, and the business opportunities surrounding the endurance athlete community. Marcus shares his journey from collegiate athlete and marketing professional to passionate triathlete and entrepreneur—highlighting the explosive growth in triathlons, marathons, and ultra events across the globe.

Pete and Marcus chat about the gaps in the market for facilities catering specifically to endurance athletes, the concept behind Marcus’s upcoming venture Endurance Ohana, and how advances in tech are transforming training and competition prep. They also touch on the importance of community, the power of simulation-based training, and what makes a truly next-level fitness experience for serious endurance enthusiasts. Marcus pulls back the curtain on his exciting plans for a destination-style facility focused on not just performance, but recovery, community, and the full spectrum of an athlete’s needs.

On 'viral' indoor cycling tech, Gordon mentions, "You'll be able to ride the entire Ironman Hawaii course on your trainer. And except for the wind on your face and the sun glaring down your back, you get every element of that course in terms of being able to see who's in front of you, who's behind you, the elements of going up a hill, coasting down a hill, and so on. We can bring that environment indoors and people love doing that!"

Key themes discussed

Endurance sports culture and personal journey
Growth and popularity of triathlons/ultras
Gaps in facilities for endurance athletes
Concept and mission
Tech integration in training and recovery
Community and togetherness as core values
Premium experience: Performance, recovery, and social aspects

A few key takeaways:

A New Kind of Performance Center: Marcus is launching “Endurance Ohana,” a boutique gym and performance center specifically catering to endurance athletes—everyone from 5K runners to Ironman competitors. While traditional gyms have amenities endurance athletes use, none are truly targeted at this community’s unique needs.
Community and Experience at the Core: The concept centers on the Hawaiian term “ohana,” meaning family and community, emphasizing a supportive, communal environment. It’s not just about physical training, but also bringing together passionate individuals with similar goals in a space specifically designed for collective motivation and support.
High-Tech, Multi-Disciplinary Training: The facility will also feature cutting-edge options for swimming, arena-style cycling (with advanced indoor trainers, including options to bring your own bike), running, strength, mobility, and top-tier recovery options like cold plunges and saunas. There’s a major focus on integrating tech for tracking and simulating real-world race conditions.
Training, Recovery & Content Creation: Beyond just equipment, Ohana will offer full support: Nutrition, recovery, strength, mobility, and even social media and content creation resources. The facility looks to be a true “third place” for athletes, complete with recovery lounges and podcast/video studios.
A Premium Membership for a Passionate Community: Expect a high-end experience, with membership hovering in the $300+ per month range. This reflects both the deeply invested target audience (endurance athletes already spending heavily on gear and races) and the all-inclusive nature—training, recovery, storage, and community all under one roof.

Resources:

Marcus Gordon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusgordon
Endurance Ohana: https://enduranceohana.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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On today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Emma and Ben Stallworthy, the husband and wife team behind the Melbourne-based, Your Reformer. With a foundation built on serial entrepreneurship and a huge passion for Pilates, Emma and Ben share their story from reviving a rundown health club to scaling a successful chain of gyms, and ultimately selling their business to a major player.

They dive into the challenges of pivoting from brick-and-mortar to launching their own Pilates equipment and digital content venture, all while (trying!) to balance family life, married life, and staying true to their values. Listen now for some candid conversations about risk-taking, jumping on opportunities, and why they believe the future of wellness lies in making Pilates accessible anytime, anywhere, and for anyone.

On knowing your bottom line during negotiations, Emma states, "Make sure you're equipped with the right advisors around what is a realistic valuation that you can have some wiggle room in negotiation to move with. You should know, what's my bottom line, what would I walk away from, and what am I comfortable with? This way, you can then go in there and be comfortable with either decision and have no regrets."

Key themes discussed

Building and scaling health clubs in Australia.
Entrepreneurial journey and personal growth.
Introducing reformer Pilates into gyms.
Navigating acquisitions and business exits.
Creating boutique wellness experiences within larger clubs.
Transitioning to digital and at-home Pilates solutions.
Balancing family life with business partnerships.

A few key takeaways:

Entrepreneurial Spirit and Diverse Ventures: The couple's journey highlights their strong entrepreneurial drive. From purchasing a rundown club at 22, to experimenting with other unusual businesses, they’ve shown a knack for identifying and chasing new opportunities. Their evolution to focusing on one “core thing” (Pilates, with Your Reformer) demonstrates the power of learning, adaptation, and focus.
Building, Growing, and Exiting a Fitness Chain: They took a failing gym, revamped it, and eventually scaled to six clubs (Pinnacle Health Clubs) by innovating early—like introducing 24/7 access before it became common. This alone doubled their membership! Their ability to consistently listen to member needs and adapt offerings was essential for sustained growth, culminating in a successful exit to Viva Leisure.
Pilates and Boutique Wellness as a Growth Engine: The pair recognized Pilates—specifically Reformer Pilates—as a critical differentiator and a driver of future growth. By integrating boutique wellness elements into their clubs, they expanded the appeal and unlocked additional revenue, with up to 30% of members opting in for premium wellness options.
Navigating the Acquisition Process: Emma and Ben shared valuable advice on selling a business: When a strategic buyer comes with an offer, don’t let personal attachment cloud your judgment! They stressed the importance of getting solid advice, knowing your worth, negotiating from a position of strength, and recognizing that the first offer is often the best. Detaching emotionally and staying commercially minded is crucial.
Transitioning to Product and Digital Solutions: After their exit, they transitioned from brick-and-mortar gyms to manufacturing reformer Pilates machines and digital solutions, supplying both commercial facilities and the home market. Your Reformer meets the needs of major gym chains to home users, making Pilates more accessible without breaching any non-compete. They’ve combined design, content, and hardware into user-focused solutions, leveraging insights from hands-on, member-facing experience.

Resources:

Emma Stallworthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-stallworthy
Ben Stallworthy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-stallworthy-912625a1/
Your Reformer: https://yourreformer.com/
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks

===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In today's episode, Integrity Square Founder Pete Moore dives into the roots and current landscape of private equity (PE) — and why it matters to literally 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 in the HALO sector. Ignore at your own peril.

• PE's Evolution: PE started when changes like the Prudent Man Act allowed institutions (think university endowments and pension funds) to invest in private companies. This ushered in a new era for higher-risk, higher-return investments.

• The PE Playbook: Early pioneers like Kohlberg, Kravitz & Roberts (KKR) built the model we see today: Acquire private companies, add layers of financing, optimize operations, make additional add-on acquisitions, and resell for higher multiples and strong returns over a 5-7 year hold period.

• PE’s Widespread Impact: For better or worse (more on that in future videos) private equity now owns major brands across industries (including popular gym chains and franchises in the HALO sector.) Their involvement accelerates change, competition, and operational improvement—if you’re in the industry, you’re either a target, a competitor, or a potential partner.

If you missed our video about EoS Fitness, we touch on that here: https://youtu.be/CQtaGUQIyxY

Want to learn more? (You should. Otherwise you're playing checkers while the rest of the industry plays chess.)

Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting June 24th. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials

==================================================

Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDose for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://tidd.ly/4l1WXEf

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks

===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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On this episode, host Pete Moore reconnects with Jaja Jackson, a longtime friend and fellow Harvard Business School alum, for a deep dive into the intersection of real estate, hospitality, and health. Jaja shares his path from developing homes and communities, to joining Airbnb in its pivotal years, where he helped bridge the gap between multifamily housing and the (then) cutting-edge world of home sharing. Now a leader at ICONIQ Capital, Jackson discusses how his team has reimagined multifamily properties to boost net operating income and create vibrant, HALO-focused communities. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.)

Pete and Jaja explore how many lessons from hospitality and flexible living can--and probably should--carry over into the health club industry—emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, curated experiences, and bringing on top-tier talent. They discuss the role of loneliness in today’s health crisis and offer actionable ideas for club operators, from employing inspiring staff to forming innovative partnerships with residential buildings. Jackson provides solid suggestions and practical takeaways from outside the industry that any club operator would do well to take seriously. Listen now for this fresh perspective on elevating the HALO sector.

On increasing the yield in multifamily without major renovations, Jackson states, "All you're doing is changing the operator and in some cases investing in furnishings to extend the value and the operation of your amenities in common spaces . . . that translates into an unlevered yield increase of between 1 and 5 or 6%. And it's tremendous!"

Key themes discussed

Evolution of Airbnb and real estate partnerships.
Creating flexible living asset classes for higher returns.
Overcoming resistance and building trust in hospitality innovation.
Strategies to enhance resident and member experiences.
Importance of health, wellness, and community in living spaces.
Leveraging talent (athletes, trainers) for cultural impact.
Addressing loneliness and building genuine connections.

A few key takeaways:

Transforming Multifamily Real Estate Through Flexible Living: Jaja shared his experience moving from "traditional" real estate development to pioneering “flexible living” while at Airbnb and now at ICONIQ Capital. By blending hospitality concepts with class A multifamily buildings, he helped create new asset value and returns, boosting net operating income by 15–40% without expensive renovations.
The Power of Trust and Experience in Merging Hospitality & Real Estate: Initially, the biggest hurdles were skepticism and trust issues from large apartment owners about the idea of short-term rentals. Jaja and his team addressed this by building software and policies ensuring resident safety and a trusted experience, paving the way for programs like Airbnb’s Friendly Buildings.
Culture and Personalization Are Game Changers in Health and Fitness: Drawing parallels to the health club space, Jaja highlights that the sector is overdue for a hospitality-like approach—moving beyond transactional relationships to foster real community and deep personalization. He suggests health clubs can learn from hospitality by knowing members’ needs, supporting their goals, and making every interaction memorable.
Building Community and Combating Loneliness: Both in multifamily living and health clubs, facilitating real connections is crucial. Jaja’s approach includes encouraging residents to meet each other through fitness amenities and group activities, even integrating professional athletes as resident “ambassadors” to inspire and engage. He strongly believes in addressing not just physical health, but also combating loneliness and building social connections as a core part of wellness.
Talent and Ownership Mindset Are Critical: Whether in property management or fitness clubs, success hinges on having the right people—those who think like owners, have charisma, and are invested for the long term. Jaja and Pete both emphasize the importance of intentional hiring (“pay for talent”) and instilling commitment, suggesting businesses treat employee recruitment and culture-building as vital investments, not afterthoughts.

The statements by Jaja are not investment advice and do not represent ICONIQ Capital or Airbnb.

Resources:

Jaja Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaja-jackson-36832a57
Iconiq Capital: https://www.iconiqcapital.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝙁𝘼𝙎𝙏𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆-𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀!

🚨 Calling all boutique fitness studio operators! 🚨

Integrity Square Managing Partner & Founder Pete Moore is back as "Dr. HALO", and this is a must-hear for anyone running a boutique fitness studio. He's not mincing words either: If you’re only running a few classes a day and wondering why you’re struggling, it’s time for you to look in the mirror. A few things:

Increase Class Frequency Most boutique fitness studios simply aren’t offering enough classes. If you’re only open for a few hours or offering just 2-3 classes a day, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. More classes equal more revenue opportunities—don’t sell yourself short by playing it safe.

Maximize Revenue per Hour, Not Just per Class Look at Southwest! This is also an hourly business. Every hour you don’t run a class is a lost opportunity for revenue. Running a business on “airline logic” means utilizing your space as much as possible throughout the day.

Go Beyond Your Core Demographic Stop telling yourself there aren’t enough people in your area who want to work out! From soccer moms to assisted living residents, triathletes to brunch-goers, Get creative and dig into who else could fill seats in those classes at different hours. There are always more opportunities than you think—if you’re willing to do the work.

Think Like a Multi-Use ArenaLook at yourself as Madison Square Garden, not just a single-purpose facility. That means filling your space with a variety of offerings—different types of classes, events, even partnerships—to maximize usage, build community, and drive revenue.

You're Responsible for Creating Value Tough Love Time: If your studio isn’t open enough, not generating revenue, and feeling like a victim—change it. Create true value by filling time slots, building community, and serving new demographics. Buyers only want valuable, profitable businesses, not ones that are break-even or losing money. Value is built—so get to work!

Stop playing small, fill your calendar, and serve your community. Start thinking bigger. Go HALO!

Resources:

Sponsored by our friends at Promotion Vault. Reward Intelligence!

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Kyria Sabin began her journey with Pilates in 1991 while living in Los Angeles and working as an art gallery director. Teaching Pilates was never part of her original path. However, her lifelong interest in fitness led her to eventually catch the bug for Pilates. After attending a workshop with renowned Pilates "Elder" Ron Fletcher, he encouraged her to teach the method, though she initially resisted. Despite her intentions to head to law school, Kyria’s passion for Pilates ultimately changed her trajectory, shaping her future as a leading educator in the field.

Pete and Kyria continue on to discuss the origins of Fletcher Pilates, the evolution of teacher training, and what sets Pilates apart as a transformative practice with remarkable return on time invested. She opens up about the rigors of Pilates instructor certification, the expansion of Fletcher Pilates’ international licensing program, and how the method’s focus on quality movement has led to life-changing results for clients of all ages.

On international expansion Sabin states, "After we developed the program, we had people coming in from Asia, Europe, South America . . . all wanting to study his [Ron's] lineage of the work. We quickly realized is that we could reach many more people if we sent teachers to those countries."

Key themes discussed

Growth and evolution of Pilates as a fitness modality.
History and legacy of Fletcher Pilates.
Intensive process of Pilates instructor certification.
International expansion through licensing and teacher training.
Impact of group classes and mass-market Pilates studios.
Value of in-person Pilates versus online instruction.
Pilates benefits for diverse age groups and populations.

A few key takeaways:

Pilates as a Transformational Practice: Sabin’s experience highlights how Pilates isn’t just about exercise—it's about quality movement, efficiency, and transformative change in both mind and body. She shares her experiences being a client to realizing the profound physical benefits, describing it as a return on time investment with fantastic results.
Rigorous Teacher Training and Legacy: Unlike quick certifications in other fitness fields, becoming a Fletcher Pilates instructor is a comprehensive process that can take up to two years. Sabin emphasizes that students must first experience the work deeply themselves before teaching, underscoring the importance of depth and mastery in the method.
Pilates’ Global Reach: The growth of Fletcher Pilates worldwide happened both organically and intentionally. Demand from students in Asia, Europe, and South America led to a licensing model, making it possible for people to access quality teaching without always having to travel extensively. This preserves the lineage while also expanding its reach.
Pilates for All Ages and Backgrounds: Kyria advocates for Pilates as a lifelong practice accessible to everyone from young people to seniors. She's seen significant improvements in posture, strength, and balance at all ages, and challenges the notion that older adults are limited to just "maintenance."
Personal Touch Still Matters: With the continued emergence of online and at-home Pilates offerings, Kyria remains firm on the value of in-person training, especially at the start of someone’s practice. She believes the energy, supervision, and personal connection play a significant role in a student’s success and safety, calling remote work more supplemental than foundational.

Resources:

Kyria Sabin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyria-sabin-3b92b97
Fletcher Pilates: https://www.fletcherpilates.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Attention Indie Operators: You Have 36 Months. . . :(

Ya'll know Pete Moore as "Captain HALO!" But for this episode he's temporarily changing titles to "Dr. HALO" (!) because he has a prognosis and it's concerning.

🚨 Big Shifts Are Coming to the Health Club Industry! 🚨

Private equity isn’t just knocking on the door—it’s about to flood the health club market nationwide. As someone who’s helped close over 100 deals in the HALO space, he is encouraging all independent operators to get ready, not just for survival, but to thrive.

Key takeaways for health club owners and operators:

The clock is ticking: The next 36 months will be critical. PE-backed brands are expanding rapidly and targeting underserved markets.
Consider your options: Now’s the time to decide—will you sell to a larger group, bring in capital, or find a way to compete head-to-head.
The nature of the business is shifting: Family-run, independent operations will face tough competition. Private equity is changing the landscape—prepare to play chess, not checkers.

If you’re an operator, don’t wait to get your strategy in place!

Resources:

HALO Talks podcast: https://www.halotalks.com Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com The HALO Academy: https://www.thehaloacademy.com

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On today's HALO Talks-Fast Break Pete Moore brings on Scott Lutwak from Fit Athletic Club in San Diego, CA. Watch their short Instagram reel first to get a sense of what Scott has built. (Link to YouTube video below.) Interview starts right after.

Way back in episode #150 we also did a full HALO Talks with him: https://www.halotalks.com/scott-lutwak-founder-co-ceo-fit-athletic-club

Scott’s vision has transformed a once-dilapidated pool into a next-level, all-in-one space for fitness, social connection, and a great time!

Key Takeaways:

All-in-One Experience: They offer a rooftop gym, outdoor cold plunges, jacuzzi, saunas, and a wellness-focused social club—elevating the "standard" fitness membership.
Innovative Social Programming: Weekly “Social Sundays” with multiple DJs spinning everything from EDM to reggae.
Long-Term Vision Pays Off: The transformation took 8 years(!), including surviving a pandemic, but the result is a sustainable, holistic community hub redefining what a fitness facility could be.

Resources

Scott Lutwak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-lutwak-75133223
Fit Athletic Club: https://www.fitathletic.com
YouTube HALO Talks Fastbreak Playlist

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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On this episode host Pete Moore sits down with Spoonful founder Bradley Gifford, an entrepreneur whose discusses his fairly non-traditional path from digital marketing to healthy food innovator. He opens up about how a childhood wake-up call around his health spurred a lifelong passion for wellness, ultimately leading him to shed over 70 pounds and dive headfirst into the world of nutritious food.

Pete and Brad explore the realities of launching a consumer brand, the structural challenges of modern food marketing, and the importance of genuine relationships—both with retail partners and the local community. He opens up about the discipline required to bootstrap a product-based business, the surprising gaps in the industry, and a recent investment from Pharrell Williams and the Brooklyn Nets ownership group.

When it comes to marketing, Gifford mentions, "The trick is to tow the line from a positioning and a branding sense . . . where you're able to appeal to a wide variety of consumers, without compromising on any of the things that matter as a company. And that's really where your kind of magic can be found, and that's where Spoonful was born."

Key themes discussed

Challenges of healthy food accessibility and education.
Brand differentiation in the competitive food market.
Importance of community and local partnerships.
Navigating premium pricing and brand positioning.
Building relationships with retailers and customers.
Funding, bootstrapping, and scaling a food startup.

A few key takeaways:

Personal Health Journey Sparked the Business: Gifford’s entry into the healthy food industry was deeply personal. After a childhood spent eating sugary cereals and developing high blood pressure at 12, he overhauled his lifestyle, losing 70 pounds. That made him passionate about making healthy food more accessible, enjoyable, and convenient—laying the foundation for Spoonful.
Gap in the Market for Healthy, Enjoyable Food: Working at the Dog Pound gym and later Spartan, he observed that even wellness-focused spaces lacked truly healthy, flavorful, and fresh food options. Many brands positioned as healthy didn’t resonate with people who didn’t already identify as “healthy” eaters.
Community, Accessibility, and Premium Positioning: Spoonful took a grassroots-first approach, focusing on being present in local cafés and community-centric spots rather than immediately trying to target big grocery chains. This emphasized deep relationships with partners, selecting venues with strong local reputations and limited healthy food choices—which allowed Spoonful to command premium pricing.
Building Brand Through Relationships: Bradley stressed the critical importance of face-to-face relationship-building in the early stages of Spoonful. Whether with café owners, staff, or customers, personal connections allowed for valuable feedback, trust, and loyalty. This also made community events and collaborations a key part of their growth.
Bootstrapping, Funding, and Thoughtful Growth: Spoonful was bootstrapped from the start, with a disciplined and selective approach to capital raising and expansion. Brad highlighted the challenges of working capital and the need for recurring revenue through B2B partnerships (like supplying offices.) He recently also secured investment from notable backers (Pharrell Williams and Brooklyn Nets owners), but also advocates founders rigorously vet growth opportunities, avoid overextending, and focus on sustainable, margin-positive deals.

Resources:

Bradley Gifford: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-gifford
Spoonful: https://www.spoonful.life
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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EōS Fitness is one of the bellwether brands in the HALO space, and for good reason! Listen now to today's HALO Talks Fast Break as Integrity Square Managing Partner & Founder, Pete Moore talks about the history of the brand, where it came from, what the name means, and how this all led up to a pending sale from BRS Capital Partners to TSG Consumer. 🎉 This is a huge testament to the power of a strong team, innovative business model, and a relentless drive for growth. 🏋️‍♂️✨

A few key takeaways:

Scalable Business Models Attract Investment: EoS’s ability to prove their unit economics and success in multiple states made them highly attractive to investors and real estate partners, facilitating rapid expansion beyond their own balance sheet.
Executing on Vision Creates Value: Achieving 10x growth and delivering consistent member experiences built a brand worthy of a $1.5bn+ valuation, supported by more than $100M in EBITDA.
Strategic Partnerships Accelerate Growth: Collaborating with top industry leaders and real estate developers enabled EoS to scale efficiently and set the stage for potential IPO ambitions. Resources:
BRS Aquires EoS: https://brs.com/news/brs-and-performance-equity-management-announce-acquisition-of-eos-fitness/
Sales of EoS to TSG: https://www.tsgconsumer.com/news/tsg-consumer-to-acquire-eos-fitness

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Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Michael Pesta, a veteran in the HALO space whose career has bridged the fitness, entertainment, and tech industries. Michael shares his journey from his beginnings at AFAA—where he played a key role in pioneering fitness education and telemarketing globally—to an unexpected pivot into film and music production.

Mike's story started in the mid-1980s, when, as a struggling actor, he agreed to help move boxes at an organization he hadn't heard of—never suspecting it would literally change his life. Michael quickly found himself drawn into the organization’s mission and over time, rose from a casual volunteer to become the director of membership.

Michael is now back in the HALO sector with an innovative focus on telefitness, aiming to bridge the longstanding gap between the fitness and healthcare industries. Pete and Michael discuss the evolution of fitness education, the changing landscape of personal training, the integration of technology, and Pesta's vision for a new era where trainers, healthcare professionals, and clients all connect seamlessly.

Key themes discussed

Evolution of fitness industry education and certification.
Partnerships between fitness brands and major companies (e.x., Reebok.)
Transition from fitness to entertainment and back.
The rise of telefitness and telehealth platforms.
The challenges and benefits of online personal training.
The importance of connecting fitness with healthcare services.

A few key takeaways:

AFAA’s Early Days and Industry Impact: Pesta entered the fitness space by chance with AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), which at the time was a key player in fitness education and certifications. He helped develop their telemarketing division and played a major role in expanding programs globally, including strategic partnerships like outfitting instructors worldwide with Reebok shoes.
Adaptation and Collaboration Are Key in Fitness Partnerships: Michael highlighted the importance of partnerships between leading fitness brands and educators. Collaborations with companies like Reebok brought vast exposure and validation to AFAA’s education programs. However, he also notes that how big brands like Nike and Reebok interact with the sector continues to evolve, and education may not always be their current focus, despite massive historical investments.
Career Shifts Bring Transferable Skills: After a successful run in fitness, Pesta took a leap into the entertainment industry, producing films and learning every facet of the production business. This gave him valuable skills in production, marketing, and distribution—skills he would later apply upon returning to the fitness and telehealth sectors.
The Next Big Thing-Telefitness as an Extension of Telehealth: Michael’s current focus is to create a trusted, HIPAA-compliant platform that not only vets the best personal trainers but also positions them for direct referrals from healthcare providers. This effort aims to solve the industry’s historical inability to connect personal training with mainstream healthcare.
Support and Upskilling for Personal Trainers: Telefitness will provide personal trainers with new opportunities for entrepreneurship, offering lead generation, business-building support (like webinars specifically for virtual training), and potential client referrals sourced from both healthcare and consumer channels. Trainers won’t be charged upfront SaaS fees; instead, the model will center on revenue-sharing. The emphasis is on elevating trainers’ roles, including launching specialties like the “medical personal trainer.”

Resources:

Michael Pesta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-h-pesta-satori-1a9776a5/
AFAA: https://www.afaa.com
Classroom Trainer: https://www.classroomtrainer.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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For a number of years, Ed Hertzman found knee-deep in the middle of the supply chain/logistics world. At 26, he became frustrated by the confusion and lack of timely industry information available—where even a day’s delay in placing an order could mean higher costs—Ed recognized a gap: There was no "Wall Street Journal" for supply chain professionals! Driven by this, he started the Sourcing Journal to provide real-time news and insights for the supply chain and apparel industries. What started as a solution to his own frustrations quickly transformed into a substantial business, making waves in media and challenging more traditional trade publications.

Ed, now founder of Athletech News (ATN) realized the same need in the HALO space (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) Host Pete Moore and Hertzman sat down and explored the dynamic intersection of fitness, technology, finance, and wellness. He opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, the evolution from newsletter to nationwide events, and the importance of building a reputation before going big.

You’ll hear Ed’s candid thoughts on expanding the definition of the HALO sector—moving beyond just gyms to a broader world of health, active lifestyles, wellness, and recovery. Pete and Ed also discuss the need for more analytical reporting and data transparency around industry deals, and how their partnership aims to deliver the kind of financial insights and case studies that have long existed in other industries but are still missing in health and fitness.

Finally, this episode also offers a peek into ATN’s exciting upcoming event in New York—a high-caliber gathering inspired by the likes of "Davos and CES"—where collaboration, innovation, and strategic networking will take center stage. Whether you’re an operator, investor, vendor, or enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on where the industry is headed, how to drive meaningful connections, and why now is an exciting time to be a part of the ever-evolving HALO sector.

Key themes discussed

Transition from supply chain to the HALO media space
Building and scaling a B2B media platform
The power of niche, industry-focused events
Importance of data-driven industry analysis
More and more nontraditional players entering the HALO sector
Challenges in sector terminology and defining “HALO”
Fostering collaboration and innovation through quality events

A few key takeaways:

Spotting and Building in the White Space: Ed shared how his entrepreneurial journey started by identifying under-served sectors, first in supply chain media with Sourcing Journal and now in the HALO/tech space. His experience underscores the importance of finding those “white spaces” in industries—areas where communities need a voice, connection, and credible business news.
Slow, Strategic Growth Over Event Hype: Rather than rushing into high-profile events, Ed took a measured approach. He grew his audience steadily through newsletters before expanding into larger conferences, waiting until he had the connections and content quality to make a true impact. A key takeaway? Avoid the temptation to “call in favors too early,” and don’t over-promise before you can truly deliver.
Evolving Content for a Diverse Audience: Athletech News (ATN) started as a broad industry newsletter, but Ed also recognizes the need for more tailored communication—envisioning future newsletters and content streams focused specifically on CEOs, CTOs, franchisors, wellness executives, and more. As the industry’s definition of “wellness” has broadened, ATN is beginning to attract nontraditional players from hospitality, tech, finance, and beyond, reflecting the sector’s rapid evolution.
The Need for Data-Driven Analysis and Transparency: Hertzman also highlighted the lack of deep analysis regarding deals and trends in the sector—especially compared to more mature industries. He’s working to change that by forging partnerships with data companies and bringing real financial insight (such as deal structure and industry benchmarking) to subscribers. He and Pete also discussed the value of expert deal breakdowns and empircal, data-driven content as a differentiator for the forthcoming ATN 2025 Innovation Summit in June in NYC.
Reimagining Industry Events as Collaborative Think Tanks: Ed’s vision for future ATN events is ambitious: He wants to create a “Davos meets YPO meets Sun Valley” for the industry—a highly curated gathering where top CEOs, operators, founders, and even outside thought leaders come together to share, network, and get access to exclusive research and strategic insights. The focus is on intentional programming for different roles, experiential networking spaces, and using the event as the industry’s annual central hub for partnerships, trends, and discoveries.

Resources:

Athletech News: https://athletechnews.com
ATN 2025 Innovation Summit: https://atninnovationsummit-2025.vfairs.com
Sourcing Journal: https://www.sourcingjournal.com
Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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🚀 Exciting Insights from the Boutique Fitness Studio 2025 Report! 🚀

On the latest HALO Talks Fast Break Julian Barnes peels back the curtain on (some) of their findings in report that took 9 months to put together—and the data reveals some eye-opening strategies for boutique fitness studio success.

Here are 3 key takeaways every studio owner or industry investor should know:

🔑 Referrals Power Growth: 44% of new client leads in profitable studios come from referrals. Word-of-mouth remains the most effective—and cost-efficient—lead generation tactic. Deliver an exceptional member experience, and your clients will do your marketing for you!

🔑 Profitability is Rising—But Operational Excellence is Key: Studios running at a 20% profit margin nearly doubled since 2022—but only when fundamentals are executed rigorously. That means consistently finding (50+ leads/month), enrolling (30% conversion), and retaining (less than 5% churn) your members.

🔑 Invest in Management for Sustainable Growth: There’s a direct correlation between having a full-time manager and higher studio revenue and profit margins. Owners: Empower talented managers to focus on client acquisition, experience, and retention—it’s a proven path to scaling success.

📊 Want deeper data and actionable benchmarks? Download the full BFS 2025 Report at BFSReport.com You can also register for their free webinar on May 13th at 3pm EST where they go into a ton more details: https://main.bfsnetwork.com/bfs-upcoming-events

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Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tom Morrissey, founder of Solo Health Collective and a seasoned veteran in the health insurance world, to unpack the complex—and often misunderstood—landscape of healthcare for self-employed professionals. With a career spanning decades at Cigna and deep experience serving everyone from major corporations to solo entrepreneurs, Tom shares how he’s dedicated his life to helping small business owners and solopreneurs access quality, affordable health coverage.

Despite his success in the large-account space, Tom noticed an unmet need: Small and mid-sized businesses were often overlooked by health insurers and weren’t given access to innovative cost-saving or health improvement solutions that benefited the bigger corporations.

If you’re a personal trainer, group ex instructor, wellness coach, massage therapist, or any professional running your own business, this conversation is a game changer. Tom explains the differences between HMO and PPO plans, why traditional ACA ("Affordable Care Act") options can fall short for the self-employed, and how his company’s unique group plan model is designed to deliver robust coverage (including preventive care and nationwide access) with transparent pricing and minimal out-of-pocket surprises. Plus, hear about partnerships with organizations like the Freelancers Union, and learn how innovative features like HSAs can work for you—even covering perks like fitness classes.

On the healthcare issues facing entrepreneurs, Morrissey states, "We saw the growth. It depends on who you listen to, but estimates are that there'll be 90M solo business, owners by 2028. I want to say there's about 60M now. The guys and gals that own these businesses . . . I think, especially when they're young and healthy, are the ones that get screwed the most in healthcare. You know? All they really have access to is ACA plans."

Key themes discussed

Challenges of health insurance for solopreneurs and self-employed.
Differences between PPO and HMO health plans.
Underwriting and rate-setting for solo business owners.
Preventive care coverage and HSA/HSA usage changes.
Brand trust versus new insurance providers like Solo Health Collective.
Partnerships with organizations such as Freelancers Union.
Long-term cost sustainability for healthier insurance collectives.

A few key takeaways:

Solo Health Plans Are Filling a Major Gap: Morrissey explains how traditional health insurance often overlooks solopreneurs and small business owners, especially in the HALO space. His company, Healthy Business Group via Solo Health Collective, is designed specifically to provide comprehensive PPO health plans to solo business owners—offering an alternative with more flexibility and better coverage than typical limited-network ACA and HMO options.
Key Plan Advantages-PPO Access and Maximum Out-of-Pocket Clarity: Unlike many ACA or HMO plans that limit provider networks and access, Solo Health Collective offers nationwide PPO plans, granting members broader access to healthcare providers. They also have a straightforward approach: After the deductible is met, there’s no coinsurance—meaning your deductible is the absolute maximum you’ll pay out-of-pocket for covered expenses (with all preventative care covered in full and not applied to the deductible).
Plans Are Designed for Solo Business Owners With Medical Underwriting: To qualify, you must have an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and be a business owner without employees. Members go through a quick, five-question medical underwriting process, which allows the plan to provide tailored age, and location-based rates—often significantly less expensive than standard individual policies, especially for young, healthy professionals.
HSAs and Innovative Usage for Wellness Are Embraced: The plan supports health savings accounts (HSAs), and Tom shared how, thanks to evolving IRS guidelines and technology, people can now use HSA funds for things like fitness classes and certain wellness purchases, expanding the value of pre-tax health dollars and encouraging preventive care and healthy lifestyles.
Long-Term Value and Stability Solo Health Collective is built on a self-insured, level-funded model supported by robust reinsurance (Odyssey A+ rated.) This allows the collective to stabilize costs and potentially keep renewal increases lower than the industry average—especially as it pools healthier, proactive members like those in the wellness and fitness industries. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, affordable health insurance solution specifically for entrepreneurs who have historically been underserved.

Resources:

Thomas Morrissey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommorrisseyhbg
Solo Health Collective: https://hbgsolo.com
How It Works: https://hbgsolo.com/how-it-works
Freelancers Union: https://freelancersunion.org/insurance/health
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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A LOT has happened since Crunch's early days!

Humble Beginnings & Early Growth: Crunch started in 1989 with Doug Levine, Roger Harvey (Crunch's first COO), and a powerhouse team, quickly making waves in the highly competitive NYC fitness scene.
Big Deals & Bumpy Roads: Bally Total Fitness bought Crunch in 2001 for $90 million, but soon faced challenges. A few years later, Angelo Gordon (with Pete Moore himself on the deal side) acquired the company for half that price—$45 million.
Growing Pains: Membership dropped from 92,000 to 72,000, forcing Crunch into bankruptcy in 2009. This time was all about resetting, restructuring, and prepping for the future.
A Decade of Determination: Crunch worked hard to dial in their business model, launching a successful franchise program and slowly but steadily building momentum.
Skyrocketing Success: By 2019, TPG Growth snagged Crunch to accelerate its franchising efforts, which paid off. Fast-forward to today: Leonard Green has acquired Crunch for a stunning $1.5 billion. The company now boasts 500 locations and 3 million members!

One solid takeaway? Spotting potential in a struggling business—and having the patience, grit, and right partners to see it through—can lead to incredible success. Crunch isn’t just surviving, they’re thriving.

With blue-chip private equity backing and a proven growth strategy, the future looks bright.

RESOURCES:

Crunch Fitness: https://www.crunchfitness.com
Sale of Crunch to TPG: https://www.tpg.com/news-and-insights/tpg-backed-crunch-fitness-announces-strategic-investment-from-leonard-green-partners
Doug Levine's Live HALO Talks in NYC: https://youtu.be/h-qDEAS5LsM?si=kh0GclOgGmwXMxhS

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Gabriel Cian, a serial entrepreneur from France with a passion for longevity and health innovation. Gabriel shares his journey from building and successfully exiting two tech startups to founding the 2060 Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing longevity through investment and policy change. The conversation dives further into the intricacies of selling a company, the booming field of longevity science, and the crucial roles of healthspan, lifespan, and mental health in extending quality of life.

Gabriel and Pete also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs in this space, the global landscape of longevity policy, and how his foundation is helping drive change through investment and advocacy. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or simply curious about the future of human health and well-being, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from one of the leading voices in the field.

When it comes to the aging process, Cian states, "We are trying to slow it down, stop it, or even, let's be crazy, reverse it! And this is more science fiction-like. It's more futuristic, and it's certainly riskier as a business model." Key themes discussed

Serial entrepreneurship and successful tech company exits.
Structuring and achieving earn-outs during company acquisitions.
Transition from tech to longevity and health span focus.
The mission and activities of the 2060 Foundation.
Importance of mental health and social connections in aging.

A few key takeaways:

Career Pivot to Longevity: Gabriel built and successfully exited two tech startups (including getemail.io), primarily in AI, big data, and marketing automation. After his last exit in 2021, he shifted his focus entirely to the field of longevity, dedicating the next chapter of his life to helping people live longer, healthier lives.
Longevity Ecosystem: Healthspan vs. Lifespan Gabriel outlined two "ecosystems" within longevity:

Healthspan: Practical, current interventions like physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and proven supplements. Lifespan: The science-driven, experimental side aiming to understand and potentially slow or even reverse aging at the biological level—an area that's more risky but with potentially greater breakthroughs.

The 2060 Foundation’s Unique Model: His 2060 Foundation is structured to bridge short-term and long-term solutions. In the short-term, they're building startups focused on healthspan (which investors and VCs more easily understand.) The profits and expertise from those support longer-term, riskier projects—like advocating for legal and regulatory changes and funding true lifespan-extending science.
Investment Club Approach: A core project of the 2060 Foundation is an investment group made up of entrepreneurs passionate about longevity. Their aim is to funnel more capital and mentor talent into both healthspan startups and true longevity biotech, without seeking profit for the foundation itself.
Policy, Prevention, and Advocacy Gabriel emphasized two roadblocks to progress in longevity: Governments’ reluctance to fund true "preventative" healthcare versus reactive "sick care", and the fact that aging isn’t classified as a disease on a global medical level, which limits research funding.

Resources:

Gabriel Cian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-cian-807b39156/?originalSubdomain=fr
Ikare.ai: https://www.ikare.ai
2060 Life Foundation: https://2060.life
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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On this episode, host Pete Moore dives into the cutting-edge world of regenerative medicine and longevity with guests Howard Leonhardt, founder of Leonhardt Ventures and Lionheart Health, and Scott Hoots, an expert in health and wellness franchising. Leonhardt is an innovative medical entrepreneur whose journey started in 1982 with the founding of Leonhardt Ventures, the parent of Lionheart Health and Lionheart Longevity and Wellness.

Over the decades, Leonhardt has pioneered groundbreaking medical inventions—most notably in combining stem cells with bioelectronic stimulation to assist in regenerating parts of the heart muscle. Since launching this research in 1988, Leonhardt has raised and invested more than $150 million, driving clinical trials in collaboration with over 50 leading research centers worldwide, including the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. To date, over 600,000 patients have been treated using technologies developed by Leonhardt, whose inventions have generated more than $1.7 billion in annual revenues for their acquirers.

With regards to turning back the clock on aging, Howard states, "Lionheart Health technologies basically, in short, helps in regenerating your body twenty years, and that includes skin, hair, sexual health, and joint health. That is our goal for our clinics. That is our goal for our products, and we have 500 patent claims protecting that very unique technology."

Key themes discussed

Longevity and regenerative health technologies to help reverse aging.
Lionheart Health’s patented EMS suits and stimulators.
Business models: Licensing, franchising, and commercialization strategies.
Clinical results and patented protein expression stimulation.
Integration opportunities for med spas and fitness operators.
Investment options in Lionheart Health and related ventures.
Challenges of competing with traditional pharma solutions.

A few key takeaways:

Lionheart Health's Unique Regenerative Technology: Howard Leonhardt’s team has developed technology that combines stem cells and bioelectric stimulation to aid in regenerate tissue and reverse aging signs. Their EMS suits and stimulators are patented to specifically induce the production of proteins—like klotho and follistatin—that are associated with longevity and age reversal.
Clinical Results and Diverse Applications: Lionheart Health’s approaches are already well-tested: Over 600,000 patients have been treated with related technologies, and the team has run FDA trials and partnerships with top institutions (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, etc.) Applications extend beyond muscle and joint health to skin, hair, and sexual health—essentially offering full-body rejuvenation.
Business Model-Licensing and Franchising: The team is rolling out Lionheart Health through both licensing and franchising. Existing med spas, EMS studios, or wellness clinics can license these suits and stimulators, differentiating their business and adding high-value longevity services. Franchise opportunities will open up more broadly in 2025, with flexible models to suit different markets.
Revenue Potential and Clinic Setup: Licensing starts at $40,000 for a dedicated suite, with ongoing royalties. The professional EMS suits for clinics range in cost; most studios operate on a membership basis, with clients attending regular sessions (e.g., twice weekly for 4-12 weeks.) The company has plans for significant expansion, targeting over 100 licensed/franchised locations in the coming years.
Vision-Competing with Traditional Solutions: Lionheart is directly challenging “big pharma” and traditional approaches (like pill-based ED solutions), offering regenerative, non-pharmaceutical interventions. They’re participating in major longevity challenges (such as the $101 million XPRIZE for healthspan), aiming to drastically improve muscle, brain, and immune health—potentially reversing aging by 20 years for participants.

Resources:

Howard Leonhardt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-leonhardt-6694185
Leonhardt Health: https://lionhearthealthstim.com
Leonhardt Ventures: https://leonhardtventures.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Slamming Is a Serious Threat for Facilities Slamming is a deceptive practice where unauthorized third parties trick business staff into signing up for expensive electricity supply contracts, often by posing as utility representatives. This can result in facilities unknowingly paying much higher rates.
Financial Impact Can Be Huge Justin shares real-world examples where facilities ended up paying outrageous rates—like 30¢ per kWh (kilowatt hour) instead of the standard 10¢—sometimes adding up to thousands of dollars each month. One client’s bill was reduced from $15,000 to $5,000 per month after the issue was detected and resolved.
Most People Don’t Check Utility Bills Thoroughly Business owners and their staff rarely scrutinize line items on utility bills, making it easy for slamming and mistakes like being placed in the wrong “rate class” to go undetected for years. One example saved a company $120,000 in refunds.
David Energy Offers Ongoing Bill Monitoring as a Free Value-Add David Energy provides free bill “health checks” and ongoing monitoring to spot slamming and correct rate errors. This service is meant to protect clients from these costly mistakes and ensure they aren’t overpaying, with no obligation to switch providers.
Education and Proactive Partnering are Critical Know the difference between utilities, suppliers, and brokers. David Energy acts as a direct supplier—not a broker—and works directly with Con Edison. Partnering with a provider who proactively reviews bills adds substantial value and financial protection for facility owners.

If you want to take advantage of their free bill review, reach out to Justin and the David Energy team with your most recent utility bill for a no-strings-attached analysis.

RESOURCES:

David Energy: http://www.davidenergy.com
Justin Rumack: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rumack-75287b4/
Contact: justin@davidenergy.com
James McGinniss HALO Talks Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYmyaiQ9Vi8

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode, we explore the world of health coaching with Kathleen Ferguson, a seasoned HALO industry veteran dedicated to transforming lives through fitness and wellness. Pete and Kathleen chat about her new venture, Coach 360, which aims to revolutionize the career landscape for health and wellness coaches. She shares her career path from trainer to business owner, and how she's addressing the industry's pressing issue of high turnover rates by supporting coaches in building sustainable and impactful careers. Also mentioned is the rise of hybrid fitness professionals, the importance of aligning personal goals with organizational culture, and creating a vibrant ecosystem for coaches to thrive. Whether you're a coach, studio owner, or merely curious about the future of health and wellness, this episode is a must-listen!

"A type of 'hybrid' fitness professional is on the rise," Ferguson states. "What I'm seeing more of is the brick and mortar studio locations are actually encouraging this and saying, listen. . . you're a rock star instructor.' I know that if you're doing, for example, macro-counting coach groups with a community of women in the city, that you're going to bring them in to work out here."

Key themes discussed

Coach Churn: High turnover among fitness coaches affecting industry.
Niche Staffing: Demand for specialized platforms in health and wellness.
Hybrid Coaches: Balancing independent and club-based work.
Business of Coaching: Supporting coaches' careers and development.
Holistic Health: Emphasis on a comprehensive approach to coaching.
Storytelling: Importance of brands conveying their unique narratives.
Community Building: Creating a supportive ecosystem for coaches.

A few key takeaways:

Focus on Empowering Coaches: Kathleen is passionate about creating a platform that supports health, fitness, and wellness coaches in building sustainable and impactful careers. She emphasizes the need for a career path rather than just a temporary role in the industry.
Addressing High Turnover: Pete and Kathleen address the significant issue of high turnover rates in fitness studios and gyms, which is currently around 80%. A big part of Coach 360's mission is to try to decrease this by offering coaches the resources and support they need to find the right roles and grow in their careers.
Hybrid Coaching Models: There's a growing trend of "hybrid" health professionals who work both independently and within fitness facilities. Coach 360 aims to support these professionals by connecting them to roles and providing them with business guidance to manage their dual careers effectively.
Personalized Staffing Solutions: Kathleen also discusses how niche staffing platforms, like Coach 360, provide more personalized and effective solutions for finding the right talent in the health and wellness industry, as opposed to more generic job platforms.
Community and Storytelling: Coach 360 not only focuses on job placement but also on creating a community where coaches and studios can share stories. This helps professionals connect better with potential employers, members, and clients by showcasing who they are beyond just their qualifications.

Resources:

Kathleen Ferguson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleentaylorferguson
Coach 360: https://www.coach360news.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Today's Thursday . . . and that means another HALO Talks-Fast Break! Integrity Square Founder and HALO Talks host Pete Moore, dives into the complexities of inventory debt financing in the e-commerce sector, especially as tariffs continue to shake up the financial landscape.

Pete also explores the intricacies of high-interest loans for inventory, as financial institutions begin scrutinizing financial compliance more than ever. Buckle up for potentially challenging months ahead as we navigate this evolving terrain.

A few key takeaways:

Impact of Tariffs on Inventory: The episode discusses how tariffs are potentially impacting the financing of inventory, especially for companies involved in ecommerce that rely on overseas shipments. The tariffs (and on-again/off-again nature of the current administration) pose risks that need to be managed by both companies and their lenders.
Risk Management by Banks: Financial institutions are increasingly cautious, with banks scrutinizing loans more closely. Some are already directly accessing company financials to monitor monthly financial performance, aiming to mitigate risks associated with high-interest loans for inventory management.
Stringent Compliance Measures: There's a move towards tightening compliance. Banks are expected to enhance their scrutiny of debt facilities, ensuring that they only lend to companies with a strong ability to repay, given the financial uncertainty heightened by tariffs.
Operational Precautions: Companies need to brace themselves for an environment where financial oversight and risk evaluation by lenders become more stringent. This also suggests a need for companies to maintain robust financial health and present transparent records.
Market Uncertainty: The overall message is that the coming months might be "challenging", with potential shifts in how debt and financing will be managed. Pete advises companies to prepare accordingly, indicating a period of financial conservatism might be necessary.

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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Mark Fisher's journey began as a self-proclaimed "skinny guy" in high school. Determined to improve his physique, he began working out, a passion that followed him into adulthood. Throughout his twenties, Mark carved out a career as a professional actor in New York City. Although he found moderate success on stage, it was the "fitness bug" that truly captured his heart, leading him to explore opportunities beyond acting and nurturing a deeper passion for the HALO sector.

Mark also shares how his eclectic approach and the mantra of "ridiculous human, serious fitness" have not only inspired a diverse clientele, but also sparked an entirely new niche in the space. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, or seasoned veteran . . . this episode promises insightful revelations and actionable takeaways. Mark created something absolutely unique in the space that continues to thrive.

On building an inclusive community he states, "If you ate lunch alone in a bathroom stall in middle school, you'll likely understand what's going on here." This underscores their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for those who have often felt marginalized or uncomfortable in traditional gym settings, especially catering to queer-identifying individuals and those from the Broadway community.

Key themes discussed

Mark Fisher's fitness journey.
Unique branding of Mark Fisher Fitness.
Importance of marketing and niching.
Challenges of scaling and exiting a gym business.
Consulting and helping other gym owners.
Personal reflections on business decisions.
Selling and transitioning Mark Fisher Fitness.

A few key takeaways:

Unique Brand Approach: Mark Fisher Fitness carved out a niche by targeting the Broadway community in New York City. By using a unique (and some might say) 'eccentric' (and super clever!) branding approach, like calling their members "ninjas" and referring to their gym as “the enchanted ninja clubhouse of glory and dreams,” they managed to create an incredibly welcoming atmosphere for those who typically may have felt uncomfortable in more traditional gym settings.
Importance of Marketing and Community: The success of MFF was partly due to the extensive network he built in the Broadway community. He emphasized the importance of leveraging personal connections and using creative marketing strategies to expand the brand's reach.
Adaptability in Business Models: As a consultant, Mark now helps gym owners tailor their models by starting with proven playbooks and adapting these strategies to fit specific markets and circumstances. This includes a heavy focus on marketing and understanding the target audience.
Acquisition Mindset: Mark gave a bit of color around the sale of MFF. He emphasizes the importance of aligning business operations with personal and professional goals, ensuring the business can continue to thrive under new ownership while he focuses on other interests and his consulting business.
Industry Insight and Growth: Mark's experience highlights the shift in independent gym ownership, especially concerning scaling operations successfully. He points out that while scaling a complex/unique brand like MFF can be challenging, simpler models may present different opportunities for growth and return on investment.

Resources:

Mark Fisher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fisher-57b42440
Business for Unicorns: https://businessforunicorns.com
Mark Fisher Fitness: https://markfisherfitness.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Today's Thursday . . . so that means another HALO Talks-Fast Break! Integrity Square Founder and HALO Talks host Pete Moore, dives deep into the mergers and acquisitions current landscape in the HALO sector, highlighting key movements that will shape the industry for the next five years.

Pete discusses the sale of five companies from one private equity firm to another, including the announced sale of Crunch Fitness by the TPG Group. He explores the strategic decisions around debt, risks akin to those faced during COVID by companies like YouFIT and Gold's Gym, and the financial benchmarks set by giants such as Planet Fitness and Lifetime Fitness.

Pete also touches on two rapidly expanding sunbelt chains and area developers in the Northeast and Southeast. Tune in to understand how these fastbreak deals will set the tone for the future of the HALO sector. Go HALO!

A few key takeaways:

Upcoming Private Equity Transactions: There are five significant companies in the sector that are set to be sold from one private equity firm to another. These transactions will be instrumental in setting the tone of the industry for the next five years.
Crunch Fitness Sale: The sale of Crunch, currently owned by TPG Group, is one such anticipated deal. It's predicted that the sale will aim for a multiple just under the 20 times EBITDA that Planet Fitness enjoys.
Debt Considerations: Another key point is how much debt will be used in these acquisitions. The amount of debt can impact the risk level of the business, especially if another unforeseen black swan event like COVID reoccurs.
Growth and Expansion: Two fast-growing chains in the Sunbelt region and substantial Northeast and Southeast franchises are also in play, showing a strong trend toward growth and expansion in the sector.
Public Company Benchmarks: Public companies like Planet Fitness trading at 20 times EBITDA provide a benchmark for private deals, influencing how these private equity transactions are structured and valued.

Resources

Crunch deal: https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/tpg-explores-15-billion-plus-sale-gym-chain-crunch-fitness-sources-say-2024-12-03/

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In this episode, we're excited to have Chris Van Dusen from the venture capital world join us. He brings a wealth of experience from both the VC and entrepreneurial worlds. He shares his unique journey through sales, marketing, and three successful business exits. Chris also talks about Solyco Capital, his firm that prioritizes smart capital over mere funding, and their approach to matching investors with the right opportunities.

Tune in as we dive into venture capital strategies, how to navigate investment rounds, and the balance of assessing venture potential. He and Pete also discuss the realities of selling a business and the unexpected lessons learned from being an angel investor. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to perhaps one day sell your business, or are already an investor in the HALO space, Chris's perspective absolutely offers a fresh take!

On funding and valuation, Chris states, "To qualify for your Series B, you'd ask . . . did I hit those goals? And secondarily, am I on glide path for the next big growth or step function of my business? If the answer is no, then you're not going to get this larger, new valuation. If the answer is 'maybe, but I need a little bit more time,' maybe you do what's called an extension round . . . it's maybe the same valuation because you really haven't hit it, but you're very close."

Key themes discussed

Private Equity Fund Term Sheet Dynamics
Series B Funding and Valuation Criteria
Regrets of Angel Investing
Pandemic-Proof Investment Strategies
Entrepreneurial Struggles and Successes
Navigating Pivots in Startups
Challenges in Selling Businesses
Entrepreneurial Deal Insights

A few key takeaways:

Smart Capital Over Just Capital: Chris emphasizes the importance of "smart money" versus just having capital. He elaborates on how smart investors not only provide funds but also strategic guidance and support to help companies scale.
Flexible Investment Strategy: Instead of raising a fund and sticking to a mandate, Solyco finds great assets first and then raises capital specifically for each venture. This allows them to be more flexible and diverse in their investment choices.
Value and Growth Stages: Chris discusses the importance of each investment stage from Seed to Series A, B, etc. He stresses that value isn't automatically created and validated at every stage; instead, growth and meeting KPIs are crucial for valuation increases.
Portfolio Theory in Investing: While angels often invest in single deals that can be risky, professional investment firms use portfolio theory, investing in multiple ventures to balance risks and potential rewards. This allows them to absorb losses more efficiently while aiming for high returns from successful ventures.
Relationship Building and Board Involvement: Chris highlights the importance of having seats on the board or being deeply involved in the companies they invest in, to have a better understanding of the business and to support strategic pivots if necessary.

Resources:

Chris Van Dusen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismvandusen
Solyco Capital: https://www.solycocapital.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In today's episode, host Pete Moore is joined by dynamic entrepreneur, Kevin Wathey. Kevin shares his journey from a deeply personal tragedy with his Mom, to becoming a multi-faceted entrepreneur, spearheading innovative projects across the globe. The discussion dives into two latest (and very complementary) ventures, including a new wellness resort set in Costa Rica, tailored for high-performing individuals seeking holistic health transformations.

Kevin also touches on Baseline, his health tech platform designed to revolutionize personal health management by offering customized experiences based on unique biological data. With insights on personal motivation, the importance of wellness, and his ambitious plans for future locations in Italy and South Africa, this episode is a must-listen for those interested in the fusion of hospitality, technology, and health.

On building out Velara, Kevin mentions, "The acquisition in Costa Rica was a preexisting boutique hotel. It was 24 rooms, two restaurants, a spa, and five acres of beachfront, on the Pacific Coast in the in the Nicoya Blue Zone. The intention was never to keep it as is, but to expand it. Right before we closed on it, the previous owner came to me and said, 'Hey. We have two extra plots of land adjacent. Would you like those as well?"

Key themes discussed

Overcoming Limits Through Determination
Opens Yoga Studio at 24
Beachfront Hotel Expansion Project
Pura Vida: A Subtractive Approach
Baseline: Life Quality Scoring Platform
Redefining Success and Profitability
Embrace Workout Recovery Now

A few key takeaways:

Tragic Inspiration: Kevin shared a deeply personal story about how his mother's battle and subsequent passing from pancreatic cancer inspired him to pursue a "life without limitations." This taught him that whatever we focus on, we have the potential to accomplish.
Career Path: Kevin's journey from playing semi-pro hockey to getting into acting, then discovering yoga in Bali, and eventually moving into the hospitality industry, showcases his wide variety of experiences. These varied paths have shaped his entrepreneurial ventures today.
Building in Costa Rica: Kevin discussed acquiring and expanding a pre-existing boutique hotel in Costa Rica into a larger resort with a focus on health and wellness tailored to guests through testing prior to their stay. This venture targets high-performing individuals seeking more holistic health experiences.
Baseline Health Tech Platform: Complementing the resort, Kevin is also developing Baseline, a health tech platform that provides personalized health scores based on lifestyle and behavioral interventions. It's designed to track a client's health progress over time and is aimed at reducing dependence on pharmaceuticals.
Entrepreneurial Vision: Kevin is balancing two major projects simultaneously, driven by an overarching vision of holistic wellness and lifestyle improvement. He sees both as complementary, each aiding the success of the other.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Kevin Wathey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwathey
Baseline: https://www.getbaseline.com
Velara Resorts: https://velararesorts.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode, we're joined by Deb Strougo, longtime industry veteran in the HALO sector. Deb shares her insights both as a seasoned consumer and advisor, exploring the current and future landscape of fitness. Pete and Deb dive deep into the experience and inner workings of high-end clubs like Bay Club, weighing their offerings and discussing the evolving needs of today's customer.

As Deb articulates the growing importance of holistic wellness and the cultural shifts in exercise preferences, she provides a unique perspective on how fitness businesses can thrive. Listen now to learn how to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of the industry and the collaborative potential between new entrants and established players. Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur, industry insider, or just passionate about health, this conversation has a ton of valuable takeaways.

With regards to empowering fitness choices and the need to provide more diverse options Deb states, "In the Pilates space for example, you're seeing a lot of women that are interested in getting more fit, but in a low impact sort of way. They're not into the whole HIIT thing. Some may have had fertility related issues, and so they are looking in other directions."

Key themes discussed

HALO Academy promotion & consumer insights
Boutique studio vs. big class experience
Bay Club's competitive edge
Orange Theory franchises in big gyms
Enhancing group exercise programs
Innovative membership solutions in fitness
Brand differentiation & daily performance
Thriving versus struggling businesses insight
Consulting Deborah for industry insights

A few key takeaways:

Holistic Approach to Fitness: Deborah emphasizes the growing trend toward the holistic human being, which involves not just physical fitness but also aspects of nutrition, sleep, and overall well-being. Fitness centers are increasingly integrating these components to cater to the complete lifestyle needs of their clients.
Boutique vs. Big Box Gyms: Deborah discusses the advantages and challenges of boutique fitness studios compared to larger gyms. While big box gyms like Bay Clubs have extensive amenities and services, boutiques offer a personalized, intimate experience that many consumers also value.
Pilates Popularity: Strougo highlights the increasing demand for Pilates as people seek lower-impact, effective workout options. This trend is driven by the modality's adaptability to different fitness needs, from mobility to strengthening, making it a staple in many fitness routines.
Franchising Challenges: Deb and Pete also shed light on the complexities of franchising within the HALO space. Successful franchises need to balance innovation and operational consistency, and both franchisors and franchisees must work together to optimize business models and cater to local markets effectively.
Industry Insights and Networking: Deborah stresses the importance of leveraging industry knowledge and networking with experienced professionals when entering the fitness space. Understanding historical successes and failures can guide a new entrant or existing business in evolving effectively and avoiding common pitfalls.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Debra Strougo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrastrougo/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

View Details

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com ===================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode we're pleased to host Jeremy Kelstrom from Alaris, a company that continues to make waves in the B2B SaaS space by addressing the needs of youth sports, camps, and club check-in experiences. With a really cool origin story that dates back to their initially winning a business plan competition sponsored by Rolls Royce, Jeremy dives into how Alaris pivoted away from its core signature recognition technology origins to eventually becoming a key player in club management software.

Host Pete Moore and Jeremy also discuss how customer feedback led to their significant pivot, challenges and successes of entrepreneurship, and how Alaris is expanding its offerings with innovative booking platforms. Kelstrom shares his valuable insights on product market fit, customer feedback, and the importance of a bottom-up strategy focusing on front-line staff's experiences.

When it comes to the power of partnerships for growth, he states, "There are lots of deals we're brought in on where it's said to to the customer, 'Hey, you can't use our software unless you get Alaris.' That's been a testament to our partnerships with the clubs themselves, but also the member management partners."

Key themes discussed

Innovative Acoustic Signature Technology
Market-Driven Tech Success
Outdoor Program Growth Catalyst
Piggyback SaaS Growth Strategy
Member Management Integration Advantage
Business Growth and Market Expansion
Customer-First, Bottom-Up Approach
Naming Inspiration: Alaris Origins

A few key takeaways:

Pivoting from Core Technology: Jeremy discussed Alaris’ journey and the hard decision they had to make to pivot away from their original signature recognition technology to a more market-driven solution. They shifted focus to cater to the specific needs of kids' clubs and youth camps after realizing their core technology wasn't resonating.
Importance of Customer Feedback: Jeremy emphasized the significance of listening to customer feedback and market demands. He mentioned the importance of translating customer frustrations into scalable software solutions, highlighting the need for alignment with user needs rather than forcing a paticular technology onto the market that really wasn't needed (or wanted.)
COVID's Impact on Business: The pandemic posed a challenging time for Alaris, but it also brought about a positive shift in their focus towards health and outdoor programming. Jeremy noted a surge in interest for youth camps and outdoor activities, which they successfully supported through their software.
Growth through Integration and Expansion: Kelstrom explained Alaris’ strategy of integrating with major member management systems like ABC Fitness and Club Automation. This expanded their footprint within existing clients and built robust partnerships, making Alaris a mission-critical part of their clients’ operations.
Strategic Financial Management: Rather than take on significant outside capital and run at a deficit, Alaris has been prudent and methodical in its growth. Jeremy shared that their focus has been on creating the best product experience rather than short-term profitability, contributing to a long term sustainable and profitable business model.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jeremy Kelstrom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremykelstrom/
Alaris: https://www.alaris.cloud/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Today's Thursday. . .so that means another HALO Talks-Fast Break! Integrity Square Founder, Pete Moore, was out on location with Brian Mitchell (happy birthday! 🎂) who's got a LOT of great new info to share about his platform.

Pete and Brian had some thoughts on innovative techniques to enhance engagement and retention using the Promotion Vault platform. Here are three key takeaways:

Boost Your Lead Conversion: Utilizing tailored rewards strategically can increase lead conversions by 12-15%. Offering incentives within the first three days after a lead comes in can be a game-changer.
Enhance Employee Retention: Engaging employees with regular, small rewards not only gathers valuable intelligence but also significantly extends their employment life cycle. It’s shown a 30% increase in retention with a well-implemented rewards system.
Cost-Effective Engagement: Implementing these strategies doesn't break the bank. Allocating $240 to $600 per employee annually can cover numerous engagements that help sustain and grow your team effectively.

Be sure to check out Brian's booth #1774 at the 2025 Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) show coming up March 13-14th in Vegas.

The 2025 survey insights Brian talks about? VERY enlightening. Check those out here: https://promotionvault.com/2025-fitness-revenue-pulse-survey-insights/

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com =====================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode, we've reconnected with Andrew Menter (episode #135) as we dive into what they've been doing recently over at Physmodo. Pete and Andrew chat about the advancements the company has made since inception, focusing a lot on their consumer app designed for self-assessment in movement screening. Andrew shares the journey of adapting the business from its initial push into fitness spaces to expanding into markets like sports orthopedic medicine.

They also touch on the application of their tech for injury prevention, particularly in youth sports, and the exciting intersection of biomechanical analysis with consumer wearables. Andrew reflects on the challenges and milestones along the way, and offers insights into the future of movement analysis in various industries.

Key themes discussed

Expanding Fitness Assessment Reach
Injury Risk Analysis & Trends
FMS Research and Injury Screening
Data Ownership and Wearable Insights
Subscription App with Minimal Signup
Job Requirements and Assessments
Workers' Comp and Job Requirements
Entrepreneurial Solutions in Youth Sports

A few key takeaways:

Consumer Movement Assessment: Menter discussed the evolution of Physmodo, highlighting its application as a consumer app. It allows people to to perform a self-movement screen, providing scores on mobility, stability, posture, and symmetry. This is particularly relevant for youth athletes to track movement patterns and identify potential risks for future injuries.
Integration with Wearables: The app’s potential to integrate with wearables like WHOOP, Garmin, and others was emphasized. It aims to combine biomechanical assessments with biometric data from wearables to provide insights into an someone's readiness for physical activities.
Targeting New Markets: Physmodo is expanding beyond fitness centers into other sectors such as sports orthopedics. For instance, the collaboration with a sports orthopedic medicine group in Atlanta to screen 25,000 youth athletes shows the scalability of the assessment tool for larger populations.
Continuous Software Innovation: The episode also highlighted the challenges and necessity of continuous software updates and iterations. Menter shared insights about the learning curve involved, since starting with limited software knowledge, emphasizing the importance of version upgrades and adaptability over time.
Potential in Occupational Health: There is also potential for using Physmodo in occupational health scenarios, such as workers’ comp and job screenings. While there are legal considerations, the idea of using movement assessments to ensure fitness for specific jobs, like warehouse work, was also discussed.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Physmodo: https://physmodo.com
Andrew's First HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/andrew-menter-tyler-nicholson-physmodo
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com =====================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Fadi Zoghzoghy, founder and CEO of Bridge Athletic. Fadi shares his insights about the transformative power of tech for the training market, particularly for college and professional athletes and coaches. With a strong background in tech, Fadi goes further into how Bridge is digitizing weight rooms and enhancing athlete development through personalized training, learning, and adaptive learning strategies. Bridge is not just about efficiency, but also about improving performance and player engagement.

On bringing coaching "into the 21st century and seeing a white space," Fadi states, "There are no tools out there to help them do their job . . . efficiently and effectively. They're spending a lot of time in Excel designing these training plans. They're sending YouTube links. They're following up via text messages. It's all pretty much done in 1990's tech. That was the opportunity that we went after initially."

Key themes discussed

Digitizing athletic training and development
Empowering strength coaches with modern tools
Pricing software's value proposition
Measuring user engagement stickiness
Athletic program performance analysis
Success stories in fitness innovation
Entrepreneurial impact on community

A few key takeaways:

Bridge Athletic’s Impact on Efficiency: Bridge is a tool designed to digitize the weight room and optimize the workflow of strength and conditioning coaches. The platform helps them move away from traditional pen and paper or Excel-based methods to a digital system that saves coaches an average of forty minutes per day.
Focus on Strength and Conditioning: Initially targeting the strength and conditioning community, Bridge aims to enhance the efficiency of coaches by allowing personalization of training plans and facilitating better engagement and compliance from their athletes.
Adoption and Retention: The platform boasts high retention once an organization brings them in. Once coaches and athletes see the benefits of Bridge’s digital strategies and how much more efficient things become, the tech becomes an integral part of the training processes.
Versatile Applications: Bridge is also used across various sectors, including pro teams, college athletics, tactical communities, and the fitness industry. Its applicability ranges from enhancing athlete development to aiding fitness professionals in business growth.
Positive Experiences and Testimonials: The platform has significantly impacted users, which is evident from their many unsolicited testimonials ranging from helping athletes in recovery journeys to contributing to their performance and overall satisfaction.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Fadi Zoghzoghy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadi-zoghzoghy-420b3311
Bridge Athletic: https://www.bridgeathletic.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES

https://www.integritysq.com
https://www.halotalks.com
https://www.thehaloacademy.com =====================================================

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America.

Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Noam Tamir, successful entrepreneur, long-time fitness veteran, and founder of TS Fitness. Noam shares his journey from working at Crunch to building his own space in New York City in 2011. He talks about the importance of understanding business numbers, creating a strong team culture, and developing effective client relationships.

Pete and Noam also dive into the evolving fitness landscape, the significance of community in client retention, and the role of personalized strength and conditioning in achieving fitness goals. Tamir provides some fantastic tips on his success, the challenges he has overcome, and his future plans while staying true to his passion for building communities and transforming lives.

On creating a secure and growth-oriented working environment, Tamir states, "This year was the first time I put people on salary. People crave security. One thing that I do to prioritize my day is I'll write out the five biggest things that I need to get done. That's something that I also translate to my team. I share that constant pursuit of growth . . . and it helps them get locked into their job here."

Key themes discussed

Learning from mistakes
Boutiques and customer connection
AI, sports, and personal memories
Strength training for optimal results
Expanding beyond NY
Excitement for 2025 trends

A few key takeaways:

Entrepreneurial Journey: Noam shares his journey from being a personal trainer at Crunch to becoming an entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of learning business operations and management skills, as these foundational experiences helped tremendously when starting TS Fitness.
Business Strategy and Growth: Despite pressures to expand, Noam has maintained one location for over a decade. (An extremely rare feat in arguably the most competitive fitness market in the country.) He highlights the effectiveness of small group personal training as a key to his success, indicating a strategic choice to focus on quality over quantity.
Client Retention and Community Building: Noam underscores the significance of building a true community within his studio. He believes that while clients come for fitness goals, they end up staying because of the community and personal connections they've built.
Metrics and Management: The importance of knowing and tracking business metrics is crucial. Noam discusses the use of a scorecard to track revenue, expenses, member numbers, and other key performance indicators, which helps him manage things effectively.
Holistic Health Approach: TS Fitness takes a comprehensive approach to health, incorporating strength training with cardiovascular exercises and nutritional guidance. Noam emphasizes the need for balance and the benefits of strength training combined with other forms of exercise and healthy eating to achieve overall wellness.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Noam Tamir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noam-tamir-fitness/
TS Fitness: https://tsfitnessnyc.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Marco Ferdinandi, a fitness industry expert with a rich career spanning New Jersey to Hong Kong. Marco discusses his journey from being a strength and conditioning coach to founding AQ Strong, a brand focused on athletic wellness in Hong Kong. The conversation also dives into his experience with flywheel training and its benefits, including its roots in NASA research. Marco shares insights on the challenges and rewards of starting a business abroad, his vision for the future of fitness, thoughts on price-to-value in the industry, and his ambitions to make flywheel training a standard in fitness facilities.

On starting slowly and building from the ground up, Marco states, "We had an angel investor that contributed the bulk of what we needed to get started. But we started small. We just started with education for the first six months. Once we had a critical mass of people interested, then we went and took the leap into a full fledged facility, which was 10,000 square foot and still there to this day."

Click to download transcript.

Key themes discussed

Fitness Journey: From Coach to Entrepreneur
Building a Competitive Fitness Network
Pricing Strategy for Fitness Enthusiasts
Flywheel Training Revolution in Fitness
Expanding Fitness Education for Growth
Tackling Obesity Systemically
Exploring Ancient Club Training Styles

A few key takeaways:

Marco's Diverse Background and Career Path: Marco has a varied and extensive background in the industry, including strength and conditioning, cruise ship work, commercial fitness, and international experience in Asia, particularly with Pure Fitness in Hong Kong. He started his own brand, AQ Strong, in 2019, focusing on athletic wellness.
Flywheel Training: Marco is a strong proponent of flywheel training, which emphasizes eccentric and isometric exercises, offering significant benefits in strength and conditioning. While it's widely used in professional sports and performance settings, Marco sees potential for its broader application in the fitness industry.
AQ Strong and Athletic Wellness Concept: The brand AQ Strong emphasizes athletic wellness, combining aspects like coordination, mobility, strength, power, speed, and conditioning. The goal initially was to create a training environment similar to an NCAA Division I training center, supporting an athletic and competitive culture.
Business Strategy and Challenges in Hong Kong: Marco leveraged his network from his tenure at Pure Fitness to start AQ Strong during a challenging period, including the COVID pandemic. They initially started small with education and pop-up labs before establishing a full-fledged facility.
Market Trends and Optimism about Health and Fitness: Ferdinandi is optimistic about the future of the fitness industry, highlighting the trend towards strength training and the potential for clubs to differentiate themselves by incorporating innovative training methods like flywheel devices. He also emphasizes the importance of education in overcoming industry challenges and the role of fitness in tackling broader health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Marco Ferdinandi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoferdinandi/
AQ Strong: https://www.aqstrong.com/
Exxentric: https://exxentric.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

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Today we're excited to bring back Brian Anderson, a seasoned executive and entrepreneur who has worked in all parts of the HALO sector. Brian shares his unique journey from running successful companies to becoming a fractional CEO, mentor, board member, and advisor across industries including fitness, wellness, female sexual health, and even the THC-infused beverage space. Brian provides insights into his approach to transforming businesses, focusing on shareholder value, and shares stories of his roles with companies like Pvolve and Your Reformer.

Known for his ability to transform and enhance business value, he consistently led companies valued between $50 million and $150 million. Brian specialized in working with private equity firms, successfully navigating these companies through growth phases and lucrative exits. His career has been defined by long-term commitments, where he devoted four to five years to each project, driving significant growth and benefiting shareholders.

When it comes to the shift from 'fitness' to 'wellness' Brian states, "The term wellness is thrown around a lot. But the shift from fitness to something much broader is gigantic, and it's happening in every corner of the industry. So that's part of where my focus is. Fitness used to be 'go hard or go home,' have a 12 pack, look as good as you can, etcetera. Now fitness has moved from cardio to strength because we all realize that having good strength and muscle mass helps us as we get older, and it helps burn calories."

Key themes discussed

Corporate leadership journey
Single Dad prioritizes family over career
Temporary change agent mindset
Defining effective business platforms
Pursuing growth in larger ventures
Wellness Shift: Fitness to holistic
Alcohol decline driven by fitness movement
Private equity strategy insights

A few key takeaways:

Brian's Career Pivot: Over the years, Anderson transitioned from being your "standard W-2" CEO to becoming a fractional executive and adviser. This allowed him to balance his personal life, particularly after becoming a single dad with three girls, while still maintaining an impactful career helping multiple companies grow and operate efficiently.
Role as a Fractional Executive: Brian focuses on identifying what a company needs to improve and then targets those areas. His approach involves partnering with founders or boards to enhance company operations, whether that means improving operational efficiency, addressing cultural issues, or enhancing revenue strategies.
Success Stories and Approach: Brian shared success stories like his work with Pvolve, where he helped reduce product sourcing costs significantly. His approach is not to prolong his engagement indefinitely, but to drive change and value quickly, and then exit when his input is no longer needed.
Investment Criteria for Growth: Anderson will be an empty nester shortly and in 2025, perhaps envisions working with companies in his "sweet spot" ($10 to $50 million), with the potential to scale further. He emphasizes that growth potential and availability of working capital are crucial factors in him selecting the right platform to be a part of.
Sector Trends and Opportunities: Brian highlighted several industry trends that excite him, such as the shift from fitness to broader wellness, the rise of non-alcoholic and THC-infused beverages, and the increasing focus on women's wellness and sexual wellness. He sees these as key areas with potential for significant growth and investment.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Brian Anderson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smallpondgroup/
Brian's First HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/brian-anderson-principal-small-pond-group/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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On today's episode, host Pete Moore welcomes Troy Taylor, Senior Director of Performance Innovation for Tonal. With a deep background in elite sports, Troy shares his journey from working with Olympic teams to transforming training methodologies at Tonal. We dive into discussions on the importance of both strength and cardio, the intricacies and challenges of training elite athletes, and how technological advancements in fitness are shaping the future. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a professional in the industry, this episode is packed with insights on optimizing performance and longevity.

Taylor boasts an impressive 20-year career in the elite sports arena, contributing to the success of three different Olympic teams: Great Britain, Canada, and the USA. Over the course of seven Olympic Games, he has worked across approximately 10-11 different sports in roles including sports scientist, strength and conditioning coach, and physiologist. Taylor's pinnacle role was as the Performance Director for US Ski and Snowboard, where he spent six years guiding athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin, Lindsey Vonn, and Shaun White. Holding graduate degrees in sports fitness and health, Taylor passionately advocates for the importance of both cardio and strength training for longevity and a better quality of life.

Regarding the opportunity in the home market for strength training, he states, "The saturation of the strength market is nowhere near what companies like Peloton are doing in the cardio market right now. So there's still a lot of opportunity in that and in adjacent spaces, whether that's within personal training gyms or in corporate wellness or in boutique fitness and all of these sort of auxiliary places."

Key themes discussed

Olympic sports career overview
Evaluating new trends
Cross-training for athletic skills
Sports metrics: Too much data?
Elite athletes’ consistent edge
Future of fitness innovation
Untapped potential in the strength market
Time-efficient training insights
"Efficient " gym workouts explained

A few key takeaways:

Integration of Cardio and Strength Training: Troy emphasized the importance of both cardiovascular and strength training for long-term health and performance. He noted the shift in focus over the years from predominantly cardio to recognizing the significant benefits of strength training for everyone, including the general population.
Holistic Approach to Training Elite Athletes: Taylor highlighted the necessity of understanding individual athletes needs, their history of successful training, and their sport-specific demands. He talked about the balance between relying on athlete feedback and introducing innovative, evidence-based methods to optimize training and performance.
Principled Approach to Performance Innovation: At Tonal, Troy uses a structured approach to filter through new trends and technologies. This includes checking for underlying mechanisms, understanding the dose-response relationship, and ensuring the data is reliable. He emphasized the importance of combining principles with the latest innovations for effective performance enhancement.
Unique Needs of Different Sports and Personalized Training: Troy talked about adapting strategies across different sports, borrowing techniques from one sport to benefit another. For example, alpine skiing requires specific endurance like handling longer term isometric loads, which informs how they train and condition athletes for those particular requirements.
Consumer Engagement and Enjoyment: Troy shared insights from research showing that engagement and enjoyment are crucial for sustained fitness activity. He mentioned a study where users on Tonal maintained consistent enjoyment and engagement levels over eight weeks, unlike traditional gym equipment users whose enjoyment decreased over time.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Troy Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troy-taylor-4577bb38/
Tonal: http://www.tonal.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Today, we're excited to welcome RJ Krone, President of Extraordinary Brands, to the show. RJ has an impressive background with nearly 20 years in franchising, including leading roles at Pvolve and others. Since joining the team, he's spearheaded the acquisition of three dynamic boutique fitness franchises: Eat the Frog, RowHouse, and Neighborhood Bar. In this episode, RJ shares his philosophy on criteria for awarding franchises, focusing on profitability, and the unique benefits of a diversified fitness portfolio. He also delves into the importance of maintaining the identity of each brand while ensuring seamless operational and marketing support.

Krone's journey into the fitness industry began serendipitously in 2019 when Julie Cartwright from Pvolve introduced him to their innovative online and on-demand fitness modality. He saw potential in transforming this digital concept into a brick-and-mortar franchise and, after several in-depth conversations, Krone embraced the opportunity and officially joined Pvolve on April 13, 2020, amidst the early days of COVID.

On bringing on new franchisees, Krone mentions, "I think it's all about identifying what the franchisee is looking for . . . aligning with their goals, and making sure they that makes sense. I think that comes across in what we do. So if they're wet behind the ears or whatever it might be, having these types of conversations shows the maturity of our system, as well as the team that we have."

Key themes discussed

Building community through classes.
Prioritizing franchisee profitability first.
Boutique fitness marketing strategy
Passion drives fitness business success
Franchisor cost management strategies
People business needs personal touch
Medication: A tool, not replacement

A few key takeaways:

Strategic Growth through Acquisitions: Krone highlighted the acquisitions made by Extraordinary Brands, including Eat the Frog, RowHouse, and Neighborhood Bar, to diversify and create a well-rounded offering in the boutique fitness industry. This not only provides varied workout modalities, but also aligns with their commitment to making sure every franchisee remains profitable before expanding further.
Focus on Franchisee Profitability: A key point emphasized was ensuring the profitability of existing franchisees before awarding new ones. This dedication to operational support and franchisee success is a foundational aspect of their business model. Krone made it clear that building a strong support system for franchisees is essential to their overall strategy.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Fitness: The brands under the Extraordinary Brands umbrella focus on inclusivity, serving a broad demographic range from younger individuals to seniors. Their emphasis on community and personalized coaching also illustrates their commitment to making fitness accessible and beneficial for everyone.
Value Engineering to Control Build-Out Costs: Controlling build-out costs is vital for maintaining sustainable unit economics. RJ mentioned specific strategies like reducing unnecessary tiling in bathrooms to save costs. This focus on cost-effective studio design ensures that franchisees can achieve a quicker return on investment.
Long-Term Vision and Support for Franchisees: Extraordinary Brands is dedicated to long-term success by providing continuous support and evolving their businesses. The mention of launching nutrition counseling and integrating wellness services shows their forward-thinking approach to adapting to market demands and enhancing the overall member experience.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

RJ Krone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjkrone
Extraordinary Brands: https://www.extraordinarybrands.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Today, we’re diving into the pickleball world (perhaps you've heard of it?) ;) with David and Sam Ring. Join host Pete Moore as we talk about the Rings’ grassroots effort to open PickleballXpo, a state-of-the-art pickleball club in Oceanside, Long Island. David, a former consumer electronics executive, and his son Sam have turned a once-forgotten sports complex into a thriving pickleball venue, complete with professional court design, a smoothie bar, and more.

David recently transitioned out of a 46-year career into becoming a new business owner, spurred on by his wife (an enthusiastic player herself) who noticed his restlessness after retirement. Eight months ago, he seized on a great piece of real estate with ample parking and high ceilings and--recognizing a gap in the local market with only one distant competitor who lacks adequate parking--David made the jump.

Dave and Sam discuss self-funding the venture, the unique features of their facility, and the pivotal role of data analytics in their model. From discussing operational hours, pricing strategies, event planning, and the potential future implementation of video technology, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone interested in the pickleball community.

Ring mentions, "It's been a really fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come and learn a new sport. We find that we're really attracting anywhere from the twenties to the seventies. That seems to be the range of folks that are looking to do something and get out of their homes and socialize."

Key themes discussed

"Retirement" led to a new real estate venture.
Partnering with South Shore Brewery for events.
Play by Point POS essential for club operations.
Current facility hours and future plans discussed.
Advocates of pickleball promoting health, active lifestyles.

A few key takeaways:

Grassroots Approach and Self-Funding: David emphasized the importance of a grassroots approach to opening, choosing to self-fund rather than adopt a franchise model. This allowes them more control over their operations and the ability to learn valuable lessons firsthand.
Detailed Financial and Operational Management: The Rings invested significantly in top-tier court designs involving multiple layers of rubber and acrylic paint, which provide better support for the body. They also implemented detailed KPI (Key Performance Indicator) tracking and utilized sophisticated software like Play by Point for scheduling, reporting, and communication.
Enhancing Customer Experience: To boost revenue and enhance the customer experience, the facility offers additional amenities such as a smoothie and iced coffee bar. While initially focusing on their primary baby boomer clientele, they have pre-wired their facility for future enhancements such as video technology for game replays and highlights.
Community-Centric Vision and Expanding Pickleball: The entire project has a community-centric vision, aiming to grow the local pickleball community on Long Island. The Rings are ensuring their facility can adapt to demand, offering flexible hours and various services including open play, private rentals, and clinics led by experienced pros.

Resources:

PickleballXpo: https://www.pickleballxpo.com
LI Herald Article: https://www.liherald.com/oceanside/stories/oceanside-pickleball-facility-set-to-open-sept-8,209685
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and former investment banker, Patrick Sandone. Sandone has a diverse background in private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. After earning his MBA from Columbia, he ventured into his family's automotive business, but quickly realized his true passion lay elsewhere. He eventually moved on to the firm DLJ, and eventually shifted into entrepreneurship to create the transformative GUIDE App.

Designed to aid first responders, military personnel, veterans, and others in high-stress professions, GUIDE provides anonymous support, microlearning, community interaction, and wellness practices aimed at building resilience and promoting mental and emotional well-being. Listen not to learn how his own experiences and passion for personal development fueled the creation of GUIDE and the significant impact it’s already making.

Regarding the critical importance of anonymity, Sandone states, "If you're in some of these professions that may have a real macho culture around them, you may not want to tell other people that you're diving into this world, that you're meditating, taking wellness courses, that you're getting in touch with how you feel about things, and so on. This is completely anonymous. And for most people that have access to the app, it it may be the only anonymous way that they can jump in, and that it's a safe haven where you can get help, get support, and learn without anyone else knowing about it."

Key themes discussed

Founded GUIDE to support high-stress professionals' wellbeing.
Hybrid business approach: Plans, gut, passion, accessibility.
High app usage, ongoing clinical trial results pending.
Anonymous community fosters self-improvement and reflection.
Partnered with a PhD for university collaboration.

A few key takeaways:

Personal Transformation Journey: Patrick discussed his career shift from investment banking and private equity to starting his own company after burning out. His journey from dealing with intense stress to focusing on wellness became the foundation for GUIDE.
Focus on First Responders and High-Stress Professions: GUIDE is specifically designed to help first responders, military veterans, and individuals in high-stress professions build resilience and wellness. The uniqueness lies in its complete anonymity, allowing users to engage in without fear of being stigmatized.
Microlearning and Interactive Features: The GUIDE app offers microlearning courses, interactive community support, and scheduled wellness practices like meditation and journaling. These features ensure that users can integrate wellness into their daily routines effectively and consistently, mirroring the approach to physical wellness.
Scientific Validation and Impact: The app's effectiveness is backed by clinical trials conducted with reputable institutions like the University of Pennsylvania. Results showed significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in overall wellness and motivation.
Growing Adoption and Financial Viability: Despite challenges in securing funding from public entities, the app has seen substantial adoption, including onboarding major police departments like the Philadelphia PD. The company is profitable and aims to balance doing good with financial sustainability, showcasing a new model for mission-driven businesses.

Resources:

Patrick Sandone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-sandone-iii-b92b995
The GUIDE App: https://theguideapp.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Thanks for your interest in HALO Talks! You've found the best (and longest running!) podcast on the business-to-business ("B2B") side of the HALO sector. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) Whether you work at a health club (in any capacity!) or you're covering it in the financial services sector as an Analyst to Managing Partner, you'll glean incredible value from each 30 minute episode.

Pete Moore is the host, Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $6.2T HALO space.

Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America. Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault.

ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series.

Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup.

Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.)

ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews, HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector.

Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million.

His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

Resources:

Learn more about the HALO effect here: https://www.halotalks.com/pete-moore/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode, host Pete Moore moderates a panel discussion with key leaders from CR Fitness Holdings, one of the largest franchisees in the Crunch Fitness chain. At the time of this recording, they were at 70 locations, "Planning to finish up the year around 75 locations if all falls into place, and next year looking at another 12 to 15", states COO Peter Constantino. He goes on to challenge traditional gym models and share insights on personalization in high-volume, low-price (HVLP) clubs. Alyssa D’Aquino, VP of Group Fitness emphasizes tailoring services to fit member needs, and Julian Torok, VP of Sales, drives home the importance of team member engagement which carries over into a positive member experience.

Jaci Petrock, VP of New Club Openings reveals exciting new developments in Crunch's facilities, from hydromassage to cryoloungers and touches on their growth plans for 2025 and beyond. Finally Darrick Druce, VP of Personal Training highlights the need for adaptability and risk-taking in today’s fitness industry.

Key themes discussed

CR Fitness prioritizes retaining and investing in people.
Market expansion in new areas requires a very clear brand identity.
Instructors work multiple locations, varied classes, one unified brand.
Belief-driven membership success over "slick" sales tactics.
Team experience influences member satisfaction and engagement.
Affordable gym with diverse fitness and recovery options.
Highly experienced "home grown" leadership team raises industry standards and success.

A few key takeaways:

Personalization and Community Focus: Constantino emphasized the importance of creating a personalized and community-oriented experience. Despite the high-volume, low-price (HVLP) model, Crunch works hard to get to know members personally and to foster a family-like atmosphere to make every member feel welcome.
Innovative Fitness Offerings: Jaci highlighted Crunch's ongoing transformation with new services and equipment. The introduction of amenities like hydromassage, cryoloungers, and diverse fitness classes aim to attract a broad customer base and keep members engaged.
Team Member Experience: Julian underlined the long-term experience of senior team members which directly impacts member experience. By focusing on structured onboarding processes, hiring from within the gym community, and involving employees in personal training and group fitness, Crunch ensures staff remain enthusiastic and engaged, leading to better service for members and lower attrition.
Medical Integration Opportunity: CR Fitness is also exploring partnerships with medical groups and insurance companies to work to bridge the gap between healthcare and fitness. These potential partnerships aim to innovate by providing comprehensive wellness solutions that could benefit both members and the gym's growth.
Adaptation and Risk-taking: Derek Truce stressed the need for Crunch to continually evolve and take calculated risks to stay ahead in the competitive fitness industry. He pointed out that many once-strong players have fallen behind due to a lack of innovation, and Crunch aims to avoid that by embracing change and setting industry standards with their new branding approach.

Resources:

CR Fitness: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crfitnessholdingsllc/about/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Lisa Semerly's professional journey began in pharmaceutical sales, where she excelled working for Merck, specializing in respiratory care for over a decade. Seeking a change, Lisa took a buyout and ventured into the wellness arena by opening her own medical spa, a move that allowed her to blend her pharmaceutical insights with a passion for natural health.

After nearly five successful years managing her spa, Lisa crossed paths with Steve Spiro (CEO) and was immediately impressed with the company and numerous uses of salt therapy for enhanced respiratory and overall health. Starting as a consultant, she swiftly transitioned into a full-time sales role. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and sales acumen, Lisa ascended to the position of Chief Revenue Officer. She has since been a driving force at Halotherapy Solutions for a decade, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success.

Lisa and Pete also chat about collaborations with leading fitness clubs and spas, revealing not only how they can be added as a profit center but also how integrating salt therapy into workout routines can help enhance athletic performance and recovery.

Rearding 'compact wellness solutions' Semerly mentions, "One of the huge benefits is being able to take a small . . . say 40" x 48" inch, 4' x 4' space, and then stack your infrared heat (which works on pain management, weight loss, muscle recovery, lots of great things) . . . on top of your salt therapy, which is a complete detox of the skin and the lungs."

Key themes discussed

Transitioned from pharma sales to wellness industry.
Quickly growing interest in salt therapy especially post-COVID.
All-natural recovery using stacked therapy modalities.
Therapy, self-care, recovery essential for health.
Small-space recovery: red light, salt, IV therapy.
Anytime beta tests: positive feedback from consumers.
Salt therapy provides relaxation and improved breathing.

A few key takeaways:

Evolution and Increased Awareness of Salt Therapy: Lisa highlights salt therapy has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly during COVID due to an increased focus on respiratory and immune health. People are much more aware of the benefits of salt therapy today than they were ten years ago.
Ease and Demand of Selling Wellness Solutions: Transitioning from pharmaceutical sales to the HALO space, Lisa noted that selling HALO-focused products, like salt therapy equipment, to health clubs and spas is generally easier and more rewarding. There is a far more enthusiatic and positive reception from the wellness sector when compared to the more challenging and competitive pharmaceutical space.
Stacked Modalities and ROI: The trend in the wellness industry is moving towards combining different recovery modalities within small footprints to maximize the return on investment. For example, combining infrared saunas with red light and salt therapy in one space optimizes both the use of space and the benefits for users, making it a lucrative setup for facility owners.
Immediate and Tangible Benefits: Users of salt therapy often report immediate relief and benefits such as improved respiratory function, reduced congestion, and a general sense of well-being.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Overcoming Challenges: Semerly shared her personal journey moving from a secure pharmaceutical career to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs includes staying disciplined, drowning out the negative noise, believing in oneself, and continuously putting one foot in front of the other to achieve success.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Lisa Semerly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-marie-semerly-9136a118
Halotherapy Solutions: https://halotherapysolutions.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Today's episode will be a movie one day! Siavash Fashi's extraordinary story of resilience, ambition, and success is truly remarkable. His journey from the war-torn streets of Iran to the vibrant fitness community of Culver City is incredible. He went from being a young lifter inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger to a determined refugee navigating the turbulent streets of England and eventually the challenging landscapes of America.

Fashi's passion for fitness and bodybuilding started as a teenager. At around 18, he often visited a wrestling gym and lifted weights with whatever resources he could find. (Bodybuilding was illegal in Iran back in his days!) Despite the challenges of lacking proper nutritional knowledge and language barriers, he remained all in. He trained his entire body daily, driven by inspiration from fitness images and the scant, often incorrect information he could access.

With grit and unwavering determination, Siavash founded Six Pack Gym, a thriving hub in Culver City, CA where he's not only built a successful business but also transformed countless lives. He opens up about the trials and triumphs that shaped him, the pivotal moments that defined his career, and how he turned his dreams into reality.

On turning pain into progress Siavesh opines, "Those painful moments? They all become your assets. My book is all about the the bad stuff that I went through. All this . . .the knowledge that I'm sharing with a lot of people is from those bad times. Just hang in there, push through, and the thing is with your business, during the bad times, you grow along with it."

Key themes discussed

Escaped Iran, worked in a pizza shop, and eventually a gym.
Mistaken for militant, held in prison, granted asylum eventually.
Passion for training sparked surprising success.
His grandfather's war stories inspired resilience and determination.
Survived on Balance Bars during financial hardship.
Streamlined running small gyms, low barrier, community-focused.
Painful experiences become valuable growth assets.

A few key takeaways:

Inspiring Journey of Resilience: Siavash's journey from war-torn Iran to becoming a successful gym owner in the states is a testament to his resilience. Despite facing extreme hardships, including fleeing his home country, dealing with a cancer diagnosis, and multiple instances of homelessness, he never gave up on his dream of being a bodybuilder and helping others achieve their fitness goals.
Impact of Adversity on Growth: Fashi emphasizes that the painful and challenging times he went through became his greatest assets in life and business. His experiences taught him perseverance, and those difficult moments provided him with valuable lessons that he now shares with his clients.
Building a Community-Centric Business: Siavash's approach to building and running Six Pack Gym focuses on creating a close-knit community. Despite starting with minimal equipment, his dedication to providing personalized and effective training led to substantial growth. He also values the relationships and support he received from his clients, highlighting the importance of community.
Innovative Approach to Fitness Training: Due to limited resources initially, Fashi developed a unique 30-minute workout system that effectively taxed the muscles within a short period. This not only helped in client retention but also became a distinctive feature of his gym, catering to busy professionals who need efficient workouts.

5: Vision for Empowering Aspiring Gym Owners: Fashi's vision includes helping others start their own small gyms with minimal investment. He has created courses and certification programs aimed at teaching aspiring gym owners how to successfully model what he has done. His goal is to empower individuals to build local gyms that can have a significant impact on their communities.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Siavesh Fashi: https://siavashfashi.com/
Siavesh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siavash-fashi-b75942151/
Book: Small Gym, Big Results: https://www.smallgymbigresults.com/order-book-v2
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode, we're talking with Peter Webb, CEO of Nuforma. Although reliatively new to Pilates, Peter brings with him an extensive 25-year background in the HALO sector. We dive into the innovative world of Nuforma, which takes a groundbreaking approach to make Pilates more accessible to a wider audience.

We'll look at how Nuforma's unique reformer units, which come equipped with monitors and self-service functionalities, are transforming traditional Pilates classes. Peter shares insights into the company's journey, including the development of the equipment and its expansion strategy. Whether you're an operator looking to introduce Nuforma to your gym floor or simply interested in the burgeoning Pilates sector, this episode is a must-listen!

About the Nuforma, Webb states, "Obviously, this is a a much different type of unit than you would have versus a 'classical' reformer. It's made of steel. It's German engineered. It has the monitor, and so on. We've also added a new element-a weight plate system."

Key themes discussed

Nuforma launches new equipment in Pilates market.
Pilates studios expanded; personalized workouts with monitors.
$17,000 German-engineered reformer with gyrotonic-like features.
Pilates classes on gym floors, self-service concept.
Nuforma total immersion-enhancing a personalized Pilates experience.
Recurring revenue model similar to razor blades.

A few key takeaways:

Introduction of Nuforma: Peter discusses the unique aspects of Nuforma Pilates, which looks to modernize and make Pilates more accessible to a wider audience. The Nuforma reformer incorporates a monitor with pre-recorded classes and a 'sound shower' speaker system, allowing users to have individualized workouts within a group setting.
Expansion and Accessibility: 'Traditional Pilates' classes often face issues of limited capacity and specialized appeal. Nuforma's model allows for flexible scheduling and self-guided workouts, making Pilates more readily available and lowers the barrier to entry.
Pivot from Studios to Manufacturing: Although Nuforma operates five studios, the company is shifting focus to manufacturing and selling its reformers. This includes making them commercially available to gyms, hospitality sectors, and other multi-site operators, as opposed to focusing solely on expanding its studio network.
Franchise and Global Reach: Nuforma is exploring franchising. They have already established franchises in Australia and Saudi Arabia and are working on launching in the UK. This aligns with their mission to make Pilates a more 'mainstream' fitness activity globally.
Unique Equipment Features and Benefits: The Nuforma reformer is distinct from other Pilates equipment because it is designed to cater to different mobility levels and body types. It includes a weight plate system and a high-low pulley system, which are not typically found in 'classical' reformers. This makes it versatile and user-friendly, appealing to a broader audience and providing a fuller range of movement options.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Peter Webb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterawebb
Nuforma: https://www.nuforma.net
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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At 22 years old, Vince Gabriele attended his first Perform Better seminar as a newly minted personal trainer. When he saw long-time industry veteran, Tom Plummer speak, he was instantly inspired and became determined to be in his shoes one day. Today, Vince is a highly successful gym owner-turned consultant. He shares his journey from struggling with money management to mastering essential business metrics like EBITDA, cost per lead, and lifetime customer value.

He discusses insights on prioritizing personal success, family time, and the satisfaction of helping others grow without financial gain. Vince emphasizes the importance of understanding and catering to your target market, the significance of community-building within gyms, and the traits that distinguish successful gym owners. He also reflects on the practical advice from marketing expert Seth Godin that shaped his career decisions.

On learning from his past financial mistakes, Gabriele states, "I got really into some hot water because I wasn't doing a great job with managing money and managing my finances. I got into some really hard stuff financially, and that is when I realized I needed to learn how to run a business."

Key themes discussed

Former lineman becomes trainer, opens New Jersey gym.
Helping businesses optimize for funding or sale.
Consider carefully before opening another gym.
Success is personal: Define what it means for you.
Impactful community-building integrated into business model.
Target market determines business pricing strategy.
Helping gym owners focus on key business priorities.

A few key takeaways:

Business Metrics Beyond Cash Flow: Vince emphasizes the importance of understanding key business metrics such as EBITDA and others. He mentions the importance for gym owners to go beyond just monitoring cash flow to achieve sustainable success.
Defining Personal Success: Gabriele underscores the importance of defining personal success based on individual priorities rather than societal norms. For him, focusing on running a single, successful gym and teaching others aligns with his values, inspired by advice from Seth Godin. He highlights prioritizing family time and personal happiness over relentless business expansion.
Client-Centric Business Model: Understanding your target market is crucial. Vince shares that his premium pricing strategy—charging $500 a month for gym memberships—works well with his affluent clients like doctors and lawyers. This stems from deeply understanding their needs, fears, and desires, as emphasized in a recent talk he gave where he advocated for earning a "Ph.D in customer insights."
Data-Driven Decision Making: Gabriele stresses the importance of data and basic "financial literacy" for making informed decisions. He describes his gym’s process of maintaining detailed client cards, which combine both tangible data (e.g., physical conditions) and intangibles (e.g., personal details) to personalize client experiences. This approach helps gym owners focus on client acquisition, retention, and cash flow.
Building Community Within Gyms: A strong sense of community is more than just a buzzword in the HALO sector. He highlights actionable strategies such as organizing local events to drive client retention and foster a communal atmosphere. Vince cites the success of CrossFit in creating such an environment, stressing that true community building requires both ongoing effort and authentic engagement.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Vince Gabriele: https://vincegabriele.com/
Fitness Business University: https://vincegabriele.com/podcasts/
Click for a free Small Group Personal Training book!
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode, we're excited to once again chat with fellow B2B HALO sector podcaster and industry veteran, Eric Malzone. Eric--known for his work in the Future Fitness and the Podcast Collective-- has conducted over 800 interviews and dives deep into the evolving landscape of the HALO space with host, Pete Moore. He shares his journey from selling his gyms to slowly becoming a leading voice in fitness podcasts, emphasizing the impact, reach, and direct feedback podcasts provide.

Eric journey as a podcaster began with a simple realization: If he was going to create content, he might as well share it with others. This led him to start recording his discussions and sharing them with a broader audience. The impact of (any podcaster's!) work can be measured in two significant ways: The tangible metrics such as audience numbers, LinkedIn impressions, and social media interactions. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, is the direct feedback you receives from listeners about specific episodes or topics, which truly underscores the value and influence of what you're putting out in the world.

Pete and Eric dive further into key trends capturing the industry’s attention, such as GLP-1, longevity, and women’s health and fitness. Eric also discusses his other ambitious projects, like an NASM podcast course and his interest in leveraging AI for playbooks and operational manuals. With a focus on the future of fitness, Eric and Pete delve into how podcasts can serve as a powerful tool for continuing education and business development. They also touch on the potential of AI in transforming business processes and content creation.

Key themes discussed

Convert podcasts into continuing education credits?
Pete setting up educational drills on deal processes.
Building community for monetization and collaboration. (Podcast Collective)
Long-form interviews allow topics to unfold naturally.
AI-generated content may eventually replace 'traditional' manual writing.
Technology impacts business valuation and employment roles.
Health clubs should leverage podcasts for authority.

A few key takeaways:

Podcasts as Educational Tools: Eric brings up the often significant impact podcasts can have on the fitness industry by serving not just as a medium for information dissemination, but also as tools for ongoing education for executives in the space.
Emerging Topics in Fitness: The episode also touches on several emerging topics in the space, such as GLP 1, longevity, and women's health and fitness. Malzone and Moore emphasize the importance of staying current with these trends to cater to evolving audience interests.
The Role of AI in Content Creation: Eric also chats about the potential of AI in revolutionizing business operations, especially for creating playbooks and manuals. Malzone discusses an ongoing project to develop a course on using ChatGPT for podcasters, illustrating how AI might soon change traditional methods of content and course creation.
Future of Fitness and Podcasting: A hockey analogy is brought up to emphasize the importance of anticipating future industry changes rather than just focusing on what's current. There's a critical need--especially in this space--for businesses to be forward-thinking, and to stay prepared for new trends and technological advancements that can shape the future of the HALO sector going forward.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Eric Malzone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-malzone-8b452a3/
Podcast Collective: https://www.podcastcollective.io
Future of Fitness Podcast: https://futureoffitness.co/
Eric Malzone & Pete Moore: https://futureoffitness.co/episode/pete-moore-halo-trends-2024-glp-1-hsafsa-recovery-more
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this first-ever "HALO Talks Live" episode held at Sid's Gym in NYC on October 17 2024 to a packed house, we dove deep into everything from fitness innovation, building a brand from the ground up, deciding to 'break the mold' of the fitness space, guerilla marketing, and a ton more with legendary Crunch Fitness founder Doug Levine. Host Pete Moore and Doug explored Crunch's creative, unorthodox beginnings, from viral marketing campaigns to avant-garde classes like aerial yoga and others.

Sue Hitzmann, visionary creator of the world famous MELT Method (and also a Crunch veteran from the early days & HALO Talks alum!) started us off and discussed the importance of fascia health for true body wellness, emphasizing proactive self-care, how 'recovery' has changed over the years, the importance of proper trainer education, why facilities should strongly consider getting their instructors up to speed on the methodology, and more.

Levine was the driving force behind Crunch Fitness, and he transformed the fitness industry by fostering a unique sense of community. Under his leadership and working side by side with Roger Harvey--Crunch's first COO of 12 years--Crunch defied the stereotype of a massive, impersonal corporation. Instead, it became a closely-knit environment where instructors bonded, attended each other's classes, and learned collectively. Doug ensured that the instructors felt valued and well-compensated, emphasizing personal investment in their growth. His vision extended beyond group exercise to personal training, establishing a comprehensive, supportive, and thriving fitness community. Doug not only built a successful brand but literally revolutionized the health club experience.

On the early days of advertising Levine recalls, "So nobody knows this, but . . . Time Warner didn't like running people's local ads. Local ads, when they introduced it into New York, were largely Midas muffler shops, Jiffy Lubes, etc. They were franchises that had ads produced by corporate and they could afford. But our deal with Time Warner was that--because they loved the creativity of Crunch's ads--we would get almost all of their unsold inventory. So basically, we would spend $10,000 a month and get a half a million worth of ads, or or whatever their unsold inventory was for many, many years!"

We also want to acknowledge Sid Raman (another HALO Talks alum!) from Xpriential on his patented treadmill, which blends cutting-edge technology with incredible, immersive exercise experiences. These treadmills are game-changing and do not exist anywhere else in the world (yet!)

Whether it's franchising insights, AI's role in fitness, branding, risk-taking, the evolution of wellness trends and more. . . this one runs the gamut!

Key themes discussed

Sue Hitzmann--MELT Founder--explores fascia's role in pain.
Self-treatment technique for physical and emotional health.
Medication masks symptoms; addressing root causes critical.
In a key move, Crunch evolved to a recurring, monthly membership.
Evaluating on-brand, trendy group exercise programs.
New, innovative 'boutique fitness trends' attract interest.
Cool, diverse brand, universal language, special plac and community.
Building a brand from scratch is incredibly complex!

A few key takeaways:

Innovation and Creativity in Fitness: Doug emphasized the importance of unique and creative fitness programs, such as Crunch's iconic drag queen and aerial yoga classes, which helped set the brand apart and establish new trends in the industry. The organization's ability to leverage creativity instead of relying solely on traditional KPI's was crucial to its early success.
Embracing New Advertising Methods: Doug shared an inspiring story about utilizing creative local TV advertising to market Crunch, leveraging free resources from advertising professionals who were members and huge fans of the brand. This strategy was a part of Crunch’s PR-driven marketing approach that insisted on standing out without high costs, demonstrating the power of ingenuity in growing a brand from scratch.
Importance of Fascia Health: Sue Hitzmann discussed how fascia health impacts overall bodily function, joint stability, and mobility—highlighting that repetitive movements can lead to problems in the fascia, causing joint issues and inflammation. She argued against merely masking symptoms with medication, stressing the need for proper self-care to address the root causes of pain.
Experiential Fitness Technology: Sid Raman introduced an innovative treadmill simulator that combines hardware, software, and AI to offer immersive movement experiences through virtual reality. This "experiential" fitness equipment provides diverse, entertaining activities suitable for all ages, showcasing the future of tech-enhanced workouts.
Franchising and Community Building: Doug and Pete discussed the challenges and rewards of growing Crunch through franchising. Despite the potential for dilution, maintaining an inclusive community and vibrant culture at each location remains vital. The conversation underscored the importance of early franchisee buy-in and mentorship for successful brand expansion, 'transferring' the original company’s DNA into new franchises.

Resources:

Doug Levine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-levine
Crunch Fitness: http://www.crunch.com
Roger Harvey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-harvey-926528117/
Roger Harvey HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-363-roger-s-harvey-wearelvel5-corp-founder-awareness-coach/
Sid's Gym: http://www.sidsgym.com
Xpriential: https://www.xpriential.com
Sid Rahman HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-481-sid-raman-unveils-next-level-treadmill-technology/
MELT Method: http://www.meltmethod.com
Sue Hitzmann: https://www.suehitzmann.com
Sue Hitzmann HALO Talks: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-372-sue-hitzmann-melt-method-founder/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Arman Eckelbarger began his career in consulting, experiencing initial success before pausing to prioritize family life. As his family grew, he eventually moved to a more stable 9-to-5 job in insurance and investments, a field he dedicated eight years to. That really do it for him, so he returned to consulting, embracing the always-evolving HALO space. Today, he focuses on enhancing health, muscle span, and lifespan, guiding individuals to enjoy the rewards of their financial success while maintaining overall well-being. His journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to both personal and professional growth.

Arman dives deep into his systematic approach to health optimization including extensive lab work, customized nutrition and exercise plans, and the integration of DNA methylation tests. He discusses the importance of belief alignment with clients and the critical role of insulin in managing health. Listen now to hear Arman's insightful perspectives on achieving better health, and learn about the cutting-edge methodologies and science-based protocols that are changing lives.

As far as decreasing injuries Arman states, "Strength training is going to keep the ligaments and tendons where they need to stay and help keep the muscles strong around them, so you're less likely to have those strains or tears. But you also have to listen to your body. If you have an abnormal feeling in the knee from pickleball or something as an example . . . you need to learn to give it a break and then rehab that as quickly as possible."

Key themes discussed

Transitioned from consulting to insurance, then returned to the industry.
Companies should focus on results, avoid aggravation.
Solving health issues through HALO ecosystem involvement.
Strengthen muscles, rest injuries, stay lean.

A few key takeaways:

Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Arman emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health evaluations, including extensive lab work that goes beyond standard medical tests. His approach involves checking for hormones, metabolic panels, inflammation markers, and DNA tests, providing a detailed understanding of a person’s health status.
Customized Health Plans: Each health plan Arman creates is highly personalized based on individual needs and health conditions. Clients go through a detailed questionnaire and lab work which help tailor the plan to address their specific health goals and challenges, ensuring a high level of customization.
Importance of Belief Alignment: Arman talks about the necessity of aligning beliefs with clients, especially regarding nutrition and exercise. He emphasizes that it's crucial for clients to be open to potential changes in their lifestyle and beliefs for the programs to be effective.
Role of Insulin in Metabolic Health: Arman provides insights on the role of insulin and how its management is critical to metabolic health. He explains that excessive carbohydrates and sugars can lead to elevated insulin levels, contributing to fat storage and various health issues, including diabetes.
Leveraging Modern Technology and Resources: Arman uses various modern technologies and resources such as specialized apps for nutrition and training, and partnerships with medical teams for evaluating lab results. He also mentions that his programs can be funded through HSA or FSA accounts, making them accessible for more people looking to invest in their health.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Arman Eckelbarger: https://www.armaneckelbarger.com
Arman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-eckelbarger-75664823
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode we welcome Meghann Butcher from RepSpark, a B2B e-commerce platform that's revolutionizing retail for boutique gyms, golf shops, and pro shops. Meghann shares her expertise on the challenges faced by studio operators in managing retail and how RepSpark can seamlessly bridge the gap, helping businesses maximize their retail potential.

Butcher is a seasoned expert dedicated to simplifying operations for business owners and operators. She clearly understands that many of these professionals aren't trained buyers or merchandisers, despite their unique opportunity to serve a guaranteed daily clientele. Meghann focuses on making the entire processes easy and seamless, empowering owners to maximize potential profits without the hassle of managing a complex back end.

Megan goes into depth about not only optimizing retail spaces, but also making them a profitable extension of your fitness studio. Whether you're running a small boutique gym or a larger operation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help turn your retail from a cost center into a robust profit center.

Key themes discussed

Efficient, flexible ordering; know customers' preferences.
What's the retail revenue potential for studios?
Microsites enable inventory-free sales for events.
Exploring revenue potential for studio operators' space.
Boost work achievements with desired employee incentives.
Incorporate apparel rewards for engaging studio communities.
Quick setup for brands on digital platforms.

A few key takeaways:

Retail Strategy for Studios: Meghann discussed the importance of having a retail strategy for boutique gyms and studios. She emphasized that retail sales should be part of the overall revenue strategy and needs to be intentional. Understanding member preferences and curating products that align with their needs can boost sales.
Ease of Ordering and Inventory Management: She highlighted how RepSpark's platform makes it easy for studio operators to manage their retail offerings. The platform allows for seamless ordering, inventory management, and reordering of products in different sizes and colors. It eliminates the need for direct interaction with sales representatives, saving time for studio operators.
Customization and Co-Branding: RepSpark supports customization, offering an opportunity for studios to brand products like towels, bags, and apparel with their logos. This not only serves as a marketing tool but also enhances member loyalty, as members like to showcase their association with the studio.
Revenue Potential from Retail: Pete and Meghann discussed the revenue potential of the retail space in studios. Comparing it with golf pro shops, there is a significant opportunity for studios to generate substantial revenue through well-curated retail offerings. She mentions that consumables, basic apparel, and accessories like socks and candles move quickly and can be profitable.
Microsites and Pop-Up Shops: Meghann introduced the concept of microsites and pop-up shops, which allow studios to offer products without holding inventory. These can be used for special events, challenges, or seasonal promotions. Members can shop directly from these microsites, and the products can be customized, offering additional value without the need for significant upfront investment.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Meghann Butcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannbutcher/
RepSpark: http://www.repspark.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Curtis Christopherson has been a pioneering force in the personal training industry in Canada for the past 25 years. At a time when personal training was predominantly reserved for the affluent, athletes, and celebrities, he launched Innovative Fitness with a single location. He successfully navigated the company through significant challenges such as the dot-com bubble, the financial crisis, and the pandemic. Today, Innovative Fitness is renowned for its high-end boutique model, specializing in one-on-one and one-on-two personalized fitness and training sessions within their 4,000 to 5,000 square foot facilities. His commitment to quality and innovation has firmly established the brand as a leader in the field.

Curtis details the operational and strategic initiatives that have fueled their continued growth as well as discuss the importance of standardizing personal services in their franchise model, the benefits of brand partnerships, and the holistic approach to wellness that includes everything from movement to metabolic health. He also provides insights into overcoming challenges like noncompete clauses, the critical role of training for new franchisees, and their use of technology to enhance customer experiences and trainer capabilities.

On building out the brand Christopherson states, "We have a pipeline of eager and hungry people that want to help us expand, many of which were our employees and the people that work for us. . . We also had a client base that were affluent enough and loved what they experienced from a service perspective."

Key themes discussed

Expanded to Seattle, focused on local engagement.
Studio operators should embrace engaging community conversations.
Discussed CrossFit franchise challenges, growth strategies needed.
Trainers wield influential, trusted prescriptions over customers.
ABC Fitness: A "34-year overnight success" in the billing industry.
Feature offers significant opportunity for Trainerize and Glofox.
Holistic fitness: Movement, nutrition, sleep, metabolic health.
Supporting franchisees operationally ensures mutual success.

A few key takeaways:

Operationalizing and Standardizing Personal Services: Curtis emphasizes the necessity of detailed documentation and providing franchisees with tools for hiring and scaling. This ensures consistency and helps franchisees deliver on brand promises.
Strategic Partnerships and Support Systems: He underscores the value of brand partnerships that add significant benefits for franchisees, such as connections with insurance and equipment providers. Their collaboration with ABC Trainerize and Glofox for membership management systems illustrates a strategic approach to operational efficiency.
Trainer-Centric Business Model: The Innovative Fitness model prioritizes employing full-time trainers working exclusively for the company. This ensures a balanced supply and demand for the clientele, while also maintaining their high quality of personal training services.
Holistic Fitness and Wellness Trends: Curtis discusses the industry’s evolution towards integrating movement, nutrition, sleep, hormone, and metabolic health into fitness offerings. Their platform supports wellness professionals in prescribing products and services, portraying a comprehensive approach to fitness and wellbeing.
Expansion and Franchise Support: With plans to expand from Vancouver to Toronto and into the US market, Curtis outlines their methodical planning process for growth.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Curtis Christopherson: https://curtischristopherson.com/
Innovative Fitness: https://www.innovativefitness.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, having also served as an advisor to NASA, Nike, and the NFL.

Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His multifaceted knowledge spans movement recognition, coaching intelligence, artificial intelligence, and athletic intelligence. Webster and host Pete Moore explore his early passion for computers sparked initially by his Dad (an electrical engineer) to eventually founding Asensi, a company specializing in movement recognition technology for fitness and healthcare.

We uncover Steve's insights on enhancing consumer engagement, solving real-world problems through AI, and the future of interactive training technology. This is a deep-dive into the convergence of fitness, technology, and business innovation.

Key themes discussed

Asensi: Movement recognition company for various applications.
AI coaching potential to scale being digitally demonstrated.
Athletes training with consumers in real time.
Solve frustration to validate business funding needs.
Building on existing AI is an industry standard practice.
Customer experience tests show high net promoter scores.
Trade shows are arsenals for success strategies.

A few key takeaways:

Holistic View of Digital Transformation: Webster emphasizes the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to digital transformation in the HALO space. Drawing parallels with successful digital shifts in ecommerce and financial services, he underscores the necessity for both legacy and pioneer brands to integrate advanced technologies to stay competitive.
Martial Arts Influence: Webster shares how his background in martial arts strongly influences his approach to coaching and technology. Martial arts not only offer physical benefits but also emotional and behavioral improvements. This translates into his work with Asensi, where movement recognition technology enhances fitness and health applications.
Asensi's Technology Implementation: The episode focuses a lot on Asensi's movement recognition technology and its practical applications in fitness and health. Initially applied to indoor rowing, the tech has expanded to meet the demands of home workouts. Examples include using cameras for analyzing exercises to prevent injuries and using AI to interpret and improve physical activities.
AI and Coaching Synergy: Webster clarifies that Asensi’s technology is designed to complement, not replace, human coaches. The AI serves as a "copilot," capturing user movements and providing real-time feedback based on expert coaching insights. This ensures the technology enhances the coaching experience rather than detracting from the human element.
Legacy Brands and Market Evolution: The discussion around how legacy fitness brands are leveraging digital technologies to enhance customer experiences is especially noteable.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Steven Webster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwebster
Asensei: https://www.asensei.ai
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In today's episode, host Pete Moore welcomes (for his second appearance on HALO Talks) Deekron Krikorian--formerly known as the Fitness DJ--and currently a new author, fitness professional specializing in those over 40, and a seasoned entrepreneur. He shares how his father's rugby background created a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Transitioning from a corporate career to promoting customized, curated fitness music for professionals, Deekron's prior company "Motion Traxx" grabbed over 100,000+ listeners monthly, leading to powerful brand partnerships. He's since authored a new book focusing on the "9 shifts"—a holistic system addressing the Mind, Body, and Life challenges that many of us face, especially as we get older.

Deekron and Pete delve into crucial topics including deception in 'healthy snacks' marketing, the significance of 'imperfect actions' for high achievers, and balancing data-driven fitness coaching with personal accountability. Deekron also discusses his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and personal development in achieving lasting health and wellness.

On the power of emotional intelligence, Krikorian opines, "The one thing I've benefited from even more, I would say, than my business school experience was the personal development work I did to understand how I'm wired, to understand my emotions, thoughts, feelings, where are they coming from, and how do I shift them so I could get out of things that other people struggle with. Things like self doubt, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, self criticism, shame, all these things that we go through as human beings. There's not enough emphasis on understanding that and gaining emotional intelligence."

Key themes discussed

Challenges for over-40s: Mind, body, life categories.
Specialize in mindset coaching, public speaking, holistic solutions.
GLP drugs: Weight loss, smoking cessation, appetite reduction.
GLP-1 agonists may cause long-term digestion issues.
Clients graduate, reconnect, and new ones join.
Personal development surpasses business school for growth.

A few key takeaways:

Holistic Coaching Approach: Deekron's unique coaching philosophy centers on a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and mental factors. His method, as outlined in his book, involves tackling challenges related to the mind, body, and life in a structured 3x3 system, which he believes is key to sustainable wellness and personal growth.
Imperfect Actions Over All-or-Nothing Mentality: High achievers often fall prey to the all-or-nothing mentality, where they neglect exercise if it can’t be "perfect." Krikorian encourages focusing on "imperfect actions" like shorter, more frequent walks, which can be more achievable and still significantly beneficial for overall health.
Personal Development and Emotional Intelligence: One of the critical aspects of Deekron's coaching is the emphasis on personal development and emotional intelligence. He advocates for understanding one's emotions and habits to drive behavior change. His book serves as a tool for self-help and personal growth, encouraging readers to introspect and change from within.
Scaling Through Relationships and Technology: Deekron doesn't aim to build an empire but rather to nurture meaningful, personalized relationships with his clients. He underscores the importance of technology in scaling his coaching model, through training and certifying coaches who can replicate his approach and maintain the same level of personalization with clients.
Long-Term Health Over Quick Fixes: In discussions about weight loss drugs and other "quick" solutions, he cautions against the allure of such shortcuts and highlights their potential long-term side effects. He advocates for building mental strength and discipline and prioritizing sustainable health practices over temporary fixes.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Deekron Krikorian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deekron/
The Healthy Higher Performer: https://www.theinpowermentco.com/
The Nine Shifts: https://www.amazon.com/Nine-Shifts-Mind-First-Method-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CRYHM6GW
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In today's episode, we dive into (a relatively new field in the US) the fascinating world of 'healthy/performance lighting' with Kyle Harris. Join host Pete Moore as they explore Brainlit technology, a Swedish company that creates healthier indoor environments by mimicking the natural spectrum of sunlight through advanced LED modulation. Kyle and Pete discuss expanding partnerships with major sports teams like the Sacramento Kings, tackling market challenges, and the impressive patent portfolio that underpins Brainlit's revolutionary approach. We'll also touch on the technology's journey into various markets, the quantifiable benefits for athlete performance and overall wellness, and the future-proof nature of lighting solutions making waves in the US sports sector.

Inspired by Tord Wengren, one of the team behind behind Bluetooth and a platform expert from companies like Samsung and Huawei, Brainlet aims to revolutionize indoor lighting. Under Kyle’s influence, the company focuses on modulating and controlling LED lights to replicate the perfect sunlight spectrum indoors. This innovative approach not only creates healthier work and living environments but also aligns with the natural ways in which sunlight energizes and keeps people focused, reminiscent of the benefits our ancestors experienced. This technology has been used in Europe for quite a while and has recently starting gaining traction in the states.

Harris states, "Companies that we work with, the professional teams especially, tell their players, 'We have installed for your benefit lights that make you recover better, sleep better, that can energize you before a game and decompress you post game.' I would say, conservatively, there's a 10 year difference in the understanding of light tech and health and wellness between Europe and the US to some extent, and how they look at light. Because of we come out of the Nordics, there's a much better understanding of the power of light."

Key themes discussed

Entering new markets and educating resistant leaders.
Exercise benefits, lighting impact on athletes, ROI.
Light system enhances health, wellness in various environments.
Future-proof design allows for continuous evolution.
Challenges in light tech and market traction.
Investment in new sports facilities for next generation.
Custom health solutions for optimal indoor environment.

A few key takeaways:

Brainlit Technology and Its Benefits: Brainlit specializes in creating healthy indoor environments by modulating LED light to mimic the natural sunlight spectrum. This tech offers significant health benefits including improved productivity, better sleep patterns, and reduced sick days.
Strategic Partnerships in Sports: Brainlit has formed partnerships with major sports organizations, including the Sacramento Kings and others. These collaborations demonstrate the effectiveness of their technology in enhancing athletes' performance and overall wellness, further expanding their reach to the English Premier League and other major leagues.
Market Education and Challenges: One of the prominent challenges discussed is the necessity of educating architects, construction teams, and potential clients about the benefits of healthy lighting. Communication and timely implementation remain key barriers, especially in new builds and the fragmented school district market.
Holistic and Future-Proof Solutions: Brainlit offers versatile and adaptive lighting systems that cater to specific facility needs, such as providing optimized lighting during unconventional hours and for jet lag mitigation. Their solutions are designed to be future-proof, with remote accessibility management to allow for ongoing upgrades.
Enterprise and Support Staff Focus: Beyond targeting athletes, Brainlit is emphasizing an enterprise solution that supports not only players but also coaches and support staff. This broader approach helps create a holistic wellness environment for everyone involved, and positions them as a comprehensive solution in various vertical markets including health clubs, sports, and studio markets.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Kyle Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleharris/
Brainlit: https://www.brainlit.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Michael Riordan, a fellow New Yorker and entrepreneur, shares his journey in building a unique fitness tourism business. We'll dive into how his personal experience and professional background as a personal trainer inspired him to create immersive, wellness-focused tours for travelers and business people visiting the city.

While in Hawaii, he was faced with the decision of either running on a treadmill or exploring outdoors, he chose the latter and embarked on a beach run that turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of his life. This moment of clarity inspired him to integrate more local and immersive activities into his routine.

Back in his professional life, he noticed a recurring theme among his clients, who often traveled to fun destinations for work but rarely got to experience the local culture. Michael became a staunch advocate for blending fitness with business and/or adventure travel, encouraging clients to explore and enjoy their surroundings, no matter where their travels took them.

Riordan states, "The identity of the the Fit Tours business is that we are actually a tour company with a fitness twist as opposed to a fitness company with a tour twist."

Key themes discussed

Embrace local experiences & keep up your fitness while traveling for work.
Fit Tours offers a combination of unique fitness and city exploration.
Strategic partnerships and filling classes for entrepreneurs.
Balancing cost and sustainability for fitness tours.
Recruited dynamic, engaging tour guides for events.
Competitor collaboration led to successful new business entity.

A few key takeaways:

Innovative Business Concept: Riordan identified a niche in the market by providing fitness-focused tours for travelers. This stemmed from his own experiences and frustrations with traditional gym routines while traveling.
Target Audience and Value Proposition: The primary target audience includes both leisure and business travelers who want to maintain their fitness routines while also experiencing local sights and culture. This dual-purpose offering provides an immersive wellness experience unique to each city.
Effective Team Building: Riordan found success by hiring actors and performers as tour guides. These individuals not only had the fitness focus he needed but also brought an energetic and engaging dynamic to the tours, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Adapting and Expanding: During the pandemic, Riordan expanded to Chicago by acquiring a local running tour company at no cost, demonstrating resourcefulness and strategic growth. This move was facilitated by his connection with the former owner's similar vision and goals.
Merging for Better Outcomes: By merging Fit Tours NYC with City Running Tours to form City Fit Tours, Riordan and his partner combined their strengths and resources. This allowed them to share the workload more effectively, with Riordan focusing on business development and his partner on operations.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Michael Riordan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-riordan-97a1167
City Fit Tours: https://fittoursnyc.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Chris Craytor took on a significant challenge when joining the board of IHRSA, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association. At a time when raising funds was particularly difficult, Craytor played a key role in steering the organization towards a stronger focus on advocacy, education, and research. With the strategic hire of Liz Clark as CEO, Craytor helped pivot IHRSA—now known as the Health and Fitness Association—towards these critical areas. This shift was underscored by the COVID pandemic, which signifcantly heightened awareness among club operators about the importance of advocacy. Craytor envisions increased efforts to influence state-level legislation, recognizing that many crucial battles for the industry are won and lost at the local level.

Chris and host Pete Moore discuss a range of topics crucial to the fitness industry, including managing member relationships, especially within the Medicare Advantage community, and the critical role of customer retention. Chris shares his innovative approach to business by addressing personal and professional challenges and emphasizes the significance of strong leadership.

They also explore the ever-evolving landscape of health insurance, exercise and its impact on long-term health, and the importance of preventative care covered by groups like Medicare and Medicaid. Chris also highlights the rapid growth in insurance-based memberships and the challenges and solutions provided by Welld Health, a leading software platform connecting health clubs to healthcare payers.

Key themes discussed

Discussing importance of active voter participation and issues.
ACAC founded with inclusive, community-focused approach.
Layering AI in medical data for reimbursement.
Software companies require 5-year SaaS agreements.
States for ACAC business expansion in 36 months.
Clean database, streamline member files, reduce rejection.
Popular programs offer competitive advantages in business.

A few key takeaways:

Medicare Advantage Programs and Revenue Potential: Health clubs can significantly benefit by targeting the Medicare Advantage community. Large chains have the potential to generate millions of dollars monthly through these programs.
Customer Retention and Leadership: Effective customer retention efforts are crucial for clubs. Finding the right individual within the club to manage these efforts can make a significant difference. The role of a Chief Revenue Officer was highlighted as potentially beneficial for improving accounting processes and overall efficiency.
ACAC's Inclusive and Comprehensive Approach: Chris shared insights into ACAC Fitness and Wellness, which operates on a larger format with high-end amenities. Their approach to inclusiveness, medical programs, physician referrals, and partnerships with doctors and hospitals sets them apart. The emphasis on tracking member outcomes and offering first-class service above their middle-market price point further highlights their differentiation.
Health and Fitness Advocacy: The rebranding of IHRSA as the Health and Fitness Association underscores a new focus on political advocacy, education, and research. Project 435, for example, aims to have a club captain advocating for health clubs in each of the 435 congressional districts, showcasing the importance of grassroots advocacy within the sector.
Challenges and Benefits of Health Insurance Integration: The podcast also shed light on the integration of health insurance with fitness clubs, particularly the challenges around eligibility verification, member management, and reconciliation. Software platforms like Welld Health play a critical role in reducing rejection rates and bad data, ultimately saving significant revenue for clubs. The ability to run long-term medical programs via partnerships with YMCA's and medical centers further illustrates the evolving landscape of preventative healthcare coverage.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Chris Craytor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-craytor/
Welld Health: https://www.welldhealth.com/solutions
ACAC: https://acac.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Host Pete Moore is joined by an industry pioneer and long-time friend Jill Kinney, currently the Founder/Chairman of Active Wellness. They deep dive into the ever-evolving landscape of fitness for the senior population, focusing on Jill's innovative work with Active Wellness. She shares her insights on redefining fitness centers, especially within healthcare systems and senior living communities, through the creation of Activate—a high-touch, personalized wellness program which are transforming traditional spaces into profitable, consumer-facing wellness hubs.

Drawing from a rich background in developing, owning, and operating fitness clubs, Jill has successfully melded her expertise to create distinct, consumer-focused models within the industry.

Kinney states, "I don't think the health care systems or hospitals per se, really understand marketing. Most of the folks that we've dealt with felt like their medical fitness center was somehow or another going to be so unique that it would have no competition . . . and there's there's nothing further from the truth . . . what we've done is taken our branding, marketing, and sales skills and turned these businesses around, so they're profitable. They're generating 18 to 25% EBITDA returns."

Key themes discussed

Challenges of managing hospital real estate assets.
Personalized wellness program with brain training, recovery, and E-Gym.
Excitement for real estate investment opportunities and models.
Opening up facility to public feedback.

A few key takeaways:

Active Wellness is a fitness and wellness management company that provides a unique twist through two distinct models:

-Active Wellness Centers: These are similar to medical fitness centers but with a profitability and business focus, making them more consumer-facing and competitive.

-Activate Program: A turnkey, approximately $2,000,000 solution with a small footprint (5,000-10,000 square feet), integrating personalized wellness and fitness programs featuring high-tech and data-driven approaches.

Hospitals and healthcare systems often underestimate the importance of sales and marketing, especially when it comes to running fitness centers. Active Wellness steps in to turn these facilities into profitable, consumer-friendly wellness centers that attract members and operate with commercial efficiency.
The Activate program includes a variety of personalized services such as personal health coaching, registered dietitians, and specialized equipment like eGym for tailored fitness plans. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach encompassing fitness, recovery, and even brain training.
Activate centers generate significant financial returns (28%-35% ROI on invested capital starting from year 2) and transform previously cost-center amenities into profitable entities.
Although initially targeted at seniors and independent living communities, the program's appeal is broadening to a younger demographic. Active Wellness plans to scale up, aiming to have around 20 Activate locations in the near future, with a longer-term goal of expanding to 50-100 locations.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jill Kinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillkinney/
Active Wellness: https://activewellness.com/
Buck Institute: https://www.buckinstitute.org/
E-Gym: https://egym.com/us
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Host Pete Moore had a sit-down at the Health & Fitness Association 2024 trade show in Los Angeles with Cyrus Massoumi, the visionary founder behind Dr. B, a revolutionary telemedicine platform. Pete chats with Cyrus about his journey from founding Zocdoc to his passionate pursuit of affordable, how the name came about, remote healthcare solutions through Dr. B, and more. They also discuss how COVID has transformed medical interactions and highlight the critical role of exercise in managing medical conditions.

Massoumi offers insightful perspectives on utilizing FSA and HSA dollars for fitness expenses and shares how Dr. B's partnerships with fitness brands are making healthcare more accessible. You'll learn about the importance of letters of medical necessity, the compliance landscape of telehealth, innovative ways to maximize healthcare benefits, and how this can complement your fitness journey. Massoumi is driving a holistic approach to wellness and pushing the boundaries of healthcare, ensuring it meets the needs of both insured and uninsured individuals.

He states, "Our goal is not just to offer letters of medical necessity to fitness club members, but also to be health care partners for all of these gyms and fitness studios that are interested in making that leap and understanding what that looks like, and how do you do it in a responsible way and make sure that you can really make people's lives better more holistically."

Key themes discussed

Starting and growing Zocdoc.
Enable health account payment method for members.
Regulations needed to curb destructive conduct from other bad actors in this space.
Health savings accounts rising due to high deductibles.
Initial misunderstanding, now promoting HSA and FSA.
Be disciplined, use resources, make an impact.

A few key takeaways:

Dr. B, founded by Cyrus Massoumi, is a telemedicine platform focused on providing affordable and accessible healthcare, particularly for COVID-19 patients and the uninsured. It emphasizes remote care, making healthcare services more reachable during and beyond the pandemic.
Massoumi highlights the crucial role of exercise in preventing and managing medical conditions. The opportunity to use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for fitness-related expenses is underlined, promoting healthier living through financial incentives.
Dr. B positions itself to make healthcare more accessible through the issuance of letters of medical necessity for FSA and HSA use. This allows members to use pretax dollars for medical expenses, reducing the overall cost burden and encouraging preventative care.
The company has seen immediate demand from the fitness industry and focuses on collaborating with fitness brands of all sizes. This partnership is designed to promote holistic health by integrating medical necessity letters into fitness services, which can be redeemed using FSA and HSA funds.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Cyrus Massoumi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrus-massoumi-58330b
Dr. B: https://www.hidrb.com
Zocdoc: https://www.zocdoc.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Today we're diving into the Pilates/boutique fitness world with two incredible guests, Liz Polk and Andrea Speir, Co-Founders of Speir Pilates. We explore how Liz and Andrea have transformed their love for Pilates into a thriving business that not only promotes health and wellness but also fosters community and inclusivity.

Liz and Andrea share their journey, from leaving corporate careers, including Liz's decade at Netflix, to building a brand known for its welcoming atmosphere and thier collaborative spirit with other businesses. We'll discuss their strategies for maintaining high-quality instruction, the importance of a strong entrepreneurial management team, and their innovative use of technology to enhance member experience.

These two women have created something unique. Speir Pilates is not just about fitness, but about creating a supportive, family-like culture and pioneering unique events from bachelorette parties to influencer classes. There's something here for any business owner in the HALO space! The episode is packed with insights on adapting to change, building community, and the pivotal role of partnerships in business success.

"We don't really do we don't do free offers," states Liz. "You're getting high quality instruction from people who are certified in something complex, which is a little different than a Spin class. This highlights the value we place on providing expert guidance over free alternatives."

Key themes discussed

Seeking input, asking questions, open to learning.
Discussing Pilates locations, equipment, growth, and uniqueness.
Select talent and instructors who embody the brand.
Diverse delivery methods expand Pilates instructor opportunities.
Customer experience modeled after hospitality industry.
Investment advice: Build a strong management team!

A few key takeaways:

The partners emphasize the importance of building a strong community within and beyond their 4 walls. They engage in collaborations with peer studios and complementary fitness modalities like boxing to create supportive and cohesive fitness experiences. This fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among clients.
Liz's journey from a corporate background to Co-Founding Speir Pilates highlights the value of adaptability and being open to pivot when necessary. The duo’s ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances, such as during the COVID-19, showcases their entrepreneurial resilience and innovative approach to overcoming challenges.
Andrea underscores the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, making Pilates accessible to a broader audience without the need for "exclusive invitations." This aligns with their vision of creating a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of fitness level or background.
Speir operates with a hospitality mindset, ensuring that clients feel expected and cared for from the moment they step into the studio. This includes personalized services, gathering client information to enhance their experience, and optimizing relationships to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Their choice of locations and the aesthetic design of their studios play a crucial role in the business model. By selecting blank new construction spaces and considering neighboring tenants, Liz and Andrea ensure that each studio offers an optimal client experience.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Andrea Speir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-speir-65742610a/
Liz Polk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizmpolk/
Speir Pilates: https://speirpilates.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Host Pete Moore sits down with Sam O'Keefe to delve into the (often confusing!) world of HSA (Health Savings Accounts) and FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and their intersection with the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) sector. In a market worth nearly $150B, Sam shares her expertise on how fitness-related expenses, including gym memberships and fitness programs, can become eligible for reimbursement under certain conditions.

We'll explore how Flex, Sam's fintech company, is making it easier for HALO-businesses to integrate HSA and FSA benefits, facilitating seamless payments and reimbursements for members. Sam also discusses the critical role of exercise in both mental and physical health, the psychology behind spending HSA and FSA funds, and the entrepreneurial challenges she continues to face in this very new, rather niche space.

From the nuances of telehealth evaluations to contributing and spending behaviors in HSA and FSA accounts, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of health and fitness reimbursement. This is a must listen for all gym owners, especially if they wish to uncover the incredible amount of revenue and opportnities that exists in Q4, if this is implemented and marketed properly. Join us as we break down the complexities and uncover the opportunities in this fascinating field.

As HSA and FSA payment options become more popular, Sam states, "It's very exciting to see companies like DoorDash, Instacart, Walgreens, and others that are starting to roll this out. What it's really doing is increasing awareness for consumers and getting them to realize, 'Oh hey. . . I can spend these dollars not just at the doctor's office.'"

Key themes discussed

Challenges and solutions in healthcare industry discussed.
Diversity in payment regulations for different businesses.
Verify POS inventory for HSA, FSA eligibility.
American customer base faces health challenges, bridge gap.
Direct payment possibilities with industry CRM's like (MarianaTek and others) for seamless integration.
Encouraging health club operators to capitalize on HSA/FSA, especially during Q4.

A few key takeaways:

Sam discussed the intricacies of HSA and FSA reimbursements, which present a massive $150B market. She emphasized the importance and utility of these accounts in covering fitness and health-related expenses, provided there's a medical necessity and proper documentation.
Both Pete and Sam underlined the critical role of exercise in both mental and physical health. They stressed the need to shift the healthcare focus toward preventive measures, highlighting how activities like pickleball can contribute significantly to mental well-being and longevity.
Sam talks about Flex, a fintech and telehealth company she started to help streamline the reimbursement process. Flex simplifies HSA and FSA reimbursements by integrating them directly into the merchant's checkout flow and offering telehealth visits to obtain the necessary documentation.
The episode shed light on the specifics of what can be considered eligible for HSA and FSA spending. While general fitness programs and equipment usually don't meet IRS guidelines, they can qualify if prescribed by a doctor. This highly nuanced regulatory landscape requires precise documentation and coordination with healthcare professionals.
The conversation also touched on the entrepreneurial journey, providing listeners with insights into staying motivated through the ups and downs of business. Physical activity was highlighted as a key strategy for managing stress and maintaining clarity, reinforcing the episode's strong focus on the holistic benefits of exercise.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Sam O'Keefe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samokeefe/
Flex: https://www.withflex.com/
SIGIS: https://www.sig-is.org/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Today we're joined by Beth Potter and Peter Pastijn, industry veterans in the HALO sector and two top players at Studio Grow, one of Integrity Square's strategic partners who provide top notch, in-the-trenches coaching for boutique studio owners worldwide.

Beth and Peter draw parallels between Studio Grow and the role of a regional director, highlighting the extensive network they provide, from legal and marketing, to specialized coaches. They emphasize the importance of collaboration, ongoing support, and the value their services they can bring to not only independents but also franchisees, with some groups even adding Studio Grow to their Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD's.)

They also explore the need for succession planning and exit strategies, the impact of holistic wellness trends, and how Studio Grow is fostering confidence and understanding of financial metrics like EBITDA among studio owners.

On Studio Grow's services Pastijn states, "If I'm coaching a session with an advanced studio and they want something I'm not an expert in, I just call one of my other coaches in and say, 'Hey, can you help them out?' So we all have different fields of expertise. Also, as we are all owners or former former owners, [Studio Grow] has created templates and and outlines for absolutely everything you can imagine."

Key themes discussed

Advising businesses on revenue and marketing strategy.
Focusing on the member journey and retention is vital.
Optimize experience, involve initially, for successful collaboration.
Studio owners locked in long franchise agreements.
Discuss succession planning and exit strategies for business.

A few key takeaways:

Beth and Peter highlighted Studio Grow's extensive support services, which include legal and marketing teams, as well as diverse expertise among their many coaches. This structure is designed to work closely with everyone from franchisees, to individual owners to help them grow and succeed.
Peter emphasized the critical importance of having a succession plan and exit strategy for studio owners. This ensures cultural continuity and prepares owners for potential business transitions, enhancing long-term stability and potential profits.
Understanding key business metrics like EBITDA is crucial for studio owners. Beth and Peter discussed the importance of proper budgeting, funding support, and financial planning to ensure studio profitability and growth.
The growing trend of holistic wellness, recovery, and med spa businesses was highlighted, underscoring the increasing demand for comprehensive health services that go beyond the 'standard' fitness offerings. This represents an opportunity for studio owners to expand their services and capture a broader market.
Member journeys and retention are especially vital in the boutique fitness industry. Beth stressed the need to coach teams effectively to retain customers and discussed the process for matching studio owners with suitable advisors through consistent check in calls.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Peter Pastijn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-pastijn-8047661/
Beth Potter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-potter-6a6b98193/
Studio Grow: https://www.studiogrow.co
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Greta Wagner is a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over four decades of experience in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space. A current Board Member of the Health & Fitness Assocation (formerly IHRSA), and Executive Director of Chelsea Piers, her journey began at the age of 16, when she started teaching what used to be called "aerobic dance." After a decade-long hiatus in the golf industry, her return to fitness was marked by a pivotal realization: The sector had seen little growth and was still grappling with engaging the same 80% of people who do not participate in regular exercise or attend fitness clubs. Her career reflects both her adaptability and enduring passion for promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Greta shares her invaluable perspectives on fostering inclusivity, broadening communication, and the significance of a positive work culture that transcends beyond just having state-of-the-art facilities. Also discussed are the pressures of athleticism on young kids, branding excellence of Chelsea Piers, and innovative ideas for advocacy in the health and fitness sector. We'll hear about the challenges of maintaining client attention, and the evolving landscape of video and streaming technology. Finally, we'll look at leveraging competition and technology to drive member engagement and success. This episode is packed with valuable insights from an industry veteran on leadership, resilience, and the collective effort required to drive meaningful change in our space.

On workplace culture, Wagner states, "I can't dictate what company culture is gonna be. I can hope what our culture is gonna be. We can say 'this is what our strategic plan is to make our culture,' but it's our actions, and it's how we live our lives in every moment while we're working together, playing together, socializing together, and our principles and core values. If you stay true to those and you hire the people who believe in those core values and can live it . . . that will resonate. In my opinion, that is everything."

Key themes discussed

IHRSA (and the industry's) challenges during the pandemic.
10-year summer camp experience, impact of sports.
Workplace culture, branding, employee focus, values.
Private, non-institutional company, unique KPIs.
Monitoring retention and valuing employee contributions.
The evolving role of the Health & Fitness Association.

A few key takeaways:

Greta emphasizes that a positive and inclusive work culture is crucial for any business's success, especially in the HALO space. She illustrates this by highlighting Chelsea Piers' commitment to their core values and how it translates into meaningful connections with customers and a happy, long time, dedicated workforce.
She emphasizes the importance of open conversations, organization, and effective messaging to address societal and political divisions. Enhancing communication and education within the club environment can foster unity and collective growth.
Both Moore and Wagner stress the significance of offering a variety of sports to children, rather than early specialization. This approach helps in reducing pressure and optimizing overall athletic development, allowing kids to explore various interests and skills.
Pete asks about leveraging the large membership base of clubs collectively for advocacy efforts. Collecting a small contribution per member per year, as Pete suggests, could significantly bolster financial capabilities for important advocacy initiatives at local, state, and federal levels.
Greta discusses the resilience of Chelsea Piers during natural disasters, highlighting the collaborative effort of employees and members to rebuild the property. This underscores the solid and caring culture of the company, which is pivotal in navigating crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Greta Wagner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greta-wagner-6764a4bb/
Health and Fitness Association: https://www.healthandfitness.org/
Chelsea Piers: http://www.chelseapiers.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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We're excited to bring back Lauren Foundos, founder of FORTE. Join her in a deep dive into the dynamic world of virtual fitness and digital engagement. Lauren transitioned her company through the intense periods of the pandemic by focusing on survival and being nimble. As the world shifted towards hybrid work post-pandemic (particularly with many NYC companies settling on a sort of 3 days in office, 2 days out), she noticed the parallels between this new work dynamic and the ever-evolving fitness landscape.

Lauren and host Pete Moore discuss the crucial role of relationships and engagement in the middle market, the benchmarks for success in virtual class participation, and the long-term value of community building. She provides insights on leveraging live-streamed classes and data to boost member retention and overall experience.

We'll also hear about the challenges of maintaining client attention, and the evolving landscape of video and streaming technology in the HALO space. We'll wrap up with a closer look at leveraging competition and technology to drive engagement and success.

On the evolution of the fitness space Foundos states, "I'm hoping to see everyone playing together because on some days you want to bike at home. Some days you want to go to the gym and some days you want to run outside. I hope that this industry is going to start realizing it's important to meet the customer's behavior where they are, as opposed to wanting them to operate in a different way."

Key themes discussed

Variety of tactics for engaging gym members.
Some clubs (wrongly!) want to hide data from trainers.
Volunteer discusses quantifying and tracking engagement.
CRMs help track engagement and retention data.
Owner needs to believe in the business decision to bring in FORTE.

A few key takeaways:

Lauren and Pete emphasize that in the middle market, building strong engagement and relationships is crucial. Whether it's through online or in-person classes, the ability to connect meaningfully with clients significantly impacts retention and community involvement.
This episode shed light on the ROI for virtual fitness classes by highlighting the importance of long-term engagement and community-building, rather than just the immediate financial returns. This forward-thinking approach helps ensure sustained participation and loyalty.
Lauren shared insights on how FORTE has evolved during and after the pandemic. The shift to a hybrid work-from-home and gym environment necessitated innovation and adaptability, particularly in video and streaming technology, to meet the changing needs of clients.
Successful engagement and retention strategies include offering live-streamed classes, enhancing the user experience, and leveraging relationships with instructors. This personalized approach helps foster a sense of community and maintain client loyalty.
Foundous also discussed the potential of using technology, like MyZone, to foster competition and engagement among gym members across different locations. This can enhance the interactive experience and motivate clients through challenges, making workouts more engaging and fun.

If you missed Lauren's first appearance on HALO Talks, check it out here.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Lauren Foundos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lfoundos
FORTE: https://www.forte.fit
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In today's episode host Pete Moore talks with Mauro Frota, the innovative mind behind BHOUT-a company that's revolutionizing the exer-gaming industry by merging gaming and boxing into an immersive, competitive experience. Mauro takes us through the unique premise of his company, which offers a trifecta of modes: learning, playing for clubs, and pure competition.

Mauro is an innovative entrepreneur,and product designer specializing in cutting-edge materials and durable hardware. Dedicated to pushing the limits of product design, Frota has been experimenting with bio-materials such as cactus leaves for exterior components and vegan leather for the outside of the bag. His commitment to durability and performance has led to the development of 5 to 10 different product prototypes, and his ultimate goal is to create hardware that meets the extreme standards of high-performance athletes, including MMA fighter Francis Ngannou, known for his record-breaking strike power.

His ambitious expansion plans include 20 new units across Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and the US. He also shares insights into their cutting-edge AI technology, impressive collaborations with top-tier institutions and their journey toward making BHOUT kickboxing studios a global phenomenon.

Regarding what BHOUT can do, Frota states, ". . . It's very unique. Everything that is tangible in a real fight, we can measure it. We can measure the number of strikes, the accuracy, exertion, and power. We can even measure technique and compare it with a pre-trained biomechanical model. All this is is transformed into points . . . which plays into the gaming aspect."

Key themes discussed

Benefits of working for Precor and entrepreneurial mindset.
Steve Jobs on product design and collaboration.
Started in B2B, product tested extensively. Opposite of Peloton or Tonal.
Few equipment brands have retail and studios.
Universe bringing industry together through technology and competition.
Revenue generated in Europe comparable to SOLIDCORE model in USA.

A few key takeaways:

Mauro's company has ingeniously blended the gaming industry with physical exercise through their innovative product. Their exer-game platform transforms workouts into engaging, competitive experiences.
Mauro shared his inspiring journey of translating a dream about a kickboxing space into a thriving business. His background in martial arts fueled his passion for making combat sports accessible to the masses through advanced technology.
The company has ambitious expansion strategies, with plans to open 20 new units across Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and the US. They aim to scale both franchise and corporate-owned locations, potentially including a presence in New York City.
The AI technology developed by Mauro's team is a core strength of the company, attracting high-profile clients like LinkedIn and Marriott Hotels. Collaborations with the University of Lisbon indicate a promising future for extending their product's reach.
Mauro detailed the development of a new product line featuring four prototypes constructed from bio-materials like cactus leaves and environmentally friendly water bladders, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The product has proven very successful in business-to-business settings and is already a top performer in a Portuguese club, showcasing its profitability and strong market reception.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Mauro Frota: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauro-frota-0949a815
BHOUT: https://www.bhout.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Joe Cannato, a dedicated coach and fitness veteran, started an ambitious journey in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he initiated a youth sports program. Despite his initial hustle, the program didn’t achieve the growth he was hoping for, compelling him to start again from scratch. Joe talks about this, his beginnings from studying nutrition and dietetics, to becoming a professional parkour coach and more! For five and a half years, he worked tirelessly, refining his business concept while also trying to drum up some seed funding. He serendipitously met Scott, who would later become a pivotal part of his entrepreneurial journey.

Cannato dives into the intricacies of parkour--the heart of his program--as both a lifestyle and a discipline, drawing fascinating parallels to martial arts. He and Pete chat about how his unique approach to parkour training benefits kids of all ages, enhancing their confidence, physical skills, and body awareness. Joe also opens up about the strategic decisions behind ROAM's first location within a family entertainment center and the vital role community and parental involvement play in their program.

About the public's thinking around parkour, Cannato states, "A lot of people think parkour relates a little bit more to skateboarding and that it's just taking risks and whatever happens happens. But there's far more to it than that . . . in parkour we have a very mindful approach towards how we move, but the high level-high risk situations that you see promoted is what gathers all the attention and attention sells as well."

Key themes discussed

Initial meeting with a broker led to a strong business partnership.
Parkour emphasizes mindful, obstacle-based movement training.
Open communication and understanding key for success.
Parkour athletes can specialize in various sports. High transferability.
Scheduled, drop ins, pricing, manual system.
Events for both kids and parents.

A few key takeaways:

Joe shares his journey from studying nutrition and dietetics to becoming a professional parkour coach in 2011. He founded ROAMFurther after recognizing the limitations in growth potential of the previous program he started in Fairfield. His partnership with Scott Kaplan was serendipitous and instrumental in getting out of the gate.
Parkour is likened to martial arts in terms of being a lifestyle, discipline, and even an artistic expression. It goes beyond the risky stunts often seen in media and is based on mindful, obstacle-based training. The skills learned in parkour can translate to improved performance in various sports such as soccer, football, and basketball.
ROAM's programs cater to a wide range of age groups, starting from as young as 9 months old. Joe discussed the positive impact parkour has on children, including increased body awareness, improved physical fitness, and heightened confidence. This holistic approach to child development ensures benefits both on and off the field.
The decision to establish ROAM inside a racing family entertainment center was partly strategic and partly opportunistic. While it offers great exposure due to heavy foot traffic, Joe highlighted both the benefits and challenges of sharing a space. The relationship allows for co-marketing, but requires constant effort to maintain visibility and a distinct identity.
ROAM also focuses on session-based programs for youth rather than traditional memberships, which allows for better customer relations and flexibility. Birthday parties are a significant part of the model, serving as lead generators for future customers. Additionally, the inclusion of a specialty coffee bar enhances the experience for parents, turning the facility into a genuine community hub rather than just a kid-focused venue.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Joe Cannato: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joecannato
ROAMFurther Athletics: https://roamfurther.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Nancy Trent, inspired by her father's early dedication to health, cultivated a lifelong passion for wellness. Recognizing a gap in the market 30 years ago, when wellness was an unfamiliar concept and healthy products were met with skepticism, she pioneered the first wellness public relations (PR) firm. Trent's innovative vision and relentless efforts helped shape the burgeoning wellness industry, turning what was once a niche into a mainstream movement.

Nancy talks about her journey from the early days of promoting Reebok to navigating the complex landscape of traditional and social media. We'll explore the nuances between advertising and PR, the challenges of quantifying PR's return on investment, and the power of leveraging national publicity for local media traction.

Nancy also offers invaluable advice on crafting compelling PR campaigns, crisis management, and the importance of aligning marketing and sales efforts. Plus, we touch on the success stories like SoulCycle that have thrived through word-of-mouth and PR rather than traditional advertising. From enhancing your brand's credibility to engaging with local communities and media, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to elevate their wellness brand. As of this show being published (July 1, 2024) there will also be series of 5 articles (published weekly) from Nancy on the Integrity Square blog. Be sure to check that out. (https://www.integritysq.com/blog)

On the difference between ads and PR Trent states, "When you see an ad in a magazine, a digital ad, or an ad on television, you know that people pay for it. When you're reading something in an article or you're seeing somebody interviewed on Good Morning America or Entertainment Tonight, you don't know that there are people who are trying to make that happen. Nobody's getting paid. You're not supposed to be getting paid, and that is one of the problems that's going on today with media. So, because you're not paying for advertising, publicity is a lot cheaper."

Key themes discussed

Advertising is paid for, PR is not.
Fitness industry brands use strategic messaging techniques.
PR agency for crisis management.
Adapting fitness brands during COVID, trending concepts.
Understanding target audience, brand message, and media.
Brands' value is key in acquisition business.
Focus on value, growth, and preparation for success.

A few key takeaways:

Nancy emphasizes that public relations often precedes advertising in budget planning due to its cost-effectiveness and credibility. PR helps build a reputable image, which can later be leveraged in advertising for enhanced believability and engagement.
By securing national media coverage, businesses can boost their local presence and credibility. Trent underscores the significance of using national PR to drive local media interest and the importance of recycling articles to maximize their promotional value.
Both Pete and Nancy stress the necessity of being prepared for potential crises. Having PR firms on standby and utilizing goodwill proactively ensures that a brand can effectively manage public perception during unexpected events.
Nancy highlights that marketing efforts should align with current wellness and health trends. By tying products to what consumers are interested in, brands can garner more attention and create trends that contribute to exponential growth.
To enhance press coverage and community engagement, Nancy advises businesses to partner with local media, celebrities, and other relevant stakeholders. This not only increases visibility but also builds stronger local ties and boosts credibility.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Nancy Trent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-trent-755aaa1/
Trent and Company: https://trentandcompany.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Ania Wysocka experienced her first panic attack during university which subsequently set off a spiral of fear and negative changes in her life. Initially not understanding what was happening made the situation extremely challenging. This frustration fueled her determination to find a solution. After learning about some tools to help heal and manage her panic attacks, she realized the need for a much more accessible resource. Recognizing that she, like most, always have her phone with her, she decided to create an app to provide an immediate and helpful solution. To say the app was much needed and highly received, would be putting it mildly. Root'd now reports over 3 million users!

Pete and Ania explore the science behind panic attacks, how Rootd takes a slightly different approach then others, and its broader impact on anxiety management. We'll also dive into the entrepreneurial aspects of building a social impact business, Ania's approach to balancing work and life, her strong belief in the freemium model, becoming an 'accidental entrepreneur,' and the ever-evolving conversation around mental health.

Regarding her pricing model Wysocka states, "It did make me butt heads a bit with potential investors and with judges of different VC competitions that Rootd was in, because they were under the impression that you shouldn't have that much free content. On the flip side, however, that's really how we grew organically . . . people sharing it with their friends. There's no hard paywall. You can go and you can get value from it immediately."

Key themes discussed

App modeled on creator's expertise.
Pricing app with a freemium model, early entrepreneurship lessons.
Cultural shift in talking about mental health.
Wholesale code, product augmentation, growth corporate wellness programs.
Employers focus on low employee app usage.

A few key takeaways:

Ania's journey began with her own experience of having a panic attack during her senior year in college. This personal crisis highlighted the lack of immediate resources and information available, driving her to create the Rootd app.
Attacks involve the activation of the nervous system, which can lead to various physical symptoms such as increased sweating, heart palpitations, and seeing stars, along with mental effects like negative thoughts and the sensation of impending danger or death.
Rootd is designed to provide immediate relief for panic attacks using cognitive therapy techniques. The app offers two approaches – facing the panic attack head-on or using prompts to manage and calm the symptoms, thus helping activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
The app has grown significantly, reaching 3 million users, mainly through organic growth, word of mouth, and strong app store optimization. It has received high user ratings and numerous positive reviews, which bolster its credibility and user trust.
Rootd operates as a social impact business, balancing free and premium content to ensure accessibility while also generating revenue. The app has also expanded into the B2B space, partnering with employers and therapists to provide support for mental health, demonstrating its utility in reducing ER visits and improving workplace well-being and performance.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Ania Wysocka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ania-wys/
Rootd App: https://www.rootd.io/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Brynn Scarborough, CEO of JK Products, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the recovery space through her innovative approach and forward-thinking vision. With over 40 years of experience in the tanning and sunshine sector, Scarborough's company expanded its focus about five to six years ago to include stackable amenities in recovery and wellness spaces.

Anticipating industry trends long before they became mainstream, she began exploring touchless and labor-free modalities even before the global pandemic sped things along in that direction anyway. Her contributions have positioned her as a pioneer in integrating advanced wellness solutions into the HALO sector.

On maximizing boutique fitness revenue, she states, "Whether it's a massage, whether it's red light, whether it's recovery . . . there are multiple things you could do that don't add staff and don't take up extra extra square footage that you don't already have, things that get that extra click out of every person that comes through the door, or get those few percentage that moves the needle."

Key themes discussed

Diverse modalities enhance foot traffic and profits.
Competing med spas are damaging health club business.
Traditional fitness industry needs to adapt to recovery space.
Loyalty in boutique fitness is a problem.
Remodeling opens space for fitness equipment variety.
Brands focus on education and messaging impact.

A few key takeaways:

Brynn highlighted the significance of touchless and labor-free modalities such as dry water massage and red light infrared technology. These not only enhance recovery and wellness, but also address current challenges like labor shortages and rising labor costs.
The conversation about wellness and recovery has significantly shifted, especially post-COVID. Consumers now expect more from their fitness experiences beyond the traditional "no pain, no gain" model. Fitness centers need to integrate up-regulation (workouts) and down-regulation (recovery) offerings to meet these new expectations.
There's a huge opportunity for clubs and studios to repurpose underutilized spaces, such as areas used for towels or other non-revenue generating purposes. Adding recovery amenities like compression technology, red light therapy, and dry water massage can significantly boost revenue without substantial increases in overhead.
For gym owners who are hesitant to remodel, the WellSystem water massage is highlighted as an initial investment. This product is great because it can be placed in open spaces, requires minimal staff intervention, and has a quick ROI. This approach helps gradually introduce recovery services into fitness centers.
Brynn addressed the need for integrated recovery protocols tailored to individual fitness routines. While the technology for various recovery modalities is available, the industry still lacks comprehensive guidance for users on how to optimize these services. Educating both consumers and fitness facility operators remains crucial for successful integration and utilization of these recovery solutions.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Brynn Scarborough: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynnscarborough/
JK Products: https://jkproducts.us/
WellSystem: https://wellnessjk.com/wellsystem/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tessa Arnold, a former banker turned wellness entrepreneur, HALO evangelist, and Co-Founder of Snapback Energy. She shares her journey from a 12-year career in commercial banking into the entrepreneurial space. She dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning industries, the importance of balance in life, and her passion for Ayurvedic health coaching. Tessa discusses the development of her patented supplement formula, her dedication to giving back to veterans, and the insights she's gained on living a fulfilling life while trying to balance the demands of running a new business.

On building out the company, Arnold states, "I think my background in banking helped because I was a project manager. I knew how to do things methodically and figure out who I needed to reach out to and bring in . . . So working with my team, bringing in a food scientist, going through a ton of variations and developing our formula to what it is today was an incredible learning process. I couldn't have done it without them. . . We worked to push through and get the patent, which took us 3 tries to get!"

Key themes discussed

Struggling to balance work, family, and self-care.
Challenges of work-life balance and financial pressure.
Banking project manager leverages skills for success.
Emphasizing authenticity and enforcing patent process.
Commercial banking experience, passion for wellness products.
Balance and self-awareness lead to creativity.
Choose life's direction, act courageously, embrace fear.

A few key takeaways:

Tessa transitioned from a structured, fast-paced career in banking to becoming a wellness lifestyle coach and entrepreneur. She emphasized the importance of self-awareness and realizing when career complacency starts to affect one's well-being and personal fulfillment.
Tessa Co-Founded SnapBack Energy, a supplement company with a patented formula aimed at overall wellness, particularly supporting liver function. The development process involved working closely with a food scientist and the community to ensure the product's efficacy and market appeal.
Arnold also discussed the very difficult decision of leaving a stable and financially secure career to pursue something that made her genuinely happy. This involved significant personal sacrifices and risk-taking, but ultimately led to a more balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life.
Tessa also reveals how integral the authenticity and efficacy of SnapBack Energy’s product is to their brand. They patented their unique formula to distinguish themselves in a very competitive market and emphasized the importance of standing by their claims through rigorous validation processes.
As a wellness lifestyle coach specializing in Ayurvedic health, Arnold focuses on helping clients achieve balance through a highly personalized approach. She highlighted the importance of addressing both mental and physical well-being and encourages people to incorporate practices like meditation and mindfulness into their daily lives.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Tessa Arnold: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-arnold-pmp-b40418129/
Snap Back Energy: https://snapbackenergy.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Larry Blundred found solace and a new passion through an unexpected yet heartwarming intervention by friends. In the wake of his wife's passing due to a brain tumor, Larry was navigating a tumultuous period, balancing the demands of his job and his role as a caretaker. Amidst all this, he was introduced to pickleball by two friends. Initially unfamiliar with the game and without a paddle, he quickly embraced the sport, finding both emotional refuge and camaraderie on the court. His journey into pickleball became transformative, providing much-needed emotional therapy and a new community of supportive friends.

Listen now to hear Larry's story of how this inclusive, community-driven sport transformed his life, inspiring him to create children's books and spread the joy of pickleball. Pete and Larry talk about the emotional and social benefits of the game, its global appeal, and the importance of maintaining its core values amidst growing commercialization, and how he ended up writing a children's book!

"It was community therapy," Blundred states. "I'd gotten a little soft from a lack of physical activity, and it re-energized me, But it's especially the community component associated with the sport that has driven into writing children's books to elevate the sport in people's minds as a means to grow physically, spiritually, emotionally."

Key themes discussed

Pickleball re-energized and inspired community-focused author
Pickleball related medical expenses and youth participation.
Pickleball fosters community and encourages diverse participation.
Author partners with organizations to support education.
Investment concerns for private pickleball clubs.
Excited for evangelists to promote kids' pickleball books.

A few key takeaways:

Larry Blundred delved into how pickleball has significantly impacted his life emotionally and creatively. It not only helped him manage his emotional health but also inspired him to write children's books that focus on family values and the sport itself.
One of the major themes was the inclusive nature of pickleball. Both Pete and Larry emphasized how the sport welcomes players of all ages and abilities. Whether you're someone with ADHD, in a wheelchair, or living with autism, you can find a place within the pickleball community.
Larry recounted his experience playing pickleball in Edinburgh, Scotland, noting the similar inclusive and welcoming environment as he found in his hometown of Cincinnati. This consistency underscores the universal appeal and community spirit of the sport worldwide.
Larry expressed some concern about the increasing commercialization of pickleball. He cautioned that the influx of larger investors and the drive for profits could potentially alter the core values of community and accessibility that make pickleball special. It's crucial to maintain these values to preserve what makes the sport unique.
A significant focus was also on involving younger generations in pickleball. Blundred highlighted the importance of fostering family dynamics and community through the sport. He shared stories from his children's books, emphasizing how anyone, regardless of physical abilities, can be introduced to and enjoy pickleball.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Larry Blundred: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrenceblundred
Ollie Otter Books: https://www.ollieotterbooks.com/
How Pickleball Saved Ollie Otter: https://www.amazon.com/How-Pickleball-Saved-Ollie-Otter/dp/1954116063
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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IIn today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jeff Miller, the Chief Marketing Officer of RowHouse, a leading brand under the Xponential umbrella. Jeff's career is a journey through several industries and roles, reflecting his adaptability and passion for marketing and technology. He began in the education sector, creating websites for tech products before transitioning to the burgeoning world of e-commerce during the early days of the internet. His first significant marketing role was in the surf industry with Body Glove, where he helped launch their first direct-to-consumer website and pioneered their digital marketing efforts.

He delves deep into the unique positioning of RowHouse, discussing how the brand aims to demystify rowing and make it appealing to a broader audience, including non-rowers. Jeff also touches on the importance of pre-sales, the evolving focus on strength training, community building, and marketing strategies to maximize the boutique fitness experience. Listen now to learn more about fitness marketing, the impact of cultural trends, and innovative ways to keep members engaged and motivated.

On the revival around rowing, Jeff states, "There's definitely a renewed interest in rowing. We're looking at some of those Olympic athletes and some of these NIL deals with college rowing to cement that. That's still a pretty small niche, but it's a way to get in front and show that . . . there's these people who are in amazing shape, who live these healthy lives, and where rowing is a part of their core concept."

Key themes discussed

Navigated careers from education to digital marketing.
Enhancing brand membership through effective marketing strategies.
Comparison of instructor influence in fitness studios.
Renewed interest in rowing across all populations.
Efficient workout for Ozempic users: consider rowing.
Developing fitness program and integrating pretax payments.
Can SilverSneakers and Medicare fund boutique fitness?

A few key takeaways:

Jeff's diverse career path led him from education, through the surf industry with Body Glove, to a significant role at YogaWorks where he discovered his passion for marketing in the fitness industry. This background has equipped him with extensive experience in both digital and traditional marketing strategies.
RowHouse is approaching its 10-year anniversary and aims to position itself as the go-to option for a full-body, low-impact workout. Despite the niche nature of rowing in boutique fitness, RowHouse plans to capitalize on the comprehensive benefits of rowing, including strength, cardio, and flexibility, to attract a broader audience beyond hardcore rowers.
The company emphasizes its community. However, RowHouse goes a step further by promoting a "crew" mentality to distinguish itself from other boutique brands. This sense of unity and collective effort is a core element in their classes, adding value beyond the physical workout.
Drawing from his experience at Orange Theory Fitness, Miller highlights the importance of strong presales and opening strategies to build a robust membership base from the get-go. This involves well-thought-out marketing tactics and a competitive spirit to set high benchmarks for membership growth and studio performance.
RowHouse is considering the growing trends in the fitness industry, such as the focus on strength training and the potential implications of new health and wellness trends like GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The brand is also exploring new ways to optimize studio time and introduce classes that cater to different demographics, ensuring maximum utilization and appeal.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jeff Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmillernz/
RowHouse: https://www.therowhouse.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Barbara Safani began her career in human resources with a specialization in recruiting candidates. Her career took a transformative turn when she found herself searching for new opportunities and ended up having to revamp her own professional narrative. This provided her with valuable insights into the many challenges job seekers face. Motivated by her newfound perspective, she decided to leverage her recruitment skills to help candidates present themselves more effectively to potential employers. She now dedicates herself to aiding job seekers in crafting compelling resumes and narratives to successfully land their desired positions.

With 14 international awards to her name and a wealth of credentials, Barbara owns Career Solvers, and has dedicated herself to helping others successfully navigate their own career paths. Host Pete Moore and Executive Producer David Ganulin dive into Barbara's journey from human resources and recruiting to becoming a highly sought-after career coach. They explore the intricacies of resume writing, the importance of LinkedIn, and how to effectively communicate your career journey. Whether you're looking to pivot industries, understand the value of transferable skills, or simply want tips on job searching in today's market, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

If you choose to seek professional help, Safani states, "If somebody does decide they want to work with someone professionally, it can be a little bit daunting. It's not a super regulated industry. I would encourage people to do their homework. There there are multiple certifications that resume writers go through in order to really hone their writing skills. If you're working with somebody or if you if you inquire to somebody, ask them if you'll be working with them or someone on their team. Because you might like that person or develop a rapport, but then you're handed off to somebody else."

Key themes discussed

Transitioned from HR to career coaching expertise.
LinkedIn complements traditional resumes, but has limitations.
Resumes should highlight achievements, not just tasks.
Explaining job transitions and balancing job search.
Candidates overlook red flags, need industry transition.
Choose authentic but non-damaging weaknesses for interviews.
Appreciate your impact and mentorship in community.

A few key takeaways:

Safani emphasizes the importance of identifying and highlighting transferable skills when changing careers. She points out that many skills acquired in one industry can be relevant and valuable in another.
Resumes should tell a story of accomplishments rather than just listing job responsibilities. Barbara advises job seekers to focus on how their actions benefited their employers, thus creating a compelling narrative that showcases their impact.
While LinkedIn is an essential tool for professional networking and visibility, it has limitations. A thoughtfully crafted resume can provide more detailed and specific information suited to particular job applications. Both should be used in tandem to complement each other.
Barbara highlights that most people secure jobs through relationships rather than by applying online. She advises job seekers to use their resumes as tools to anchor conversations and build relationships with potential employers, rather than relying solely on online job portals.
It is important to account for transitions and explain any gaps or frequent job changes upfront on a resume. Employers may make assumptions about gaps or job hopping, so providing context, such as a role being ended due to downsizing or a consulting gig, can help eliminate potential biases and lead to more productive conversations.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Barbara Safani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarasafani/
Career Solvers: https://www.careersolvers.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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James McGinniss is the Co-Founder and CEO of David Energy, a technology-enabled electricity provider that caters primarily to multi-location businesses, quick-serve restaurants, and fitness brands, with a special emphasis on the latter. A mechanical engineering Master's graduate from the University of Texas, James was drawn to the renewable energy sector during a significant solar and wind power boom in the state. Witnessing firsthand the economic opportunities in solar, he recognized this as a pivotal moment in the industry and was inspired to contribute to the burgeoning field. David Energy aims to solve various energy-related challenges for its clients, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

MCGinniss also discusses how their platform not only offers lower and fixed pricing to safeguard against market fluctuations but also leverages smart technology to optimize energy use and drive cost savings. They explore case studies, including a compelling example of a fitness franchisee saving $11,000 in energy costs in just the first year. Pete and James also touch on the broader implications of these savings, from enhancing business valuations to providing peace of mind for owners wary of scammy energy rates.

There are a variety of things that can happen where owners end up paying much more than they have to. James states, "The provider could miss-bill them for the wrong amount of volume. There's something called slamming, where providers just fraudulently sign up locations to their electricity supply rate, without the the owner knowing, because they've done it with the GM on-site or something. They could be paying twice as much as they should be . . . and there's a lot more."

Key themes discussed

Enforce thermostat rules, monitor HVAC, audit bills.
Business models sharing savings, diminishing returns concern.
Understanding electricity providers, regulation, and competition.
Energy cost savings through efficient energy management.
New technologies transforming energy use and distribution.
Options to lower fixed costs and implementation.

A few key takeaways:

James discussed how his company stands out by providing fixed electricity rates to protect customers from market price fluctuations. This financial predictability helps businesses plan their budgets more effectively.
David Energy primarily targets multi-location businesses. Their technology-driven approach, involving smart thermostats and energy monitoring, has proven effective in reducing electricity costs.
The company’s process for onboarding new customers is designed to be efficient and minimally disruptive. Signing a contract, setting a start date, and installing necessary devices can be completed quickly, sometimes in just a few hours.
David Energy works with a range of businesses, from small gym owners to large corporate clients, aiming to provide substantial savings opportunities. Their mission is to bring advanced energy technologies to segments that have previously lacked access, thereby simplifying energy optimization for owners who lack the time to dive into this further.
Pete emphasized that the energy cost savings achieved through David Energy could significantly impact the valuation of a business. He suggested that the savings could multiply the business's sale price by 5 to 8 times the initial savings amount, highlighting the strategic importance of energy optimization in business planning.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

David Energy: http://www.davidenergy.com
James McGinniss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-mcginniss-20b315101/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In today's special episode (big #500!) host Pete Moore hands the mic to industry veteran Al Noshirvani and dives into a wealth of topics currently affecting the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector. Listen for insightful stories about overcoming business challenges, from employee and landlord issues to the complexities of deal funding, and aligning management teams.

Pete shares his personal and professional experiences and Al (who has been "in the room" on some deal closings) praises Pete's innovative, out-of-the-box, deal-closing abilities and delves into how to maintain optimism and transparency in business transactions. Pete continues and discusses the pressures of public markets on companies like F45 and Peloton, and the high debt burdens imposed by private equity.

He goes on to explore the need for gyms to adapt to emerging trends, such as family fitness and workout recovery, and lays out his vision for the future of the HALO space among societal health concerns. Finally, Moore hits hard on the (ever present, ultimately harmful, and yet still ongoing) "race to the bottom" in gym membership pricing, and his optimistic views on expanding activities like pickleball.

On "irrational development" Pete states, "There's enough private equity out there so that you don't have to subject yourself to running a public company in the spotlight. Just keep it private, and run it methodically . . . I think the push to go public can cause people to get over their skis. And then when you do that, you crash hard. So that's gonna be an unfortunate black eye in the industry."

Key themes discussed

Entrepreneurship driven by personal frustration, innovation.
Understanding movie, discipline, and successful private equity.
Club shirts, logo on, opportunity for growth.
Public markets demand consistent performance from businesses.
Private equity, F45 went public, financial pressures.
Poor balance sheets affect good businesses. Be aware.
Fair and transparent transactions for mutual satisfaction.
Negotiating partnership deals with fair equity impact.
Independent sponsors lack committed capital, seek funding.
Negatives controls are positive; consent needed.

A few key takeaways:

Pete dives into the intricacies of handling various obstacles in business deals, from employee issues and landlord disputes to the complexities of securing funding. He underscores the importance of maintaining optimism, transparency, and fostering fair and collaborative agreements for all parties involved.
Moore shares his personal fitness journey, highlighting the benefits of early workout to kickstart the day. Additionally, he discusses the importance of focusing on workout recovery, emphasizing the need for health clubs to integrate recovery programs to enhance member satisfaction and performance.
Moore and Noshirvani delve into the psyche of entrepreneurs, pointing out that personal frustrations often drive the inception of new companies. They compare different rounds of investment to experiments, where deliberate growth strategies are crucial. Moore shares his experience and tips on dealing with entrepreneurs as an investment banker, stressing the criticality of addressing potential background check issues and managing confidentiality towards the end of a deal.
The podcast offers a thorough examination of the fitness industry's growth and challenges. Pete discusses the pressure on companies like F45 and Peloton upon going public, given their low franchisee financials compared to competitors. He also touches on the increasing involvement of private equity leading to high debt burdens on companies. The episode suggests that managing expectations is vital, regardless of whether a company is privately held or publicly traded.
Moore expresses optimism about the future, highlighting the potential amidst societal health concerns and the expansion of varied fitness activities. He emphasizes the need for health clubs to cater to family fitness, address the obesity crisis, and adapt to emerging activities like pickleball. Moore advises health clubs to customize programs based on individual needs and cautions against irrational development within the industry.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Pete Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/
Integrity Square: http://www.integritysq.com
Health & Fitness Association: http://www.healthandfitness.org
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Ryan Valencic, an accomplished entrepreneur with a 12+ years in the trenches, has built and successfully exited multiple businesses. With a family background in franchising, Ryan continues to hone his skills as a serial entrepreneur, currently overseeing multiple companies. He is in the midst of launching an innovative health tech platform and about a year ago, Ryan joined Cultivate Advisors to lead their partnerships, drawing on his extensive professional experience to drive new opportunities.

In this episode, Pete and Ryan dive into concepts like business owner freedom, effective coaching, and what it may look like in the future when it comes to growing and exiting a business successfully. Ryan also highlights the importance of mission alignment, disciplined execution, and the value of saying no to ensure business success. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting out, Valencic's insights on navigating the business landscape, particularly in the HALO sector, promise to be educational.

"Don't create yourself a job," states Valencic. "You build yourself as the keystone of the company and your removal is going to have your exact skill set, which is probably close to 0. So I think it's being in a spot where you left the systems, the processes, and the product or service that you sell be the value of the business, not your unique skill set to where your removal collapses the company."

Key themes discussed

Selling a business takes a lot of work!
Entrepreneurs should build sellable businesses, not jobs.
Mission alignment is critical for business success.
Navigating traditional medicine, creating platform for connections.
Buying a franchise requires honesty, time, and commitment.
Navigate and (try to!) steer clear of the inevitable bumpy ride.

A few key takeaways:

Ryan emphasizes the importance of establishing a business that can function and grow independently of the founder's direct involvement. This involves creating robust systems, processes, and products/services that hold their value irrespective of the founder's unique skills.
Successful business operations require a mission alignment among team members and stakeholders. Ryan highlights that having passionate and mission-aligned people is crucial for driving a company's vision and ensuring consistency in purpose and goals.
The decision to franchise should be taken cautiously, particularly ensuring that the unit economics make sense and that the business model is replicable by others. He advises entrepreneurs to fully grasp their business's financial viability before venturing into franchising.
Regarding advisory services, Ryan stresses the importance of matchmaking between business owners and advisors who can best fulfill their needs. He asserts that advisory shouldn't require hard selling; the business owner should recognize the value intuitively.
Ryan differentiates between motivation and discipline, asserting that while motivation might get you started, discipline is what sees you through to the end. Successful entrepreneurship is often about consistent, disciplined actions rather than sporadic bursts of motivation.

Resources:

Ryan Valencic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-valencic-3444b9144/
Cultivate Advisors: https://www.cultivateadvisors.com
Well Connekt: https://www.wellconnekt.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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We're excited to welcome back Kevin McHugh, a legend in the HALO sector and a key player in helping reinvent the Atlantic Club. (Check out his first episode here if you missed it.) Host Pete Moore sits down with Kevin and delves into how the Atlantic Club took the challenging COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to completely rethink and transform their business model and facilities.

Kevin provides an in-depth look at the strategic decisions and renovations that not only helped them recover post-COVID but have also positioned them for future success. From creating a spacious new fitness layout to establishing a booming pickleball center, Kevin reveals the honest conversations, tough decisions, and innovative thinking that went into revitalizing the space. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, member engagement, and trend-setting in the fitness industry.

"If you left the club in 2022, the new Atlantic Club today is nothing like it was. We're a brand new club, brand new progress, brand new facilities, brand new equipment . . . and it was all about being ready so we could be where we need to be in 2025," stresses McHugh.

Key themes discussed

Adapting business during COVID, modifying facilities for safety.
Transitioning the space to unify community and improve facilities.
Listed 20 areas of potential complaints, addressed each.
Decision making: Data, gut, conviction, and trust your community.
Advocating for Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA) and networking for trends.
Excited for the future of Health and Fitness Association.

A few key takeaways:

The pandemic provided an involuntary pause that allowed the Atlantic Club to rethink and redesign their entire business model and campus layout. This included implementing social distancing measures by moving the free weight equipment to a separate area and creating spacious cardio and group exercise rooms.
Management did not shy away from making bold decisions, such as converting the gymnasium into a spinning studio and later into a comprehensive fitness area. They anticipated and managed short-term pain for long-term gain, with the goal of better positioning themselves for the future.
Kevin emphasized the importance of effectively communicating changes to both staff and members. They involved managers in the planning process, addressed potential complaints ahead of time, and made sure everyone understood the long-term vision and benefits of the renovations.
The Atlantic Club's approach was holistic, addressing not only fitness but also mental wellness, refreshment areas, and personal training. The introduction of services like a high-intensity studio, personalized training studios, and pickleball courts (in place of a turf center) showcased their commitment to offering varied experiences for members.
McHugh also underscored the value of staying connected with industry peers through platforms like the Health & Fitness Association (formerly IHRSA.) Leveraging insights and trends from other successful operators helped refine their strategy and supported the rationale for their bold moves.

Resources:

Kevin McHugh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-mchugh-0b727287/
The Atlantic Club: http://www.theatlanticclub.com
Health & Fitness Association: https://healthandfitness.org/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Sara Al Hardan's journey into the fit tech industry began unexpectedly when she joined a small startup that unfortunately didn't succeed. This eventually led her to connect with Jeff Miller who shared with her an innovative lateral motion device called the Phantom Edge, which he and his brother Ken invented. With a strong background and passion for health, wellness, and mobility—fueled by her personal connection to Parkinson's disease through her mother—Sara jumped in.

She and Pete discuss the market need for postural lateral motion devices and the potential impact on rehab and physical therapy. Sara also delves into the aspects of launching a startup, emphasizing the importance of strategic marketing and fostering key relationships within the industry.

About the Edge itself, Sara states, "This is a fully instrumented device, which is a little bit different. Because you're moving side to side, what it does is actually takes bilateral measurements for a number of different attributes that's going to help not only the end user on the machine, but also the physical therapist or an athletic trainer who's working with them."

Key themes discussed

Found fitness tech, connected with Co-Founder. Joined company.
Integrating tech for improved physical therapy outcomes.
New retail launch for wellness and longevity.
Positive feedback, progress, and preparation for launch.
Focus on marketing ROI for health industry.
Work smarter, not harder, build relationships. Passion.

A few key takeaways:

The Phantom Edge's unique feature is its posterior lateral motion, different from traditional fitness devices like an elliptical or rower. The device specifically targets joint health in the hips and knees, with an emphasis on mobility and motion for overall health benefits.
The product is designed to support joint health by providing friction resistance and a range of motion that targets major and minor muscle groups in the lower body. It can be used for rehabilitation post-surgery, physical therapy, sports performance, and general fitness, offering measurable goals for users.
The company plans to target both professional audiences (healthcare providers, physical therapists, sports medicine) and consumers by offering a professional unit priced at $3,900 and a future consumer version at a lower price point. Their focus includes partnerships with wellness chains, boutique fitness studios, and key industry influencers to establish brand credibility and create awareness.

Resources:

Sara Al-Hardan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salhardan/
The Phantom Edge: https://thephantomedge.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Neal Valera's passion for golf began in college, where he competed at the collegiate level. Aspiring to turn pro, he realized he wasn't quite at that level. Unwilling to settle for a "traditional desk job," he began personal training in 2007. His entreprenurial spirit led him to collaborate with his business partner, Dennis Dunphy, in 2015. Together, they attended a course with Dr. Arthur Faygenholtz who specialized in stick stretching. Inspired by their mentor, Neal and Dennis developed an innovative fitness method that combined this with strength training and isometrics.

Neal chats about the technology and development behind Stick Mobility, including the unique engineering that makes the sticks both flexible and durable. He also goes on to discuss their certification process to ensure trainers can maximize use of their product.

When asked about what really kicked them off, Valera states, "After posting on social media for a while, we got a message from the head strength coach of the Cincinnati Bengals at the time. He thought it looked really interesting and wanted to meet up with us. We met with him for for 2 hours at their hotel to show what we do, and he loved it!"

Key themes discussed

From golf to personal training.
How the stick training evolved away from weekend classes with bamboo sticks.
Consider integrating stretch into fitness routines for results.
Ways to use Stick Mobility for training.
Idea for affiliating with colleges to create products.
Unsolicited testimonial praises game-changing product.

A few key takeaways:

Neal discussed the journey of creating Stick Mobility, starting from a simple idea inspired by stick stretching. He evolved the concept by incorporating strength training and isometric exercises, resulting in a comprehensive fitness tool used by various demographics, including youth and adult athletes.
The growth of Stick Mobility was significantly boosted by partnerships, notably with Dr. Arthur Faygenholtz who taught them about stick stretching, and later with clients to create a robust product. Neal highlighted the collaboration with the Cincinnati Bengals that served as major validation and launchpad for the company's certification program.
The importance of certifying instructors was emphasized. Neal explained the rigorous two-day process that includes both practical and written exams, ensuring that trainers are thoroughly equipped to teach Stick Mobility techniques. They now have over 500 certified trainers worldwide.
Stick Mobility's versatility makes it suitable for various fitness regimes and rehabilitation programs. He pointed out its use in dynamic warm-ups, active recovery, and even specific sports training such as golf and baseball. The sticks offer a unique blend of strength and mobility training.
Neal shared valuable advice for entrepreneurs. He emphasized the importance of having a team where each member specializes in different areas, avoiding the trap of trying to do everything by yourself. He also spoke about the practical use of the product with real clients to continuously test and refine it. Neal’s approach also reflected a balance between growing the business and maintaining high-quality, effective products.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Neal Valera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-valera-813002a/
Stick Mobility: https://stickmobility.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Dan Schreiber is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and a former athlete who enjoys the simplicity and effectiveness of outdoor exercises. With a philosophy rooted in maximizing training efficiency, Dan appreciates workouts that integrate both strength and conditioning without the confines of traditional gym settings. Embracing the freedom of outdoor activities, he often engages in HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), plyometrics, and hiking to maintain a robust fitness regimen.

His athletic background has significantly influenced his views on training methodologies. He often reflects on the traditional approach of separating weight training and field drills in sports training, advocating for a more seamless integration of these components. His experience led him to develop Wearbands--innovative training aids that combine strength training with functional movement, ensuring a comprehensive workout aligning with the natural movements experienced in sports and everyday life. In his pursuit of fitness, Dan is always searching for or creating tools that simulate the demands of athletic performance while simplifying the process, enabling him to stay active, engaged, and perpetually ready for any physical challenge.

Regarding pricing and customization, Dan states, "We have different packages, but things start at roughly $100. We have a youth package for $80. We have different resistance levels as well, which when compared to the competition, they try to do the one-size-fits-all and compete on price. If you're going to put resistance bands on a body, it can't be one size fits all. If you do that, it's only going to work for a very narrow range of people. So we create multiple levels."

Key themes discussed

Resistance bands activate entire kinetic chain effectively.
Questioning patent protection and promoting marketing over legal action.
Valuing fair prices for athletic product results.
Entrepreneurship, NIL, grassroots marketing, industry's future.
Patience in business for long-term success.

A few key takeaways:

Dan's journey developing WearBands highlights how personal challenges can lead to innovative solutions. His transition from college athlete to a busy father seeking efficient workout solutions exemplifies how personal needs often drive innovation.
WearBands is aimed at integrating resistance training seamlessly into everyday movements. This product emphasizes enhancing performance without altering natural movement patterns, intending to engage the whole kinetic chain.
Dan emphasizes the importance of patience and focus on generating profits. This approach ensures sustainability and longevity, avoiding the pitfalls of chasing unprofitable or premature expansion.
Dan also mentioned his strategic shift from broad online advertising to targeted outreach, to specific retail environments and sports associations. This demonstrates a focused approach to growth, doubling down on sectors that show the most promise.
Another recurring theme is the challenge of educating the market about an innovative product like WearBands. Dan chats about his experiences of gradual adoption among professionals and the importance of having credible endorsements and scientifically backed data.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Dan Schreiber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schreiber-50225826
Wearbands: https://wearbands.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Sandra Statz is a seasoned veteran in the beauty industry and the inspiration behind the innovative beauty brand, AP Chem. With a focus on the often overlooked Gen X market, Sandra brings a wealth of experience from her days at major beauty conglomerates. In this episode we'll dive into the origins of AP Chem, discussing the unique approach Sandra and her Co-Founder are taking to create science-forward, fun, and effective beauty products targeted at mature consumers.

We also touch on the intersection of beauty and wellness, and their unique incorporation of mental health awareness and psychedelics into their brand ethos. Listen now as we uncover the wins (and losses!) of launching a beauty brand in a saturated market, the importance of transparency in ingredients, and the personal journeys that shape entrepreneurial ventures.

Regarding transparency, a topic clearly important to Statz, she states, "When I say transparency, we talk about these unusual ingredients that you typically don't find in skin care, and we're very open about it. We educate. We have content on social media that's clear and says GABA is a neuropeptide known as nature's Botox because it does XYZ. Palmitoyl Isoleucine is known as nature's filler because it does XYZ. You can easily look up anything on online and see. People want the truth. So we're transparent."

Key themes discussed

Starting a business with focus on market.
Embracing fun, sensorial skincare for all 'nerds.'
Questioning authority and marketing strategies for success.
Tapping into wellness industry authentically, addressing struggles.
Expect obstacles in the entrepreneurial journey.

A few key takeaways:

Sandra highlights the potential white space in targeting Gen X consumers within the beauty space. Her brand focuses on this demographic, which feels largely ignored by current market trends that heavily favor younger groups.
AP Chem uses uncommon ingredients in skincare like neuropeptides, nootropics, and adaptogens which have known benefits for mental wellness but are also beneficial for skin health. This innovative approach not only differentiates her products but also enhances their efficacy.
Sandra strongly emphasizes transparency. By educating customers about the ingredients and their benefits through clear, accessible information, AP Chem builds trust and authority in a market that often faces skepticism (many times, rightfully so!) about product claims.
Sandra candidly discusses her personal health challenges and the mental toll of entrepreneurship. By sharing her struggle openly, she fosters a dialogue about mental health in business communities, which can sometimes be stigmatized or overlooked.
The importance of community and peer support is a recurring theme, as Sandra mentions her participation in Founders Weekend. This type of networking and support group can be crucial for entrepreneurs navigating the high-stress landscape of launching and running a business.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Sandra Statz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-statz-apchem/
A.P. Chem: https://www.apchembeauty.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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We're excited to have Blake Rose and Brian Price from Ola Beach Tennis on the episode. These childhood friends-turned-entrepreneurs share their journey of bringing the vibrant and accessible sport of beach tennis from Rio's shores to the sands of Southern California. Learn how they transformed a fun discovery abroad into a flourishing community-building sport that mixes play, wellness, and social interaction. Beach tennis isn't simply about the game. These guys have created a fantastic space where people can connect authentically, get some exercise, and be outside, all without the traditional pressures of the standard "networking over drinks."

Regarding the customer experience, they state, "We invest 100 percent of the profits back into the business. That's another thing to add is that because we're not drawing a paycheck from this, all the revenue we derive goes into the client experience, and it will in perpetuity while we're running it."

Key themes discussed

Beach tennis: Competitive sport with growing popularity.
Italian players growing the game, brand emergence.
Beach tennis: Easy on the joints, fun for all.
Instruction provided by professional Brazilian players. Flexible levels.
Intentional, inclusive approach to growing beach tennis.
Networking through sports builds stronger team morale.

A few key takeaways:

One of the prominent themes is the focus on building a community around beach tennis. They emphasize inclusivity, ensuring that participants of all skill levels feel welcome and can engage with the sport. They've worked hard to create an environment where players of all levels can find a place, enhancing the social aspect and fostering connections among participants.
Another key takeaway is the idea of providing a healthier and engaging alternative to traditional social outings like bars. Events and games like beach tennis offer physical activity and fun while still facilitating networking and social interactions, arguably enriching connections more than standard social drinking settings.
The episode also delves into how beach tennis is growing as a sport globally, with roots in places like Italy and significant communities in Brazil, Miami, Osaka, and now in Southern California. This accessibility and growing popularity point towards it being an emerging trend in recreational and competitive sports.
The founders also discuss managing their day jobs while growing the beach tennis community. This balance allows them to reinvest profits back into their events, focusing on community and user experience over rapid financial growth. This model could inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue their passions even if they work full-time jobs.
The conversation also highlighted how sports like beach tennis might contribute to helping solve larger societal issues like loneliness, obesity, and general health by getting people actively engaged in enjoyable physical activities, not "just" the gym. The discussion encourages other communities and leaders to think about similar inclusive sports initiatives for substantial social impact.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Blake Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakemrose
Brian Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-price-analytics/
OLA Beach Tennis: https://olabeachtennis.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Nick Allen is the visionary Founder behind Sunnyside, a pioneering health and wellness app designed for individuals who consume alcohol regularly and are looking to moderate their habits without committing to complete sobriety. Motivated by the lack of middle-ground solutions in the alcohol health space, Nick identified a substantial demographic of people who drink more than what might be considered healthy and are interested in adjusting their drinking habits, yet have no intention of becoming 100% sober.

Nick's approach with Sunnyside is unique because it focuses on mindfulness and moderation, providing a supportive tool for those who want to improve their health and wellness by being more conscious of alcohol's role in their lives. He recognized the dilemma faced by many who felt alienated by the traditional all-or-nothing solutions—either facing the stigma of admitting to being a problem drinker and pursuing complete sobriety or continuing without guidance. Sunnyside fills this much-needed gap by offering a practical, supportive resource for those seeking to bring their alcohol consumption into balance with their overall lifestyle goals, without the pressure to quit entirely.

He states, "70% of US adults regularly consume alcohol, and about 30% of drinkers drink more than the healthy amount as kind of defined by the CDC. And so that gives us a TAM (total addressable market) of about 70,000,000 adults just domestically, who are drinking more than a healthy amount and yet who are not necessarily open or interested in the idea of support."

Key themes discussed

Sunnyside promotes mindful alcohol consumption.
Growing awareness of alcohol's impact on wellness.
Exploring personal relationship with alcohol and moderation.
Premium tier offers proactive coaching at $298/year. High ROI for $99 subscription. Expanding into health and wellness ecosystem.
Alcohol overuse is a public health crisis.
Thousands benefit from new alcohol relationship program.
Promoting active lifestyle and mindfulness, ditching "wellness."

A few key takeaways:

Nick emphasizes the importance of mindful drinking and moderation through his app. The product addresses a middle ground for people who recognize they might be drinking more than a healthy amount, but aren't necessarily interested in complete sobriety. This approach fills a significant gap in current alcohol-related health services.
Unlike other apps that focus primarily on achieving complete sobriety for problem drinkers, Sunnyside offers a tool for those who want to manage their alcohol intake more mindfully without quitting entirely. This approach opens up the conversation on alcohol use in the broader context of health and wellness.
Nick discusses the subscription-based model of Sunnyside, highlighting two main tiers of service, ranging from $99 to $298 annually. He also spoke about exploring B2B channels for expansion, particularly partnerships with health clubs, wellness centers, and corporate wellness programs.
Women make up 70% of Sunnyside's users, and the service attracts both younger adults (21-25 years) and older groups (40+ and 60+ years). This diverse demographic engagement underscores the universal appeal of managing alcohol consumption healthily.
Allen also shares how the app had positively impacted users' lives, from improving relationships to helping users make gradual, significant changes in their alcohol consumption. These stories validate the app's approach and the tangible benefits of moderate drinking habits tied with overall wellness.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Nick Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicknella/
Sunnyside app: https://www.sunnyside.co/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Delaine Fowler is an innovative physical therapist with over 20 years experience. Early in her career, she noted a recurring pattern; numerous workers from the same company were suffering identical injuries. Driven by curiosity and a proactive mindset, she started reaching out to these companies, offering to tour their facilities to attempt to understand the underlying causes of these injuries.

She quickly recognized an opportunity to intervene before workers ever needed medical attention. She recalls an encounter that particularly shaped her approach: a worker approached her, clipboard in hand, visibly nervous about her presence. The worker explained that she had recently switched to a different line at her plant and had been experiencing wrist pain ever since. This interaction underscored the impact of workspace adjustments on worker health and solidified Delaine's commitment to workplace health advocacy.

Delaine's proactive approach and dedication to preventative physical therapy have made significant strides in improving workplace safety and reducing the incidence of work-related injuries. Fowler has not only aided countless individuals in avoiding painful injuries but also helped transform the way companies think about employee health and safety while saving them significant money as well.

Regarding the impact of workplace health initiatives, she states, "We help reduce claims. We also reduce the cost of claim. We reduce lost time to work. So we're measuring all these things with clients to demonstrate that this is a high ROI for the the company."

Key themes discussed

Therapist identifies workplace injuries and takes action.
Understanding physical limitations in manufacturing for efficiency.
Designing ergonomic work stations for varied physical needs.
Company’s use of data to negotiate insurance rates.
Virtual model relies on management support, care.
Wholesale code, improving products, entrepreneur's challenges, promoting safety.
Treating work as a physical workout is beneficial.

A few key takeaways:

Delaine emphasizes the significance of addressing potential health issues within the workplace before they become serious, using her background in physical therapy to make impactful changes in industrial settings. In one example, she illustrated this with her early career experiences of minimizing repetitive injury risks by simply adjusting the positioning of a button in a factory.
Delaine highlighted the connection between employee engagement and productivity. By creating a workplace environment that prioritises employee health and safety, businesses can significantly boost productivity. This involves understanding and modifying the physical demands of jobs to prevent injuries, ultimately enhancing overall company performance.
Through examples like saving a company over $1 million by reducing OSHA reportable injuries and other health-related costs, Delaine demonstrated the economic advantages of integrating health-focused programs within workplace practices. This proactive health management not only improves employee wellbeing but also results in substantial cost savings for employers.
The conversation pushed the idea of viewing employees as "industrial athletes," which shifts the perspective on occupational health from reactive to proactive. Just as athletes prepare and maintain their bodies to perform, workers too need to be supported to maintain their physical health to perform optimally in their roles.
The importance of evolving workplace health initiatives to be more comprehensive was discussed—a shift from traditional wellness programs to more integrated, holistic health services onsite, like first-aid care and job-specific physical coaching. Delaine suggested this approach will gain traction as the benefits become more apparent to employers across various industries.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Delaine Fowler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delaine-fowler/
Accelerate PT: https://accelerate-pt.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Alexa Newkirk has always seen wellness and fitness as her sanctuary—a vital outlet from the everyday challenges of adolescence and an effective tool in her battle against anxiety and depression during high school. Recognizing the profound impact that holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being—had on her life, Alexa was inspired to dedicate herself to guiding young individuals in discovering their own passion for health and wellness.

At bKYND ("Be Kind"), where she is an advocate for a holistic wellness model, Alexa continues to fuel her commitment to nurturing inclusive environments that empower youth to thrive in all aspects of life. Her work is a reflection of her own journey and a testament to her belief in the transformative power of well-rounded health practices.

bKYND uniquely blends physical activities with educational discussions, reaching various schools and impacting thousands of students by making wellness accessible and engaging. Join host Pete Moore and Alexa as they uncover the inspiring stories of growth, community, and the power of setting a foundation for healthy living from an early age.

"A lot of our programming is really dependent on the energy of our coaches. We teach K through 12, so you really gotta have that enthusiasm . . . the ability to be flexible and make changes on the spot. Because our main objective is to make sure they have a good experience, those early life experiences (hopefully positive experiences with physical activity!) are what really is going to shape their habits for the rest of their lifes," states Newkirk.

Key themes discussed

Promoting holistic health and wellness through variety of activities.
On-site programming removes barriers, benefits families, involves the whole family.
Discussing programming and sales cycle length.
Classes accommodate 12-15 students, 2 certified coaches.
Free on-site wellness program and how they stand out.
Anecdote: Middle school boys discussing stress and their feelings after the program!

A few key takeaways:

Alexa discusses bKYND, which focuses on a holistic wellness model to engage youth. The program emphasizes not only physical health through fitness activities but also integrates mental, social, and emotional health education, aiming to foster well-rounded development.
bKYND is distinctive in its approach by delivering programs directly in schools, making it easily accessible. This eliminates transportation barriers and makes the programs available at no cost to the students or parents, thanks to school-funded contracts.
Newkirk highlighted the expansion of their programs from 3 schools initially to potentially 30, showing significant growth and acceptance. This showcases a scaling model that could inspire similar education-based wellness programs.
The anecdote about middle school boys openly discussing their stress management techniques illustrates the program’s impact in breaking down communication barriers among youth regarding mental health, a traditionally stigmatized topic.
The mention of forming partnerships with entities like Nike or Adidas hinted at future potential for commercial partnerships, which could further enhance program resources and reach. Alexa also mentioned how their program could prompt youth to influence their families' health habits, suggesting an indirect method to wider community health improvements.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Alexa Newkirk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-newkirk/
bKYND: https://www.thebkyndco.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Henry Penix is an innovative entrepreneur in the holistic health industry who embarked on a transformative journey about eight years ago when he co-founded a unique clinic. This space was a melting pot of traditional and alternative medicines, featuring professionals ranging from MD's and DO's to chiropractors, offering a diverse array of healing modalities.

Amidst these varied treatments, Penix and his team discovered the profound impact of sound frequency therapies. The approach was so successful that they dedicated nearly half of their clinic to a sound frequency spa, where clients would immerse themselves in tailored 20-minute sessions designed to address their specific health concerns. These sessions proved highly effective for a myriad of issues, such as anxiety, depression, low energy, and hormonal imbalances, earning rave reviews for their restorative benefits.

Spotting the potential for broader access to these therapies, Penix's wife suggested digitizing the sound frequency experience. The team's timely action, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, launched the platform and growth was rather substantial. The digital incarnation of Penix's sound frequency spa transcended international borders, reaching 133 countries and accumulating over 20 million minutes of therapy usage. Penix not only revolutionized the way his clinic operated but created a global digital health movement centered on the healing power of sound, based on peer reveiwed papers and solid empirical data.

When it comes to launching your own product, Penix states, "I would suggest to the entrepreneurs listening . . . hold on to something as long as you can and certainly get your MVP (minimally viable product) working correctly. And then when you feel like you might be even holding your company back some because you're not taking on outside investment . . . then it's time to pour that rocket fuel and get it even further, all over the world. But if we did that before we were ready, it would just be like pouring rocket fuel on ice cubes instead of on a fire."

Key themes discussed

Started clinic, popular sound frequency spa, expanded globally.
Quantum computing accelerates creating energy in body.
Frequencies mixed with music and nature sounds.
Correcting body oscillations with specific frequencies.
Sympathetic resonance aligns frequencies to reduce anxiety.
Leading figure in the mind-body community touts benefits of sound therapy.

A few key takeaways:

Henry discusses Soaak, his technology company which taps into the potential of sound frequency therapies to treat a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, low energy, and hormonal health. This represents an innovative way to enhance wellness and recovery, potentially reducing the need for conventional medications for some individuals.
The conversation touches on the history and the science behind sound therapy, suggesting that its principles are age-old, arguably dating back to the beginning of time, with modern advancements like quantum computing now allowing for greater precision in applying frequencies for therapeutic purposes.
The Soaak technology can now be delivered through an app, making it a passive form of therapy that can be used while doing various activities. It offers personalized frequency compositions that can assist with specific needs, from relaxation to enhancing workout performance, indicating the flexibility of the application for different life aspects.
Henry reflects on his strategic decision to grow his company to the point where it garnered significant attention, potentially moving towards being traded on the NASDAQ. He advises other entrepreneurs to be cautious with growth and investment, emphasizing the importance of a strong and methodical foundation before scaling.
The conversation also highlighted the potential for integrating sound therapy into fitness and wellness facilities. They contemplate the idea that facilities can augment their offerings by incorporating sound therapy as an amenity, potentially enhancing the overall results and satisfaction for members.

Use the code HT30 to get 30 days free on the Soaak app! Use the link below.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Henry Penix: https://www.henrypenix.com/
Henry Penix LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-penix-a7756a2/
Soaak Technologies: https://www.soaak.com/
Soaak App: https://www.soaak.com/app
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Radz Zalewski, an astute entrepreneur with a passion for fitness and branding, is all about transforming how gyms create and maintain their connections with members. Recognizing the pivotal role that supplements and apparel play in establishing a gym's identity, he holds a firm belief that every individual wearing a gym’s shirt not only promotes the brand but also strengthens the communal bond. His approach targets missed opportunities for brand connection by ensuring that members endorse their gym with pride, clad in merchandise that resonates with their lifestyle.

As far as supplements? They're critical because they're consumable . . . people keep coming back. Radz likens them to an entry point to having a much larger wellness conversation. He acknowledges that an astonishing 85% of gym-goers engage with some form of supplementation, highlighting the necessity for gyms to offer education and seamless access to purchasing.

Radz's vision extends beyond the retail aspect, as he advocates for integrating comprehensive nutrition programs and meal planning services into the gym experience. His perspective definitely challenges the status quo, moving towards a time where facilities are seen not just as places to exercise but as a total health solution.

On the evolution of his company he states, "Originally it was just. . .let's build retail programs for gyms. And it was more along the lines of supplements and apparel. Basically order 100 units and keep them at the gym. That worked for some locations, but then we got into helping them create a proprietary done-for-you-online store where you don't have to do anything, and you have one monthly subscription cost. That changes the game for them and makes your retail into a true profit center."

Key themes discussed

Focused on niche supplement products for health.
Individuals must represent and diversify their brand.
Background, passion, and executed business plan success.
Creating perfect customer avatar, gym owner's goals.
Serious consideration for the quality of product.

A few key takeaways:

Radz emphasizes the potential of gyms as not just fitness centers but also as retail outlets. His approach targets gym owners who view their business as a long-term career and are eager to invest in creating additional revenue streams beyond monthly memberships.
Zalewski's company helps gyms create their own branded supplements and apparel by handling the entirety of the online retail process, from store hosting to product fulfillment. This enables gyms to focus on fitness while still benefiting from retail revenue without the burden of inventory management.
Their offerings are designed to make it easy for gym owners, requiring minimal effort on their part — they simply provide a logo to have a fully functioning online store set up. This model aims to convert members into customers, increasing each customer's value to the gym.
Zalewski believes the key success factor is how well gym owners can market their brand within their established community. The gyms that actively promote their in-house products and adopt a strong branding message are the ones that vastly benefit from this additional revenue channel.
Zalewski discusses how his frustration with the complex and under-regulated supplement market led to a more straightforward solution for gym owners. His business focuses on health and efficiency, creating a simple, ethical alternative for fitness entrepreneurs to offer quality supplements and branded merchandise to their members and feel good about doing so!

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Radz Zalewski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radzimir-zalewski-81905611/
Affiliate Supps: https://affiliatesupps.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Lauren Brenner is the innovative mind behind the groundbreaking fitness concept, Powerbox 360—a fusion of an immersive nightlife energy vibe with a killer workout. Brenner's concept transports participants into a 360 degree panorama of pulsating visuals and heart-pounding beats reminiscent of an electrifying club environment.

Her vision extends beyond "just" the workout though. She aspires to transform attendees from passive onlookers to dynamic players in their fitness journey.

With a fierce commitment to holistic well-being, Lauren's revolutionary workout experience is crafted not just for the body, but also the mind and spirit. Her program promises an engaging workout that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between entertainment and personal betterment, making her a true innovator in the sphere of immersive fitness.

As a driven entrepreneur herself, on the importance of building a brand Brenner states, "When you own your own business and you're a type A personality, you wanna be in it. You wanna feel it. You want the energy . . . it's very, very important to to hold on to the integrity and quality of your brand."

Key themes discussed

Nightclub setting with 360-degree immersive content.
The moment of inspiration for PowerBox 360 during the early days of COVID.
The challenge of finding and retaining talented instructors.
Perspective on building a strong local community through business collaborations.
The importance of creating a brand community among clients, not just instructors.
The shift in focus from vanity and weight loss to mental health and holistic wellness.
The uniqueness of offering personalized temperature control in a group workout setting.

A few key takeaways:

Brenner shared her journey from Wall Street trader to fitness entrepreneur, highlighting her pivot from founding the Pure Power Boot Camp to keynote speaking and, most recently, creating PowerBox 360. Her story is one of adaptation and innovation, particularly in response to the fitness industry's changes and her own life circumstances.
Brenner emphasizes the program's goal of enhancing performance not just physically but also mentally and spiritually, with a focus on injury prevention and longevity.
Lauren stresses the significance of community, both within the PowerBox 360 client base and through partnerships with other local businesses. She advocates for a collaborative approach to local commerce and fostering a supportive network that enhances the customer experience while promoting mutual growth.
Brenner reflects on the evolution of the fitness industry, noting changes in instructor loyalty and the emerging norm of fitness professionals working across various platforms rather than exclusively for one brand. She predicts that this may eventually cycle back to a more brand-focused approach to staffing.
The podcast concludes with Brenner outlining her vision for PowerBox 360's expansion, which includes targeting the hospitality industry and offering customizable individual experiences within a group setting. She aims to create a brand that offers a high-end, personal training experience on a national and international scale, leveraging the unique features of the PowerBox 360 concept.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Lauren Brenner: https://powerbox360.com/team/
PowerBox 360: https://powerbox360.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Matt Slowinski, a college junior when the pandemic struck, found himself at a crossroads along with his friend Aaron Reznik. With their academic lives interrupted and traditional internships inaccessible, Matt turned to his long-standing passion for tennis as a way to fill his time. For years, he and Aaron had coached private tennis lessons during the summer break.

As they sought to shape their uncertain futures, Matt's entrepreneurial nature shone through. Leveraging his skill on the court, he suggested the idea of hosting a tennis clinic. With Aaron's marketing acumen behind them, they curated their client base and launched First Serve Tennis. This not only allowed Matt to nurture his love for the sport but also provided an avenue for professional growth during a time when opportunities seemed scarce.

Matt and Aaron's journey, punctuated by adaptability and ingenuity, illustrates how they turned a period of global upheaval into a chance to further both their passion and careers in an unexpected, but highly successful, way.

They discuss their entrepreneurial experiences, the challenges of managing multiple sports academies, and their perspectives on the future of the pickleball industry.

When it comes to community engagement and getting started, Reznik states, "We put together 3 clinics a day for little kids . . . 5 to 9 year olds, 10 to 13 year olds, and high schoolers. So between the hours of around 10 and and 4 PM, we were out there on the courts teaching clinics to these group of kids, maybe 6 to 15 at a time. And then we both realized, 'Alright . . . people love this. We're doing really well at this. We enjoy it. We love it.'"

Key themes discussed

Tennis lessons turned successful business during COVID.
Low-cost tennis academy grows and expands organically.
Evaluate time spent, prioritize for maximum return.
Pro players, coaches, clinics, and memberships offered.
Uncertainty surrounds investment in pro pickleball.
Workout recovery products becoming essential for gyms.
Pickleball brings people together and gives purpose.

A few key takeaways:

Aaron Reznik and his co-founder, Matt, got into pickleball without anticipating how significant it would become. They started playing the sport and became addicted, eventually leading to a transformation in their lives.
Aaron and Matt ventured into the world of sports academies, primarily focusing on tennis and pickleball. They started with low overhead business models for their academies and reinvested their profits into marketing, courts, and coaches.
They initially operated with a handshake agreement before formalizing their partnership as 50-50 owners. They haven't sought outside investment for their ventures, preferring to reinvest their own profits back into the business.
Aaron emphasized the growth potential in catering to the 95-99% of pickleball players who are largely unaware of professional pickleball. They see the most potential in engaging recreational players and providing value to the community through their academies and media outlets.
The surge in pickleball injuries may be attributed to new players who play excessively without understanding proper recovery techniques. Despite this, the sport has been transformative for many individuals, providing social connections and combating loneliness.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Aaron Reznik: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronreznik/
The Pickleball Clinic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronreznik/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Maxine Carrington is the Chief People Officer at Northwell Health. She's a highly recognized, dedicated, and forward-thinking professional who works closely with a team led by CEO Michael Dowling. Reflecting her company's expansive vision of health, she takes her role far beyond the traditional confines of her industry. Maxine is not one to simply wait for illness to manifest in her 85,000+ community; she is a proactive leader who seeks to address the root causes of health issues before they escalate into crises.

Health is not merely about treating the sick but encompasses all facets of well-being and personal fitness. Maxine and her team strive to transform communities holistically, acknowledging the profound impact they can have in fostering more substantial, more health-conscious environments.

Bold in advocacy and action, Carrington takes a firm stance on critical social issues such as gun violence and black maternal and infant mortality, treating racism as a public health emergency and pushing for greater sustainability. She is a dynamic force in redefining health care, advocating for a broader perspective that includes both prevention and a holistic response to the societal factors influencing community health.

Regarding the 'human element' in professional growth, Carrington states, "Throughout my career journey, I've always thought about the human being . . . I'm looking at this whole person thinking, 'How do we help this person get here? Who are they? If things go wrong, could we have prevented this? What did we do to help and enable?"

Key themes discussed

Career journey focused on whole person well-being.
Desired health benefits and insights from usage.
Loneliness identified as biggest health care issue.
Promoting economic equity, accessible, diverse fitness options.
HR restructuring for personalization, relationship, and connection.

A few key takeaways:

Carrington highlights Northwell's commitment to addressing not just physical health but broader societal issues impacting wellness, such as gun violence, maternal and infant mortality, racism, and sustainability. This broad view underlines the importance of a holistic approach to employee well-being and extends support beyond the workplace into households.
Carrington shares a very unique concept of treating Northwell team members as customers. She underlines the significance of active listening to meet employee needs, which is crucial in talent retention. This approach is a core strategy in creating a supportive work environment, and it's something that Northwell takes quite seriously.
Through the utilization of various platforms, Northwell is able to leverage data insights effectively. This not only helps streamline operations but also informs leadership decisions aimed at enhancing the experience for team members. Carrington discusses how such tools can facilitate improved communication and greater efficiency in workplace operations.
Addressing the socioeconomic diversity of employees, Carrington underscores the value of offering flexible membership levels and various price points in wellness initiatives, such as through partnerships with companies like Gympass. By providing subsidized access to fitness facilities, Northwell demonstrates its commitment to economic equity and ensuring that wellness is accessible to all team members.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Maxine Carrington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxinecarrington/
Top Woman in Healthcare: https://www.northwell.edu/news/the-latest/maxine-carrington-recognized-as-a-top-woman-leader-in-health-care
Northwell Health: https://www.northwell.edu/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Chris Craytor's journey with IHRSA, now formally known as the Health and Fitness Association, is a story of transformation and strategic development. When Craytor first joined the board, he was immediately faced with the challenge of fundraising for advocacy—a task that was met with more rejections than approvals. Despite the difficulty in securing even modest contributions, his determination did not wane.

Recognizing the newly imperative need for advocacy given what happened to fitness clubs nationwide during COVID, Craytor was instrumental in making a pivotal decision. He championed the hiring of seasoned political veteran, Liz Clark as CEO, a strategic move that was aimed at bolstering the organization's commitment to advocacy. Under this new leadership, the team's vision for the association began to crystallize, expanding its foundational pillars to include not only advocacy but also education and research.

Today, thanks to the tenacity and forward-thinking approach of leaders like Clark and Craytor, the Health and Fitness Association is poised as a multifaceted entity dedicated to the betterment of the industry it serves.

As exciting things continue to happen on the healthcare side, Craytor states, "This industry has been waiting for preventative health care to get covered for a long time. What we're seeing out there is programs and services being covered by payers that typically haven't been from those types of groups that are typically not losing their customers."

Key themes discussed

Encouraging member participation in fundraising.
Creating inclusive community-driven health club with programs.
Clubs managing referrals and effectively onboarding new members.
Health insurance industry expanding coverage to prevention.
Clubs benefit from streamlining and profit maximization.

A few key takeaways:

Chris details the success of WELLD in connecting health clubs with healthcare payers, allowing clubs to tap into insurance-based programs, such as those through Medicare Advantage. These memberships are growing at a rapid pace and offer significant financial potential to health clubs that can manage the complexities involved in administering these programs.
WELLD's platform has shown impressive results in reducing rejection rates for claims, with one large client reducing their rates to 0.12%, significantly minimizing revenue loss. This exemplifies the importance of efficient data management and processing in health club operations.
Craytor sheds light on the comprehensive onboarding process and the diverse amenities that modern health clubs offer. From employing nurses for health assessments to providing a range of physical activities and amenities like aquatics, spas, and racquet sports, clubs are becoming more inclusive and health-focused.
Chris and Pete also cover the shift towards more preventative health care measures, especially covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and retiree plans, reflecting a broader trend in the industry. This evolution requires health clubs to adapt, offering more health and wellness programs that align with these preventive health initiatives.
The transformation of IHRSA into the Health and Fitness Association (HFA) and the creation of advocacy groups highlight the industry's stronger focus on advocacy, education, and research. The discussion encapsulates challenges such as consensus-building within the industry for advocacy efforts and the difficulty in securing legislative support for initiatives like getting HSA and FSA dollars to cover health club memberships.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Chris Craytor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-craytor-18420ab/
IHRSA: https://www.ihrsa.org/about/board/chris-craytor/
WELLD: https://www.welldhealth.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Monica Marder, a dynamic entrepreneur with a penchant for wellness innovation, embarked on a transformative journey in 2018 when she founded her first fitness studio. Struggling to find a workout regimen that was both low impact and incorporated functional strength training, but distinctly different from traditional Pilates, Monica envisioned an alternative that combined intensity with a result-driven atmosphere.

Her previous corporate job required extensive travel, allowing her to scout fitness trends across the country, enriching her understanding of what the market lacked, especially in her home base of New York. Recognizing a significant gap, Monica leveraged her insights to craft a unique fitness experience.

Driven by both a personal quest for the ideal workout and an entrepreneurial spirit, Monica Marder's studio became the embodiment of her commitment to innovation in the fitness industry, offering a sanctuary for those seeking a cutting-edge, impactful exercise journey.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: "You have to value what you have, know what you built, know your worth, and, you know, trust in the process and continue to attract what you see for your vision as an entrepreneur."

Key themes discussed

Opened studio in 2018 to meet a previously unaddressed need.
Focused on unique approach, coaching and growth.
Transitioning to hybrid training model for coaches.
Low-impact fitness helps prevent injury, reduces intimidation.
High-end fitness studios maintain prices despite competition.
Premium experience, avoiding ClassPass, staying true to self.

A few key takeaways:

Form 50 Fitness emphasizes low-impact, functional strength training using reformers to deliver high-impact results in an upbeat, supportive environment. The studio offers a unique fitness experience with a strong focus on coaching and education.
Despite facing challenges during COVID-19, Form 50 Fitness has demonstrated resilience by expanding to multiple locations. This expansion showcases their ability to navigate adversity and grow their brand.
Monica highlighted numerous success stories of clients achieving physical transformation and emotional healing through Form 50. The studio's offerings have positively impacted individuals coping with physical injuries, weight loss, and emotional distress, showcasing the holistic benefits of the fitness program beyond "just" physical results.
Form 50 Fitness invests significantly in its instructors, providing robust training programs and transitioning to a hybrid training model to enhance talent acquisition. The studio values its coaches and provides selective opportunities for full-time employment, highlighting the studio's commitment to coach development and career growth.
Form 50 maintains a premium brand image and avoids price discounting strategies. The studio offers promotions such as a two-for-one intro deal and a two-week unlimited trial but emphasizes the value of the premium experience, with Monica emphasizing the importance of maintaining pricing integrity and value.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Monica Marder: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-marder-8017b2162/
Form50 Fitness: https://form50fitness.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Ethan Blauner's story begins in the tumultuous period of the pandemic when the doors of the (unfortunately now defunct) Switch Playground--like many big box and boutique gyms across the globe--shuttered and left trainers wandering in an uncertain fitness landscape. As routines crumbled, Ethan faced the challenge that rattled the entire industry . . . the abrupt transition from physical spaces to a virtual existence where the workout mat was to become the new gym floor.

It was during this time of redefinition that serendipity struck. A client proposed the idea of virtual fitness classes. Skeptical but intrepid, Ethan ventured into the relatively unknown domain of digital fitness instruction. With a yoga mat as the sole requisite, he pioneered "core day," a bodyweight-centric regimen designed for the digital crowd.

The inaugural week was a testament to the potential of this newfound format. Ethan managed to draw an impressive attendance, with 15 to 20 virtual participants, ready to exercise from the solitude of their homes. The success of that first class marked the beginning of a new era for Ethan, a reinvention borne out of necessity that showcased his adaptability and his unwavering commitment to fostering fitness, even in times of global uncertainty.

Blauner delves into the founding of his new concept, Sid's Gym, and the innovative indoor running simulators that set it apart. When it comes to new innovations in treadmill technology, he states, "If you're on a normal treadmill, you're staring at a mirror in front of you and nothing's moving, it's kind of a weird thing for your brain because you're moving your body, but your surroundings stay the same. On our treadmill, you feel like you're moving through space, even though you're not. Our brains are not equipped to actually realize that we're running on a treadmill. And basically 5 minutes into the run, you're fully immersed. You forget that you're on the treadmill."

Key themes discussed

Veteran trainer adapts to teaching online classes.
Virtual experiences blend with in-person training.
Maximizing space, smaller classes facilitate community building.
Program aims to provide consistency and results.
Understanding and catering to unique fitness goals.
Encourage gyms to tap into event planners.

A few key takeaways:

Blauner found success and community building by adapting to the pandemic, transitioning to online fitness classes, and creating a sense of togetherness during a challenging time.
The evolution of boutique fitness in New York City post-pandemic involves incorporating a virtual experience with a focus on personalized, intimate classes, and community building, while recognizing the importance of in-person training for the unique atmosphere it provides.
The concept of Sid's Gym incorporates indoor running simulators with immersive technology, providing a unique training experience that simulates outdoor terrain and aims to revolutionize traditional treadmill workouts.
Ethan emphasizes the importance of understanding individual goals and creating a tailored experience for each member, prioritizing personalized coaching, community building, and tracking progress to deliver a more engaging and effective fitness experience.
The episode highlights the potential for a new era in boutique fitness, emphasizing the use of unique technology and community-centered approaches to provide a more comprehensive and fulfilling fitness experience.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Ethan Blauner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-blauner-a94a42132
Ethan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethanblauner13
Sid Raman: https://halotalks.com/episode-481-sid-raman-unveils-next-level-treadmill-technology
Sid's Gym: https://www.sidsgym.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Sid Raman is a structural engineer with over three decades of experience in the construction and building sector. His expertise took an innovative turn roughly seven years ago, as he delved into the niche of construction automation and robotics. Sid discovered a new-found excitement in the application of motors and controllers, and the fascinating overlap between the principles governing both construction machinery and robotic systems.

Host Pete Moore and Sid sit down to discuss the ground breaking, next-generation technology of treadmills and the futuristic vision behind it. Sid shares how his passion for trail running led him to create a treadmill that replicates outdoor experiences. They delve into the unique features of the treadmill, the business model behind it, and the potential impact on fitness and entertainment.

On new technology, Sid states, "All these treadmills have one problem, and that is they do not go up and down quickly and fluidly. So our secret sauce is that we took a belt and board, which is a standard deck, but we introduced an element of engineering so the deck itself is inclining and declining without lifting the runner or walker on it . . . so you get the feeling that you are going uphill or downhill, and all of that is synchronized with what you're seeing on the big screen in front of you."

Key themes discussed

Engineer with 30 years experience who delves into robotics.
Frustration with existing treadmills led to innovation.
New location, prototype development, commercialization plan explained.
Creating immersive experiences, open platform for content.
Simplicity, affordability, and modular design for treadmills.
Wholesale code, product augmentation, health, recovery, entertainment.

A few key takeaways:

Sid saw an opportunity to revolutionize treadmill technology. He sought to address the lack of engagement and feedback in traditional treadmills, particularly for trail runners who found it challenging to replicate the outdoor experience on existing equipment.
Raman designed a treadmill that goes beyond traditional treadmills, which he refers to as a "running simulator." This innovative treadmill features an inclining and declining deck that simulates the feeling of running uphill and downhill, providing a more immersive and engaging experience. The deck's movement is synchronized with visuals on a screen, enhancing the feeling of outdoor running.
Raman emphasizes the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the design. He utilized off-the-shelf components, making the treadmill more durable, easy to maintain, and cost-effective. Additionally, the modular design allows for easy upgrades, reducing the risk of obsolescence.
The treadmill is not just a fitness machine but a "theater of the mind" that aims to provide users with immersive and entertaining experiences. The machine offers engaging content, including virtual races and varied terrains, to make workouts more enjoyable and challenging. The goal is to make movement fun, engaging, and joyful while bringing communities together through fitness.
Raman has partnered with Ethan Blauner and Roger Harvey--both well-known fitness industry veterans--to integrate the advanced treadmill into their studio. By infusing gamification and entertainment elements into the workouts, they aim to attract a wider spectrum of individuals, reducing intimidation and making fitness more accessible and enjoyable.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Sid Raman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sid-raman-b12b1631
Sid's Gym: https://www.sidsgym.com
Revolution Nice: https://www.revolutionice.com
Xpriential: https://xpriential.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Matthew Schober is the Co-Founder of Concierge Health (previously known as Gym Farm), a company that provides services to fitness facilities. Host Pete Moore and Matt discuss ancillary revenues, establishing new revenue streams for clubs, and the complex challenges and opportunities in the insurance and corporate markets. Matthew elaborates on how Concierge Health's platform--Connections--integrates AI coaching, nutrition, and employee well-being, offering an engaging experience for individuals and providing tools for partners. The conversation also delves into the practical aspects of managing employer programs and engaging senior individuals in fitness programs.

As a strategist navigating both the insurance and corporate terrains, Matt is attuned to the complexities within the Medicare market . . . and well aware of its lucrative potential through usage-based programs entwined with demanding operational protocols that often deter participation by clubs. He acknowledges the challenges faced in reporting and verification processes that force many to opt-out or selectively engage.

When it comes to new innovations for insurance client engagement, Schober states, "The part of Connections that we've really evolved it into from our experiences working with insurance companies was not only to create an engaging experience for the individual, but also to maximize partner exposure, and give partners tools in order to be able to utilize this effectively."

Key themes discussed

Complex business challenges with insurance and benefits.
Working with Optum, Tivity, SilverSneakers for programs.
Programs generate revenue, attract members, low cost.
Marketing opportunities for senior fitness clubs.
Maximizing efficiency in gym location operations.
Enhancing insurance experiences, managing partner relationships efficiently.

A few key takeaways:

Concierge Health focuses on providing concierge-level service and customizing benefits and journeys for individuals, while also supporting fitness facilities with high-level service and automations to drive new revenue streams.
There is a focus on engaging previously untapped markets such as insurance, Medicare, and corporate businesses to create opportunities for ancillary revenues for fitness clubs.
Their newest platform, Connections, offers an employer well-being and employee health and well-being engagement platform with AI coaching, nutrition, mental health, and behavioral health features.
The platform also integrates with various programs and partnerships, streamlining processes for clubs and offering tools for managing relationships and eligibility verification.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Matthew Schober: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-schober-660bb08/
Concierge Health: https://home.conciergehealth.co/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Will Coker emerged as an innovative thinker in the realm of club operations, a field where he's spent 24 years honing his expertise. His journey into entrepreneurship began when the seeds of an idea took root along with his Co-Founders, who held influential positions on advisory councils and boards across various other HALO-sector companies.

Coker's role as an operations savant and an informal staffing consultant made him the go-to person for his business-savvy cofounders. These discussions, covering a wide range of issues, hinted at a market need that Coker realized needed to be addressed.

Leveraging his extensive experience and the strategic acumen of his Co-Founders, Coker helped start Fibr, a venture that would capitalize on the gap in club operations staffing and advisory services, setting the stage for what would likely become a dynamic and responsive business solution. Will and his team remain at the forefront of the issues surrounding recruiting in the HALO space, and is ready to steer Fibr to meet the demands of an ever-evolving market.

Private Equity Impact on Fitness Industry: "What we found is as we started partnering with some operators on their staffing challenges, and one of the things that's really cool about our industry in 2023--and you know this better than anyone, Pete--is we've had all this private equity money come into our industry. 20 years ago, it was the same 4 or 5 companies. Now we've got all of this investment and their studios popping up everywhere, which is awesome."

Key themes discussed

Health clubs face staffing issues; seeking solutions.
Operators need to realize people are the product.
Created direct connection, offer consulting for operators.
Building app features for easier employer search.
Health clubs transform into talent-filled event venues.
Flexibility and benefits are crucial for applicants.

A few key takeaways:

Direct Connection and Career Placement: Will underscores the critical need for creating direct connections between fitness professionals and operators to ease the staffing challenges. His emphasis on career placement services for fit pros highlights a proactive approach to nurturing a robust workforce within the industry.
Innovative App Development: Fibr is developing an app designed to streamline the recruitment process. This digital solution aims to facilitate easier access for operators to find qualified staff and provide seamless consulting services, which exemplifies the fitness industry's shift toward technological integration to solve traditional problems.
Changes Post-COVID: The episode delves into the evolution of the fitness industry post-COVID, spotlighting the need for operators to adapt to the distinct preferences of Gen Z. This demographic looks for flexibility and opportunities to build their personal brand, thereby challenging the industry to innovate and cater to these new demands.
Industry Adaptation and Independent Operators: Will highlights the importance of the fitness industry's adaptation in meeting changing employee preferences, such as the desire for better benefits and flexibility. Independent operators, in particular, are encouraged to offer unique experiences and work venues that resonate with the modern workforce's needs.
Focus on People: Coker drives home the point that the success of brick-and-mortar fitness facilities heavily relies on the strength of their people. The discussion with Pete emphasizes the significance of considering labor as an investment and the impact of knowledgeable and passionate staff on customer satisfaction and retention.

Resources:

Will Coker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-coker-3957578a/
Fibr: https://www.info.fibr.fit/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Jim Ludwig, an enthusiastic former tennis player, has been the linchpin for the pickleball community in Naples since 2010. His journey with the sport began at a small country club where he recognized the game's potential for growth, particularly among the senior demographic. Sensing the need for more space, Jim's vision led him to a nearby park, where he observed underutilized tennis courts. Taking the initiative, he proposed the idea to the county, which culminated in the transformation of a few tennis courts into dedicated pickleball courts.

Jim shares his journey with the sport, from its humble beginnings to growing Naples, Florida into the epicenter of pickleball with 64 courts and hosting the world's largest pickleball tournament. He discusses the challenges and successes of bringing the sport to different venues and his vision for the future. He and Pete dive into into the evolution of the sport, sponsorship, and the profound impact of pickleball on health and wellness.

On the rapid growth of the sport, Ludwig states, "Eventually I started thinking, well, where are you gonna grow the event? They're running in high schools, gymnasiums, and more. What we experienced with the US Open, we started out with 800 players in 2016. Then we got to 4,800 players who signed up to be a part of this year's event!"

Key themes discussed

Advocating for new community pickleball facilities with municipalities.
Budgeting for convention center space and costs.
Looking at different convention centers for events.
Research, investment, sponsorship and growth in sports marketing.
Discussion about the future of pickleball industry.

A few key takeaways:

The growth of pickleball in the Naples area: Jim played a key role in developing the pickleball infrastructure in Naples, leading to the growth of the sport and was one of key figures to help establish the US Open Pickleball Championship.
Community engagement and investment: Jim's engagement with the local community and government was instrumental in securing support and resources to develop pickleball courts.
Potential for non-endemic sponsorships: There's an emerging opportunity for non-endemic companies to sponsor pickleball events and tournaments, targeting the over 50 demographic.
Evolution of pickleball as a sport: The industry is witnessing a transition from manual operations to more professional event management, with the potential for significant growth, attracting potential investors and sponsorships.
Inclusivity and accessibility: Jim Ludwig emphasized the accessibility and inclusivity of pickleball, highlighting its appeal to a wide range of players, including those involved in Special Olympics and veterans organizations.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jim Ludwig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-ludwig-652973112/
US Open Pickleball Championship: https://www.usopenpickleballchampionship.com/
PB1965: http://www.pb1965.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Rina Raphael is a highly regarded, well-established writer and journalist who has covered a wide range of topics in the HALO sector from fitness and nutrition to biohacking and even strology startups! She currently has a highly regarded newsletter on substack called Well to Do, and in 2016 she authored the Gospel of Wellness which deep-dives into the changes she witnessed in the industry, highlighting both hopeful and troubling developments. Currently, she writes for prestigious outlets such as Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and the LA Times, with a focus on cultural and sociological aspects of wellness trends.

Host Pete Moore and Raphael discuss topics such as the evolving trends in wellness, the challenges of reporting on wellness products, the intersection of wellness and religious communities, the impact of social and economic factors on health and wellness, and more. This episode offers an insightful look into the industry and the evolving landscape of health and wellness trends. If you are at all interested in keeping updated on the going's on in the space, her book and newsletter are must-reads.

Regarding her current coverage, she states, "I cover more than just the business perspective now. I cover more of the cultural and sociological aspects. More and more, I'm trying to answer the question of why is everyone obsessed with a certain trend, why do certain things take off, and why are so many people turning to wellness."

Key themes discussed

Wellness industry evolution
Consumer skepticism
Bridging wellness and religion
Socioeconomic barriers to wellness
Women's health and wellness
Challenges for journalists in wellness reporting
The future of wellness

A few key takeaways:

Unpacking the space: Rina shares her journey into the industry and the insights she gained from covering everything from fitness to nutrition to biohacking and astrology startups.
Brand Credibility in Reporting: Rina discusses the challenges of reporting on wellness products and services that are not always backed by scientific evidence, emphasizing the need for brands to prove their efficacy to a increasingly skeptical consumer base.
Emerging Wellness Trends: The discussion spans from the growing interest in the outdoor market to the intersection of fitness and spirituality, highlighting the nuanced ways wellness is perceived and pursued within different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.
Wellness Accessibility: Rina talks about income and time barriers to wellness and emphasizes the importance of finding solutions that cater to the time-strapped and underserved populations.
Future Trends and Opportunities: Raphael identifies the women's health space (pelvic health, clinics, etc) as an area poised for significant growth and impact in the wellness industry. Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Rina Raphael: https://www.rinaraphael.com/
The Gospel of Wellness book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250793003
Rina Raphael's Newsletter: https://welltodo.substack.com/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and former classmate Brian Paris to discuss a wide range of topics related to coaching, wellness, and personal development. Brian shares insights into his approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of a holistic lifestyle, positive psychology, and the impact of habits and mindset. The conversation also delves a bit into the financial aspects of hiring a coach, the need for recovery and not glorifying burnout.

Brian is known for his charismatic personality and his continued evangelizing of the HALO lifestyle. Since he was a teen, he's been all about a movement-first lifestyle and eventually became a "movement nerd." Paris continues to make a name for himself with his unique approach and ability to connect with others.

When discussing self-control and mindfulness, Paris states, "I've trained with therapists. I've trained with coaches. I've done specific work around breathwork, specific work with Native American traditions, and a whole bunch of things around silence and meditation . . . and it's absolutely nonstop. It's the journey."

Key themes discussed

Holistic approach: Embracing mind-body connection for coaching success.
Investment: Financial commitment and accountability for personal growth.
Executive coaching: Addressing burnout and recovery for high-level professionals.
Client connection: Delving deeper into clients' thinking for impactful coaching.
Mindset and neuroscience: Leveraging neurobiology for elite coaching relationships.
Business tools and partnerships: Utilizing tech and collaborations for coaching effectiveness.
Writing and authorship: Sharing knowledge and experiences through book projects.

A few key takeaways:

The importance of holistic coaching: Brian emphasizes the significance of approaching coaching from a holistic perspective, focusing on lifestyle, habits, mindset, sleep hygiene, and exercise to promote overall well-being.
Value of self-investment: There is a discussion about the financial commitment and accountability required for coaching, highlighting the value of investing in personal development and growth.
Embracing a proactive mindset: Dr. Paris encourages treating oneself as a high-level executive and stresses the need for recovery and avoiding burnout, promoting a proactive and sustainable approach to personal and professional development.
Deepening client connections: The conversation delves into the need for elite coaches to understand neurobiology, peak performance, and flow talks to deeply connect with clients, offering insights for established trainers to optimize client relationships.
Gratitude and collaboration: The episode provides a glimpse into the close relationship between Pete Moore and Dr. Paris, expressing gratitude and a shared journey of growth and learning, emphasizing the power of collaboration and mentorship in personal and professional development.

Resources:

Brian Paris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrianparis/
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Christine Howe has dedicated her entire career to staffing and recruiting in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) industry for over 12 years. She recently ventured out on her own and started Fit Pro Finders, a staffing service catering specifically to the HALO space. She and her team work with a wide range of companies, from small to mid-sized independents, to franchise-owned and corporate facilities, to help them find the right personnel to drive their businesses forward.

Pete and Christine discuss the in's and out's of human capital and delve into the challenges of finding and retaining top talent, the importance of a holistic approach to staffing, and the need to shift the industry's perspective to a people-first mindset. They also touch on the significance of understanding a client's immediate needs and the lack of HR departments in some scenarios.

Regarding hiring from outside the industry, Christine is a fan. She states, "I've been having a lot of conversations with hiring managers about hiring talent outside of the industry. Looking at organizations like Starbucks, Disney, other hospitality-people first driven organizations that have a phenomenal customer service onboarding system and pulling people that are generally passionate about serving people through this modality."

Key themes discussed

Hiring outside industries: Expanding talent pool for unique perspectives.
Cost-effective recruiting: Assessing value for high-quality talent acquisition.
Candidate retention: Fostering growth and development within organizations.
Professionalism in staffing: Importance of authenticity and conscientiousness.
Revenue optimization for fitness: Shifting perspective to people-first industry.
Staffing for small to mid-sized companies: Understanding client needs and business model.

A few key takeaways:

Holistic staffing: Christine emphasizes the need for a comprehensive staffing approach, covering not only recruitment but also aspects like the interview process, onboarding, compensation, and company culture.
People-first perspective in the industry: The discussion sheds light on the significance of prioritizing the well-being and growth opportunities for fitness professionals, showcasing the industry as people-oriented.
Understanding competitiveness beyond pay rates: Christine highlights the challenges of retaining employees in a competitive industry and the need to consider factors beyond pay rates, reflecting a holistic view of employee retention.
Tailoring staffing solutions to specific business needs: The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding a client's immediate staffing needs, timeline, and business model, underlining the need for a customized approach in staffing solutions.
Authenticity and preparation in the hiring process: The importance of authenticity in interviews, for both interviewers and interviewees, as well as the value of researching the company and preparing questions related to culture, growth plans, and training opportunities are crucial takeaways.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Chrstine Howe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-howe-a83b564/
Fit Pro Finders: http://www.fitprofinders.com
Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com
Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com
HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Dr. Kenneth Cooper (often referred to as the "Father of Aerobics") has been one of the seminal pioneers in the field of preventive medicine for over five decades. Despite tremendous skepticism from the medical community at large initially, he founded the Cooper Clinic in Dallas in December, 1970 with the belief that taking care of healthy individuals was just as important as treating the sick. Over the years, he has worked to change the perception of preventive medicine and has become a leading advocate for fitness and wellness. His dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles has made arguably one of the biggest impacts in the field of medicine over the past few decades, and his work continues to not only teach physicians, but also to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being.

Dr. Cooper shares his personal daily exercise routine, and information about his upcoming documentary and book releases. Pete and Dr. Cooper delve into the importance of physical fitness in reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life, as well as discussing strategies to motivate people to prioritize exercise and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Financial Incentives for Exercise: "I think most one of the most beneficial things we could do to motivate people to exercise is financial motivation. Whether it's getting a reduction in their insurance or a reduction in their income tax because they're living longer. I tried to present that in Washington one time because I wanted to concentrate on childhood obesity and diabetes, adult obesity and diabetes, and the cost of health care. I was recommended to be Surgeon General on two different occasions when Bush was President. But in order to do that, I would have had to sell the aerobics center to the highest bidder, so I turned it down."

Key themes discussed

Transition from military service to successful research career.
Promoting preventive medicine for physicians and laypeople.
More exercise is better, but not indefinitely.
Adequate sleep, stress control, and vitamin supplementation.
Pickleball promotes health, socializing, and community benefits.
Increased fitness leads to decreased health care costs.
Financial incentives can motivate people to exercise.
Embrace exercise to live a fuller life.

A few key takeaways:

Exercise is a vital component for a long and healthy life: Dr. Kenneth Cooper's personal journey and emphasis on the importance of exercise serve as a reminder that incorporating physical activity into one's lifestyle can significantly impact overall health and well-being.
Importance of investing in quality vitamins: Dr. Cooper's discussion about vitamin certification and the need for purity and efficacy ensures listeners understand the significance of choosing high-quality vitamins for disease prevention and health maintenance.
The impact of physical activity on healthcare costs: With studies highlighting the potential cost reduction associated with increased physical activity, it's clear that investing in exercise can have significant financial benefits on a personal and global scale.
Incentivizing exercise for better health: Dr. Cooper and host Pete Moore discuss the potential for fitness incentives such as insurance reductions or tax benefits to motivate people to stay fit, reinforcing the idea that financial incentives can absolutely play a role in promoting physical activity.
Focus on preventive medicine and healthy living: Dr. Cooper's career and the concepts he highlights, such as the "Cooperized" lifestyle and the key factors for healthy living, underscore the importance of preventive medicine, annual medical examinations, and incorporating healthy habits into daily life for long-term wellness.

Resources:

Dr. Kenneth Cooper: https://cooperaerobics.com/About/Our-Leaders/Kenneth-H-Cooper,-MD,-MPH-Full-Bio.aspx.
The Cooper Institute®: https://www.cooperinstitute.org
Cooper Documentary Series: https://www.cooperaerobics.com/About/Documentary.aspx
Dr. Cooper's First HALO Talks: https://halotalks.com/episode-298-dr-kenneth-cooper-founder-the-cooper-institute/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Prime Hall served in the Marines from 2005 to 2017, with his initial deployment being in the infantry for the first four years. He later transitioned to becoming a water survival instructor, where he drew on principles of military water survival for the basis of his programming. Hall relays the story of an individual who survived for 20 hours in the Gulf of Mexico after falling off a Carnival cruise ship, which exemplifies the incredible efficacy of military water survival.

Prime also discusses his work with his company Deep End Fitness, a program that certifies instructors in this survival methodology and provides branded programming for health clubs, YMCA's, JCC's, and so on. Additionally, he dives (get it?) ;) into the Underwater Torpedo League (UTL), a unique sport he created while in the military to help his squad gain confidence which has garnered substantial attention and a growing community of players.

Hall states, "The biggest draw we see are individuals that have a fitness enthusiast, or water enthusiast background with a business acumen . . . that's kind of where we see the highest performing programs across the country . . . and when it comes to the UTL, it's created a huge value proposition for the licensees because now some of them compete on one of 12 teams we've founded!"

Key themes discussed

Water Survival: Military principles, SAFE methodology.
Deep End Fitness: Licensing program, 30 location currently, aiming for 100 by the end of 2024.
Training and Instruction: Virtual programming, personalized training, in-person mentors.
Underwater Torpedo League (UTL): "Full-contact" under water sport, co-ed teams, a force multiplier.
CrossFit Affiliation: Hybrid licensing, value proposition, building community.
Franchise Growth: Master licensees, international expansion, ongoing capital raise.
Life Lessons and Mottoes: "Make it happen", "When in doubt, focus out", breath control.

A few key takeaways:

Prime is known for his expertise in water survival training derived from his military experience. He explains how his training process, based on principles of military water survival, helps individuals gain confidence in the water, even if they don't know how to swim.
He discusses the Deep End Fitness program and its innovative approach to fitness. The program is being licensed to individuals and health clubs across the US as a performance program that complements other physical activities.
The UTL is an underwater sport that involves full-contact gameplay at the bottom of a pool using torpedoes. The league serves as an exciting force multiplier that adds value to licensees and creates a community around the Deep End Fitness program.
Finally, Prime shares some insightful military and performance philosophies, such as "When in doubt, focus out" to navigate stressful situations and the importance of breath for cognitive control. These philosophies offer practical guidance that can be applied not only in water-based activities but also in everyday life.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Prime Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/primehall Deep End Fitness: https://www.deependfitness.com Underwater Torpedo League: https://utlnation.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Dave Cantor is a 20+ industry veteran in the natural food space. His journey began in the Midwest, where he developed a passion for food, sustainability, and gardening during his college years. After honing his cooking skills and pursuing his interests in farming, Dave eventually ended up running his own organic farm in New Mexico. He later furthered his education by obtaining a Master's degree in nutrition with a focus on food and agriculture policy.

Dave discusses the inspiration behind his new brand, Folk Revival and offers up some solid takeaways from his many years in the trenches launching "better for you" brands with larger companies. He delves into topics like product development, marketing strategies, and the crowdfunding decision, and listeners will gain valuable, hard-earned insights into the world of nutrition startups.

Regarding the name of the brand, Cantor is a self-described 'music nerd' and states, "The 'folk' really speaks to the the people part, the human nutrition, the functional nutrition, and 'revival' speaks to the heirloom and heritage ingredients, which is really what we're trying to do . . . it's the mission of the brand to to deliver real, functional nutrition by reviving heirloom and heritage ingredients."

Key themes discussed

Crowdfunding: Funding method for expanding business.
Product Development: Creation of unique, nutrition-focused food products.
Marketing Strategy: Utilizing partnerships and grassroots marketing for product reach.
Industry Experience: 20 years in natural foods and corporate marketing.
Retail Selling Cycle: Long sales cycle for retail and food service markets.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborative hiring and strategic investment decisions.
Brand Positioning: Differentiating product based on health, sustainability, and pricing.

A few key takeaways:

Cantor has extensive experience in the natural foods industry, with a background in marketing, innovation, and sustainability, and has previously worked with well-known brands such as Mars and KIND Bar.
His latest venture, Folk Revival, focuses on creating functional nutrition products, such as a hot cereal using acorns and other heirloom and heritage ingredients, with a mission of delivering real functional nutrition by helping to revive these ingredients.
A major highlight of Folk Revival's product is its focus on high protein and low carb content, catering to consumers wanting to eat clean, or who are following keto, Paleo, and gluten-free diets. The product is positioned as a healthier alternative and will be priced slightly higher than regular oatmeal to reflect its higher nutritional value.
Dave emphasizes the importance of efficient use of marketing spend, highlighting the power of in-store promotions and targeting specific avenues like music festivals and events that align with the brand's focus on the HALO sector.
The podcast also discusses Dave's decision to leverage crowdfunding as a means to raise capital for Folk Revival, explaining the benefits and challenges associated with this fundraising method, which aligns with the brand's ethos of involving consumers in their growth and success.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Folk Revival: https://folkrevival.com/ David Cantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcantorfr/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Lee is an entrepreneur originally from Michigan who, at 24, made a bold move to Costa Mesa, California in 2010 where he headed up the development of perhaps the first infrared studio in the country. He transformed the fledgling studio, implementing a membership model, and elevating the experience for customers. This marked the beginning of Perspire Sauna Studios, which has since expanded into a burgeoning franchise under Braun's leadership.

Pete and Lee discuss starting an infrared sauna studio, transitioning into franchising, business growth, franchise development, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and more.

On the growing trend of healthier choices, Braun states, "There's a huge diaspora I see happening away from bars and alcohol, which I I'm all for. I think it's just a much healthier path. And it's cool to be there for that growing sector of people that are getting away from those kinds of pastimes into something more unique and healthy. . .which is what Perspire offers."

Key themes discussed

Franchising: Development, growth, support, challenges, evolution, expansion, territory.
Business Model: Pricing, revenue, membership, labor, holistic support, renewable leads, green space.
Location Strategy: Real estate, data, metrics, territory rights, success rates, development, competition.
Workout Recovery: Infrared technology, holistic approach, recovery products, professional collaboration.
Entrepreneurship: Construction management, growth, value, new business, passion.
Hybrid Approach: Gut instinct, data-driven decisions, analysis, questions, validation, holistic support, franchise criteria.

A few key takeaways:

Lee started Perspire after buying out a studio in California and elevating the experience with a membership model, taking it from a converted tanning salon to a successful sauna studio.
Perspire utilizes an infrared sauna model with pricing geared towards encouraging members to visit 1 to 3 times a week to maximize its cumulative benefits.
Their business model focuses on providing a private, personal retreat for individuals, emphasizing wellness over vanity, and offering a unique and healthy alternative to social activities like going to bars.
When it comes to making business decisions, Braun takes a hybrid approach, combining gut instincts with data analysis to arrive at informed choices. He also emphasizes the importance of finding the right real estate (and not just relying on Buxton reports!) for franchisees to set them up for success.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Lee Braun: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-braun-9840bb9/ Perspire Sauna Studio: https://www.perspiresaunastudio.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Former currency trader Dom D'Alexander found himself unexpectedly drawn to a passion project that would substantially alter his career trajectory. Selling currencies to hedge funds was intellectually stimulating but something he lacked any real passion for. His hobbies were always focused on his own well-being, leading him to delve into something combining his love for personal development and self-care. This eventually became Somble, a platform focused on empowering independent coaches in the HALO sector.

Pete and Dom chat about the challenges and vision behind the brand, the importance of collaboration, ecosystem, and delves into the potential for synergies between studios and coaches. Listeners will also hear about the unique approach of Somble's Co-Founders and uncover insights into the evolving landscape of fitness and coaching.

Regarding the critical importance of execution, Alexander states, "I wish somebody had beaten me over the head early with the fact that ideas are really a dime a dozen, and that execution and distribution are basically the only things that are going to matter when bringing something to life."

Some key moments:

Entrepreneurial journey: Dom's transition from finance to wellness.
Business challenges: The frustrations faced by wellness coaches and studios.
Platform and vision: Somble's aim to connect consumers with coaches.
Collaboration & cooperation: Connecting independent coaches and fitness businesses.
Customer discovery: Importance of understanding the needs of trainers and studios.
Fitness industry trends: Use of tech, niche coaching, and multidisciplinary workouts.

A few key takeaways:

Dom shares his background transitioning from institutional finance to becoming a C-Founder focused in the HALO space.
Somble, with Co-Founders Ian Waltz as CEO, Dom D'Alexander as COO, and Matt Barnett as CTO, is a platform aiming to unify the wellness industry and empower independent coaches and small instructor-run studios.
Collaboration and cooperation between coaches, fitness businesses, and local studios are highlighted as crucial components for creating a thriving ecosystem for independent coaches and fitness businesses.
There is a strong emphasis on customer discovery, execution, and distribution over ideas, and a focus on utilizing technology to drive business growth and create multidisciplinary workout experiences for consumers.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Dom D'Alexander: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-dalexander-profile/ Somble: https://www.somble.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore is joined by Josh Bonhotal from TXV Partners. Josh shares his wealth of experience in player performance and training, from his time with the Chicago Bulls to his role at Purdue's men's basketball program.

They dive into venture investing, discussing portfolio construction and risk management. As well as discuss the use of technology to optimize athlete performance and Josh's transition into the venture capital world. From mathematical models to practical insights, this episode runs the gamut. If you're an entrepreneur or a sports enthusiast, this is a must-listen!

On some of the pitfalls in tech in sports performance, Josh notes, "There were a lot of companies out there, especially in the early 2010's . . . whether it be GPS, or heart rate, or monitoring sleep that were making all these bold claims. You saw some number of high level sports scientists and performance directors throughout elite sports, who, I think in good faith, wanted to believe that this data was accurate, and so they were making big decisions and almost letting the data dictate what they're doing when in reality, the data is meant to inform the questions that you ask to lead to the decision that you get to."

Some key moments:

Refusing to give up, aspiring NBA coach succeeds in getting in the door.
Seizing opportunities, reaching out, and hustling.
Individualized training approach aimed at maximizing performance.
Empowerment, partnership, and progression in sports training.
Technology claims not always reliable, requires scrutiny.
Monitoring athletes' health and lifestyle for impact.
Importance of direct path to commercialization stressed.

A few key takeaways:

Athlete-Specific Training: Josh's success at Purdue in minimizing player injuries was attributed to individualizing training programs based on each athlete's needs and progress, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Career Transition: Josh transitioned from a career in sports performance to venture investing, where he leverages his coaching and connecting skills to lead the early-stage portfolio and find deals by tapping into his network.
Importance of Networking: Josh's approach to networking and career advancement was a key factor in his transition to venture investing, emphasizing the value of building strong connections in various professional fields.
Venture Investing Insights: Josh shared insights into venture investing, including the use of mathematical models and portfolio construction to manage risks and returns in the asset class, providing valuable information for those interested in entrepreneurial ventures and early-stage investments.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Josh Bonhotal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-bonhotal-5058332b/ TXV Partners: https://www.txv.partners/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Zvi Goffer is a former finance executive and father who was inspired to take action when planting the seeds of college education in the minds of his two kids. His idea for Campus VR took root when he brought his kids to his alma mater, a state school in New York . . . which unfortunately didn't do a good job representing themselves on their website. Wanting to do more than just show pictures, he decided to take action and figured there had to be a better way to engage kids in the modern era versus just "point and click."

Zvi dove into the VR world, learned it from the ground up and they actually ended up building their own robot! Campus VR has since evolved into a game-changing platform for top colleges and teams around the country. He discusses the power of VR in creating immersive experiences and how it can revolutionize the way businesses attract and engage potential clients. Pete and Zvi dive into the future of VR tech, its potential impact on various industries, and serves as a captivating exploration of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.

On the importance of college being accessible and VR aiding in the athlete recruiting process, Zvi states, "You shouldn't have to have a certain amount of money in your bank account, or be in a certain geographical location, or worry about the convenience of your parents being able to take you on a trip and miss work or whatever. These should not be hindrances [in the college decision process.]

Some key moments:

Introducing kids to college through personal experience.
Discovered potential in VR; gathered support from investors.
Research, niche market, athletic facilities showcase success.
Show gym experience through VR for marketing.
Collegiate NIL lets sponsors advertise in videos.
Don't assume an idea is already utilized.

A few key takeaways:

VR in Education and Athletics: Zvi founded Campus VR and offers a unique VR experience for college campuses. He identified the need for a more engaging way to showcase campuses to prospective students and saw potential in using VR to excite students about attending college. Additionally, Campus VR created immersive experiences for showcasing athletic facilities at top-tier programs, enhancing the recruiting process.
Entrepreneurial Insights: Zvi shares his journey as an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of never assuming an idea is already being utilized. He emphasized the value of conducting thorough research, staying committed to the long-term vision, and being open to innovative ideas.
Virtual Tours for Health Clubs: The conversation explored the potential application of VR technology in health clubs to provide highly interactive virtual tours. This could showcase workout classes, facilities, and studios to attract and excite prospective members. The discussion delved into the cost and potential sponsorships for creating VR experiences as well.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Campus VR: https://www.thecampusvr.com Zvi Goffer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zvi-goffer-649139192 Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, Pete talks with Dixie Grace, a former planning engineer turned entrepreneur who has "brought back" the boiled peanut (a long time classic Southern snack) to the Northeast, an area where they're notoriously difficult to find . . . but not anymore! Raised by a single parent, she comes from a family of entrepreneurs, with her grandmother owning beauty salons and her mother being involved in various business ventures.

Dixie shares her journey of creating artisanal boiled peanuts and the surprising customer reactions she encountered, leading to a remarkable 97% conversion rate. We explore her decision-making process in scaling her business and the innovative approach she's taking to bring her product to a wider market.

Dixie's energy and enthusiasm are contagious! Pete offers up some advice to help her get her product into health clubs and commercializing it. Grace also talks about the myriad of health benefits, historical significance, and surprising international popularity of boiled peanuts.

On 'going viral,' she states, "When I got such a reaction with people stopping their cars to come get boiled peanuts it was either, one they had a nostalgic attraction to it because they had them in Brazil or Thailand or down south . . . and it's beautiful to see because you see them remembering something that feels good to them, or you witness somebody discovering something brand new that tastes so good and then they buy it! I have a 97% conversion rate."

Some key moments:

Craveable boiled peanuts, a 400-year-old "secret."
African slaves brought peanuts to America.
Secretly developed and sourced premium ingredients creatively.
High protein, fiber, and energy packed product.
Commercially viable product, confirmed by higher authority.
Seek advice, pivot, and stay on course.

A few key takeaways:

Nostalgia and discovery play a significant role in consumer behavior, as demonstrated by Grace's high conversion rate of 97% when selling boiled peanuts.
Creating a unique and innovative product, such as Dixie Grace's artisanal boiled peanuts with a New York twist, can open up new markets and customer segments, even for traditional items.
Seeking out expert guidance and diverse perspectives is essential for scaling a business, as illustrated by Grace's decision to work with the Cornell Food Innovation Center and explore product development programs at Rutgers and Cornell.
Prioritizing quality and sustainability, such as offering eco-friendly packaging and targeting on-the-go consumers seeking protein, can differentiate a product in the market and attract health-conscious consumers.
Transitioning from a different career background to entrepreneurship requires confidence, adaptability, and a willingness to take calculated risks.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Dixie Grace Boiled Peanuts: https://dixiegracesboiledpeanuts.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore is joined by Director of Education, Jeremy Strom, from Reaxing International. Jeremy shares insights into the Reaxing system, a game-changing, neuroscience-based program designed to train for unpredictability and enhance overall movement and response time. He discusses the company's innovative products, such as the Reax Run treadmill and Reax Board, and their impact on various industries, from health clubs to helping with Parkinson's treatments. Jeremy also highlights the company's commitment to research, education, and consumer-focused training, providing a glimpse into their future plans.

On using the products themselves, Strom states, "When you utilize and implement Reaxing products, it lights the brain to '5G communication,' and that communication now allows us to respond to what the 'machine' is doing, and implement the full system from the brain, to the big toe, out to the middle fingers-in such a way that more tissue is lit up, more reactive time, the reactive time is faster, and you're able to now handle those situations better out in the real world."

Some key moments:

Passionate about biohacking, movement, and energy.
Seeking whole cardio space, market shifting niche.
New Reaxing North America sees big wins.
Partnered with trainers, built successful businesses.

A few key takeaways:

Reaxing is a training philosophy and product line that focuses on providing unpredictable stimuli to train quicker response time, resilience, and improve brain-body communication.
Some of their products, such as the Reax treadmill and Reax Board can be implemented in a variety of settings, from general fitness clubs to physical therapy clinics, and are especially impactful for individuals with Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.
Reaxing International was founded in 2016 and has seen significant success, including collaborations with Parkinson's clinics, the LA Rams, and the naval warfare center.
The company is committed to partnering for research and education, providing certifications for fitness professionals, and offering consumer bundles for home gyms.
The podcast highlights the intuitive and forward-thinking approach of the company in providing innovative solutions for fitness, health, and performance.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jeremy Strom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-strom-55815b1a/ Reaxing: https://reaxing.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Host Pete Moore welcomes Josh Forkner, a prominent figure in the CBD space. Josh shares insights into his company's operations, including their innovative approach to product development, strategic partnerships, and the challenges they've faced in the market. Pete and Josh dive into the unique selling points of CBD products, the potential for growth in the industry, and the transformative impact of CBD on customers' lives. From athlete endorsements to navigating legal restrictions, this conversation delves into the rapid growth of a new brand in an already crowded market.

Regarding finding the right market for product sales, Forkner states, "We find that what works best for us are places like fitness studios, yoga studios, senior fitness centers, chiropractors, acupuncture, little small gyms, CrossFit . . . those places that only showcase our product or maybe 1 or 2 others we do very well in."

Some key moments:

Founders are business partners in different industries.
Stringent testing to prevent THC contamination in products.
Consumers need to consider milligram strength, serving size, research.
Education drives willingness to try new products.
Don't take CBD to Turks & Caicos. HA! Pete tells a story.

A few key takeaways:

The CBD market is rapidly evolving, and FlexCBD aims to stand out by offering high milligram strength products at affordable prices, providing a 50% margin for companies that carry their products.
FlexCBD is targeting various markets, including chiropractors, yoga studios, fitness clubs, and internet sales, with particularly high sales volume seen in chiropractic and yoga studios.
Josh's transition from carpenter to an entrepreneur in the CBD market was motivated by personal injuries. His optimism about the future growth of CBD products suggests that CBD may become a household product within the next 2 years, despite current challenges with education and stigma.
Stories of customer experiences with CBD products, such as relief from pain for a truck driver and a family member, highlight the potential impact and benefits of CBD in people's lives.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Flex CBD: https://realflexcbd.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with serial entrepreneur Todd Abrams, the Co-Founder and CEO of ICON Meals. Todd shares his journey from starting his entrepreneurial ventures in the software industry to his passion project based in Texas, ICON Meals, which focuses on providing convenient and healthy food options.

Throughout the conversation, Todd discusses the challenges and successes of his business ventures, the importance of building a strong team, and his perspective on taking responsibility for one's life and actions. Abrams provides insights into the meal delivery and food industry, as well as valuable lessons in leadership, team building, and striving for continuous improvement. This is a must listen as Pete and Todd delve into the world of entrepreneurship, business strategies, and the drive to make impactful changes in people's lives through the power of food.

One two of his keys to success, Abrams states, "I've always had to have two things in any of my businesses, one is residual recurring revenue, and two is, I'll call it 'a solution to a problem.' Our solution was really finding that element of convenience as everyone, other businesses, etcetera, live that healthy, fast-paced lifestyle, may not have time to cook . . . but still, people have to eat!"

Some key moments:

Business success: Recurring revenue and finding a problem to solve.
Shared childhood experience, overcoming body image challenges.
Entrepreneur emphasizes calculated risks and relationship building.
Invest in team, build culture, align vision.
Choose reliable partners, ensure USDA inspection. Quality product.
Strive for better since perfection is unattainable.

A few key takeaways:

Building a successful business: Todd discussed his entrepreneurial journey and emphasized the importance of identifying problems and creating solutions in the market. He highlighted the significance of having a residual recurring revenue and a solution to a problem in any business venture.
Team building and culture: Abrams also stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable and experienced individuals who complement each other's skills.
Financial decisions and hiring: He reflected on the significance of making strategic financial decisions, particularly in terms of hiring personnel. He discussed the challenges of finding the right CFO and offered insights into hiring practices, emphasizing the need to hire slow and fire quickly.
Business mindset: Todd shared his approach to taking responsibility for one's life and business. He emphasized the need for mass action, continuous improvement, and living an "excuseless life."
Business expansion: Pete and Todd brought up the potential for partnerships with fitness clubs, pointing out the benefits of adding meal delivery services as an additional revenue stream for fitness businesses. He emphasized the importance of aligning with a trusted partner and focusing on quality and functionality in product offerings.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Todd Abrams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abramstodd/ Icon Meals: http://www.iconmeals.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, host Pete Moore dives deep into the VC (venture capital) world with Kiva Dickinson, Founder of Selva Ventures. Kiva began his career in investment banking before joining TPG. He received top-notch training there and developed a keen interest in the dynamics of the consumer world, particularly in ecommerce and health and wellness. His focus shifted to earlier stage opportunities, particularly in the better-for-you products sector.

Kiva shares valuable insights from his TPG and CircleUp days before launching Selva. He sheds light on the process of raising capital, evaluating investment opportunities, and the key factors that drive successful investments in early-stage companies. The conversation also delves into the "5 M's" approach for evaluating potential investments and the strategy behind exiting investments at the right time.

Regarding raising capital he states, "Identifying the company is incredibly important, but building a tight investment process both pre and post investment, not only to select the right ones, but also to support them afterwards. To have a value creation plan that ultimately helps these companies reach their potential is a huge part of private investment."

Some key moments:

Transitioned from investment banking to private equity.
CircleUp facilitated investments, raised their own fund.
Invested in early stage companies, focusing on value.
Invest in creating a strong consumer impression.
Focus on value proposition, study successful brands.

A few key takeaways:

Venture Capital Insights: Kiva provides valuable insights into the world of venture capital, including the process of raising funds and the challenges faced when evaluating potential investments.
"5M's" Methodology: A structured approach to evaluating investment opportunities, which includes assessing the matter (problem being solved for consumers), megatrend, management team, momentum and metrics, and market size.
Investment Criteria: The ideal size and makeup of a company suitable for consideration by Selva is centered around companies doing approximately $5M in the last 12 months sales and exhibiting rapid growth.
Mission: Kiva explained that the name "Selva" means rainforest in Spanish, representing the company's commitment to incubating and supporting ecosystems that bring about healthy solutions. The symbolism and principles behind the company's name align with its investment philosophy of seeking out truly exceptional opportunities.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Kiva Dickinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiva-dickinson/ Selva Ventures: https://www.selvaventures.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Jack Thomas, originally from Australia, has been living and working in Thailand for the past few years. In this episode, host Pete Moore and Jack discuss everything from the burgeoning boutique fitness industry in Asia, to the evolving trends and growth opportunities in the U.S. fitness market. He is excited about the emerging markets in other Asian countries, such as Manila and Indonesia, and sees great potential for growth in the region.

Jack also shares his new concept, The Fit Guide, a pioneering idea anchored in bringing high end, hospitality elements into the HALO sector. The Fit Guide evaluation process, which boasts 250 objective standards, has already launched in major cities and is set to make waves in new markets.

With a strong emphasis on elevating the customer experience, the episode touches on the comprehensive evaluation process, revenue models, and potential future revenue streams, setting the stage for an engaging and informative conversation.

Regarding the importance of brand consistency in the industry, Jack states, "Some staff working with us now have been been quite surprised when going through the evaluations and going through the reports. . .how one brand in 1 location scores really well, and in another location, it doesn't . . . the best clubs do get it right every single time though, and that's what we should really be striving towards."

Some key moments:

Asian fitness markets fluctuate, Singapore faces closures.
Fitness industry adopts hospitality standards for clubs.
Training helps evaluators to confidently complete evaluations.
Inconsistent brand experiences in fitness industry.
Clubs can improve with integrity and assistance.
Evaluate members' motivations and needs for improvement.
Assisting brands with SOP's, accountability, and evaluations.

A few key takeaways:

Fit Guide's Approach: Fit Guide aims to raise the industry's standards by introducing 250 objective measures for fitness clubs. These focus on service-based standards in boutique fitness and the physical structures of clubs to create a positive customer experience.
Global Expansion: Fit Guide has already launched in major cities such as New York, London, and Singapore, and is gearing up for upcoming launches in Sydney and Dubai. Jack aims to expand to five cities by the end of the year, with a focus on deepening their presence in the US next year.
Revenue Model and Future Plans: Fit Guide operates on a revenue model that includes providing free resources like newsletters and podcasts, as well as paid video courses, in-person training, and coaching services for clubs and brands to enhance customer experiences. Potential future revenue streams may involve advertising and collaborations with major brands like Nike or Apple.
Evaluation Process and Impact: The evaluation process encompasses a 250-point checklist and thorough quality control checks, including follow-up visits for poorly scoring studios. This process not only provides accountability but also opportunities for improvement for fitness clubs.
Entrepreneurial Insights and Support: The conversation delves into entrepreneurial insights, discussing the scalability of boutique fitness concepts and the potential for entrepreneurs to diversify within the industry.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jack Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitnessbusinessasia/ The Fit Guide: https://www.thefitguide.com Base Bangkok: https://basebangkok.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Dane McCarthy is a former rugby player who pursued a career in finance before joining salesforce.com. After several years in financial services, he was transferred to New York. During the pandemic, he quickly realized the different workout culture in the US compared to Australia, where people often train in groups. That eventually led him to start Village Athletic . . . which helped unite people in their fitness journeys and filling the absence of the social training element that he missed back home.

He discusses the unique concept of squads, the importance of consistency in training, and the strong sense of community it fosters. Join us as we delve into Dane's entrepreneurial journey of building a fitness brand centered around building strong relationships and driving results.

Regarding getting the venture off the ground, McCarthy states, "This was completely self-funded from initial Venmo payments. And given where we were in COVID, we had no equipment. When we first started, we just had square boxes basically drawn on the floor . . . and at that moment I thought, 'Hell, this could work because people are joining a squad. They're not joining a modality. They're not joining facilities, and they're certainly not joining for amenities!'"

Some key moments:

Played rugby, worked in finance, missed camaraderie, creates social hub for Manhattan professionals.
30% member return, 5-6% turnover monthly.
Self-funded fitness group overcame COVID limitations.
Started squad, winter, gym, lease negotiation, business.
Hiring fitness professionals for diverse training approach.
Annual fundraising event brings together diverse interests.
Spread the message, attract more people, get results.

A few key takeaways:

Specialized Squad Training: Dean's model focuses on creating specialized training squads within the HALO sector, emphasizing team-based workouts over traditional transactional gym experiences.
Emphasis on Relationships and Community: The approach prioritizes building a sense of community and camaraderie among members, addressing the loneliness and mental health challenges that tend to be prevalent in urban environments.
Holistic Experience: The focus on creating a consistent and sustainable workout routine, combining interval strength training with steady-state training, and promoting accountability and socialization beyond the gym sessions.
Non-Traditional Marketing Approach: Unlike conventional fitness facilities, the emphasis is placed on the squad experience rather than the facilities, with a deliberate focus on transparency and self-selection for individuals seeking comprehensive community-oriented fitness programs.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Dane McCarthy: https://www.instagram.com/mccarthydane/ Village Athletic: https://villageathletic.com/ The Athletic Clubs: https://www.instagram.com/the.athleticclubs/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Laura Adelson is a yoga enthusiast and now a new business owner who credits her husband for encouraging her to take a chance, buy the business, and save her long-time yoga studio from closing permanently. Together, they turned the struggling business into a thriving community hub and a place of learning for both students and teachers.

She shares insights into the studio's brand identity, the process of saving the business, and the evolving landscape of yoga and fitness. From community building to pricing strategies and the importance of holistic health, this episode delves into the unique experiences and decision-making processes of a yoga studio owner. There are tons of valuable takeaways here for running a yoga studio, the new entrepreneurship journey, and maintaining a successful fitness business.

When it comes to the pricing model in her studio, Adelson states, "We want people to feel like they have everything that need, that they're being taken care of once they pay for the class, that they know they're not going to be nickeled and dimed on top of that. It's going to be all in all inclusive."

Some key moments:

Consider financial implications and fairness in sales.
Consider raising prices to value yoga experience.
Entrepreneurial challenges and self-assessment during COVID.
Connecting with other studio owners in a professional organization. (Boutique Fitness Solutions.)
Consider youur specific, personal goals, not just expansion for the sake of expanding.
Consider staying in one location for growth.

A few key takeaways:

Laura and her husband stepped in to save the studio from closure during uncertain times, highlighting the importance of community, experienced teachers, personally reaching out, and emotional connections with members.
Despite initial doubts from their accountant about purchasing the business, Laura successfully turned around the studio's performance and it's doing better than ever!
Growth Considerations: Pete and Laura chat about the potential for a second location, reflecting on the saturation of the New York City market and contemplating the expansion of programming and specializations within the current studio.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Laura Adelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-adelson-abb2712b/ Tangerine Yoga: https://tangerine.yoga/ Boutique Fitness Solutions: www.boutiquefitnesssolutions.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Gary Kleinman is a seasoned marketer and former attorney who has always believed in the power of storytelling. After realizing the similarities between the marketing world and being a litigator, he decided to venture into a career that combined his skills in both fields. For years, Gary successfully ran an experiential marketing agency that specialized in organizing mobile tours for renowned organizations such as MLB, NFL, and Warner Brothers.

Everything changed though after he stumbled upon an article about a 17-year-old female gamer participating in a League of Legends tournament attended by an astounding 17,000 people. Intrigued by this unexpected phenomenon, Gary was determined to understand the allure of competitive gaming and began a new journey exploring the business possibilities in the thriving world of esports.

When it comes to marketing to a particular niche Kleinman states, "The challenge when you don't have a Gatorade budget or a Pepsi budget (who bought Prime the energy drink) is you have to look at niche markets . . . the gyms, certain sports, work with influencers in that sport, give them product, make sure they like the product, and if they do, they'll they'll support it . . .but it's a slow burn."

Some key moments:

Marketing and litigating share storytelling similarities.
Electrolytes play a crucial role in muscle contractions. Water is only part of the solution.
Entrepreneurship, marketing noise, and winning through education.
Brand commitment, minimum viable product, complementary hydration, elevate electrolytes, fatigue relief.

A few key takeaways:

Kleinman is an entrepreneur tackling the powdered and energy drink market with a focus on providing hydration and electrolytes to athletes and other individuals with active lifestyles.
Electrolyte Boost is unique in that it does not require water to be consumed and is absorbed by the tongue and cheek, providing immediate benefits.
Pete and Gary discuss the challenges of marketing in the gaming industry, which has a fragmented audience and no clear revenue model for esports teams, despite its tremendous growth.
Kleinman highlights the importance of education and credibility in the industry, as there are many marketing tactics that can create confusion and noise. He emphasizes the need for offering a scientifically-backed product that solves a specific problem.
The conversation also touches on the potential applications of Electrolyte Boost beyond athletics, such as for individuals in professions that have temporarily restricted access to water, like surgeons or truck drivers.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Gary Kleinman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-kleinman-3503757/ Electrolyte Boost: https://electrolyteboost.com/ Mark Moyer-Win Again Academy: https://markmoyer.com/clubroom-events Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Bill Parisi is a former athlete who began his career over 30 years ago. As a Division 1 all American athlete in college, he quickly realized the lack of appropriate training for young athletes in field and court sports. In 1990, he began his entrepreneurial journey with a small 3,000 square foot facility, which quickly grew to multiple locations. With guidance from industry expert Tom Plummer, Bill focused on helping young athletes aged 7 to 18.

Pete and Bill dive deep into the world of youth sports training and how it can positively impact young athletes' lives. They also discuss the importance of creating a strong culture within a club, the value of technology in the fitness industry, and the future of training young athletes. Whether you're a gym owner, coach, or a parent interested in helping your child excel, this episode is full of insights and practical advice. Regarding the evolution of athletic training, Parisi states, "The focus has always been from day 1 to help young athletes focus on youth sports, high school sports . . . and give them the the resources, tools, strategies, and opportunity to play competitive high school sports . . . because that's not an easy thing nowadays!"

Some key moments:

Former athlete opens facilities to help young athletes.
Simple certification / affiliate model with low risk.
Child as consumer, coach as influencer, culture matters.
Rewards program for loyalty and profit.
Wellness Living: Incredible software partner.
Train Heroic: Great training app for coaches.
Athletics can help kids with mental health issues.

A few key takeaways:

Parisi has evolved from a franchise to an affiliate model, making it easy for coaches from other clubs to become certified in his system. This simplifies the process and reduces risk for potential, future affiliates.
He emphasizes the importance of creating a strong culture in the club, focusing on empowering young athletes and building self-esteem. This is achieved through the relationships between coaches and athletes, creating a sense of belonging and self-worth.
The pricing for Parisi's training program ranges from $149 to $299 per month for athletes training on average twice a week. The program can also be offered as group sessions with an average of 6 to 10 kids in a class.
Parisi strongly believes that youth sports provide important benefits including increased social confidence, improved mental health, and a sense of belonging. He emphasizes the need for coaches to properly balance challenges and rewards in order to help athletes develop and reach their potential.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Bill Parisi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billparisi/ Parisi Speed School: https://www.parisischool.com/ Positive Coaches Alliance: https://positivecoach.org/ Train Heroic: https://www.trainheroic.com/ Wellness Living: https://www.wellnessliving.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Steven Puri, along with his friend Ulf, embarked on a mission to address the growing problem of stress and overwhelm in today's (extremely) fast-paced world. Both experienced moments where they felt stressed out and unable to fully enjoy life, due to an almost overwhelming number of tasks to complete. (Sound familiar?)

Determined to find a solution, they decided to harness the wisdom of experts who had written about stress management and turn it into a user-friendly app. Their app not only includes music and timers like other focus apps but also introduces the innovation of real-life coaches powered by artificial intelligence. Steven's passion for helping others lead more intentional and fulfilling lives drove him to develop this valuable tool.

On the work-life balance dilemma, Puri states, "If you just focus, you can knock out [most] work before lunch! And then the open question is, what will I do with the extra time? Do I want to go have human interactions I didn't have time for before? Those are the sort of good problems we want to create."

Some key moments:

Solving stress with free app and Ai-powered coaches.
Improving productivity and reducing anxiety using Ai.
Sleeping well and productive hours. Making unconventional choices.
Comparing their product to technical programs. Think about Microsoft Outlook and similar applications. How they are planning for mainstream adoption.
Stick with chosen path and not integrate with other APIs.
Education over marketing in the crowded market.

A few key takeaways:

Steven introduces the Centered app as a solution to the problem of stress and distraction. It incorporates timers, music, and real-life coaches powered by Ai to help users stay focused and improve productivity. By providing personalized guidance and reminders, it aims to reduce anxiety and help users achieve their best work.
Centered's Ai provides feedback, encouragement, and even challenges users to stay on track. It adapts to each user's preferences and helps them work at their optimal time, even suggests the most effective background music, and more!
Positive Impact: Users have reported positive outcomes, including increased productivity, reduced anxiety, and a sense of accomplishment. The ability to compete and collaborate with others through productivity scores and group chats adds a gamified aspect to the app.
Entrepreneurial Advice: Puri emphasizes the importance of understanding the pain points of the target audience and aligning values with potential partners to build a successful venture. He also highlights the need for risk tolerance, as entrepreneurship can be unpredictable and requires resilience.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Steven Puri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri-b0714436/ Centered.ai: https://www.thesukha.co/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Maura Vella started her journey in the corporate world, quickly climbing the ladder and achieving financial success by the age of 24 in tech sales. However, she realized that despite the impressive paycheck, she lacked a sense of purpose and excitement. This led her to embark on a different path, one centered around her newfound passion for yoga.

She eagerly attended classes every day, and it became the focal point of her daily routine. Fueled by this passion, she made the rather large decision to leave her lucrative job and pursued her dream of teaching yoga and getting into the business side of the HALO sector. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) She ventured into this new chapter of her life, eager to share the benefits of yoga with others while building a thriving community for like-minded individuals.

She states, "By the time I was 24, I was making six figures, which was amazing. But then had this epiphany that it wasn't purpose driven. I wasn't really excited about what I was doing even though I was making a lot of money."

Some key moments:

Open-mindedness, confidence, learning, and success in business.
Created third successful yoga studio in addition to instituting systems and procedures for the growing brand.
Custom memberships created to fit individual needs.
Exploring gyms as a potential partners.
Survey clients about their goals and preferences.
Seeking open, willing learner for collaborative work.
"Do the best with what you know."

A few key takeaways:

Building a strong community and employing high-quality instructors can help a business stand out in a competitive industry.
Customizing memberships based on individual goals, lifestyle, and budget can be an effective strategy to cater to a diverse range of customers.
The fitness industry may evolve towards curated programs within specific brands, where individuals stay within the brand's umbrella and follow a prescribed workout regimen. This concept could potentially offer a more tailored fitness experience.
Recovery is an important aspect of fitness that should not be overlooked by health clubs. By offering recovery products and services, clubs can prevent their members from seeking specialized recovery centers.

Click to download transcript.

Resources:

Maura Vella: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauravella/ Cultivate Advisors: https://cultivateadvisors.com/our-advisors/maura-vella/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Chuck Goetschel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rallio, and a respected figure in the franchising community, known for his strong belief and track record in building and maintaining positive relationships between franchisors and franchisees. With a focus on empowering and supporting franchisees while utilizing the strength of the brand, his mission is to ensure a harmonious and successful partnership between the two.

He shares his expertise in solving problems and creating technology for local business management and touches on the frustrations between franchisors and franchisees, shedding light on his innovative solutions that bridge communication gaps and empower brands. From AI in marketing to hiring passionate individuals, this episode is packed with invaluable insights on leveraging technology and building successful businesses. Listen now to hear how Chuck and Pete navigate the complexities of the industry and inspire listeners to make a positive impact in the world.

Regarding AI in Rallio, Chuck says, "What if we had an AI that learned your voice, learned your brand, learned everything about you, learned what your target is, your message, what what you're trying to achieve, and it literally wrote the content! . . . That engine is now a V12 and it's amazing what it can do."

Some key moments:

Franchisees benefit from collective marketing efforts.
Reflect on motivations and personal experiences to create a product.
Social media dilemma leads to AI solution.
Rallio's proprietary LLM model.
Success is making a difference in lives.

A few key takeaways:

Bridging the gap between franchisors and franchisees: Chuck discusses frustrations in the relationship between the two, emphasizing the need to speed up communication and approval processes. His technology empowers franchisees while utilizing the brand's power.
The role of AI in marketing: The conversation delves into the significance of AI in marketing, emphasizing the need for genuine intelligence before AI and the importance of understanding customer motivations and personalizing interactions.
Creating personalized content with AI: Chuck explains how they use AI to create hyperlocal, tailored content for individual brands, utilizing employee-uploaded photos and videos, transcribing CEO messages, and creating aligned brand messages.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Chuck Goetschel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckgoetschel Rallio: https://www.rallio.com/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Pete Moore, Founder & Managing Partner of Integrity Square recounts a conversation he may or may not have had at one point or another in his investment banking career. These types of discussions may or may not also take place daily in investment banks and M&A firms everywhere.

As he's often fond of saying, "Finance is basic math. It's not hard, but the people in the sector love to make it sound hard." That's one of the (many!) reasons you need a firm like Integrity Square if you're ever going to do a buy or sell side deal. There's an entire section on our HALO Talks site called "Finance 101" where Pete breaks it all down in hilarious 2-3 minute riffs. Enjoy!

On our Integrity Square site, we've also created a glossary of terms translating 'finance speak' to real English. Links in resource section below. Here's a few examples:

"Window of Opportunity" = If the company doesn’t get money by Friday, the company is dead.
"Upgrading The Management Team" = Fired the CEO and entire management team because of poor performance.
"Niche Strategy" = Market opportunity is so small, we are embarrassed to quantify.
"Disproportionate Distribution to Investor Base" = Stealing from company.

Resources:

Pete Moore: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/ Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Integrity Square Glossary: https://www.integritysq.com/glossary-quotes/ HALO Talks: http://www.halotalks.com HALO Talks Finance 101: https://www.halotalks.com/category/finance-101/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Amy Bantham began her career in the late nineties as a group exercise instructor, a role she quickly fell in love with. While working in management consulting, she realized that it was teaching group exercise during her lunch hour that truly brought her joy and drive. This eventually led her to begin working with the main industry trade group, IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sports Association) for over a decade where she focused on advocacy, health promotion, and health policy.

During her tenure, she played a crucial role in establishing the IHRSA Foundation, which allowed her to further her passion for expanding access to physical activity opportunities. This sparked her desire to pursue a Doctor of Public Health degree, a journey that took three years. Through her impressive career and educational background, Amy has become a dedicated advocate for promoting physical activity and improving public health.

About the Daily Mile initiative, she states, "This was an elementary school, in-school physical activity intervention. I did focus groups for them where I talked with 50 administrators, teachers, parents, and community advocates and really tried to understand what were their pain points . . .what did the kids need? What did the teachers need? And how the Daily Mile as a program might be able to help teachers teach and kids learn more about the role that physical activity played there."

Some key moments:

Passion for fitness leads to advocacy work.
Consider community impact.
Evaluate program, understand barriers, improve health outcomes.
Field trips to local health clubs for kids?
Specialists can register with schools for training.

A few key takeaways:

Amy's focus is on expanding access to physical activity opportunities and creating a "movement of movement."
She believes in partnering with organizations and individuals who align with her mission of helping people live healthier and more active lives.
Works with organizations that focus on various age groups, from elementary schools to older adults, and values innovation in the field.
Assistance in reframing programming: Amy and her team provide support and resources for individuals who want to reframe their programming and schedules. They help with outdoor workouts in parks and provide guidance, conviction, and resources for those who want to make positive changes in their communities.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Amy Bantham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amybantham/ Move to Live More: https://www.movetolivemore.com/ IHRSA: https://www.ihrsa.org The Daily Mile: https://www.thedailymile.us/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Bill Davis is an extremely dedicated individual who has witnessed the tremendous transformation and maturity of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) space over the past few years. Despite the anxiety and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, Bill has been impressed by the sustained growth and expansion of both membership and brands within the industry. With a keen understanding that fitness and wellness are top priorities for many, he recognizes the critical importance the brick and mortar experience plays in achieving overall well being. At ABC, Bill and his team have used the many challenges of the pandemic as an opportunity to embrace new technologies and continue to innovate. Davis aims to continue to contribute to the positive development of the industry, even in small ways.

On the power of personalization he states, "I think the technology is there. It's helping club operators understand how they can more effectively seamlessly leverage it to garner better, more curated, more personalized insights about their members. To me, that is the greatest opportunity that we have as an industry . . . going forward with a member-first mindset is only going to yield benefits for all that are in that proverbial food chain."

Some key moments:

Fitness and wellness thriving, technology promoting integrity.
New rebrand promises enhanced insights for customers.
Member-first mindset, personalized insights yield substantial industry benefit.
Rebranding twice to continue to redefine mission and values.
IHRSA team credited for broadening fitness industry.

A few key takeaways:

ABC's commitment to client service and success: ABC's dedication to client service and success is a foundational element of their heritage and ongoing growth.
Meeting the demands of diversified customers: ABC now supports a range of club operators, from the smallest to the largest, and caters to their specific needs at different stages of their respective journeys.
Focus on fitness: While expanding to other industries may be more interesting to investors, ABC is committed to continuing to go deep in the fitness space. They believe that the industry is already large enough to achieve sufficient scale and growth without looking beyond it.
Strategic acquisitions and integration: Davis touches on the challenges and importance of successfully integrating acquired companies and making employees feel valued and part of something bigger. ABC strives to replicate successful integration strategies, communicate upfront about the acquisition process, and ensure a cultural fit.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

ABC Fitness: http://www.abcfitness.com Bill Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-davis-a458936b/ Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Wade Norris is a former researcher at Google AI, where he had the fortune of transitioning into the AI space just as it was gaining momentum. His expertise lies specifically in helping computers understand photos, videos, and the surrounding world. Wade had an amazing journey there, starting with a team of only 10 and witnessing its rapid growth to 140 researchers. During his tenure, he contributed to the development of several impressive products. Eventually, he seized the opportunity to explore starting something new and making more of an impact.

Wade recognized the tremendous opportunity in addressing the role of diet and nutrition. Armed with his passion and his impressive expertise, he started building Snap Calorie, a game-changing solution that leverages computer vision to help track and analyze nutritional information and portion sizes. If you're curious about the intersection of technology, nutrition, and personal health, this episode is a must-listen!

Regaring AI and LIDAR (light detecting and ranging) tech for food portions: "We use Deep Nets and AI to understand the types of food . . . and we can see the breakdown. . . Anything that a nutritionist could see, the AI network can see and try to make an educated guess. When it comes to the portion size, that's done with the LIDAR."

Some key moments:

Finding meaningful impact through research and analysis.
Startup advantage: Nimble, quick decision-making, imperfect products.
53% error in portion size estimation
Nutrition lables are allowed by law to have a 20% margin of error
Tracking alone isn't enough; need to be more prescriptive.
Visual data becomes ingredients; good and bad.
Debate on accessibility vs. credibility of ChatGPT.

A few key takeaways:

The focus on diet and nutrition: Wade Norris decided to dedicate his life to snapping calories and changing the way people look at their food. He conducted research on the top 10 causes of death in the United States and realized that diet and nutrition played a significant role.
He wanted to create something that would have a meaningful impact and help people.
The decision to start a startup: Wade mentioned that while working at Google was a great opportunity, being part of a small startup allowed for more agility and the ability to take bigger risks.
Startups can launch products that may not be perfect, but that's okay because they have the advantage of being nimble and making quick decisions.
Timing and technology: Wade acknowledged the importance of timing and technology when starting a company. He mentioned that in the past, the infrastructure and distribution of data may not have been ready for certain startups to succeed.
With advancements in technology, such as smartphones and LIDAR, the pieces of the puzzle are now in place for him to commercialize his idea effectively.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Wade Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadenorris/ Snap Calorie: https://www.snapcalorie.com/ Casey Neistat video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE2lna5Wxuo Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Chris Mirabile's passion for health started young. At 12, he stumbled on to a copy of Men's Health magazine, which inspired him to take care of his body through exercise and what he believed was a healthy diet. Health became an integral part of his life until everything changed when he was 15. While on a school trip in New York City, Chris unexpectedly had a seizure caused by an undetected, golf ball-sized brain tumor that had been growing for years. This medical emergency necessitated immediate surgery and completely upended his life. It forced him to reevaluate his understanding of health, realizing that true well-being goes beyond just physical appearance and athletic abilities. It also ignited a new-found curiosity about the biological aspects of health and set him on a new path.

Regarding biological age and chronological age he states, "Biological age and chronological age are two different things . . . biological age is essentially how old you are biologically, which is correlated with your risk of mortality, your risk of morbidity, or chronic illness, It's basically also how how physically and mentally capable you are."

Some key moments:

Started fascinated with fitness. Undiagnosed brain mass reveals true health.
Initially created a company called the Hotlist for transparency on city events.
Failed business led to self-reflection and insecurity.
Quickly realized timing is crucial for new ventures, and was taught how to 'learn to fail."
Aging can be reversed in animals. Controversial in humans. Biological causes of aging include mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, DNA damage, and more.
Using NOVOS Core, 73% of people reduced their biological aging.
Tons of free info, quizzes & tools are available on their site as a public service corporation.

A few key takeaways:

Chris's personal experience with a health scare at a young age greatly influenced his passion for health and wellness. This experience led him to become an entrepreneur and make a positive impact on people's lives.
Before starting NOVOS, Chris had an early stage company in the social networking industry called Hot List. The aim was to bring back exclusivity to college students and promote real-life social interactions.
His background in programming and early job experience in the tech industry inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship. He saw the potential for using technology to improve people's lives and create business opportunities.
The idea for Hot List came from the realization that in a city like New York, a simple decision to turn left or right could greatly impact one's social experiences. Hot List aimed to provide transparency and detailed information about events and venues, helping people make informed choices about where to socialize.
Choosing the right business partners is crucial in an entrepreneurial venture. Trust and complementary skills are essential factors to consider when forming a team. In Chris's case, he teamed up with friends from school who shared his vision and were willing to commit to the business full-time.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Chris Mirabile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismirabile/ NOVOS: https://novoslabs.com/ NOVOS longevity quiz: https://novoslabs.com/age-test/ Longevity blog: https://novoslabs.com/live-longer-slow-aging-life-extension-blog/

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Jake Thomas began his career in the fitness industry immediately after college. With a background in athletic training and a strong passion for working with kids and training athletes, he joined Forward Fitness and Parisi Speed School. Here he tells the story of how he went from Fitness Manager to proud Owner! After gaining valuable experience, he moved on to MVP Sports Clubs in Michigan, where he spent five years overseeing sports performance programs within the clubs. Wanting to return home, he found Razor Sharp Fitness and joined as the fitness director in 2013. Within a year, he was promoted to the role of General Manager, which he held for eight and a half successful years.

He takes us through his journey of inquiring about the future plans of the business owners and their gradual inclination towards selling the building and the business. It's a great story of curiosity, candid conversations, and unexpected opportunities. There's also an important takeaway regarding the involvement of Jacob in lease agreement negotiations, where he had the chance to understand the impact on profitability and manage the business effectively. He also strongly highlights the importance of seeking professional advice and hiring a lawyer to navigate unfamiliar territory.

Jacob's story provides tons of valuable advice (and should be required listening!) for anyone thinking about striking out on their own.

On having the owners "open up the books" he states, "After about 5 or 6 years, they really opened the books to me. We had year end discussions of what that looked like, but it really was the stepping stone in regards to . . . building the trust between us. It was probably the number one starting point for me to make the negotiations go much smoother."

Some key moments:

Lease discussions informed by inside information; hired lawyer to understand lease terms.
Attitude, honesty, dedication, great questions asked.
Hired CPA, discussed acquisition numbers with owners.
Improved trust and decision-making with owners.
Club owner empowers team to grow people.
Let go of personal feelings in decisions.

A few key takeaways:

Jacob recounts his conversation with the owners of Razor Sharp Fitness about their future plans and the potential sale of the building and business. He expresses his initial hesitation about becoming an owner but shows interest in understanding the process.
Pete raises a question about the involvement of Jacob in lease agreement discussions and potential changes to maximize the value of the real estate.
Jacob mentions his awareness of other lease agreements in the building and his need to hire a lawyer (as well as bring on a new CPA) to understand the new lease agreement.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Razor Sharp Fitness: https://www.razorsharpfit.com/ REX Roundtables: https://www.rexroundtables.com Jacob Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-thomas-86b50049/ Eddie Tock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddietock/

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Jane Curth is a passionate individual who has made a significant impact in the field of education and personal training. With a background as a professor in kinesiology, she specialized in online education and was recognized as a finalist for a state award for excellence in online teaching.

It was during her teaching career that she identified a pain point in the industry and decided to take action. Jane's idea was to create a personal training course at the college level, allowing students to earn college credit while also providing them with a potential part-time job opportunity that offered a decent hourly wage. However, she faced numerous obstacles in getting the course approved, enduring months of red tape.

Realizing that she needed to regain her personal training certification in order to teach the course effectively, Jane dedicated herself to retaking the exam. This experience further fueled her determination to address the pain point she had identified earlier. As a result, she founded FitFixNow, a company aimed at revolutionizing the personal training industry. With her expertise in education and personal training, she seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, providing students and professionals with comprehensive and accessible training programs.

On the ever increasing need for education for the senior community, Curth states, "Given my background in education and being a former professor, we were contacted by Strong Over 50 to be their education provider, to create the courses, to get them on our learning management system, and to work together with them to continue to create courses. And we found out at IHRSA that there were several companies that were interested in having continuing education linked with their product."

Some key moments:

Her journey led to FitFixNow. A pain point was identified.
Increased desire for expanding options in fitness.
"Progress in healthcare towards prevention and cost-effectiveness?"
What matters to your peer group when exercising?

A few key takeaways:

1: Jane Curth, a veteran in the industry, discusses her journey from being a professor of kinesiology to starting FitFixNow, an online continuing education platform for fitness professionals.

2: FitFixNow aims to make continuing education for fit pros affordable, convenient, and of high quality. They offer courses in various specialty areas such as behavior change and working with special populations.

3: Jane also highlights the importance of personal trainers expanding their skill sets and certifications to offer a wider range of services. She believes that specialized certifications, such as in nutrition or working with specific populations like Parkinson's, can greatly enhance a trainer's value and impact.

4: SilverSneakers, a program with over 18 million members, is discussed as an ancillary revenue source for health clubs and a way to reach a population that may not traditionally purchase a gym membership. Jane mentions her involvement as a SilverSneakers model and the positive impact the program has on seniors' health and well-being.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Jane Curth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janecurth/ Fit Fix Now: https://www.fitfixnow.com/ Strong Over 50: https://strongover50.com/ Silver Sneakers: https://tools.silversneakers.com/

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Charles Seltzer and his Co-Founder Brendan Doney shared a passion for team sports since childhood. From hockey, basketball, and soccer to football, lacrosse, and more . . . their lives revolved around sports. However, their competitive sports journey ended after high school, and college only offered the chance to play intramural. After graduating, both found it heard to find a reliable team to play on. They joined different leagues but often missed games and weren't particularly thrilled with their teams. Frustrated, they made the difficult decision to give up on sports altogether.

Eventually, they decided there was a business opportunity and formed a unique basketball-inspired social club called Crosscourt. Charles shares how they aim to make team sports as accessible and seamless as other fitness experiences. From pickup sessions to a membership-based community, Crosscourt offers a holistic approach to reigniting people's passion for team sports and the sense of connection it brings.

On the benefits of team sports, Charles states, "Some of my best friends are the people I played with growing up. The discipline that you learn from playing team sports, the best life lessons are learned through that . . . our vision was always something like an Equinox high-end experience combined with a Soho House feel for the community aspect."

Some key moments:

Starting Crosscourt: Seamless team sports experience.
Renting gyms, experimenting, creating unique fitness experience.
Adults-only community building space with sports lounge.
Fun games with cash rewards and benefits.
Long distances hinder retention for club members.
Looking to open new location in SoCal, raising $1.5M.

A few key takeaways:

Crosscourt offers a seamless and organized experience for playing team sports, specifically basketball. They provide one-hour pickup-inspired sessions with a maximum of 15 players per session. The sessions are designed to be efficient and enjoyable, eliminating many of the frustrations associated with pickup basketball.
Crosscourt also operates as a membership-based social club. They offer "office hours" where members can work, connect with others, and use their facilities. The club organizes community activities such as movie nights, sports events, and tournaments to foster a sense of camaraderie.
The goal is to reignite people's passion for team sports and provide the same positive experiences and life lessons that were learned through playing sports as kids.

Resources:

Charles Seltzer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-seltzer-6a548166/
Brendan Doney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-doney-58a84398/
Cross Court: https://www.cross-court.com

Click here to download transcript.

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Dr. Bechara Saab is a classically trained chemist with a passion for understanding the intricacies of the human mind. After completing his Ph.D in neuroscience at Mount Sinai in Toronto, Dr. Saab pursued a career as a principal investigator at the University of Zurich, where he opened his own laboratory. Through his work, he made a groundbreaking discovery - a strong correlation between the lack of exploratory drive in individuals with mental illness and their symptoms. This revelation prompted him to delve deeper into the field of mental health.

He faced a major obstacle in his journey however. Situated in a psychiatry hospital, he witnessed how his colleagues, despite their passion and dedication, lacked access to objective tools when delivering treatment. This limitation had hindered the progress of psychiatry for centuries. Determined to change the landscape of mental health treatment, Dr. Saab recognized the revolutionary potential of objective measurement in the field. The ability to treat the brain as a physical organ and measure its activities objectively could pave the way for more effective therapies. Dr. Saab began working on innovative methods to measure and analyze brain activity, enabling further precision for psychiatric treatments.

His relentless pursuit to understand the inner workings of the mind and commitment to bridging the gap between psychiatry and objective medicine, has the potential to transform the field of mental health. With his groundbreaking research and dedication to improving therapeutic approaches, Dr. Saab is on a mission to revolutionize the treatment and understanding of mental illness.

Bechara states, "The complexity of the brain mathematically indicates that not only are no two brains alike, but there have never been any two brains alike in history, nor will there ever be . . . no matter how long we exist as a species."

Some key moments:

Chemist turned neuroscientist researches motivation and mental illness.
Rewiring brain through activity and meditation training.
Meditation improves focus and endurance.
Human face analysis and biomarkers for emotions.
Categorizing digital therapeutics as medical devices.
14 full-time staff + 250 global partners. Singapore headquarters. North America focus.

A few key takeaways:

Utilizing Technology for Diagnosis: Mobio utilizes smartphone cameras and technology to diagnose stress, mental illness, and other underlying conditions. By harnessing the power of smartphones, they are able to create objective tools for mental health assessment.
Importance of Brain Plasticity: The brain is constantly changing and has a remarkable level of plasticity throughout a person's life. This means that people can enhance their brain's functionality through engaging in activities repeatedly and through meditation. These activities can lead to rewiring the brain and result in increased resilience to stress, improved focus, and the ability to overcome phobias.
Mind-Body Connection: The brain is in constant communication with the rest of the body. Breathing plays a significant role in modulating brain states. Slowing it down through practices such as breathing through the nose can create a positive feedback loop, helping individuals achieve a more relaxed state of mind.
Holistic Approach to Brain Health: In addition to technology-based diagnosis and brain training exercises, Dr. Saab emphasizes the importance of overall health factors like exercise, good sleep, and a healthy diet as crucial components for brain health and slowing down the aging process.
Integration of Brain Optimization in Fitness Studios: Dr. Saab suggests infusing brain optimization techniques, such as mindfulness training and meditation, into the programming of fitness studios and health clubs. By incorporating these practices, individuals can experience improved mental recovery after strenuous exercise.

Resources:

Dr. Bechara Saab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becharasaab/
Mobio Interactive: https://www.mobiointeractive.com/

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On today's episode we chat with Alex Peacock from Leisure Labs. He joins us from the UK to discuss the future of technology in the fitness industry, and how to prioritize your tech investments for maximum impact in 2023. With over 20 years of experience, he has witnessed the industry's shift toward embracing new technologies, but there's still work to be done, and Alex shares his insights on where we currently stand and what lies ahead.

Pete and Alex dive deep into the top three technology priorities for fitness operators. They discuss the importance of operational foundations, choosing the right platforms, and how to leverage technology as an accelerator rather than a hindrance. They also touch on the challenges of change management and the role of employee training when implementing new technologies.

On the role of tech Alex states, "I always view technology as an accelerator. It will accelerate things, but that can be good and that can be bad. So if you're doing things badly, if you have the wrong operational processes in place, technology is going to make that more of a problem than it is today."

Some key moments:

Operators still have work to do. Hospitality and retail are making progress. Technology investment is increasing in fitness.
Software suppliers are being challenged but are getting more investment.
Platforms and member management systems are opening up. Chat, AI, and machine learning becoming practical at scale.
Evolution of technology blurs human-AI boundaries.

A few key takeaways:

Alex focuses on the direction of technology in the industry, the importance of prioritization for operators, and the impact of technology in 2023.
The fitness industry has been slow to embrace new technologies in the past, but there has been a recent shift with more investments in tech and innovation. However, there is still work to be done, particularly in comparison to other sectors like hospitality and retail.
Operators should prioritize getting their operational foundations right before implementing new technologies. It is essential to have the right systems in place and ensure they are properly integrated.
Doing this will allow for easier implementation of "newer" things like conversational chatbots, data science, machine learning, and personalization engines. Change management and proper training for employees are also crucial factors in successful rollouts.

Resources:

Alex Peacock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexpeacock/?originalSubdomain=uk
Leisure Labs: https://leisurelabs.co.uk/

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Udaiyan Jatar, born and raised in India, had a unique upbringing due to his father's career as a fighter pilot. He attended 13 different schools across 6 states and became proficient in 4 or 5 languages. Coming from a family with a strong military background, this played a significant role in shaping his life. After completing his education, Jatar started his career in door-to-door sales. He later pursued an MBA and joined Procter and Gamble, a major company in India during the time of the country's economic opening.

In this role, he gained valuable experience working to take products to market from scratch. Later on, Jatar transitioned to Coca-Cola and played a pivotal role in helping the company expand into new categories within the Indian market. His significant contributions to Coke's growth in India showcased his strategic thinking, business acumen, and ability to identify unique market opportunities. Currently, Udaiyan Jatar is CEO and Co-Founder of Tecton, where he's working hard to move the needle on bringing an exogenous keytone beverage to the mass market while educating people at the same time.

On the future of the beverage business he states, "When I looked at our portfolio strategy at Coca-Cola company globally, I realized sugar had an uphill battle ahead. You also had the problem with aging populations not wanting to drink caffeine. And I also believed in my heart of hearts that I want to drink products we made that I was happy to drink, and that I was happy for my children to drink."

Tecton opened its Series A round of $10m at the beginning of 2023 and has already raised ~$5m from investors that include the former Chief of Neurosurgery at Walter Reed, an owner of an NFL team, and Empire Family Investments. (The owners of Empire Marketing Strategies, the nation's largest food broker.)

Tecton is looking for potential ambassadors, partners, licensees and strategic investors that can help build this revolutionary health & wellbeing brand. Some key moments:

Job with Coke in India, ran a joint venture with Coke and Nestle
Company shifted focus to health industry, created Tecton
DARPA funded, military-focused product.
Educate mass market on military technology products.
Dream big, start small. Test, learn, refine. Focus on "high-end dining," not McDonald's. Defend transcendent brands against competitors.
Looking forward to helping with distributors, samples, podcast, and ambassador program. Tecton will be a future household name!

A few key takeaways:

The genesis of the business was driven by his Co-Founder's severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) after retiring from Special Forces.
Tecton is a product that provides constant energy supply to the brain through the use of ketones, which are more efficient for brain cell metabolism than glucose.
DARPA, the Defense Research Projects Agency associated with the Pentagon, invested in the technology behind it, as well as looks for hard-to-commercialize technologies beneficial for the military and long-term performance of soldiers.
Udaiyan emphasized the importance of starting small, testing and refining before scaling up, and targeting high-end establishments before larger chains when launching their product.
There's a huge need to also educate the mass market and healthcare providers about the benefits of the technology, as well as the importance of reaching influencers and the tip of the adoption curve to spread their message effectively.

As a special gift for the HALO community, enter the code HALO on the company's website for 20% off. Expires Dec 31, 2023.

Resources:

Tecton: https://www.tectonlife.com/science
Udaiyan Jatar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/udaiyanjatar/
More on the history of Tecton: https://youtu.be/5SCxZnT1FUU

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HALO Talks, on behalf of Integrity Square, is pleased to share this podcast with our new client, HealthFitness Corporation. HealthFitness is committed to further expansion into facilities-based fitness management and has engaged Integrity Square to assist in outreach with prospective owners who are seeking a great home for their company and employees. If you are interested in exploring opportunities after hearing this podcast, please reach out to Rosa Alaimo-Quinn, our Chief of Staff, to arrange an introductory call with our team. (rosa@integritysq.com)

Sean McManamy is a key figure in the fitness industry, with a focus on creating communities and a sense of belonging through the management of fitness programs and on-site facilities. He has been with Trustmark, HealthFitness’ parent company, since before their acquisition of HealthFitness in 2010. Trustmark is a benefits company that has supported employers and their teams for more than 100 years.

Over the past decade, Sean has been instrumental in driving the success of HealthFitness, which now employs over 2,000 associates across the United States. They manage more than 400 sites for approximately 140 clients, primarily in the corporate sector but also serving hospitals, colleges, and municipalities. Despite the challenges faced, including the recent pandemic, Sean’s leadership has enabled HealthFitness to thrive in this constantly evolving industry.

“The foundation of our business has always been managing onsite fitness programs, and that's still our bread and butter today through a lot of twists and turns, through a little something called a pandemic!” states McManamy. “We love this space, and we’re ready to grow and ready to invest to grow.”

Some key moments:

History of location management from staffing to building relationships.
April of 2021 HealthFitness acquired Midtown Health, a fitness management provider and subsidiary of Chicago-based Tennis Corporation of America (TCA) leading to a successful onboarding of 400 employees and 100% client retention. Expanded product portfolio, including virtual fitness, gym network and assisted stretching program.
Increased communication and employee engagement during COVID.
Family businesses prioritize employees and clients. Strong connection between employees and clients. Proud of support provided through benefits, education, and networking.
Thinking strategically about build/buy/partner decisions to address emerging client needs

A few key takeaways:

Employers are recognizing the value of direct employee communication. Coordinated and smart communication is essential to compete with other benefits and employer programs.
While the corporate fitness and wellness market has not recovered to pre-COVID levels, our clients are increasingly looking to create positive return-to-office experiences with key amenities like the fitness center.
One-on-one interactions and building relationships with on-site employees are crucial for engagement. Sitting down and talking directly with employees is the most effective way to do that!
Membership at corporate fitness centers has been down from pre-COVID levels, but membership at health system wellness centers has recovered to 100% or higher.
Fostering community within companies is a priority for clients. Companies are looking to the fitness center to help them strengthen and foster this sense of community, particularly as employees work on-site, in a hybrid model, or fully virtually.
There is a growing demand for better amenities and experiences. Companies are investing more in their office spaces, including larger and better-equipped facilities, and there is competition to attract and retain talent. Companies are seeking more programming and better services in corporate spaces to create a great workplace environment.

Resources: Sean McManamy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmcmanamy/ Health Fitness: https://www.healthfitness.com/ Trustmark: https://www.trustmarkbenefits.com

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Eziah Syed is a former athlete with a background in fitness and health. He played basketball at a national level in Canada and also had some experience in the tech space. His life took a turn when his mother was diagnosed with cancer and his brother suffered a serious fall, resulting in multiple injuries. These personal experiences made Eziah reflect on the healthcare system and the care received. He noticed gaps and questioned why his own injuries were taking longer to heal than expected. This led him to explore the connection between nutrition and healing, realizing that the medical community was largely unaware of the impact of nutrition on the body's healing process. Eziah decided to take action and founded his own firm to bridge the gap between healthcare and nutrition, aiming to provide better guidance and resources for those in need.

He states, "We developed our own formulations, and we go through a very rigorous pharma-like process, to develop what we call nutrapharma which lives in a class in between pharma and supplements. We don't even use the word supplements. We call this nutrapharma because you'll see from us randomized published trials, placebo controlled trials, biopsy studies and more. You'll see a variety of things being done that typically aren't done In the dietary supplement world, and we think that's what's allowed us to get the adoption in the medical community and then in professional sports and the athletic world."

Some key moments:

Health challenges spark realization, founding innovative firm.
Validated medical nutrition product with scientific rigor.
Building science, renowned physicians, clinical data. Winning strategy.
Product portfolio designed for acute and daily needs.
Start-ups require grit and resilience in challenging environments. A book on proactive healthcare is recommended.

A few key takeaways:

Mend has developed a line of products called nutrapharma, which are formulated with scientific rigor similar to pharmaceuticals. They have undergone randomized trials, placebo-controlled trials, and biopsy studies, setting them apart from the others.
Eziah sought validation from medical professionals, including renowned physicians and dietitians, to confirm the legitimacy of their products. This led to the formation of a scientific advisory board, helping gain acceptance from the medical community.
Mend has created products for both acute needs, such as injuries and surgeries, and daily maintenance addressing chronic conditions. Each formulation targets specific endpoints, such as protein and inflammatory markers, to provide evidence-based treatment.
Sayed emphasizes the challenges and roller coaster nature of startups, highlighting the importance of grit and resilience. They compare the startup experience to a cold plunge, where uncomfortable situations are embraced to learn and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

Resources:

Mend: https://mend.me/
Mend Science Board: https://mend.me/pages/science
Eziah Syed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eziah/

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Randy Sussman is an entrepreneur who identified a gap in the market for pickleball apparel early on. Observing that players were initially wearing items like heavy cotton shirts with kitschy designs, he quickly realized the need for high-quality, stylish clothing in this growing sport. The number of players have grown exponentially to approximately 7-8 million players, with 35-40 million having tried it at least once last year.

Determined to meet this demand Randy approached his friend David, an experienced apparel professional in New York City. Despite initial skepticism, Randy's unwavering conviction convinced David to offer his advice. This marked the beginning of Sussman's journey into the world of pickleball apparel, challenging the conventional belief that "you only go into the apparel business to lose money!"

The sport shows no signs of letting up. Sussman states, "You visit the courts in Delray . . . and you see really strong play! Night time or on the weekends . . . you find kids that are in their twenties, early thirties, teenagers . . . they're all out there playing, and they can really play the game! They're athletes. They come from hockey. They come from baseball. They fall in love with this sport."

Some key moments:

Launched in December 2019. Despite the pandemic in March 2020, they expanded from t-shirts and hoodies to wristbands, hats, visors, shorts, and more.
The sport of pickleball, with its ability to encompass a health active lifestyle outdoors, aligns perfectly with the industry's goals.
Pickleball creates a strong sense of community. It brings people together like no other sport.
With millions of people playing and a growing industry, major players are getting involved. The Atlantic City open, owned by three partners including Kyle Yates, attracted 780 players and a dozen vendors.

A few key takeaways:

Randy Sussman is the founder of PB1965, a brand specializing in pickleball apparel. They offer fun and fashionable clothing that allows players to proudly represent the sport.
The industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Now there are an estimated 7-8 million players, with around 35-40 million people trying the sport at least once last year.
PB1965 focuses on creating a sense of community. The brand's logo and quality apparel help players feel proud to be a part of the sport. PB1965 aims to differentiate itself from generic sportswear by cultivating a unique identity specific to pickleball.
The US Open pickleball tournament showcased the diversity of players in terms of age. From 11-year-old kids to seasoned seniors, pickleball appeals to a wide range of ages. PB1965 considers this demographic diversity when designing and marketing its apparel.
Despite facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, PB1965 has successfully navigated the market. Their line has grown from t-shirts and hoodies to include wristbands, hats, visors, shorts, and skorts. PB1965 aims to continue evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of pickleball players.

Resources:

PB 1965: http://www.pb1965.com
US Open Pickleball Tournament: https://www.usopenpickleballchampionship.com/
Atlantic City Pickleball Open: https://atlanticcitypickleballopen.com/
Kyle Yates: https://www.instagram.com/kyleyates.pb/?hl=en

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Natacha Nelson's journey has been one of resilience and determination. In college, she faced the disappointment of not making any sports teams and struggled to find her identity as a mixed-race individual. Battling addiction, she eventually left. Not too shortly after, a moment of realization pushed her to make major changes. Working tirelessly in multiple restaurants, Natacha decided to return to a junior college to pursue her dream of going into the medical space. Starting with anatomy and physiology classes, she gradually worked her way up, eventually becoming a chiropractor and running her own business, specializing in working with athletes. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Natacha's unwavering spirit led her to achieve her goals and serve as a testament to the power of perseverance.

On making effective, lasting changes, Natasha approaches it in a unique way. She states, 'When it comes to whether it's food or exercise, most people say, 'okay, I'm going to give up all these foods' or 'exercise every day' or whatever . . . and they make it too big. When it comes to food for example, I always ask what is it that you can add into your diet (or lifestyle) first? Adding a fruit, a vegetable, more water, better sleep."

Some key moments:

Struggle with identity, addiction, and determination lead to success.
Personal trajectory, triggers, partying, mental health acceptance.
Exercise used for stress relief and motivation.
Her 8-week course helps people recognize and address triggers.
Love learning, connecting, and communicating with others.
Freedom, entrepreneurship, trade-offs, flexibility, connection, balance.

A few key takeaways:

Natacha shares her journey of resilience and overcoming challenges. From struggling in college to getting into the medical field, to running her own business, her story highlights the power of determination and self-belief.
The importance of sharing our stories and being open about our struggles is a recurring theme in this episode. Natacha discusses how she initially hesitated to share her full story with others but eventually became comfortable in her own skin. This allowed her to share experiences without any shame or embarrassment, which led to her writing a book and creating a course to help others.
Natacha's course, "The Untamed Heart," is an eight-week program that can be done at one's own pace online. Additionally, she offers live sessions where participants can interact with her and other group members, providing a more intimate learning experience.
The shift in societal attitudes towards mental health is also highlighted. Natacha points out that there is now more acceptance and understanding when it comes to discussing mental health issues, which creates an environment where people feel more comfortable seeking help and support.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Natacha Nelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natacha-nelson-a76a93111/
Untamed Heart: https://www.bebetter.life/the-untamed-heart

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Rechelle Balanzat, an extremely determined, driven, and resilient entrepreneur, has overcome the rather large challenges of breaking into the highly competitive dry cleaning market with her company, JULIETTE. With her immense success in this competitive space, Rechelle now helms three different brands and 6 locations in NYC. New York has been her home for over 20 years, enabling her to understand the city's unique mentality and lifestyle. Her expertise with the fast-paced demands of New Yorkers (who expect everything to be done "yesterday!") extends to providing them with efficient and timely cleaning services.

Balanzat has literally worked in dry cleaners herself, learned the business from the ground up, and has created a brand poised to conquer new markets (when the time is right.) She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong company culture, finding the right people who align with what your company stands for as well as the values and the needs of your customers. Rechelle's customer-centric focus and leading with integrity has allowed her to build a workforce that truly embodies her brand's high-touch model. On the challenges of building a business she states, "Fundraising was a wonderful learning lesson. I say that because it was filled with surprises. It was filled with decisions and outcomes that I was not expecting nor that I wanted. But it forced me to look at other ways to make money. It forced me to think outside of the box when I launched in 2014, and I was immediately successful. I was cash flow positive and prototype built! Then it was, 'let's go raise!' but I could not split my time between actively fundraising and trying to build the business. I had to focus on building to profitability as soon as possible."

Some key moments:

Entrepreneurs should strongly consider focusing on building their brand locally first.
Pete's gas station encounter with a Top Golf Culinary Team Manager.
Client relations matter, creating a motivated culture.
Sexy NYC brand that caters to high performers. JULIETTE is a brand that stands alone in the dry cleaning space.
Price list is not the primary decision factor. The whole experience matters.
Success is defined by personal decisions and opportunities.

A few key takeaways:

Rechelle emphasizes the importance of understanding the needs and demands of customers, especially in a highly competitive area like NYC. She saw an opportunity to disrupt the fragmented and antiquated market by providing a more modern, high tech, and customer-centric approach.
Unlike previous dry cleaning businesses that focused on scalability and centralization, Rechelle's company takes a more personalized approach. She focuses on providing high-touch, high-quality care for garments and ensuring customers receive their items back in the time promised.
Hiring and training the right type of people is a significant challenge for any business. Rechelle prioritizes creating a culture centered around consumer satisfaction, leading with integrity, and finding employees who embody care and attention to detail.
There's no "fun" in fundraising! Rechelle's business is totally self-funded and, while VC's are definitely paying attention now, one of her goals is to shed further light on the inequities that exist for women and minorities in the fundraising world.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:

Rechelle Balanzat: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irechelle/
Juliette: https://www.juliette.nyc/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore interviews Blake Richards formerly with Nike as a Senior Data Quality Analyst, then Senior Global Membership Ops Process Coordinator and now as the Founder of Wunup.

Wunup is a one-of-a-kind app that dives into world of gamification and peer-to-peer challenges in the fitness industry. Blake shares his journey from working at Nike to creating his own company, and how the culture and innovation at Nike influenced his entrepreneurial pursuits. From linking up with Apple Health and Stripe to creating challenges and inviting friends, Blake reveals the inner workings of his fun new tool.

With regard to the challenges and accountability for fitness between friends he states, "One thing we'd focus on is accountability, and it was through friends doing different challenges. Basically we would just be using Venmo. I was gifted an Apple Watch and we were all doing these challenges competing for things like Chick-fil-A and bragging rights and we asked ourselves if there's anything else out there? It was from that point where we just kind of started."

Some key moments:

Nike taught him about company motivation and diversity. Starting a business requires research and learning.
Democratizing a platform for group challenges.
Link Apple Health, Strava, etc . . .create a Stripe account, and start challenge!
Art and science project that drives market. Embed into existing competitions for partnerships. Donation component for positive perception.

A few key takeaways:

Wunup allows users to wager between friends with their own money as a reward, making it unique among other fitness platforms.
Before starting Wunup, Blake worked at Nike for two years, where he gained valuable insights into company culture, innovation, and the importance of hiring people with diverse backgrounds. He also learned about achieving excellence and execution at the highest level.
Blake's desire to improve processes and tell the story of athletes led him to start his own company. He emphasizes the importance of taking the time to learn from other companies and industries before diving into entrepreneurship.
Blake's experience with accountability and fitness challenges among friends, using Venmo as a platform, inspired him to create Wunup as a more comprehensive and gamified fitness solution.
Wunnup connects to Apple Health and Stripe and allows users to create fitness challenges with their friends. Challenges can be based on activities like running, walking, cycling, swimming, or calorie tracking. Users can wager money on these challenges, adding a competitive element to their fitness goals.

Click here to download transcript.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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In this episode, Cale Owen of Gym Launch dives deep into strategies to help engage gym members, maximize profit, and help take business owners to the next level. Cale opens up about the challenge many gym-goers face - the reluctance to put in hard work and effort. He shares his recommendations on how to combat this and engage members by regularly reaching out to them, checking on their progress and well-being. (The simple handwritten card can be a game-changer in client retention!)

Pete and Cale go on to discuss the (extremely!) broken marketing and advertising strategies all too prevalent in the fitness industry. Owen states, "The question then becomes . . . what is the offer? And are we able to monetize on that enough to where that new client that I just signed up from this ad pays not only for themselves, the cost to acquire them, but also pays for the next person plus profit in the 1st 30 days? That's the equation we look for. Can we make a profit and pay for 2 new customers right at sign up? . . . We teach gym owners how to be able to do that."

When it comes to an effective rewards/incentive system, Cale and Pete both agree that aligning rewards with what clients truly value, rather than relying solely on cost and discounting is critical. (This is a lesson many in the industry have yet to learn, unfortunately.) It's crucial owners start thinking about marketing as an investment into their company, not a cost! Learn how to maximize profit per client and find ways to monetize beyond the all too common "race to zero" (and consequently showing lack of value for what we offer.)

Some key moments:

Jim Launch was founded by Alex and Leila Hormozi in 2016. Initially, they did gym makeovers and later switched to a licensing model with information courses and coaching. Gym Launch now offers more services to help gym owners reach more people and make profitable businesses.
Maximize profit by understanding customer lifetime value.
Adjust offer and pricing based on activities.
Reward systems must be done creatively, offering what the client values.
Regular client outreach is essential for gym retention. Gym owners should divide members into groups and reach out at least once a week, preferably twice.
Sending personalized handwritten cards once a month or quarterly for larger gyms is a nice touch. Knowing clients' names and making them feel recognized is crucial for a successful gym.
Fitness is always in demand, regardless of trends.

A few key takeaways:

Building relationships and providing personalized support is crucial for gym owners to retain members. The speaker recommends reaching out to members regularly and sending handwritten cards to celebrate their achievements.
Incorporating workout recovery products and services is essential for gyms to prevent losing customers to other recovery spas and services. Pete mentions HigherDose that offers various recovery products like infrared technology, LED light masks, and PEMF mats and blankets.
The podcast discusses the broken model in the fitness industry and how gym owners struggle with marketing, advertising, and sales. Gym Launch offers a "done for you" system to help owners with lead generation, sales training, and client messaging.
Knowing your numbers and staying cash flow positive is crucial. Understanding the lifetime value of clients and spending within means can lead to scaling and continuous spending for advertising and business growth.
Gym owners should focus on maximizing profit per client and finding ways to monetize beyond membership fees, such as selling supplements. Additionally, implementing creative and meaningful reward systems based on what the client values can increase client retention and profitability.

Click here to download transcript.

Resources:
If you're not already familiar, check out Promotion Vault . . . mentioned in the podcast. We spoke with CEO, Brian Mitchell a while back.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore interviews long time friend and serial entrepreneur, Chris Place, Founder and CEO of RINGO.

Chris got inspired to create his incredibly innovative product by a gathering of friends in the Florida Keys. During their reunion, they struggled to capture a group photo on a small boat while trying to lean the phone up against their water bottle. (Can you relate?!) This sparked an idea – why not create a water bottle that could also hold a phone very securely?

Chris and team started sketching and soon recognized the multitude of uses the product has for those who don't want to lug around a tripod (many of which are now not permitted in gyms anyway!) The response has been overwhelmingly positive, they have secured design patents, and are currently awaiting a utility patent. Chris's product not only solves a common problem but is also "over engineered" with meticulous attention to detail, making it difficult to replicate.

The company is completely self funded and, having gone through this previously, Place states, "In this early stage, 'sales solves everything' is the motto. If you just don't sell, everything stops. If the moment you stop getting that revenue in, you're looking at your employees and thinking, 'Oh, someone's going to have to go here' and nobody wants that."

Some key moments:

Water bottle turns into portable phone tripod.
Surprising interest in corporate promotional collaboration opportunities.
Outsourcing, low labor, focus on marketing.
Embracing vulnerability leads to personal growth.
T-shirts, water bottles spur brand loyalty.

A few key takeaways:

Chris is a serial entrepreneur in the consumer products industry. His previous venture, a lunchbox company called Prep'd, achieved $5 million in sales in its first year.
Chris has now developed a water bottle called Ringo which also functions as a tripod for your phone. It's designed with durability and functionality in mind, using high-quality materials that are "over engineered" according to Place.
The idea came from the frustrating experience of trying to take a group photo on a boat and struggling to prop up the phone with a water bottle. The goal was to create a versatile and reliable product for those who want to take photos without carrying a tripod.

Click here to download transcript.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcome the powerhouse Mother/Daughter team of Nikki Warren and Coral Warren from KaiaFit

Nikki and Koral are two, super passionate individuals who began their journey in gymnastics. While watching children at gymnastics facilities, they realized the joy and love that came from being active and connected with their bodies. However, they also noticed that many mothers on the sidelines had lost their enthusiasm for fitness and the feeling of "being alive."

This sparked a calling to help both children and women find their passion for physical activity and vibrant living. As experienced coaches, Nikki and Koral recognized that their ability to positively impact children relied on first supporting women. They understood that by empowering women, they could create stronger communities and ultimately benefit the children they worked with. With this in mind, they embarked on a mission to not only coach fitness but to delve into various aspects such as nutrition, movement, and mobility.

They aimed to help women discover what would make their bodies thrive and bring them happiness and from this, KaiaFit was born. Through their unique approach and dedication to individual success, Nikki and Koral have built a reputation for their ability to guide women towards a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.

"Sure, we have 25 locations, but each location is building a strong community. The people that are part of it are out in the community, building a healthier community, building better children, and building stronger families," states Koral.

Some key moments:

Helping children by empowering women through fitness.
The Founders' passion for gymnastics leads to success.
Gymnastics, obstacle courses, rock climbing - existing traffic, repurpose space.
Limited memberships generate more revenue per visit.
Franchisors responsible for success of franchisees.
Excited team ready to conquer the world!

A few key takeaways:

Guiding towards success: The Warren's believes in saying yes, but also guiding people towards the right path for success, even if it means not immediately opening a franchise. They offer coaching and community support as alternative ways to be involved in their business.
Balancing community and profit: Initially, the focus was on building a strong community rather than making money, but the importance of being business-minded and financially savvy quickly became apparent. Now, growth and income for franchisees are prioritized, which may mean saying no more often to set people up for success.
Creating value and optimizing time: By potentially collaborating with existing facilities, they can tap into strong foot traffic and provide parents with an opportunity to dedicate time to themselves instead of just being spectators.
Franchising vs. licensing: Pete, Nikki and Coral touch on the differences between franchising and licensing, highlighting the critical responsibility of the franchisor to support and guide the franchisees. Franchisees rely on the franchisor for their profit and loss guidance, while licensing involves less support and more responsibility on the licensee.
Balancing short-term and long-term goals: While the team is interested in empowering people and allowing them to use their brand, they also consider long-term implications and the fit of partnerships.

Click here to download transcript.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes back (for the third time!) the team of Austin Cohen and Justin Turetsky.

FlexIt’s mission is to empower everyone with flexible Interconnected Health experiences, including Virtual Personal Training, Virtual Nutrition, and Virtual Physical Therapy – Wherever, Whenever®.

The platform is the ultimate tool for motivation and accountability, helping users reach their health and wellness goals through live, 1-on-1, private sessions with elite fitness and wellness professionals and custom features designed and optimized for training. Each client’s program is customized based on their needs, lifestyle, and goals and delivered on a proprietary platform designed and optimized for wellness experiences.

During the pandemic, the team successfully brought clubs and trainers to a virtual marketplace, connecting consumers with fitness experts and incorporating club brands. As things progressed and the pandemic started to fade, they also recognized the need for preventive health services in the growing field of Telehealth. They saw there was a chance to bridge the gap between consumers who don't necessarily need a doctor but want convenient access to fitness and wellness experts.

"I think for us, at our core, we've always tried to have a consistent revenue generating model that is built on good business practices and be able to cut back some of our spend, which was focused on growth and marketing," states Cohen.

They offer a wide range of fitness pillars, including high-intensity training, boxing, strength training, and physical therapy. The platform even provides access to doctors of physical therapy for specialized care, such as pre and postnatal training or injury recovery.

FlexIt has also been recognized and awarded by prominent industry publications including Men’s Health, Runner’s World, and U.S. News & World Report, and was named a "Most Innovative Product of 2021" by Innovation & Tech Today.

Some key moments:

[00:03:58] Digitizing live two-way fitness experiences for all.

[00:08:03] Industry evolving, not pivoting or changing.

[00:11:17] Entrepreneurial question: different pulse, confluence, coexistence.

[00:14:12] Challenging times for business leaders, uncertain future.

[00:17:15] Synchronous communication leads to personalization and immersion.

A few key takeaways:

FlexIt has transitioned from focusing solely on virtual personal training to embracing interconnected health. They offer four core pillars of nutrition, physical therapy, low-impact wellness, and fitness training, spanning 28 modalities.
The company has developed its own proprietary technology that optimizes the online personal training experience. Trainers can interact with clients as if they were physically in the same space, using features like pre-recorded videos, drawing on the screen, and sending workout plans.
They draw inspiration from the telehealth industry, where virtual consultations have become more common. They aim to fill the void for preventive health services, providing convenient access for individuals who don't necessarily need a doctor but still want expert guidance in their fitness and wellness journey.
Their technology is applicable in both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) contexts. Their tech is appropriate for use on corporate wellness platforms as well as their direct-to-consumer platform.
FlexIt's ability to adapt their business model as the market evolves is highlighted. They used a methodical approach to educate their clients on the changes and benefits that come with their evolving services.

Click here to download transcript.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Please go to http://bit.ly/haloacademylive and fill in our 2-question survey. Whether we go ahead with this iniitiative will depend solely on the survey responses we receive, so if you're at all interested in this. . .please do us that favor. It'll take 30 seconds or less.

With appreciation,
Pete Moore-Managing Partner & Founder, Integrity Square
David Ganulin-Chief Marketing Officer, Integrity Square & HALO Talks Executive Producer

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Joining us on this episode of HALO Talks are a cast of veteran actors and incredibly talented individuals who have combined their love for performing, writing, and a newfound passion for pickleball to create something truly special: Pickleball is Life-Dill With It! Watch the hilarious trailer here!

Today's guests include Carol Ann Demarco, Susan Gallagher, Catherine Curtin, and Leigh Anne West.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Carol Ann and Leigh Anne found themselves brainstorming ideas for a comedy project. Drawing from their experiences in New York Theatre and indie short films, they came up with the concept of a mockumentary that serves as a bit of a "love letter" to Cape May, the quirky and eccentric characters they encountered in the world of pickleball, and the sport itself.

Despite initial resistance as a former tennis player, Leigh Anne embraced the project wholeheartedly. She and Carol met every Friday to develop the characters and scenarios, created a pilot, and with the addition of powerhouses Catherine and Susan to the team, their project began to really take off.

The pilot, however, is not just about the sport itself. It also serves as a platform to showcase talented actresses, and challenges stereotypes of 'older' women. What started as a personal diary of sorts soon transformed into this hilarious pilot that anyone who has ever picked up a pickleball racquet could relate to in some way.

The group also discusses the public's hunger for content and the growing popularity of pickleball as a sport, making this the perfect opportunity to bring "Pickleball Is Life" to the masses. They also touch on the current writer's strike (still happening as of August 2023) which opens doors for production and shooting, highlighting the advantage of having content ready to go once the strike ends.

"We have content that [the networks] can have now . . . instead of 'you need to make your content,' which will take 6 months. We have content that you could have right now and it's really funny, and it is the most popular thing going in the world right now," states Curtin.

Some key moments:

[00:01:23] Pickleball enthusiasts combine passion for acting.

[00:04:58] New York theater duo creates pickleball mockumentary.

[00:11:57] Agent received email. Offer to play pickleball. Excited to work with familiar faces. Grateful for opportunity and fun experience.

[00:17:07] Proof of concept TV pilot seeks fan base and investors for full season.

[00:18:45] Age of actors not the issue, public's interest is. Pickleball trend creates content opportunity. Writer's strike will create demand for content.

[00:24:15] Mental health and community through fitness.

A few key takeaways:

Pickleball has gained tremendous popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a sense of community and connection for players of all ages.
The TV pilot "Pickleball is Life: Dill With It!" was created as a love letter to Cape May and the pickleball community, showcasing talented actresses Leigh Anne West, Carol Anne Demarco, Susan Gallagher, and Catherine Curtin.
The project evolved from brainstorming a comedy about experiences in New York Theatre and indie short film into a mockumentary-style TV pilot, inspired by movies like "Best in Show."
The group emphasizes the importance of creating content on the subject of pickleball, as there is public hunger for it and the popularity of the sport provides an opportunity for unique storytelling.
Pickleball is seen as a democratic and inclusive sport, bringing people together regardless of skill level and providing an outlet for fun and teamwork.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Russ Meneve, an entrepreneur and inventor, experienced a life-changing event when he suffered a severe injury from a free weight bar a few years ago. It left him with a torn shoulder, requiring surgery and a grueling year-plus recovery period. Throughout this challenging journey, Russ realized there was a notable lack of safety measures available in the market to prevent such accidents.

He embarked on a mission to create something that could prevent injuries during free weight lifts. After months of experimentation and development, he and his team successfully invented an absolute game-changer. This innovative device features a laser that runs across the bar, allowing users to let go at any point during a lift. Upon release, the device promptly stops the bar from moving further. The versatility of the product enables it to be easily attached to existing racks and machines in any gym without the need for additional equipment purchases.

Russ's journey from successful stand up comedian, to injury, to recovery, to entrepreneur showcases his resilience and determination. His dedication to ensuring the safety of others and his relentless pursuit of a solution has brought about an incredible invention that has the potential to revolutionize the fitness industry.

If you're a gym owner, you absolutely need to reach out to Russ today at his LinkedIn page to learn more.

Some key moments:

[00:05:53] Enormous market for gym equipment with recurring fees.

[00:08:18] Gym accidents and injuries, bar safety solution.

[00:10:56] Initial design, iterations, and lifter feedback.

[00:16:40] Investors, rolling cap raise, reaching full amount.

[00:19:49] Inexperienced, but positive, successful entrepreneur's journey.

[00:21:55] Funding brings potential for 50+ gym units.

[00:24:29] Commercial release and safety.

A few key takeaways:

Safety is paramount in the HALO space. Russ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety in gyms and fitness centers. He gives details on his innovative device and how it can prevent accidents and injuries, highlighting the need for gyms to consider implementing such technologies.
Building a successful business requires funding . . . and it's not easy! In many cases, it may be necessary if you can't bootstrap. Russ relays his own approach to raising funds and emphasizes the importance of having sufficient capital to ensure the successful development and completion of your project.
Experience is not always a prerequisite for success. As a former, successful stand up comic, Russ is new to the space, but he believes his lack of experience actually worked in his favor. Not coming in with preconceived notions or established norms allowed him to think innovatively and develop a product that filled a gap in the market.
Perseverance is key. Cliche as it may sound, it really is all about learning from the entrepreneurial journey. There are certainly tons of challenges and loneliness, but he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to stay patient and maintain the right mindset.
Network. Building a network and establishing credibility is a must, and there are no short cuts. It's also critical to obtain case studies, and testimonials to demonstrate the effectiveness and legitimacy of the product.

Click here to download transcript.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/
Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes Laura Munkholm, President and Co-Founder at Walla.

Laura, seven months pregnant with her second child, was running her Yoga 6 location and facing a frustrating lack of insight into her teacher's performance. Determined to find a solution, she partnered with Doug Hecht to create a game-changing product in the face of fierce competition. Laura chats about her journey of identifying frustrations and building solutions from the root cause and shares invaluable lessons learned, the importance of connection and community in entrepreneurship, and the power of understanding diverse perceptions in design.

Regarding the importance of experience and understanding a vertical, she states, "When I looked at competitors, I saw a lot of companies that were either underfunded, undercapitalized, and who had experience but didn't understand what it was going to take to build a competing product. Or, I saw tech people who could raise some money but didn't actually understand the use cases of the industry."

Some key moments:

[00:01:42] Corporate sales career to yoga studio success.

[00:04:32] Yoga industry charges what it's worth.

[00:10:18] Running software company, feature requests, experience, version two, waiting for fixes, asking for sale, MINDBODY and class pass partnership, frustrations.

[00:14:43] "Prioritize feature set based on experience."

[00:19:57] Prioritize salespeople who understand industry and software.

[00:21:11] Successful conversions, exciting new studios, streamlined migration.

A few key takeaways:

Identifying a frustration or problem is crucial before starting a business or pursuing an idea. Solving genuine problems leads to valuable and successful products.
Building a quality product is essential in a competitive industry. Researching and understanding the industry's use cases is important to create a robust solution that meets customers' needs.
Prioritizing tasks and features is a critical skill for entrepreneurs. It can be helpful to partner with someone who excels in prioritization to ensure the business focuses on its core mission and goals.
Understanding and empathizing with the target audience is crucial for effective sales and marketing. Hiring salespeople who have experience in the industry and can speak the language of clients can help build trust and rapport with customers.
Diversity in design is important to ensure that products and user interfaces cater to different perspectives. Taking into account how different groups perceive colors, structures, and design can lead to more inclusive and user-friendly experiences.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes back Emre Ozgur, long time industry veteran and Founder of Safe Sweat. (See Emre's first HALO Talks chat here.)

Emre is the Co-Founder of Safe Sweat, a revolutionary fitness concept that was born out of the pandemic. After recognizing the challenges faced by individuals who felt intimidated by traditional gyms, Emre and his team embarked on a mission to create a safe and comfortable space for everyone. They developed Safe Sweat to cater to a demographic that had been underserved in the fitness industry by offering an environment that feels like exercising at home, but away from home. Emre's vision and determination have played a pivotal role in empowering people to overcome their fears of "going to the gym" and helping them to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

With regards to creating his space he states, "We felt that there was an underserved community that was going to the gyms. They left, then they tried to work out from home. We know it's very difficult to do that, so we said, what if we create a space where it feels like you're working out at home, but away from home? And that's were Safe Sweat came from."

Some key moments:

[00:02:09] Safe Sweat: Solving gym intimidation with convenience.

[00:04:55] Safe Sweat offers a private, customizable fitness experience.

[00:10:06] 400 members, 136 hours/day, 10-20% rent revenue.

[00:17:14] 5-star reviews on Google, social media advertising, dedicated home gyms, convenience, small target demographic proved wrong.

[00:21:26] Franchise offer includes website, training, conventions.

[00:23:45] Equipment, allergies, personalization, privacy, results.

A few key takeaways:

The importance of maximizing operating hours and understanding capacity to determine potential revenue for fitness studios.
The significance of providing a dedicated workout space to eliminate distractions and procrastination, leading to increased motivation for people to exercise.
The challenges faced by individuals who are severely overweight and the impact it has on their daily lives, emphasizing the need for prioritizing physical activity over things like social media consumption.
The creation of Safe Sweat as a premium boutique fitness studio aimed at providing a comfortable and inclusive environment for beginners and individuals who feel intimidated by traditional gyms.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes Carol Ann Chambers, Director of Workforce Innovation & Community Partnerships, Adjunct Professor at Lionel University.

Carol Ann has dedicated the past 15 years of her life to the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space. Although she started as a volunteer coach without any certifications, her passion for fitness and health led her to establish her own nonprofit organization focused on kids' fitness. Working with new and young athletes, Carol realized her true calling was to be a positive and supportive influence in their lives, just as her high school cross country and track and field coaches had been for her.

Inspired by her coaches, Carol aspired to become a coach herself, with a specific focus on young athletes. She aimed to make a difference in the lives of these individuals, paying forward the same mentorship and guidance she had received.

Regarding the Importance of in-person mentorship she states, "You can teach all of that in a classroom, but you cannot replace that human interaction, and especially in this industry. You need to show people by doing you need to be with them, and you need to have that connection in person."

Carol Ann's organization, Lionel University, partners with fitness organizations to provide tailored educational pathways for staff at all levels. They focus on innovation and creating programs that meet the unique needs and desires of their students. With a team of experienced educators and accreditation experts, they ensure the content meets educational standards while handling the accreditation process. If you are in charge of education at your fitness facility, definitely reach out to Lionel and see what they can do for you.

Some key moments:

[00:02:33] Passion for fitness, coaching, and serving community.

[00:05:15] Lionel University promotes fitness education at all levels.

[00:07:43] Partnering with fitness organizations nationwide, mentorship focus.

[00:12:13] 30-year-old startup transitioning to Lionel University. Innovative, student-focused with specialized programs.

[00:13:26] Working with big names, becoming national academic partners, creating tailored programs for businesses.

[00:17:25] Accredited institution providing customizable curriculum and credit.

A few key takeaways:

Carol is the leader of a division at Lionel University that focuses on reaching students from underresourced communities in San Diego. Through a partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission's Leadership Academy, they have created a scholarship-based workforce program that trains students to become certified personal or fitness trainers, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness and promote overall health and fitness.
Education is a key component of Carol's work. They believe in the importance of continued education for coaches to improve retention and save businesses money. Their organization, Lionel University, offers education for fitness professionals, from certificate level to Master's of Science in exercise science. They are also partnering with fitness organizations to bring their initiatives to communities across the nation.
Carol emphasizes the ripple effect that a great coach and mentor can have on individuals and communities. They believe that starting with one athlete or person and building them up can lead to a positive impact on their immediate family, friends, community, gym, and beyond.
Lionel offers customized educational pathways for businesses and brands, tailoring programs for different models of operation. Their courses provide college credits that can be applied towards associate's or bachelor's degrees, and they handle the accreditation process, making it easier for clients to focus on their own needs.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes back Andrew Menter, CEO and Founder of Physmodo. (If you missed his first show, check it out here.) Physmodo uses computer vision to deliver a quick, objective, automated and easily repeatable movement assessment to quantify how your body moves. It's a must-have for any fitness facility that offers personal training!

Andrew and Pete chat about the latest advancements in software and how it can impact the fitness industry. From measuring flexibility to personalized training based on assessments, he delves into the importance of understanding musculoskeletal health for both trainers and clients.

"In today's world, we pay close attention to biometrics like our sleep patterns, heart rate variability, and resting heart rate. However, when it comes to musculoskeletal health, we often lack an efficient measurement tool. That's where our innovation comes in. We have developed a solution that allows personal trainers to assess their clients' mobility within 30 seconds. Imagine this scenario: You walk into the gym, and your lower body mobility isn't up to par. Instead of ignoring the issue, we can adapt your training session accordingly. It's all about personalized guidance and making sure every client's needs are met," states Menter.

Andrew goes beyond just fitness and discusses the importance of member engagement for health club and studio operators. He suggests strategies to keep members motivated and prevent them from leaving. Plus, he introduces the idea of a scoring system to track progress over time.

Some key moments:

[00:03:32] Podcast assessment measures mobility, stability, and posture.

[00:09:37] Scoring component measures flexibility; people want improvement.

[00:11:54] Hard to cancel your health club membership if you got results.

[00:13:58] Carnival game scoring like a progress chart.

[00:17:21] Partnered with BeaverFit for distribution.

A few key takeaways:

Movement Assessment: It's critial to look at mobility assessment and understand the importance it plays in injury prevention and overall physical health. Physmodo introduces an assessment method that measures mobility, stability, posture, and symmetry, allowing trainers to tailor workouts based on individual needs.
Personalization and Engagement: Menter emphasizes the importance of health club operators and personal trainers in creating an engaging and results-driven experience for their members. Personalization and sequencing of narrative and messaging are suggested as effective methods in retaining members and keeping them motivated.
Tracking Progress: The podcast raises the question of why more people don't regularly track their progress in terms of musculoskeletal health. He highlights the need for quick and efficient measurements in this area, potentially through the use of biometrics, similar to how other health metrics are tracked, and suggest that it could play a significant role in preventing future injuries.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes Kimberley Clayton, CEO and Founder of SKOP Reformer, the world's first patented data analytic Pilates reformer. SKOP is positioned to disrupt the physical therapy and telemedicine sectors, allowing people to prevent and predict injuries as well as train, enhance, recover and rehabilitate physical movement.

Not one to enjoy conventional workouts, Kimberley reveals that Pilates is the exception for her, emphasizing its role in building a strong foundation for other activities. She stresses however that Pilates by itself is not enough and emphasizes the significance of cardio health.

Shifting gears, the conversation turns to the lack of action in providing capital to diverse entrepreneurs in the venture capital and private equity communities. Kimberley believes that fundraising and access to capital still heavily rely on personal connections, rather than democratizing the process.

On the roller coaster ride that is entrepreneurship, she states "There's going to be moments you are thinking to yourself, why am I doing this? And I'm crazy, and everyone thinks I'm crazy and what is happening? How did I get here? Just in those moments, remember how you feel today, how excited you are about it, how much you believe in it, and how passionate you are about it."

Kimberley reminisces about her upbringing and the early introduction to Pilates through her mother, who is also chiropractor. With a background in sports medicine, Kim's expertise lies in pre and postpartum care. With plans to launch towards the end of 2023, this is definitely a company to keep your eye on! Head to the website and opt-in for more.

Some key moments:

[00:06:31] Building unique machine, prioritizing form and wellness, shifting to B2B launch.

[00:08:58] Intense moment of self-doubt in entrepreneurship.

[00:11:17] Discrepancy in funding diverse entrepreneurs, lack of action.

[00:15:44] Building revenue streams through quality training protocols.

[00:20:18] Exciting credible source for home workout recovery.

A few key takeaways:

Kim recommends incorporating different types of workouts, such as cardio, lower body, and upper body exercises, to maintain a well-rounded fitness routine.
She is also obviously a proponent of Pilates, but emphasizes that it is not enough on its own and highlight the importance of incorporating cardio exercises for overall heart health.
There's a lot of frustration around the current system of fundraising and access to capital, feeling that it still primarily favors certain individuals and does not provide opportunities for a diverse range of entrepreneurs.
Clayton feels there should be more focus on long-term planning and injury prevention for young athletes, highlighting the gap she observed in athletic training.

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Eric Epstein is a seasoned private equity professional with over 30 years of experience. He began his career at the prestigious Blackstone Group in New York City, where he honed his skills for a few years before moving on to work with various private credit funds. Afterward, Eric joined the private equity group at Cerberus Capital and spent a decade working in their New York and Los Angeles offices. Currently, he operates as an independent sponsor. Eric has built strong relationships with family offices and institutional capital partners who support him in pursuing transactions primarily within the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector, and he is well-known for his involvement in such endeavors.

Eric shares his insights and experiences, emphasizing the benefits and professionalism of private equity. He highlights the complexities involved in the industry, including the relationships between landlords, franchisees, equity groups, and debt groups. He also discusses his own experience closing a deal just before COVID-19 hit and how it impacted the private equity sector. Eric's focus lies in consumer brands and rapidly growing franchises, emphasizing the importance of good gross margins and scalability.

Regarding the importance of cultural fit in partnerships he states, "You're not just selling your company for the highest price and moving on, you're entering a partnership. And so understanding the terms of that, not just economically and structurally, but also culturally, is a big deal."

Eric provides valuable insights on managing expectations, choosing the right partner, and ensuring a strong capital structure to support growth plans. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the critical role private equity continues to play in the HALO sector.

Some key moments:

[00:05:57] Entrepreneurs buy territory, borrow, open leases; private equity partnership benefits management team.

[00:07:49] Relationship-based, curated approach to securing transactions.

[00:10:42] Economics and culture key in partnership transactions.

[00:16:28] Benefits of private equity and franchise diligence.

[00:19:45] Agree on private equity model's deficiencies, long-term hold, growth plans, diverse shareholders, capital structure.

A few key takeaways:

Private equity offers benefits and professionalism. This episode highlights the advantages of private equity in terms of providing expertise and resources to help businesses grow and thrive.
Unit economics and trust are key considerations. Pete and Eric highlight the importance of analyzing the unit economics of a franchise or parent company partner to ensure long-term sustainability.
Eric shares his experience of closing a deal just before the pandemic hit, highlighting the initial excitement that quickly turned into challenges due to the unforeseen circumstances. However, they also mention that they and others in the industry have managed to bounce back well, indicating resilience in the face of adversity.

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Kristin Peterson is one of the three Founders of Volee that specializes in high-end, pickleball accessories. Their site states, "Volée is a Newport Beach based brand founded by three best friends inspired by their passion for court sports, style, fun and community. The retro vibe of California adds a sporty sophistication to the brand, making Volée’s elevated, multifunctional and fashionable bags and accessories stand out."

Alongside Co-Founders Ashley Rose and Kasey Martin, the idea was sparked when they played pickleball for the first time and immediately fell in love with the sport. Realizing the competition in the clothing industry, they decided to focus on accessories instead. Together, they came up with the idea of designing a high-end, well constructed, pickleball bag for women that looks good both on and off the court.

"The bags are packed with impressive features that make them stand out. From the hook on the crossbody that prevents placing the bag on the ground to the lined sunglass case, there are plenty of little details that make them special," states Peterson.

The partners discuss building out their brand that conveys a specific identity . . . and the role of celebrity influencers as they continue to scale. They also offer some solid advice for other entrepreneurs in balancing their passions and help managing startups.

Some key moments:

[00:01:49] Passionate group of friends create high-end pickleball bag & accessories company.

[00:04:12] Pickleball industry growth, potential for profitability.

[00:12:32] Entrepreneurs face roller coaster ride managing passions.

[00:15:38] Fewer SKUs for inventory.

[00:19:46] Building a brand that reflects personal identity.

[00:21:14] YouTube channel or podcast, visual appeal important.

A few key takeaways:

The pickleball industry is experiencing significant growth, both in terms of funding and the construction of facilities. This presents opportunities for entrepreneurs to enter the market and create successful brands.
When launching a product in the pickleball space, it is important to consider the target audience, particularly women who desire functional and fashionable gear. It is crucial to incorporate women's perspectives in the design process rather than simply saying something like, "Let's add pink to it."
Building a strong brand that sends a specific message about the wearer's identity is essential. People are now more aware of what their chosen brand says about them and what they want the brand to do for them. Functionality and fashion should be key considerations in the brand's offerings.
While there may be a lack of name brand athletes in pickleball, there are opportunities to leverage celebrity influencers and endorsements to promote and grow the brand. Whether to pay someone for endorsements or create a celebrity-branded line of gear is something worth exploring.
Starting an accessories company can be advantageous compared to an apparel company. With fewer variations in products, entrepreneurs can avoid struggles with inventory management and focus on creating a range of high-quality, well-designed bags that cater to the needs of pickleball players.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes Ahmed AbouElezz, the founder of FITT Finder. Ahmed shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning with arriving in the United States with only $3,000 in his bank account and working as a nightclub bouncer. He recounts sleeping in his car in San Francisco and strategically parking near a popular cafe frequented by startup investors. He reveals how he would act like he was ordering coffee and do some networking!

"The shocking thing is if you want a table inside of a restaurant, you will get it in less than 5 seconds on OpenTable. If you want a flight from LA to Austin, you will get it in 5 seconds from Kayak or Travelocity. . . Even jobs, you can find them immediately on Indeed. But guess what? When you search for 'yoga class near me' on Google, what you get is not a yoga class. It's not even close," states AbouElezz.

Ahmed also shares his vision for the platform to show nearby studios making it easier for users to make decisions based on their fitness preferences, as well as eventually be able to book directly. FITT Finder currently has the ability to filter based on location, date, time, budget, activity level, age, intensity, and availability.

They touch on potential collaborations, including partnering with Google to leverage their API and gain more exposure. An application like this is program like this is clearly long overdue . . . and we encourage you to reach out to Ahmed at FITT Finder to get your studio listed and to learn more.

Some key moments:

[00:02:17] Fitness industry lacks personalized and easy solutions for the consumer looking for nearby class listings (and more.)

[00:09:22] COVID led to unexpected success for FITT Finder.

[00:12:42] FITT Finder aggregates fitness activities and services based on location, categories, and preferences. It offers access to various channels, including live streaming and other options.

[00:13:31] Partnerships with travel companies benefit customers.

[00:19:16] Starting entrepreneurial venture without immediate revenue model.

A few key takeaways:

The fitness space is much more diverse than commonly thought, with twelve different channels including classes, outdoor activities, live streaming, and more.
FITT Finder helps users filter their search for fitness activities and services based on specific categories such as location, date, time, budget, and activity level.
It also helps users find free community workouts near their location, making it easier to stay active without the need for costly memberships.
COVID-19 presented an ideal window of opportunity for the company to launch, and they have successfully secured partnerships with healthcare and corporate wellness benefit providers to expand their user base.
Being proactive and taking advantage of opportunities is key in entrepreneurship, even when faced with uncertainties such as a lack of fixed compensation or a clear revenue model. Trusting one's instincts and believing in the evolution of an idea can lead to success.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes Taylor Watkins, founder of Digital Revenue Systems. They discuss topics such as ancillary revenue via in-club ads, using local businesses to create an ad network, concerns around in-club advertising, and more. Digital Revenue Systems tailor their programs accordingly based on a club's goals and preferences, whether it be advertising, communication improvement, or employee engagement.

They emphasize promoting the club's services and encouraging early sign-ups for things like camps and events. They also suggest the unique idea of a rewards network created by the operator to incentivize members. They also discuss obtaining local sponsorships, leveraging internal relationships, and gathering information about members' workplaces for effective hyper-local advertising.

Taylor states, "One of the biggest concerns we always get right when we start talking about this to club owners is, 'Oh man, I really don't want advertising here.' I usually ask after that how many TV's they have. And they'll say around 15-20. I'll then ask, 'Well what is it showing?' The answer of course is something like ESPN or HDTV . . . which they're just not getting paid on . . . We've found that every club, even though they think they're the same, they're different, they all have their little nuances and we want to tailor our programs to them accordingly."

Some key moments:

[00:02:41] Signage companies takeover, revenue sharing, size concerns.

[00:03:44] Advertising concerns addressed, tailored strategies for success.

[00:13:02] Leveraging internal relationships for local sponsorships.

[00:13:53] New partnership with DRS, community involvement.

[00:19:23] Mistakes are opportunities, focus on clients.

[00:22:02] Grow industry, benefit members, build businesses.

A few key takeaways:

The importance of localization and member base. Taylor emphasizes the significance of having a localized member base for health clubs. By understanding the local community and its preferences, clubs can better tailor their programs and offerings to increase retention rates and grow market share.
Leveraging advertising opportunities. Watkins opines on the potential for health clubs to monetize their existing digital displays and TVs by partnering with advertisers. By strategically incorporating advertisements, clubs can promote their services and generate additional revenue.
Creating a local rewards network. Watkins proposes the idea of a rewards network within health clubs, where members receive benefits as part of their membership. This system would not only incentivize members to stay engaged, but also create opportunities for local advertising and partnerships.
Gathering member information for effective local advertising. It's important to know where members work and understand their motivations. By leveraging internal relationships and sponsor databases, clubs can gather valuable information to create personalized and targeted local advertising campaigns.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, host Pete Moore welcomes special guest Paul Amoruso, Founder & CEO of bodQR. Paul discusses how his team solved an initial frustration for themselves, and then quickly realized they could sell the solution to other businesses in the space. The development of their software took years of iteration and testing different positionings and features.

They rolled the app out in waves to different target markets and believe there is a great opportunity in the HALO sector, especially for providers who want to deeply understand their members.

"The access for a member or a prospect is very simple. They scan a QR code with their smartphone if they're in a facility, or they could click a link if they're following it from an email or a website. They would take a minute to provide a little bit of information in our web app and maybe another minute to register . . . and they'd instantly be delivered a comprehensive body analysis along the lines of what you might get if you used a piece of hardware," states Amoruso.

Paul also highlights the lead generation potential of their tool and the company's commitment to providing a ten times return on investment for their subscribers. They discuss the possibility of offering additional tiers of service beyond basic subscriptions.

Like Pete, Paul also agrees that solving issues related to loneliness, diabetes, and obesity is where the future lies and emphasizes the importance of using bodQR to help people achieve desired results and help clubs end "member blindness."

Some key moments:

[00:03:27] Building, testing, and selling fitness software takes years.

[00:06:44] Access is easy via QR code/links. Comprehensive body analysis delivered instantly. Custom branded web app. Progression of analyses available, including goals and fitness diagnostics. Assessments take 2-5 minutes each.

[00:12:26] Struggling entrepreneurs need to assess their business.

[00:14:16] Consultative approach, hands-off doesn't work, 10x ROI, active role, tiers of service.

[00:20:48] Building business, making connections, solving problems.

A few key takeaways:

Problem-solving within your own business can lead to marketable solutions. Paul's team developed a software solution to address a problem they faced internally which proved to be highly valuable and marketable to others in the space.
Building and testing software takes time. The development process took three to four years and went through multiple iterations. This highlights the importance of patience and continuous improvement when creating (any!) product.
The HALO sector has many opportunities for businesses lacking member insights. Paul believes that there is a significant opportunity here, specifically for fitness providers who lack the tools they need to help them deeply understand their members. Providing advanced analysis and personalized reports can enhance the member experience.
Relationship-building and simplicity are essential. Pete and Paul both emphasized the importance of building real (not "AI") relationships as foundational approaches. They highlight the significance of nurturing connections with customers and creating user-friendly experiences.
Business models need to adapt to changing demands.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, Pete Moore sat with Yvette and Neal McGaffin, Co-Founders of Reform RX to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the connected Pilates space, what it's like to get involved with manufacturing, and more!

They delve into strategies for the HALO sector during COVID, highlighting that partnerships with gyms and studios may be a more effective approach versus trying to go direct-to-consumer initially. They also emphasize the importance of considering various options when developing a business strategy.

The couple also discusses their (very winding!) four year journey of research and development to roll out the "Porsche" of the Pilates industry. Neal states, "QR codes! This is the (one) of the features that will stand you out from competitors. Scanning a QR code and allowing members to bring metrics to your users. . . .and for them to take away what they've done in your class" is a game changer for studio owners. Finally Neal and Yvette also talk about the emotional roller coaster of being a married couple running a business and staying positive.

Some key moments:

[00:01:58] Own studios, innovate, create Reformer, succeed!

[00:04:21] Connected fitness market strategies during COVID.

[00:11:37] Entrepreneurship, roller coaster, emotional management, success.

[00:15:50] Celebrate wins, not focus on losses.

[00:18:06] Flexible content library and equipment for workouts.

[00:19:29] Keep going! Perfect timing for Pilates market.

A few key takeaways:

Innovating and dominating the Pilates industry requires extensive R&D, creativity, and collaboration.
It's important to have a well-crafted business strategy, particularly when developing a fitness business during COVID.
Celebrating wins is crucial for entrepreneurs to stay motivated, positive, and resilient.
Pilates can be a valuable form of preventative healthcare, particularly in improving core and balance strength.
User-friendly software and custom-built hardware can create an elevated user experience.

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Live from the floor of the March 2023 IHRSA Trade Show in San Diego, Pete Moore sat with long-time fitness industry veteran Jarrod Saracco, Founder of the Health Club Doctor, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry. This wide-ranging conversation touched on a ton including the importance of finding qualified and committed employees, and what are some of the key metrics to be aware of around unit economics.

Jarrod also offered some great advice on understanding the marketplace and the needs of your customers before building your business. If you're looking for the next big idea, you don't want to miss his tips on how to stay ahead of the game! On recruiting, he states, "One of the biggest problems in the industry, and I think in the world right now, is finding qualified employees. It's disappeared . . . some people don't want a real job. They don't want to come to work. That's a big problem."

And because Jarrod has served in nearly every position one can have in a fitness club, he's keyed into the "smaller" things as well that, unfortunately seem to have also disappeared. He's a fan of the personal touch and adding some personality to what you're doing. He states, "If you want to use Chat GPT, or you want to use AI to write messaging, that's fine. But you better edit it and put some personality and love into it and still pick up that phone. The effort sometimes is worth a heck of a lot more than the outcome."

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the HALO sector!

Some key moments:

[00:01:49] Fitness career at 16, now consulting entrepreneur.

[00:03:16] Transition from training to consulting, learning daily.

[00:07:04] Advisory and consulting roles explained briefly.

[00:09:41] Challenge: Finding qualified employees in HALO sector.

[00:17:20] Gym rescue and full-service concept completion.

A few key takeaways:

Finding qualified employees is a big challenge for many companies invested in the space. As an employer, it's important to constantly be looking for dedicated and qualified employees who can grow with your company.
To be successful in the sector, it's important to understand the marketplace and the needs of the demographic before building a facility or concept. Identifying and solving the problem in the marketplace is one key to success.
Passion fuels the industry and new ideas constantly emerge. However, it's important to evaluate the viability of unique business concepts before investing in them.
If you're seeking advice from an advisor, it's essential to conduct your own experiment before seeking outside help. Figure out what works for your business and what the "special sauce" is before seeking advice.
Continuous learning is crucial in the industry. Attend trade shows, invest in personal training and group exercise classes, and seek out opportunities to learn from clients and other professionals in the industry.

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Garret Marshall has been in the fitness industry for 20 years, starting way back (kind of "falling into it") in 2003. His first job was teaching swimming lessons to kids at Lifetime Fitness where he stayed for five and a half years. Prior to that, he was heavily involved in athletics growing up and playing hockey after school.

Over the years he had "every job you can think of" in the health club world. Garrett's currently President of Fitness Streaming for Xponential Fitness. He and Pete discuss how Xponential is investing in R&D to build out various digital platforms and making it a part of their revenue mix. They also chat about the history of personal training revenue and how digital platforms may only bring in / appeal to a smaller percentage of members. (Perhaps, at least initially.)

Marshall shares his insights on the importance of aligning bricks and mortar with online programming and connectivity for fitness businesses to succeed. Recounting the state of the industry years ago, he says, "I still remember back going back to the Fitness on Request days, when that was really the first product of its kind . . . and then you fast forward 10 or 15 years later and you see, well, you really can't have an elevated spin experience if you haven't incorporated technology that shows riders their biometrics performance metrics throughout the ride!"

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the HALO sector!

Some key moments:

[00:07:49] Fitness technology adoption evolved despite early objections.

[00:10:03] Managing technology overload and priorities.

[00:17:06] Xponential's Mission: Accessible boutique fitness worldwide.

[00:22:00] Personal training revenue: Don't worry, it's growing!

A few key takeaways:

Digital technology is becoming an important revenue stream for fitness studios, but it is still a small part of their overall revenue mix.
Incorporating technology into the fitness experience has become essential to providing an elevated experience, but companies should align technology with the core value(s) they provide to customers.
Fitness executives should prioritize and calibrate new technology introductions to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Streaming/digital exercise programs, etc provide lower price points and wider accessibility, and can possibly assist in bringing in more customers to fitness studios.

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Jason Crowe has had a varied career in healthcare, spending the first 15 years in what he calls "reactive healthcare" in various roles. Feeling a desire to make a difference in the healthcare system, he transitioned to the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor), joining Precision Nutrition as part of the business development and partnership program for four successful years. Crowe's experience in both reactive and preventive healthcare has made him a seasoned professional with unique insights into the healthcare industry.

Jason is currently Co-Founder and Partner at the SageHouse, a consulting agency to fitness and wellness founders and leadership teams, which also could potentially provide investment capital to help the industry continue to positively impact people's lives around the world. "We're really big fans of what we call infrastructure companies. The idea of building a brand is great . . . and something that we're super excited about is organizations that can come in and power the back end of somebody else's solution," states Crowe.

Some key moments:

[00:04:45] Consider private labeling software for growth.

[00:09:27] Sales process and messaging misalignment for companies.

[00:13:08] Focus on specific opportunities for success.

[00:19:18] Healthcare, wellness, longevity, and fitness professionals' value.

[00:21:37] Experts specializing and forming care teams.

A few key takeaways:

Focusing on one or two particular areas of opportunity based on product differentiation is a key strategy to avoid wasting resources and reaching the next level of success.
Companies should have a clear sales process, messaging, and understanding of the target customer.
Strategic partnerships can be an effective way to expand a company's reach and drive sales growth.
The role of fitness professionals can be elevated to give them more "staying power" and value.
It's important to have a clear vision and strategy to drive growth, and it's useful (if not critical in many cases!) to work with consultants and advisors who have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry.

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Aaron De Jong has always been passionate about fitness. He pursued a degree in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology and worked at his school's athletic training center and therapy clinic. It was during this time that he noticed athletes struggling with basic core exercises and experiencing injuries as a result of improper training. Aaron has since made it his mission to educate athletes (and the general public!) on proper exercise techniques and the importance of incorporating foundational exercises into their routine.

Host Pete Moore and Aaron discuss his new venture Movr, an evidence-based movement health solution for health and wellness platforms that adds value to your technology and improves the lives of your people.

De Jong suggests that club operators or insurance companies consider offering small monetary rewards for individuals taking quick tests to gather rudimentary information that can guide individuals towards proper healthcare and potentially life-changing results. He emphasizes the importance of addressing fixes and finding out what motivates people.

He states, "With clients it's like, 'AHA! I feel better. AHA! I'm moving better.' That's true magic, man. That's movement health, that's movement improvement . . . if you move better and feel better as fast as possible, that's when stickiness happens. Pair that with incentivization, and we've got a winning formula."

De Jong describes a fully automated program that categorizes people into six different types based on their movement capabilities. He believes that automation allows for greater scaling and improving population health, but also suggests that people with acute pain still need to see a physical therapist.

Some key moments:

[00:04:36] Assessing body movement for possible issues.

[00:07:12] Automated program identifies six types of individuals.

[00:18:49] Customized workout builder with MSK (musculoskeletal) recommendations.

[00:24:51] Surround yourself with mentors. Learn to say no.

A few key takeaways:

Assessments are crucial for identifying and improving movement health. De Jong emphasizes the importance of breaking down assessments into simpler components to identify any core problems and improve overall movement health.
Technology can help tailor workouts to individual needs. De Jong's company uses de-identified user data sets to create a balanced body capable of functional tasks, constantly evolving and adapting to the user's needs.
Addressing basic problems can make a significant difference. De Jong recommends finding out what motivates people, but also addressing the basics that need fixing, comparing it to simple back pain rather than complex neurosurgery.
Automation can enable greater scaling and improve population health. De Jong and his team have conducted 80,000 assessments over four years and 50,000 users, and with the app launch, doubled the amount of assessments and workout sessions completed in the first week.

If you're a club owner (or a SaaS company interested in integrating with Movr) be sure to reach out to Aaron today!

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Felipe Azenha is a former Peace Corps volunteer who discovered the benefits of using cinder blocks as fitness equipment during the pandemic lockdown. He and his friend started doing these (very unique!) workouts around their area and, with more people joining, they formed a crew and called their workouts "CinderFit." Word quickly got around and news spread. Today, Felipe continues to lead the CinderFit movement, helping people stay fit using unconventional means.

What initially started as a hobby turned into an early stage business after engaging industrial designers to create a cinderblock design that looks like furniture. "The cinder block will be in every home gym in the United States within the next 10 years and beyond," states Azenha confidently.

He believes the tool can replace dumbbells and kettlebells. They've certainly gained some market validation by solving personal frustrations during the pandemic when fitness equipment was incredibly difficult to come by. They've been successful in driving sales through word-of-mouth and community-building efforts in Miami, where they're based.

Some key moments:

[00:00:57] Positive COVID story on CinderFit business.

[00:04:03] Cinderblocks turned into "furniture" for working out.

[00:07:07] Investing in fitness patents, minimal marketing spend.

[00:13:06] Grassroots campaign focused on South Florida gyms.

[00:15:07] Sent blocks to influencers and saw solid results.

A few key takeaways:

Solving personal frustrations can lead to successful business ventures.
Word of mouth is a powerful tool for gaining market validation and driving sales. CinderFit has seen success through grassroots efforts and influencer marketing, rather than heavy investment in online advertising.
Building a presence in local markets is crucial before seeking larger orders. Entrepreneurs should start small and iterate before scaling up to avoid wasting resources.
Patents can be important for protecting a product in key markets, and it's worth considering the potential value of obtaining one before launching.
Building a community around a product can help create a loyal following and increase brand awareness. CinderFit is aiming to double down on their "cult" in Miami by continuing to connect with local individuals and gyms.

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Just as Kenny Rosenzweig thought he had found the perfect formula for success with CLMBR's very aggressive launch and subsequent expansion, an unexpected twist forced him to shift gears in a way he never could have predicted. What happened next will leave you wondering what's next for this innovative entrepreneur . . . and for CLMBR, the fantastic company he's now overseeing as COO.

Kenny brings a wealth of experience from both the boutique fitness and equipment industries to the table. As a Co-Founder of Rowgatta, a (now closed due to COVID,) rowing-based fitness studio in New York City, Kenny saw firsthand the power of community and results-driven workouts. As part of the CLMBR team in Denver, he is helping to shape the future of connected fitness and bringing the benefits of vertical climbing to a wider audience. With its focus on providing a full-body, low-impact workout, Kenny is dedicated to making fitness accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from professional athletes to those just starting their fitness journey.

Kenny found himself drawn to CLMBR due to its similarities with his previous company. He saw an opportunity to expand their reach during the pandemic, as people quickly sought out alternative fitness options. He recognized that the company could not only serve the home fitness market, but also gyms and fitness studios, leading to a significant shift in the company's focus. As the world began to open up again, Kenny and his team worked on redesigning their machines for commercial purposes, increasing their durability and resistance capabilities.

"I think a big part of our job is just exposure. One much more cost-effective way of creating that exposure, is bringing the machine to where people are already going to work out!" he states.

In this episode, Pete and Kenny touch on:

The power of a B2B2C pivot during unexpected tough times like the pandemic.
How the innovative accessibility features of CLMBR's machine caters to a variety of diverse needs for end users.
Valuable entrepreneurial wisdom straight from Kenny's prior experiences at Rowgatta.
How CLMBR envisions fostering a new fitness culture by cultivating a dedicated community.

CLMBR's pivot to the B2B market In the ever-changing fitness landscape, adaptability is crucial for businesses to thrive. CLMBR's pivot toward the B2B market to meet the needs of gyms and studios that were adapting to pandemic-related challenges is a great example. Initially focusing on the D2C market, the team identified an opportunity to expand their reach and increase exposure by partnering with commercial gyms and studios.

This move allowed the company to broaden their audience while still keeping community-building at the core of their business model. Kenny discusses how CLMBR reengineered and redesigned their machines to be commercial-grade, making them suitable for gym environments.

He also noted how gym operators appreciated that their goal was not to take customers away from their locations, but to provide a better workout solution for everyone as things started to open back up. Emulating their swift pivot and adaptation to market conditions is a reminder to other industry professionals to stay nimble, seize opportunities, and work hard to build strong communities around their offerings.

Facility owners should strongly consider adding CLMBR to their cardio lineup or using it for revenue-generating, small group training. Visit their site to learn more about their connected fitness equipment and content.

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From struggling to justify the expense of two gym memberships, to attempting to revolutionize the fitness industry, Borislava Baeva's unexpected twist on a traditional model is changing the game. But what surprises lie ahead for this innovator and her growing platform? Changing the way "things have always been done" is--putting it mildly--a challenge for any entrepreneur.

Baeva is a finance expert turned fitness entrepreneur and the creator of MyStrongCircle. As a former Director of Financial Planning at Life Fitness, Borislava knows the in's and out's of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector. Her love for yoga and cycling, along with her frustration over juggling multiple memberships, inspired her to create MyStrongCircle – a platform that allows users to bundle their favorite fitness studio memberships for a more personalized experience. Borislava is passionate about making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone, and she's driven to expand MyStrongCircle into major markets across the US and beyond.

Like most (good!) business ideas, MyStrongCircle came from a place of solving a personal frustration. With a passion for yoga and an increasing interest in cycling, she struggled to justify the expense of maintaining two separate gym memberships. Drawing inspiration from the airline industry, Borislava developed a model that allowed individuals to bundle their favorite fitness studios into a single membership, promoting variety and accessibility.

Challenges for Studios Fitness studios often face challenges in attracting new members and retaining their existing ones. They may struggle to differentiate themselves in the (very!) competitive fitness landscape and address the ever-evolving preferences and expectations of their target audience.

Borislava highlighted some of the problems studios typically encounter. Many of them can be efficiently addressed by the MyStrongCircle bundling model, which facilitates direct relationships, offers unlimited classes, and enhances the overall fitness experience for members. This attracts loyal customers, aids in retention, and provides studios with a more targeted audience.

In this episode, Pete and Borislava discuss:

MyStrongCircle's innovative pricing approach and tailored experience for fitness fanatics.
Understanding the many advantages of combining memberships for an array of fitness studios.
Recognizing the crucial role of focusing on sales and relationship-building over strictly just financial projections for budding entrepreneurs.
The necessity of assembling a solid team and forging real-world connections.

Check out MyStrongCircle for personalized bundles of fitness classes and studios to gain access to the workouts you love!

If you're a studio owner? Considering partnering with them to promote your brand and gain exposure to a much broader audience.

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If you own a boutique or big box fitness club in a mall, you're good to go, right? Everything will be perfect moving forward, right? Maybe not so much, according to Francine Miley, Founder of WELLthmanager, head of Partnerships & Business Developments for Honeycomb, and real estate veteran specific to the HALO sector.

In our latest episode, we'll explore the direction of retail, the advantages of incorporating wellness, the hurdles faced by landlords and tenants, the incredibly important power of partnerships, and more. Don't miss out on key insights from this industry leader that could transform your business!

"It is truly about curation. And I know that word is overutilized, but it really is! If you're curating a community and bringing different services, classes, modalities, you need to be weighing that out and ensuring that you're giving that whole holistic approach," states Miley.

Drawing from her experience in marketing, brand development, and strategy, Francine has worked closely with real estate investment trusts (REITs) to create innovative solutions for the sector. Her journey began when she was working with Westfield, focusing on the integration of wellness concepts into their properties.

Taking a holistic approach, Francine effectively curated a unique blend of fitness, wellness, and medical offerings for the malls, helping to create the "HALO Effect" that benefited everyone involved. As the pandemic hit, Francine saw an opportunity to take her expertise in curating communities and started her own consulting firm. Now, she helps brands maximize their potential in consumer-facing retail opportunities by promoting flexibility, collaboration, and strategic partnerships.

In this episode, Pete and Francine discuss:

The future of retail through exploring in-store versus digital experiences.
The growing trend of incorporating wellness offerings into shopping venues.
Challenges both landlords and tenants encounter in an evolving market.
The crucial role of collaborations in creating viable HALO sector opportunities.
Consider partnering with landlords or taking advantage of off-hours to optimize rental space and increase revenue.

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Our guest for this episode is Brendan Sullivan, co-founder of ZAMA Health, a sports psychology SaaS platform for the athletic community which provides access to digital tools and clinical support to help improve physical and mental health outcomes. Sullivan shares his passion for mental wellness and how ZAMA can help improve exercise adherence and member engagement outcomes. He also discusses the importance of addressing emotional and mental health issues to improve engagement and retention in the fitness industry.

He states, "Over 80% of the reason people actually work out now is their mental health . . . ranking above weight loss and physique. It's really becoming more about community and mental health than it is about just fitness. For most companies, it's very difficult to build a medical practice, and it's not their core business. It's highly regulated. And so rather than them trying to develop themselves, we see ourselves as this add-on to any of these organizations."

Pete and Brendan also bring up the critical need for personalized and thoughtful approaches to motivation and the stages of change model. They explore the idea that personal trainers (after proper training) could possibly be considered part of the care team for individuals interested in improving their health.

He continues, "At the end of the day we're really more working with mid to higher tiered gyms where members want to go to the gym and work out . . . We're trying to help solve engagement and retention issues that they're having. When you look at the data, whether you're a competitive collegiate athlete or a regular fitness goer, the majority of the reasons people have issues working out are very similar. It's body image issues, self-efficacy issues, eating disorders, anxiety, motivation. Our clinicians have been trained to meet and address the needs of that community, increase the likelihood of attaining their fitness goals, and also help with member retention."

Clearly there is a tremendous value (and need!) to incorporate clinical health services. Be sure to reach out to Brandon at ZAMA to learn more.

Some Key Moments:

Discussion on motivation and the industry's attrition rate [00:05:15]
What brands ZAMA works with and their sales cycle process [00:08:19]
Discussion on making therapy services similar to a gym membership fee [00:10:26]
Plans for insurance companies to reimburse members for their memberships [00:12:23]

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What if everything you thought you knew about happiness was wrong? Follow the journey of a former private equity professional who discovered the shocking truth behind proactive health and how to truly find meaning in life. But, as he navigates this new path, he's faced with difficult questions and challenges that leave him with no easy answers.

In this episode, Pete and Ted discuss:

Recognizing the significance of proactive health measures and the benefits of acting preventatively.
The difficulties in establishing incentives that encourage healthier ways of living.
Grassroots initiatives focused on nurturing wholesome habits within communities.
The connection between mental health, sleep, and relationship-building in cultivating proactive well-being.
Cultural and policy hurdles that impede lifestyle changes for better health.

Teddy Daiell helps CEOs and investors with buy-side deal sourcing, growth strategy, and strategic finance. After honing his strategy and private equity expertise at Bain, Charlesbank, and Wharton’s MBA, Teddy has advised more than 40 Proactive Health companies like Precision Nutrition (Health Education), MDVIP (Preventive Primary Care), True Food Kitchen (Nutrition), Talkspace (Mental Health), and Wellbeats (Exercise).

Daiell is now on a mission to tackle the cultural and policy barriers to proactive health. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Teddy had a successful career, but he realized early on that he wasn't really fulfilled. His unique background and passion for promoting healthier lifestyles make him an insightful guest on this important topic.

Basic Nutrition Education One of the core components of promoting proactive health is basic nutrition education. By providing individuals with access to accurate and actionable information about the food they consume, they can make better-informed decisions about their well-being. This should be accessible to people of all demographics, as it can have a profound impact on the overall health of communities. Daiell highlights the value of basic nutrition education and how offering weekly sessions on nutrition and behavior change can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. By equipping people with the knowledge necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they are more likely to make informed choices and prioritize their well-being in a sustainable manner.

Opportunities for Impactful Proactive Health Many opportunities exist for impacting proactive health, from mental health to sleep and relationship building. Addressing each of these areas through targeted interventions, incentives, and education can lead to a more comprehensive and effective approach to improving overall health and wellness. By focusing on these, healthcare professionals can devise strategies that cater to individual needs and foster sustainable change. Ted is bullish about the potential for impact in these areas of proactive health. He stresses the need for personalized wellness solutions in mental health, optimizing environmental factors for sleep, and adopting preventative relationship coaching. Daiell advocates for a more holistic approach to proactive health, where individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems work together to prevent illness, incentivize healthy behaviors, and promote a better quality of life for all.

Current Ecosystem of Healthcare Examining the existing healthcare ecosystem is vital when discussing proactive health. Understanding the numerous economic factors and stakeholders involved can help healthcare practitioners identify areas of potential improvement to further drive the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, challenges arise as the capitalistic nature of the system often rewards short-term gains over long-term health improvements, leading to a bias against proactive health measures. It is often difficult to create a business model around proactive health, especially since established players, like health insurance companies and the pharmaceutical industry, have significant monetary incentives to maintain the status quo. Daiell and Moore suggest that finding ways to monetize the health benefits of proactive health could motivate customers to adopt a healthier lifestyle and reduce the need for costly medical interventions.

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From former NFL quarterback to business leader, Christian Ponder's journey took an unexpected turn when he realized the lack of community for athletes in their post-sport lives. With his new venture The Post, he's created a space where athletes can thrive once again. And--perhaps not coincidentally--he finds that the same soft skills that made them successful on the field are now driving their success in the business world. What led Christian to this idea (that's quickly picking up steam across all sectors of the business / recruiting world?) Listen to learn more.

Ponder joins host, Pete Moore, to share his insights on the correlation between athletic mentality and success in business. After playing in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, Christian transitioned to the world of finance and now runs The Post, a leadership network exclusive to athletes with many cues learned from the highly respected YPO organization. He's passionate about helping fellow athletes leverage their unique qualities and experiences to achieve success in their post-sports careers. He emphasizes the importance of tapping into qualities that make someone a great athlete, such as discipline, determination, and work ethic, as these attributes can be directly translated to achieving success in the business world.

In this episode, Christian and Pete discuss:

The significance of cultivating an exclusive network tailored for athletes involved in business ventures.
The need for the Head of Player Personnel (aka: Human Resources!) to look aggressively at organizations like Christian's (and others) when bringing on more team members.
The relationship between an athletic mindset and accomplishments in the business sphere.
The Post's dedication to supplying useful tools for athletes making the shift into entrepreneurship.
The importance of conducting a thorough self-assessment to identify personal strengths before embarking on a post-athletic career.
The value of physical meetup spaces vital for fostering a sense of community and networking opportunities.

Being an Athlete One of the main topics touched on is the notion of being an athlete and leveraging the qualities that make one successful on the field paralleling those that help excel in the business world. Ponder highlights how society often attaches a negative stigma to the term "athlete," leading many to underestimate their abilities outside the realm of sports. He believes that these unique individuals possess the grit, determination, and drive necessary to forge a successful career after hanging up their cleats, so long as they are given the right opportunities to do so.

Christian points out that athletes have a wealth of valuable skills that can be directly applied to the world of business, making them highly attractive prospects for potential employers. He mentions examples, such as Fortune 500 CEOs, C-suite women, and US Presidents, who often come from an athletic background, reinforcing the point that the qualities of a successful athlete are indeed transferable to other areas of life.

Click here to download transcript.

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Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Perhaps you've heard that The Little Gym is "only about sports and games," and that it does not foster social development, or that it does not promote cognitive development? Nancy Bigley will be here to bust these myths and share the truth about the franchisors comprehensive, holistic approach to development!

Nancy is a highly experienced, dedicated franchising expert who brings her passion for health and wellness to her current role as the CEO of The Little Gym. She has over 30 years of "in the trenches" experience in various franchise industries. Her love for fitness and wellness led her to join Unleashed Brands, the parent company of The Little Gym, where she now focuses on helping children develop physically, cognitively, and socially. Nancy aims to create a lasting impact on the lives of children from as young as four months old.

The Value of The Little Gym The Little Gym offers an affordable option for parents seeking a comprehensive growth experience for their children, with programs typically priced around $110 per month. Investing in programs that promote healthy and holistic development in children ultimately has a significant impact on their overall well-being, academic achievement, and personal growth. Bigley focuses on how their programs emphasize consistency, cultivate good habits, and instill a sense of discipline in children. "Our franchisees do an amazing job of embracing the families and handling things; we take care of the kids and make things happen," she states.

Building Confidence Confidence is a critical component of a child's development, as it shapes their ability to face challenges, problem-solve, and engage in healthy social interactions. Fostering confidence in kids helps them develop self-assuredness and a positive self-image, enabling them to cope with various situations and establish fulfilling relationships with others. Nancy spoke about the critical role confidence-building plays within The Little Gym's programs. She explained how their curriculum is designed to support children in developing confidence through movement-based activities, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for every child to succeed. Through this approach, The Little Gym encourages well-rounded development in children, not only in terms of physical ability, but also in cognitive and social aptitude.

In this wide ranging discussion, Nancy and Pete also touch on:

How The Little Gym prioritizes physical, cognitive, and social development for well-rounded growth.
The secret behind a continuous enrollment program.
The significant role of socialization in fostering children's mental health and wellness.
The power of community building among families attending The Little Gym.
How technology enhances customer experiences in today's fitness franchises.

Download complete transcript here.

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Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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At the height of her career in Manhattan advertising, Francesca Sipma began to feel burnt out and unfulfilled. She had no idea this restlessness would eventually end up being the catalyst for an unexpected journey: Her discovery of an immensely powerful practice, one that would lead her to leave her career and start her own business, Mastry. Through this groundbreaking modality, she now works with top companies like Deloitte and Google to help empower employees to reach their highest potential. What transformative effect does this practice have? And why is it so revolutionary?

Through her extensive study over the years, Sipma became a breathwork expert, which can be thought of as an experiential therapy that helps break psychological patterns and release subconscious blocks. Francesca has since trained over 80 breathwork coaches worldwide and founded Mastry, a company that focuses on self-mastery and mental clarity.

"Mastry allows you to tap into altered states of consciousness, expand different areas of your brain, and truly connect to your purpose," she states.

Breathwork and Mastery: Unlocking Mental Clarity and Creativity

Breathwork--as a general practice--is a powerful practice for unlocking mental clarity and creativity by enabling individuals to release their subconscious blocks and reprogram limiting beliefs. By engaging in breathwork sessions, people can achieve a heightened state of mental clarity, which allows them to explore new ideas, think more effectively, and enhance their decision-making skills.

This improved mental state is beneficial for professionals looking to boost productivity, collaboration, and empathy in the workplace. Mastry provides customized breathwork sessions that combine hypnosis and binaural beats to help individuals break psychological patterns and connect to their highest vision. Sipma's breathwork methods are designed to offer potent and tangible benefits in just one session, promoting an ongoing commitment to the practice for lasting positive change.

In this episode, Pete and Francesca discuss:

Enhancing performance and mental clarity using breathwork techniques.
Discovering the synergy of hypnosis, binaural beats, and breathwork for personal development.
Improving corporate wellness outcomes with tailored session plans.
Utilizing data-tracking for noticeable mood betterment.
Pricing and future expansion projections in the industry.

Click here to download transcript.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Rachel Begun, a respected nutritionist and dietitian, has a wealth of experience in the food and nutrition industry. With her Master's in Nutrition Education and background in PR, Rachel has developed a unique skill set that blends science-based nutrition knowledge with powerful communication strategies. Her expertise has led her to work with global food service manufacturers, food and wine retailers, and natural food brand startups. In recent years, she has transitioned into executive coaching, focusing on helping founders and executives build strong company cultures and effective leadership.

Begun found herself at a crossroads when two female entrepreneurs she was working with asked her to be their coach. Although initially hesitant due to lack of coaching experience, she became very intrigued by the impact her powerful questions had on the way founders viewed their own businesses. This set her on a path of self-discovery, led to many coaching certifications thereafter and now her current focus is on helping entrepreneurs build credibility through "vulnerability and transparency."

The Importance of Coachability Coachability, an essential aspect of personal and professional growth, entails openness to feedback, introspection, and a commitment to positive change. Entrepreneurs who demonstrate coachability are better equipped to navigate the complexities of their industries and the internal workings of their businesses. A receptive attitude to coaching positively impacts an entrepreneur's ability to learn from others, align with industry trends, and adapt to shifting markets.

Rachel emphasizes the value of coachability among entrepreneurs, pointing out the need for individuals to be willing to put in the work and engage in honest self-assessment. Coaches can help provide valuable insights, but ultimately the impetus for change should come from within the individual. By being coachable, entrepreneurs can identify barriers to success, refine their problem-solving skills, and build stronger businesses poised for long-term success.

In this episode, Rachel and Pete discuss:

Discovering the key role of coachability and introspection to consistently advance your entrepreneurial journey.
Grasping the power of vulnerability and transparency in order to establish stronger relationships with stakeholders.
Emphasizing the importance of critical problem-solving skills and its impact on sustainable business growth.
Understanding the need to hire complementary talent in order to build a dynamic and proficient team.
How coaching can help overcome personal barriers and enhance success in the entrepreneurial world.

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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After being diagnosed with Crohn's disease, Celina Semente, a stubborn yet determined (former!) fashion major, decided to take matters into her own hands, changed her field of study, and embarked on a journey of self-discovery to heal her gut and help others as a holistic health coach.

With a hat tip to Mike Pesca, host of the Gist podcast for the initial intros--and a happy client himself--Celina is now a highly skilled health coach whose experience with Crohn's continues to fuel her passion for helping others. With a degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences from Montclair State University and a holistic health graduate degree from Georgian Court University, Celina brings a wealth of knowledge to the world of holistic wellness. Her dedication to understanding the root cause of symptoms and promoting a healthy lifestyle has led to countless success stories among her clients. As an advocate for self-care and personalized health solutions, Celina is the perfect guide for individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being.

The Role of a Health Coach Health coaches serve as supportive guides and mentors for individuals seeking a comprehensive and personalized wellness solution. They work closely with clients to establish a thorough understanding of their unique health concerns, needs, and preferences. By developing tailored strategies that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, and mental well-being, they empower their clients to take a proactive and informed approach to healthcare. Health coaches not only emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy habits but also ensure accountability, thus helping individuals stay committed to their wellness journeys.

In the episode, she highlights the distinctions between her role as a health coach and her previous experience as a personal trainer. She emphasizes the need to listen to one's body and understand its unique responses to nutrition and lifestyle choices.

Pete and Celina also discuss:

Discovering techniques to help control autoimmune conditions through dietary and lifestyle adjustments. 2. Understanding the power of being your own health advocate and conducting personal research.
Insights into the holistic healthcare approach, covering nutrition, lifestyle, and mental health elements. 4. The significance of personalized health plans and enhancing gut health using whole foods. 5. The advantages of health coaching for individuals, employers, and gym settings.

Click here to download transcript.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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After her husband and son became ill, Michelle Zipper (practicing out of the Well Center in Westchester, NY) fiercely pursued a career in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition, determined to find answers and help others, unlocking a powerful inner strength and courage as she faced the challenges of balancing her business ambitions with her family's needs.

Michelle has spent over a decade exploring the world of holistic health and functional medicine. With a background in graphic design, her passion for wellness began when her husband was initially diagnosed with Lyme disease, and she took the reins in healing him with nutrition and lifestyle changes. Her expertise grew as she also dealt with her son's autoimmune struggles, leading her to pursue further education in health coaching, functional diagnostic nutrition, and obtaining a Master's degree. Through her diverse experiences, Michelle has become a champion for listening to the body and creating personalized protocols for her clients. At the Well Center, she combines her love for community and wellness, offering invaluable support and resources to her clients.

"Your body can tell you everything if you really just stop and take the time to listen," she states.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Health Understanding the intrinsic connection between various systems and aspects of the human body is crucial for optimal health. Implementing a holistic approach that factors in nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can directly impact overall well-being, while also reducing the risks of developing chronic diseases.

By addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than merely treating individual issues, people can build a solid foundation upon which they can improve and maintain their well-being. The Well Center tends to focus on creating personalized protocols for each client, based on their unique needs and specific bodily systems.

In this episode, Pete and Michelle discuss:

A more holistic approach to health through functional medicine and nutrition. 2. Understanding the crucial role of a clean, nutrient-dense diet in building a wellness foundation. 3. The ever-increasing importance of wellness technologies such as infrared therapy (check out HigherDose's offerings!) and cryotherapy. 4. Uncovering challenges in pricing services and insurance coverage for functional testing. 5. Recognizing the significance of personalized protocols and referrals as effective marketing strategies in the HALO sector.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities.

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Mark Moyer is (clearly!) our long lost, Brother from Another Mother! He is the Founder and CEO of the Win Again Academy and the author of Win Again: Turn Athletic Success Into Business Success. He shares our desire to help provide athletes with the resources and connections they need to transition to a life outside of sports when that time comes. His ecosystem will help current and former athletes discover their identity beyond sports, develop the structure needed to succeed again, and receive the tips, strategies and actionable advice that allows them to WIN AGAIN and be elite in their next great career.

Mark's expertise lies in connecting them to business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. By leveraging their unique skills and abilities, he helps pave the way for countless athletes to excel in various entrepreneurial endeavors. His dedication to bridging the gap between sports and business makes Mark an invaluable resource for athletes seeking meaningful and fulfilling careers after retirement.

Transitioning Athletes into Post-Sports Careers For many professional athletes, retiring from their sport means venturing into uncharted territory to find a new line of work. Often they possess transferable skills that could make them competitive candidates in various industries, such as adaptability, communication, performing under pressure, and tenacity. However, discovering these skills and knowing how to use them can be daunting without proper guidance. Moyer values the importance of establishing relationships between athletes and business professionals to ensure the successful transition of athletes into the workforce.

In this episode, Mark and Pete discuss:

Discovering strategies that help ease the transition from sports to corporate life for athletes. 2. Uncovering the unique skills athletes can bring into the business world. 3. The importance of establishing connections between athletes and entrepreneurs. 4. Exploring the role of the HALO sector in addressing critical health concerns in society. 5. Stimulating pro-athlete investments in a wide array of industries.

Click here to download transcript. Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks and don't forget to check out the HALO Academy for Executive Education opportunities

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In this engaging podcast, our guest Brian Socolow from Loeb & Loeb, LLP shares his insights on the psychological and legal components to consider before jumping into a private equity deal in the "post-COVID new normal." With a focus on protecting and monetizing technology ideas in the sports and health and wellness industries, Brian reveals the checklist of factors to consider when seeking investment or selling a company.

He also offers valuable advice on legal protection, insights for entrepreneurs seeking capital investments in sports, navigating due diligence, and much more. This is a must-listen for anyone in sports law, private equity, or the HALO sector.

Socolow states, "Businesses that protect their intellectual property and form a clear, compelling corporate story are more appealing to investors . . . Fostering honest communication and setting expectations is essential when transitioning from entrepreneur to employee or board reporting – an invaluable mindset shift that can make all the difference."

Click here to download transcript.

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Mike Geenen is the Senior Director of Investments at EPR Properties. EPR is a 25+ year old, publicly traded REIT with $6.5B in investments, 350+ assets across 44 states and Canada, with more than 200 partners and tenants. A REIT is a real estate investment trust which owns (and sometimes) operates income-producing real estate or related assets. These typically include things like office buildings, malls, apartments, hotels, resorts, self-storage facilities, and so forth. Geenen states, "We bill ourselves as the diversified experiential REIT. And what that really means is that we focus on investing in real estate venues that facilitate out of home, leisure, recreation and social experiences . . . The majority of our investments outside of the theater business are with independents that are not necessarily private equity backed. We're in a bit of a niche market for the most part."

EPR is also the largest owner of movie theater real estate in the country since the theater space is their legacy business. They also own most of the Top Golf's in the states, and are interested in holding things for long term. They don't work like the typical private equity model of holding for 5-7 years. EPR's portfolio also includes ski areas, theme parks, and more. Mike is (rightfully) proud of the relationships he's built with his 200+ tenants and borrowers, as they were able to work together during the pandemic without having to go into any kind of litigation.

Mike believes in the power of long-term partnerships and was passionate about his mission to provide capital to businesses that fit the "EPR model." In this episode, Pete and Mike discuss:

What it means to be a “diversified experiential REIT” and why this model is attractive.
How EPR manages concentration risk and diversification within its portfolio of 350+ assets.
What some of the benefits are of working with a REIT as opposed to working with a private equity firm.

Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around real estate: David West: https://www.halotalks.com/halotalks-podcast-with-david-west-of-integrity-real-estate-partners/ Jeff Roseman: https://www.halotalks.com/jeff-roseman-vice-chairman-newmark-knight-frank/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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With her unique perspective as a historian and deep roots in the fitness industry, Natalia Petrzela, Ph.D embarks on a mission to uncover how fitness has gone from a "suspect" activity in the early days, to an essential part of modern life, leading to the crucial question of how we as an industry can make it more accessible to all.

"I think we've got to find a way to talk about obesity, health, and morality that isn't just about like, well, 'you look that way, make better choices,' because I don't think that's fair. We have to make it easier to work out and to eat healthy food," she states. Natalia is a historian and professor at the New School in New York City. She is the author of the newly released book Fit Nation, The Gain's and Pains Of America's Exercise Obsession. Natalia has always been curious about how the fitness industry has changed and evolved. She "found" the gym as a teenager, leading her to become certified and take a deep dive into the industry. Through her extremely thorough research, she uncovered a narrative of how fitness had gone from a weird subculture to becoming a mainstream activity embraced by many. And while choices and willpower are important, there are many other structural factors that make it difficult for certain people to make those choices. Fit Nation brings her two passions together: History and fitness. This is the story of how the industry has changed and how it can continue to grow. It should be required reading for anyone in the HALO sector. In this episode, she and Pete discuss: 1. How our attitudes towards fitness have changed over the last 50 years. 2. What are the connections between physical fitness and mental health. 3. The challenges that exist for those from lower-income backgrounds when trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy: Jim Owen: https://www.halotalks.com/jim-owen/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.reviewthispodcast.com/halotalks

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When Matan Gavish, a former Special Forces commander in charge of combat training, discovers the "silent pandemic" of rising sexual assault against women in urban areas, he repackaged his Krav Maga skill set to empower a reluctant and fearful audience to learn to take back their safety. He is the Founder of FITHIT in NYC and is passionate about solving this problem.

Gavish states, "Somewhere along the line, it became crystal clear to me that there is a problem, a real big one that is not being addressed by anyone, and I have the skillset to solve it. And that is the problem of sexual assault against women in big cities. It is it is being referred to as a 'silent pandemic.' It does not get the attention that it deserves."

Gavish found himself in a unique position to potentially help address this. He worked hard to "repackage" Krav Maga into something that would be attractive to those least likely to enjoy or want to partake in the activity. He came to realize that most of his target audience's fears were mental, not necessarily physical. After removing the 'contact part' in the beginning and helping reframe a customer's definition of what a "fighter" is . . . he found that he was able to help alieviate these concerns within an hour of training. His logo and old name--Krav Maga Academy--were also a part of the barrier to entry. He rebranded to FITHIT with the word "Fit" first and "Hit" second to emphasize that it was a fitness experience with the added benefit of learning serious self-defense at the same time. In this episode, Pete and Gavin discuss: 1. How the problem of sexual assault against women in big cities be addressed and (possibly) improved. 2. How the martial arts can be (re)packaged to help to attract the least likely client for self-defense. 3. What the FITHIT experience is and how it can it help people build self-defense skills in a safe and fun environment.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around self-defense: John Mirrione: https://www.halotalks.com/john-mirrione-owner-of-harmony-by-karate-harmony-power-foundation/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Jarlo Ilano is a martial artist, physical therapist, and entrepreneur. He is the Managing Director of GMB Fitness, and has been at the forefront of the 'alternative fitness' movement for over two decades.

At the age of twelve, Jarlo found himself in karate classes at the local community center. As he grew, he explored more martial arts and fitness-related activities. After his parents encouraged him to pursue physical therapy, Jarlo began to see the potential of combining his own passions into a PT career. With the help of mentors, he eventually started GMB Fitness with partners Andy Fossett and Ryan Hurst. These guys are the "OG's" in this space, and have been at it longer than most. No hype. No nonsense claims. Just good, solid, progressive, well-balanced programs for all levels. Through the ups and downs of the business, Jarlo has stayed the course and found success in the industry, inspiring others to make meaningful changes in their lives to help them reach their goals.

He states, "In terms of success, we always knew we wanted to change the way people look at what fitness means, what exercise means, and make it really meaningful to them, so that they can continue on, they can get better and not feel like they're just spinning their wheels. We can get better, we're getting older, but we're changing the goalposts. We're working towards what really matters for us, whether that's performing better at a particular sport or just . . .being a good overall person! That's [one of] our metrics for success. We see our clients saying, "I didn't think I'd be able to do this!" And they're doing it right! And they're going to keep doing it for years."

In this episode, Pete and Jarlo discuss: 1. How to scale a business from 6-20+ employees and making the "hard decisions." 2. The advantages of physical therapy for fitness, performance, and overall well-being. 3. The importance of mentors and the value of mentorship for entrepreneurs in the health and fitness space.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy: Dr. Layne Norton: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-328-dr-layne-norton-ceo-founder-biolayne/ Dr. Joel Fuhrman: https://www.halotalks.com/dr-joel-fuhrman/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Eve Nasby is the President of Band of Hands, a company now in 11 states with a disruptive business model that helps small business owners manage their staff without having to worry about the administrative burden of being the "employer of record." She has over 30 years of experience in the staffing industry and is passionate about helping businesses succeed.

98% of businesses in America are small businesses-those with less than 50 employees. And (putting it mildly), staying on top of the latest rules and regulations (like California's AB5, Gig Worker Law as a recent example), is extremely onerous and time consuming. Eve experienced this herself when she owned a small business and struggled to manage her staff and keep up with all of the paperwork.

In an industry that's so old and staid, BOH is poised to blast off! She states, "You've got to surround yourself with people that aren't 'Yes people,' that are going to challenge you, challenge the way you think, and challenge the way 'things have always been done in the past' . . . that's what I'd encourage all your listeners to do. Go to somebody that you wouldn't normally ask for advice, somebody that has no idea about your industry, go and ask them a question!"

With white glove service and a team of highly experienced, SHRM-certified, HR professionals BOH provides employees on the platform with benefits, financial stability, and one 1099 (not 15 different ones at the end of the year) . . . never mind the tremendous number of benefits to employers once all the headaches are off their plate.

This is an absolute game-changer, especially for the HALO sector.

In this episode, Eve and Pete discuss: 1. How Band of Hands helps small business owners mitigate HR and other risks so owners can focus on their passion. 2. What advantages Band of Hands offers over traditional staffing agencies and payroll companies. 3. How Band of Hands created a seamless and flexible platform for employees to move between different employers.

Contact Eve at eve@bandofhands.com 619-244-3000 to learn more and get started!

Click here to download transcript.

Resources: Learn more here: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/franchisetoday/2022/10/26/band-of-hands-a-game-changer-in-the-administration-of-front-line-employees Other episodes you'll enjoy around taxes & HR: Adam Taplinger: https://www.halotalks.com/adam-taplinger-director-private-equity-solutions-tax-credit-co/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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After decades of success in the fitness industry, George Jackson created TG-The Gym in 2018. It represents the next step in his career and a distillation of all he has learned. TG is an umbrella organization offering a license to independent gym owners with a tremendous number of benefits and proven business model that's readily deployable.

George is a well known, long-time industry veteran who started with Gold's Gym around 1983. He's gone through multiple iterations over the years, taking what is useful and constantly refining his model . . . and it's working! Peter San Nicolas is the The Gym's first licensee. He's another industry pro who decided to rebrand his facility to The Gym-Ramona and he joins us on the podcast as well.

George states, "Starting the brand in 2018, we just saw an opportunity, especially for people like Peter. You know . . . independent guys that would now have an opportunity to be supported with a bigger group. As Peter knows, I'm never gonna tell him what to do, but if he comes to me and asks, 'Hey, George, what do you think about this?' Or, 'Hey, George, you're doing it this way. Can you tell me more about that?' Obviously I can help. My goal is really to support each of these independent operators and Peter is a great one! I'm so fortunate to have him as our first, because I don't think I could have found a better first licensee in terms of somebody who has been doing it since 16 years and who also competes as a bodybuilder."

TG-The Gym is open to licensing its name and is doing a discovery day during IHRSA 2023. If you're an independent operator with 10,000 square feet or more with a strong focus on results, bodybuilding, body transformations, and serious fitness, definitely contact George to discuss how a rebranding to The Gym, along with all ancillary revenue opportunities and cost savings could be a fit. (visionplanet@msn.com)

In this episode, George and Pete discuss:

The unique licensing agreement that TG-The Gym has created to help independent operators rebrand and take their businesses to the next level. 2. The multiple, ancillary benefits that come with joining TG and the potential of a grand reopening into "The Gym." 3. The advantages of being part of a team and how it can reinvigorate members, employees, business partners, and communities. Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around franchising & licensing:

Jim Donnelly: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-386-restore-hyper-wellness-healing-the-world-one-body-at-a-time-with-ceo-jim-donnelly/

Todd Wadler: https://www.halotalks.com/todd-wadler-ceo-title-boxing-club-and-co-founder-boxunion/ Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: http://www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Dr. Sal Arria is one of the Founders of Lionel University (formerly ISSA College of Exercise Science), and an educational leader in the fitness industry. He's been around literally since the inception of the personal trainer education space. He continues his life-long mission of creating highly educated fitness professionals to help people change their lives.

Sal had a serious wake up call many years ago when, after presenting his plan to a Vice President of a very large insurance company, he was met with the conversation stopper, "Sal. Stop and do the math on this! It doesn't work for me!" Sal promptly threw $100 on the table and walked out. The very real reality is the fact that the medical insurance industry doesn't make money from healthy people.

Arria states, "Could you imagine walking into a physician who spent eight years in college, many years in residency and say, 'Hey, I earned my certification . . . I took one class.' You can't do it! A single certification is great for entry level, but think about nursing as one example. You've got your LVN's, the entry level. But then there's the RN, the Surgical Nurse, and the Nurse Practitioner. The greater the level of responsibility, the greater the level of education needed . . . We need our trainers to be able to go out and help change lives." And they need to be highly educated to do it! But not only that, the medical field as a whole also needs to know and feel confident that they're highly educated . . . so they can refer and partner with confidence.

All this motivated him to create a program at Lionel which eventually evolved into accredited Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees. Sal and his team have created programs which could (hopefully) give MD's, DO's, NP's, etc the confidence to consistently refer patients to fitness professionals and create a natural partnerships which could provide physicians with objective data to demonstrate marked improvements in a patient's health. But we're not there yet.

He continues, "The fitness profession is the healthcare profession! There are five key elements that, over the past 50 years, there have been more scientific and medical studies proving the domain of the fitness industry: Weight training, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, sensible personalized nutrition, and an active, positive lifestyle. Those five key elements are responsible for preventing and even reversing virtually every disease today."

In this episode Sal and Pete touch on:

Why the industry is, in many ways, fighting against a "backwards" system, and what we need to do to deal with this. 2. What the role is for skilled, highly educated fitness professionals in the HALO sector. 3. How teams of fitness and medical professionals can work together to attract more patients.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around fitness education

Graham Melstrand: https://www.halotalks.com/graham-melstrand-ace-fitness/

Dr. Layne Norton: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-328-dr-layne-norton-ceo-founder-biolayne Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Taylor Stull, a former product manager for preventative health solutions, is the Co-Founder of Flowell, a platform that provides team-based experiences and lifestyle games to help clubs and coaches build communities and keep people healthy for life – all while navigating the challenges of helping them make good decisions for long-term success. "At the end of the day, we're working to try to keep people healthy for their whole life by helping them make good decisions. This way they can hopefully have longer, more enriching, more fulfilling lives. That's really what I'm here trying to bring to market," he states. Taylor was determined to find a way to help people make better choices after his own health journey and he wanted to pay it forward. He developed Flowell, a team-based fitness gamification platform, to bring the community together and nurture relationships, as well as motivate healthy lifestyle decisions.

Through trial and error, Taylor found that community, fun experiences, and rewards are key to long-term success and Flowell strives to provide all three. He hopes to bring people together, regardless of if they know each other, and create emotional relationships within Flowell. His passion is contagious! In this episode, Pete and Taylor discuss:

How Flowell is creating an innovative solution to help people make longer-term, healthy lifestyle decisions.2. How they are leveraging partnerships, games, rewards, and community to help retain memberships and drive revenue. 3. Using creative rewards and personalized avatars to build trust and emotional relationships with members.

Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around rewards & gamification: Brian Mitchell: https://www.halotalks.com/halotalks-podcast-with-brian-mitchell-of-promotion-vault/

Derek Flanzraich: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-375-derek-flanzraich-ness-ceo/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Doug Young, currently the COO of Easalytics, faces the daunting task of leveraging technology and machine learning to help struggling fitness businesses maximize value from their existing members, and increase revenue retention - all while avoiding unintended consequences.

Doug is a Connecticut-based software and AI expert who has been in the tech industry since the late 90's. He has a background in ecommerce, SaaS, and ed tech, and has been in the HALO space for a bit over four years. He specializes in customer onboarding, product adoption, and using machine learning and AI to scale businesses.

Doug saw the potential of data-driven analytics in the space, but also quickly realized many people lacked the time (and knowledge) to make the most of it. With the help of machine learning, Doug was able to help business understand new opportunities and help drive value from members. The ability to discern member value (and potential member value) enabled clubs to be more proactive and prioritize their highest value customers. The Easalytics platform helps facilities become a bit more data-driven and make more informed decisions. He states, "We can use data to make something better. And it's not going to require a lot of time, because one of the things that we work really hard with our product to do is make it easy to use. It doesn't require a lot of your time to get value from this." In this episode, Pete and Doug discuss:

How new technologies, such as machine learning and AI, are making data accessible more accessible (and actionable!) to businesses of all sizes.
How analytics and data can be used to increase revenue per customer, prioritize customer retention efforts, and derive greater value from customers.
How anomaly detection tools can be used to spot the unintended consequences of changes in pricing and customer acquisition.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around analytics:

Ian Mullane: https://www.halotalks.com/ian-mullane-ceo-keepme-ai/

Robert Jackson: https://www.halotalks.com/robert-jackson-ceo-fitness-bi/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Growson Edwards is a software entrepreneur and founder of CIPIO.ai, a Community Commerce marketing platform that helps brands mobilize & monetize their brand communities. He has extensive experience in the SaaS space, having grown his last company to $100 million in revenue and sold it.

After meeting his two partners, they took on the challenge of building a Community Commerce Marketing Platform. A year later, he had close to 50 brands on his platform, including some of the biggest in the fitness industry. He was able to help them understand their followers better, as well as help influencers understand their own influence. His dedication to helping brands reach their goals has paid off, and he is now on a mission to elevate the lives of others.

"Influencer marketing" is a very loaded term, and (generally speaking) tends not to be thought of highly (for various reasons.) Growson dives into that headfirst in this marketing masterclass! He states, "People who buy followers. . .it's a real issue and a very common thing. And most people who buy followers actually don't realize that the majority, if not all of those followers are going to be bots, right? So they think it's a very innocent, 'Hey, I'm buying actual real people, real followers,' but you're not."

He continues, "We take someone's audience and we segment it into four categories so we can understand if you have 10,000 followers, how many of 'em are real people? How many of 'em are what we call suspicious accounts? Which are those fake accounts, those bots? Everybody has a certain amount. Usually 10, 15% is normal. When it gets north of that, that probably means they're buying their followers. The third category, how many are mass followers, which are also real people, but they follow so many people that they're not gonna see your content on a regular basis. The fourth category is actually other influencers, which could be super powerful because there could be all kinds of like joint partnership opportunities between your community influencer and other influencers that follow them as well."

In this episode, Pete and Growson discuss:

How can brands use their community for growth.
What the Syndex score is, and how it can help you determine the effectiveness of a Brand Ambassador.
What strategies can be employed to maximize the success of a community influencer campaign.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around technology:

Dr. Joseph Maroon: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-377-dr-joseph-maroon/ Mo Iqbal: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-341-mohammed-iqbal-founder-ceo-sweatworks/ Andrew Menter: https://www.halotalks.com/andrew-menter-tyler-nicholson-physmodo/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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"No matter what industry you're in, you need to find someone with the trait of being passionate about what they're selling, teachable, and who has naturally high energy - those are more important than anything else," states Jeff Sanders.

Jeff was 17 and, and at one point had to sleep in his truck. He literally had no place to go when he decided to take control of his life and "become teachable." Through various jobs at AT&T Wireless, substitute teaching, a Smoothie Factory franchise, nonprofit and church sectors, LA Fitness and others . . . he learned the in's and out's of business, developing a passion for helping people and learning the power of relationships along the way.

His tenacity and skills eventually got him recruited to work at Radio Shack, where he learned the importance of operations, systems, and the value of sales training. This inspired him to create an Ambassador program at his current job, Energy Fitness, where he serves as Chief Growth Officer. His team is encouraged to reach out, get leads, and build relationships with people. Jeff's drive to help others and make their lives better keeps him motivated every day. In this episode, Jeff and Pete discuss:

How to Equip Your Team to Generate Leads: Learn the tactics and methods Jeff uses to successfully equip his team to go out and generate leads, including concepts like "assumptive language" and taking a "tenacious approach."
Investing in Your Team and Building Relationships: Discover how to invest in your team and glean an understanding of the psychology of conversations, in order to build strong relationships with members and prospects to boost success.
Achieving Long-Term Goals: Find out how to create a paradigm shift in experience levels and provide the best service (and motivation!) for your customers so they stay for the long-term and achieve their goals.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around sales and growth:

John Merris: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-389-john-merris-on-balancing-long-term-and-short-term-goals-to-fuel-growth-at-solo-brands/

Donald Kelly: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-385-unlock-your-sales-make-more-money-donald-kelly-shares-his-strategies/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Len Fridman was laid off from his corporate job in 2009 after nearly a decade, and upon doing a bit of soul searching, he decided to pursue his passion for fitness instead of continuing on in "corporate life." He started a small boot camp business in a local park which quickly went on to become the most successful outdoor program in Canada in multiple cities. Eventually, a need/business frustration presented itself on the software side, which then led him to his Co-Founder Sasha Davids, who promptly jumped onboard.

They started out small but have now scaled to where WellnessLiving is now quietly powering 5,000 studios, and were recognized by Deloitte in the Fast 500 and Fast 50 in Canada. Len was able to bring on Don Williams, their Chief Revenue Officer after recently securing a $66M investment from McCarthy Capital. With a team of 354 strong and growing, WellnessLiving is able to create amazing tools with the sole goal of helping fitness studios continue to expand. He loves giving back to the community as well. WellnessLiving is behind the extremely successful Stand with Studios grant program.

On their recent growth, Len states, "We selected McCarthy Capital really for one main reason: Our vision and goals were completely aligned. Their whole thing . . . they love to see companies grow, but more importantly, they want to make sure that the staff of those companies, that they evolve, that they grow as individuals . . . if they have families, they want to send their kids to college, and so on. It's just a complete alignment of values and vision. We're here to grow now." Be sure and visit WellnessLiving at booth #3351 at the IHRSA 2023 trade show in San Diego!

In this episode, Len and Pete discuss:

How a layoff in 2009 led to the creation of the most successful outdoor boot camp program in Canada and Len's initial journey into entrepreneurship.
The journey of building a platform to facilitate bookings and scaling a business to 5,000 participating locations.
The success story of a growing software company to 354 people strong and contributing to the boutique fitness community.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around software & tech:

Dr. Joseph Maroon: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-377-dr-joseph-maroon/ Derek Flanzraich: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-375-derek-flanzraich-ness-ceo/ Amira Pollack: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-361-amira-pollack-struct-club-ceo/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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J.Dennis Jean-Jacques is an experienced investor with over 20 years in finance. He is currently the CIO at Ocean Park Investments. His work is based on lessons from renowned figured such as Jeff Ubben, Peter Lynch, and Warren Buffett, and specializes in deep dive, fundamental investing and long-short equity investing.

Dennis and HALO Talks host Pete Moore make this a master class! This episode is a "must listen" for anyone in the HALO sector who wants a basic primer on types of investments, deal flow, private equity funds, hedge funds, and more.

J.Dennis was inspired to pursue an investment career after Buffett's visit to his Harvard Business School class. He dedicated the next 20 years of his life to fundamental and long-short equity investments. He eschews "trends," and . . . by following basic business fundamentals . . . is able to identify great opportunities in the public markets. He learned to find the best investments by understanding the deep reality of the businesses and avoiding fancy strategies for the sake of "style points."

In that vein he states, "Investing is not like gymnastics - there's no style points! Your returns are returns, and if you can make it much simpler and get similar returns, the better you'll be."

In this episode, Pete and J. Dennis discuss:

How investors can wait for the right opportunities and still benefit from the market. 2. What some of the best ways are to determine an investor's circle of competence. 3. How investors can make sure their returns are not diminished by "style points." Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around finance: Pierre LeComte: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-342-pierre-lecomte-tsg-consumer-partners-managing-director-consumer-retail-private-equity/ Kaumil Gajrawala: https://www.halotalks.com/kaumil-gajrawala-managing-director-consumer-products-wellness-credit-suisse/

Jon Canarick: https://www.halotalks.com/jon-canarick-managing-partner-north-castle-partners/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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John Merris is the CEO of Solo Brands, a public company that's making huge inroads in the outdoor space. With strong, in-the-trenches experience in sales and growth (he started as a door to door salesman!) Merris joined the company as its 7th employee and has since helped them acquire 3 other brands that now fall under the Solo Brands umbrella: Solo stove, Oru kayak, Chubbies apparel, and ISLE paddleboards.

When he was approached by the founders of Solo stove, a smokeless fire pit company that was actually based in hometown which he hadn't heard of previously, he was very intrigued and, nine days later, ended up joining as the 7th employee! Through his growth mindset and track record of building teams, John was soon asked to become the CEO, successfully acquired the other brands, and helped take the company public.

Going public, however, also brings some unexpected emotions and tricky waters you have to navigate as a leader. He quickly realized that by taking care of customers and maintaining a long-term view (versus only worrying about stock price and quarterly earnings) the company would be successful.

He states, "I believe that building a great brand centers around culture. What's your culture? Well, at Solo Brands, our culture is the customer. It's taking exceptional care of our customers. I don't believe, per se, in us going out as a company and building our brand. What I believe in is taking great care of our customers and letting our customers go and build our brand for us.

In this episode, John and Pete discuss:

How Merris approaches building a successful company through organic and inorganic growth. 2. What techniques he uses to create a culture of exceptional customer care.
How he works with and leverages influencers, social commerce, and affiliates to build Solo brands out as an umbrella.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around the outdoors:

Jared Hanley: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-325-jared-hanley-ceo-naturequant/ Robert Swan: https://www.halotalks.com/robert-swan-founder-of-2041/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Helaine Knapp, a self-professed "tech junkie" with a Big Ten education and a penchant for healthy living, risks it all to launch a boutique fitness empire, only to discover the water is colder and the monsters more fierce than she ever imagined. City Row is over 10 years old and they were one of the first to "make rowing sexy" and bring it to the forefront. She is now an expert in connected fitness, having built a best-in-class software platform and content production.

Helaine was always a fitness enthusiast, but she had to learn the hard way to take it slow. After college, Helaine was working in tech startups when her love for fitness kicked in again. She was a "Spinning junkie," trying to out-work everyone else, but it led to her herniating three disks in her lower back. After this, she developed a concept for a boutique fitness studio, and recruited her old college friend Annie Mulgrew to help. Together, they built City Row from the ground up, and in the process, created an empire. Despite the challenges they faced, Helaine learned that the best way to succeed was to go together, not alone.

As someone who never started a business prior to jumping in with both feet, she states "As I tell young entrepreneurs all the time . . . I knew that it was going to be pretty hard, but I also knew that I wanted to bet on myself. And I would say, jump in if you really want to do it, but go in wise, with eyes wide open. This is not rainbows and butterflies. The water is cold, and there are fucking monsters lurking below. And if that sounds appealing to you, then you should definitely have some fun and jump in. But the water is cold and there are sharks!" In this episode, she and Pete discuss:

How Helaine used her tech skills to create a successful boutique fitness business.
What strategies she used to build a strong team culture and successful franchise.
The challenges entrepreneurs faced during the pandemic (and now post-pandemic climate) and how to overcome them.

Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around boutique fitness:

Julian Barnes: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-326-julian-barnes-ceo-co-founder-boutique-fitness-solutions/

Greco Fitness: https://www.halotalks.com/greco-fitness-jenna-york-and-mike-donnelly/

Sumner Hanna: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-370-sumner-hanna-senior-instructor-at-soulcycle-designer-and-co-founder-sumner-leigh-athletics/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Hassan Shah is an avid gamer and entrepreneur from Pakistan who is passionate about the intersection between connected fitness, sports, and gaming. He's set out to transform the fitness market with an innovative open world game, mixing Peloton and Zwift, which (among many other things) creates an all-encompassing experience with a unique monetization system. His company is called X-Originz and based in the UK. They're currently looking to raise £2.7m to order their first batch of 10,000 bikes and take them to market.

When it comes to starting a new business and the challenges it brings, Shah states, "Life is nothing without struggle. And that's always kind of stuck with me, and hopefully I'll pass that on to my children and we persevere and we keep going." Hassan took note of the rise and fall of Peloton, some of the shortcomings of Zwift, and set out to create an app that combined the two, providing an engaging gaming experience. With his vision of a centralized data system and a bike costing next to nothing, he has the potential to reach a very large market (starting in the UK initially) and provide a solution for those struggling with fitness. In this episode, Pete and Hassan discuss:

How gaming has evolved from a young age to its current state.
The potential of the metaverse to connect different worlds and gaming experiences.
Creating an accessible and engaging bike fitness experience through monetization, data, and a kids version.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around virtual fitness:

Bill McBride: https://www.halotalks.com/bill-mcbride-president-ceo-active-wellness/

Mohamed Iqbal: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-341-mohammed-iqbal-founder-ceo-sweatworks/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us review and rating here: www.ratethispodcast.com/halotalks

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Jim Donnelly is the CEO and founder of Restore Hyper Wellness, a company focused on "making hyper wellness affordable and accessible for more people." He is a serial entrepreneur and a highly experienced leader with a passion for helping others. Six or seven years ago he found himself training for a triathlon and, after a friend suggested cryotherapy, he decided to try it out, but was unhappy with the experience-putting it mildly!

He thought he could do it better, and he certainly has! They began adding other medical modalities (they offer 10 currently), have 165 locations open, a corporate office with 200 employees, 700 more stores on a development schedule, and a $140 million dollar investment by General Atlantic partners to top it off!

Part of their success stems from the fact that they've been very selective about their franchisees. They're continuing to aggressively expand with a new store opening every three to four days (as of this recording.)

He states, "We've created a national infrastructure. We do it better than anybody else. We manufacture our own equipment. We're super excited about our place as the leader in this space. And our mission is to make hyper wellness affordable and accessible for more people so they can do what they love to do . . . I'm a much, much better entrepreneur today because of all of those things, including some of the failures. And I would say my superpower is that I'm self aware, I'm pretty egoless and I love bringing in people to help me."

In this episode, Pete and Jim discuss:

What strategies they used from the beginning to ensure they had the right franchisees in place.
What procedures they've implemented to help them become the leader in the hyper wellness category.
How partnering with a private equity firm allowed Restore to make targeted, strategic investments and help them "control their own destiny." Other episodes you'll enjoy around workout recovery:

John Klein: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-373-john-klein-ceo-and-co-founder-pause-studio/

Dr. Jonathan Leary: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-355-dr-jonathan-leary-remedy-place-founder/

Dr. Neil Paulvin: https://www.halotalks.com/dr-neil-paulvin/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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When Donald Kelly, Founder of the Sales Evangelist, attempts to teach a group of businesses how to infuse sales back into their culture, he discovered that the key to success is building genuine relationships with clients (especially during discovery) and establishing a bridge between the value of your solution and their problem. He states, "The most effective organizations . . . they all have the pedigree that everyone is in sales. Even if it's a brick and mortar with a cashier at the front, all the way down to a senior executive, if you can have that sales mentality . . . it's going to be a very successful company. Here's one of the reasons why passion is critical: If you have people on your team who don't believe in what you're doing, then why are they even on your team?"

Donald grew up in Jamaica and shares his experiences around how everyone had to find ways to survive. It was tough going for sure. He went on to develop his skills through years of in-the-trenches experience in business-to-consumer sales, technology, and software. He was rated in the top 29 of the Sales Force Influencers of 2022. As he continued to ascend the ranks in his various positions (as well as being a voracious consumer of podcasts and YouTube videos), he created his own handbook that others can replicate.

In this episode, you will learn:

How to infuse sales back into a business culture and make it a part of your company's DNA.
How to unlock the secrets of successful sales strategies to skyrocket your business profits!
The importance of passion in sales and how to evoke it in order to make a genuine connection with customers.
How to prepare for a sales call or visit, including researching potential clients, asking the right questions, and focusing on the customer's needs.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around recruiting, sales, & more:

Ross Lauder: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-333-ross-lauder-founder-chief-energy-officer-single-focus-talent/

Kory Angelin: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-336-kory-angelin-coo-volofit/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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When Jason Moore, an entrepreneur with a background in data, software, and fitness decided to apply his expertise to the body, he quickly discovers a powerful, but ironic truth: The most valuable piece of equipment in the world is his own.

He has developed a technology platform called Spren which uses device agnostic and camera sensing technology to deliver science-backed insights about the body.

He states, "You have this high dollar, incredibly expensive equipment where if it fails, it can literally kill people or waste millions or billions of dollars. Imagine how much effort gets put into preventive and predictive care of that equipment! Eventually, I came to realize the most valuable piece of equipment in the whole world is my own body. So why am I not spending the same level of preventive and predictive care on myself?"

Spren provides guidance and feedback on things like nutrition, inflammation, stress, exercise and recovery. They have been able to collect over 4 billion data points from 700,000 users, and is currently working with an audience of 30 million. The platform can also be private labeled and they are already working with other partners in the HALO space. Jason's ongoing goal is to continue to try to help people understand their body and aid them in making the right changes to improve their health and fitness. In this episode, Jason and Pete discuss: 1. How Jason's background in oil & gas maintenance and prevention intersects with his current work in biometrics and health.

How Spren makes it easier for businesses to deliver science-backed insights about the body and has even helped some Olympic athletes win a gold medal!
How the platform provides personalized guidance to individuals without requiring them to use a specific device.

Click here to download transcript. Other episodes you'll enjoy around fit-tech:

Dr. Joseph Maroon: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-377-dr-joseph-maroon/

Perry Kamel: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-360-perry-kamel-dna-vibe-ceo/

Dr. Wersland & Ben Nazarian: https://www.halotalks.com/benjamin-nazarian-dr-jason-wersland-therabody/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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In his second appearance on HALO Talks and as the now newly installed President of Stronger U (part of the Self Esteem umbrella), Adam Zeitsiff discusses their Mission of helping people achieve their nutrition goals and build meaningful human relationships with RD's and certified nutrition coaches, challenging the 95% diet failure rate and revolutionizing the way we think about nutrition. Stronger U has now been in business for 7 years and has an incredibly supportive community of 50,000+ strong! "There's no shortage of apps and tools out there that use technology and help drive people to understand [nutrition] education. I think what we've been really successful at doing is humanizing the approach . . . We're unapologetically about the human-to-human relationship, because what's more intimate than what you put in your body? There's not a lot of things that are more intimate than that. And you need another human to help guide you through it and understand not just the specifics about what you're eating, but why you're eating it," states Zeitsiff. Stronger U is direct-to-consumer but also has select partnerships with fitness facilities to provide nutrition support. Generally speaking, the program lasts approximately four to five months and provides education and accountability through a dedicated coach and an app. After four to five months, the user can access a lower price package to remain a part of their extremely vibrant community. In this episode Pete and Adam touch on:

How Stronger U is revolutionizing nutrition not by "dieting," but through a human-centric approach and community support. 2. What the differences are between a Registered Dietitian and a certified nutrition coach. 3. How Stronger U uses technology to personalize and sustain nutrition lifestyle changes.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around nutrition:

Dr. Layne Norton: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-328-dr-layne-norton-ceo-founder-biolayne/ Ari Tulla: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-346-ari-tulla-ceo-co-founder-elo/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Join Randi Eisenshtat, a long-time industry veteran as she shares her story of initially starting out teaching everything from cardio funk and hip hop to getting involved with the fundraising world helping secure hundreds of thousands of dollars for non-profits like St. Jude, Cycle for Survival, the Sunrise Assocation, and others.

She has over 17 years of experience having worked for Lifetime and Equinox, still teaches, and runs a financial planning practice as well. She's recently done a great deal of work with the incredible Sunrise Association, a now international organization that provides a full service summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings. She continues to work tirelessly . . . combining her love of fitness and fundraising. The second annual RISE UP for Sunrise was held September 2022 and raised nearly $14,000!

She's seen a lot of change in the HALO sector, and when it comes to the 'big box versus boutique' question she states, "I find that these big box gyms, because they are providing everything under one roof for a really decent price given what they're offering . . . they're always going to be there. They're never going anywhere. And that's, I think, what is keeping (especially over the last couple of years with the pandemic) some of these bigger businesses a float and some of the smaller ones obviously are no longer in business.

In this episode, Pete and Randi discuss:

Randi Eisenshtat's journey in the health club industry, from teaching dance classes to managing group fitness programs in large organizations and her thoughts on fundraising as well as where the industry is going.
The psychology of how large clubs think about group fitness, and how they can compete with smaller boutiques offering more specialized services.
The Sunrise nonprofit organization, their fundraising events, and how you can get involved.

Click here to download transcript.

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy Around Non-Profits: John Mirrione: https://www.halotalks.com/john-mirrione-owner-of-harmony-by-karate-harmony-power-foundation/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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With the noble goal of creating a calisthenics online brand to help others--especially those just starting out--Hampton Liu remains determined to maintain his freedom and authenticity while attempting to balance the challenges of growing his brand month over month. He is a certified personal trainer, passionate fitness enthusiast, and the founder of Hybrid Calisthenics, an online brand and community dedicated to helping others achieve their fitness goals.With just over 3 million subscribers on his YouTube channel alone, Hampton has made incredibly impressive strides in a very short time period.

He states, "I haven't redefined what success looks like. For me, it's just doing what I like and being happy and helping others be free and happy. That's so cliche. But I can't give another answer because it is true, which is why I've repeatedly chosen freedom, which is one of the parts of the brand sponsorship things over money and people having leverage over me. Another thing that early entrepreneurs have issues with . . . is they rapidly trade their freedom for some extra money and then they have to do all these other things while trying to keep the brand authentic. That's harder when you owe someone $500,000 and they're like, 'hey, you need to push this thing that we agreed on.'"

Liu has always been passionate about fitness, particularly martial arts and calisthenics and in 2020, he began recording his "blatherings" about calisthenics and posting them online. This quickly gained traction and connected him to a community of people that he could help. He learned to say no to offers that didn't align with his values and has continued refining his message and building his brand, all while staying true to his core ideology. In this episode, you will learn: 1. How Hampton went from taking care of his mother 24/7 to building a successful online brand and community around calisthenics.2. What the two things are that brick and mortar fitness club owners must be doing on social media. 3. How entrepreneurs can maximize their return on personal time, while remaining passionate and loving what they do.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around different modalities:

Layne Norton: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-328-dr-layne-norton-ceo-founder-biolayne/ Sue Hitzman: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-372-sue-hitzmann-melt-method-founder/ Sam Miller: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-378-sam-miller-proteus-motion-discovering-the-future-of-strength-testing/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Adam Molda is a former college tennis player-turned-fitness entrepreneur from York, Main. He's the founder of Spark Fitness & Tennis Club and has a passion for creating communities and fostering relationships through the sport of tennis. Since COVID, America has seen 5 million new players come to the game and the opportunity to promote the sport is bigger than ever. He talks about transforming a big box facility into something with a more "boutique feel" with the overarching mission of building a heavily focused, tennis-based community. On the operations side he states, "All our tennis is based around being social, being competitive, and just getting better. Our most popular tennis program is our own type of cadio tennis. I'm not a big fan of the 'traditional' cardio tennis, so we've created our own, and it's our most popular program. Starting Sunday morning for example, we have four courts and 32 people coming to do our version--Sparks version of cardio tennis. And then the next hour and a half, we have another 32. We're satisfying over 100 people in 3 hours on the court, and we do that throughout the week. What we're trying to do here is to create a community that's a fitness class, they're having fun, they're improving their skills, they're meeting new people, and they're getting fitter. We're checking all the boxes." Adam goes on to discuss his background and how it has been a linchpin for his career journey. He talks about the importance of the team aspect of tennis, the social aspect, and the fitness part of it. He discusses the rebirth of tennis due to COVID and how it has given people a socially distant option to compete, connect, and learn life skills. Adam also talks about the importance of accountability and having the best people on your staff in order to help create a space that truly sets itself apart.

In this episode, Adam and Pete discuss:

The "rebirth" of tennis in the age of COVID: How the sport adapted to the pandemic, and what it means for the future of the game.
Building a community through tennis: How the game can be utilized to foster relationships, and what life skills it can teach.
Utilizing data and technology to enhance the member experience: What software solutions are available to facilitate better connections with members, and how can they be implemented. Other episodes you'll enjoy around mental strength/motivation:

Benj Ecker: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-323-benj-ecker-general-manager-college-park-athletic-club/

Rebecca Schonfeld: https://www.halotalks.com/rebecca-schonfeld-mental-health-advocate/

Matthew Richter: https://www.halotalks.com/matthew-richter-thiagi-group-president/

Click here to download transcript. Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Arnab Raychaudhuri is an engineer, tech entrepreneur, and former field organizer for the Obama campaign. He is passionate about fitness and is currently working to revolutionize the virtual fitness industry with his company, ZOMO Fit.

Arnab was an engineer living in New York City when the pandemic hit. He noticed local gyms quickly took to running live Zoom classes to help keep things alive while they were shut down. This gave him the initial idea to create a platform--specific to the fitness industry--using his tech background. He created Zomo Fit, a platform which, among many other things, now gives customers access to every single instructor at SoulCycle for $34 classes. He believes that virtual fitness is an $8 billion opportunity that is projected to increase to $60 billion in the next couple of years.

Prior to jumping into entrepreneurship though, an opportunity with his friends came up to work for a then, relatively unknown Senator Obama. He later hustled hard to later land a job in his administration ("I took it as a challenge!") and learned the in's and out's of lobbying and getting things done on the Hill. And it isn't pretty!

He states, "What I learned quickly from being in government is that it's capitalistic, and the country is very capitalistic . . . which is great for entrepreneurs and people starting out. It's a great opportunity creator. But for IHRSA or other trade associations out there . . . the dollars win. For example, the folks that have a lot of lobbying money, they can obviously control what bills kind of get out there. Unfortunately, I think there's a lot of kind of dirty money around. In terms of lobbying, it's about getting as many signatures as possible to the Hill and getting a champion on the Hill to back up a bill and make sure there's money behind it to incentivize that Senator or Congressperson to push it really hard. They need to have some kind of incentive."

"Really what it comes down to . . . in terms of politics and money, is that they need to get reelected, and that's also about how much money you can raise to get reelected. It's like they're all running their own small businesses. Let's say the association can put in more money for someone's campaign . . . that is a driver for these guys. Like it or not, unfortunately, money has to be behind whatever bill you push forward. It can't just be for the 'common good' because there's a lot of common good things out there, but the ones that have the most money behind it? Those are the ones that get the most attention and are pushed forward."

In this episode, Pete and Arnab also discuss:

How he managed the transition from engineering to working in politics with Obama's administration. 2. How the fitness industry can and should leverage lobbying and other efforts to more aggressively push forward bills and initiatives. 3. Long-term view on virtual fitness and its potential growth.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around virtual fitness:

Flexit: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-320-austin-cohen-founder-flexit-second-interview/
Burnalong: https://www.halotalks.com/daniel-freedman-ceo-and-founder-of-burnalong/

Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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When Sam Miller, an industry outsider, took up the "minor" challenge of attempting to revolutionize strength testing and training, he ended up manufacturing a device unlike anything else currently available--something which helps unlocks previously inaccessible insights into physical strength--and launching him into a head-to-head battle for content against existing equipment makers.

Sam is the CEO and Founder of Proteus Motion, a revolutionary strength testing and training device that provides full body assessments in three minutes and unlocks new insights into physical strength and human performance. He got into the HALO sector after enduring years of physical therapy as a young kid. He took a mechanical concept his Dad initially invented at MIT and redesigned it, creating a revolutionary strength testing device that produces two times more muscle activation than a free weight or a cable machine.

Proteus is quickly becoming a standard for human performance, providing trainers with the data they need to diagnose issues, validate results and design highly customized training programs. The product is being used in 43 states, with a focus on sports performance and sports medicine. Customers range from 8-88 years old, with the product being used in retail locations and gyms.

Sam states, "There's a real market and appetite for quantifiable information, especially around human performance. There's a huge gap, though, in physical strength data. There are 24/7 wearables which have created a $30 billion sleep and recovery market, MRIs and X-rays have created a $60 billion MSK market, right? But physical strength? What are we doing to measure it? It's basically like, 'How much can you squat or bench?' That led me to the realiziation that we're evaluating this critical pillar of human performance in, basically, one dimension, which is kind of stunning to think about."

In this episode, Pete and Sam discuss:

How is Proteus Motion is revolutionizing the strength training industry with their strength testing device and software products.
How their patented technology measures physical strength and power for every human movement.
How Proteus can empower trainers and potentially even help transform the physical therapy and sports medicine industries. If you're a decision maker at a facility where resistance training is taken seriously by your members, the Proteus is worth very strong consideration.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy around resistance training:

https://www.halotalks.com/episode-292-andrew-page-the-axle-workout-co-founder/
https://www.halotalks.com/episode-327-aaron-laurence-mark-livingston-ybell-fitness/
https://www.halotalks.com/episode-353-dermot-mcardle-jp-mone-ramfit/

Connect With Us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Joseph C. Maroon, M.D., is a Neurosurgeon and Vice Chairman and Professor of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He's regarded as a premiere specialist in the surgical treatment of injuries and diseases of the brain and spine and considered an authority in sports medicine and concussion management. He's been the team Neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Medical Director of World Wrestling Association, as well as authored over 300 peer-reviewed scientific articles and numerous books. His most recent is Square One: A Simple Guide to a Balanced Life.

"After asking for objective data from coach Chuck Knoll, I went to neuropsychological colleague Mark Lovell, and we designed the Impact Test: Immediate Post Athletic Cognitive Testing, which eventually became computer based and has now become the standard of care in the NFL and all major contact sports. And we've evaluated over 20 million tests in kids and various levels subsequently," states Maroon.

Dr. Maroon continues to do fascinating work in concussion management and has dedicated his career to improving safety in sports as well been a pioneer in the development of concussion detection and treatment technologies. He's dedicated years to developing safe products focused on football, and was the first neurosurgeon appointed by a team for that purpose. In addition to all other major advances in the sports world, he's also seen the growth of data collection, such as the HITS: High Impact Intensity Testing System and Prevent Biometrics, as well as the implementation of the eye in the sky system, where trainers monitor and assess players on the field. In addition, Dr. Maroon has recently studied the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to assist with post concussion syndrome. In this episode, you will learn about:

The development of new technology to help prevent and treat concussions, including the use of mouthpieces to measure hits and the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
The importance of proper nutrition for athletes, including the use of supplements to support mitochondrial function.
The increasing level of athleticism and the potential for even more impressive feats in the future.

Click here to download transcript. Resources:

Square One: A Simple Guide To A Balanced Life

Other episodes you'll enjoy focused on workout recovery:

https://www.halotalks.com/benjamin-nazarian-dr-jason-wersland-therabody/
https://www.halotalks.com/katie-kaps-and-lauren-berlingeri-of-higher-dose/
https://www.halotalks.com/rick-richey-co-founder-recover/

Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: @thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Nearly 30 years ago, Fit Bodies came up with the unique idea of meeting high end resort's staffing needs by matching them with highly experienced and credentialed fitness professionals who were willing to teach a few classes while they were on vacation. It's a business model that has served the Founder, Suzelle Snoden, quite well over the years. She has over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, and her company has placed instructors in some of the most prestigious resorts in the world with a network of approximately 50,000 instructors across the globe representing all all specialty areas. (Pilates, yoga, cycling, etc.)

"So what we're doing for our clients, our hotel partners, is we're providing that programming for their fitness with qualified educated professionals that they wouldn't know how to resource. Those people actually having their own vacation, the instructors, and while they're on the property, they teach classes to the resort guests. They're actually inspiring people to be healthy and happy while they're on vacation so that hopefully their lifestyle might change . . . our clients, the hotels, they respect that we understand and know who is educated. We follow up on that and screen them 100% to make sure they're not only educated, but also have the background to be able to provide this high amenity that matches the amenities the hotels are already offering in all the other areas."

This episode dives a bit deeper into the business model and services offered by Fit Bodies. Because of their extensive relationships over the past 30 years with group instructors nationwide, Fit Bodies is also a place that fitness companies nationwide should strongly consider reaching out to for their staffing needs as well.

In this episode, you will learn: 1. How the fitness industry has changed and evolved over the last few years, especially around COVID. 2. Why it's important to have highly qualified and educated instructors teaching classes at resorts. 3. The trends around yoga, Pilates, cycling, and other modalities in the resort/vacation space.

Download transcript here.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here. Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Joana Meneses-Bodyroots: https://www.halotalks.com/joana-meneses-founder-bodyroots/ Connect With Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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In this episode, Derek Flanzraich discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and how he is using his new company, Ness, to democratize access to health, in part by using credit cards to incentivize healthy behaviors. Derek Flanzraich initially started as the CEO and Founder of Greatist, a company that later became the the leading health and wellness media company for Millennials. He is currently the CEO and Founder of Ness, a credit card company that rewards people for making healthy choices.

When he started digging deeper into (some of the many problem with health care in this country!) he states, "There's just no denying that no matter how friendly you make health and wellness, it still is very expensive and hard to afford for most people. And I was hit sort of smack in the face with this about a year and a half ago, which was about a year and a half after I sold my last company . . . Why is it that health insurance, which seems like it should care about your long term health, actually doesn't?"

Derek talks about learning how using credit cards to incentivize healthy behavior can lead to very positive outcomes. He discovered that the current system has a disincentive for health plans to actually care about your long term health and that leads to the health inequity and tragic outcomes we have. He and some friends started to work on a big, audacious idea: Could you create a health insurance plan that would stick with people long enough that you could actually justify investing in their long term health in the short term? They landed on a credit card (to start) as the best way to build a relationship with people to eventually offer them long term health insurance. In this episode, you will learn: 1. How does Ness, plan to use a credit card to incentivize health and wellness? 2. Why recruiters are critical for entrepreneurs just starting out. 3. What are the implications of health insurance plans that don't care about long-term health? 4. How does the credit card rewards system for Ness work?

Click here to download transcript.

Loved this episode? Leave a review here.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

https://www.halotalks.com/kaumil-gajrawala-managing-director-consumer-products-wellness-credit-suisse/
https://www.halotalks.com/jon-canarick-managing-partner-north-castle-partners/

Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: @thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

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"People are more likely to trust a business that has been recommended by a friend or family member, or that has positive reviews online. Nielsen did a survey with 30,000 people and found that approximately 92% of decisions regarding which businesses to patronize are based on other people's opinions, recommendations, and reviews," states Andre Cvijovic - Founder and CEO of Referrizer, an extremely robust marketing automation platform that helps businesses grow by generating leads and increasing sales. Referrizer's "sweet spot" are fitness facilites that hover near or above the $100 per month price point. Prices for their system vary and range from $200 up. Interestingly, they also provide a (virtually unheard of!) complete, "done for you" system where they will keep working for you until they get you the results they promise. Referrizer actually integrates with many CRM's (for example MindBody) so you can track exactly how much revenue their efforts are generating.

In this episode, you will learn:

How Referizer is helping businesses get found by their customers. 2. The critical importance of following up (the sooner the better!) in the sales process. 3. The flexibility of Referizer's pricing model. 4. Three tips that will help your business increase 30%.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Episode #56: Dave Reiseman, GGI, Chief Marketing Officer
Episode #193: Patrick Cunfiff, Director of Marketing, Loud Rumor
Episode #184: Derek Barton, Former Senior VP Marketing, Gold’s Gym

Connect with us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehaloadvisors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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When John Klein, a HALO sector veteran with 20+ years of experience, launches a unique workout recovery franchise, he finds himself confronting the challenges of balancing "art and science" to ensure success while bringing a luxurious, experiential offering to market in highly competitive geographic areas. John's held positions at Town Sports International and Equinox, and is currently the Co-Founder of Pause Studio, a health and wellness franchise with six different service modalities and a team of experienced professionals. Three unites are currently open in Los Angeles with two more coming.

This episode of HALO Talks talks a lot about franchise business strategies, real estate selection, and bringing a high-end concept into competitive markets. John, a 17+ year friend of host Pete Moore, discusses his experience in the health club space and the critical importance of real estate when it comes to franchise businesses. John and his team developed a playbook for selecting the best trade area and real estate for franchisees. He provides insight into the process of creating Pause, a franchise model that offers six different service modalities and various retail products. John and his team have almost 50 years of management experience in health, wellness, and brick and mortar studios, and they have created an experiential offering that provides value and a fair price.

Regarding locations, he states, "There's the 50% art, and 50% science. Sometimes it's 70/30 or 30/70. But there is the art and the science, and there's the empirical data (which are the demographics and the psychographics), but then there's the anecdotal data, traffic patterns, future development, pent up growth in a market with future units or offices being built, , and psychological barriers. So you've got to do your due diligence. The empirical data . . . the demographic research, is kind of the divining ride to get you into a certain trade area, but then you really have to speak to the local residents and potentially do market surveys to really hone in and make sure you're making a smart real estate selection."

In this episode, Pete and John discuss:

The playbook John created to help franchisees get the right location and maximize success.
How John's years of experience and unique "special sauce" has enabled him to launch a successful franchise model and raise almost 3 million in just 4 months.
Uncover the nuances of John's real estate selection process and learn how to optimize a location's success through data, empirical research and anecdotal information.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Chuck Runyon-Anytime Fitness: https://www.halotalks.com/chuck-runyon-from-anytime-fitness/
Keith Worts-Crunch Fitness: https://www.halotalks.com/keith-worts/
Brian Clay-Eat the Frog Fitness: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-358-bryan-clay-eat-the-frog-fitness-founder/

Connect with John here.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

Click here to download transcript.

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Sue Hitzmann is an exercise physiologist and neurofascial science and research educator with 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is a founding member of the Fascia Research Society and the creator of the MELT Method, a system of self-massage and movement to help alleviate chronic pain.

She started in the industry in 1988 as a fitness professional and an exercise physiologist. When she realized that what she learned in fitness was not able to aleviate her own chronic pain, she dove into neurofascial science and research. She developed the MELT Method in 2004 as a way to help people alleviate chronic pain, and has since then taught it in group exercise, conducted teacher trainings, and written multiple books, one of which became a NY Times best seller. Over the years she's learned quite a bit about growing and scaling a business, but one of the most important aspects is learning to being ok with charging what you're worth for services that can literally change someone's life! She emphasizes the importance of having a vision, a plan, and the right people around you as well as understanding the risks and rewards of taking on investments. She has built MELT Method into a thriving business with no investors and no debt.

"If you really want to help someone, it, the revenue can come. You just have to learn how to strategize business. And I think business is a part of a practice. That's also part of what we teach with at MELT with our instructors . . . is how to run a successful business, " she states.

In this episode, Sue and Pete discuss:

How to succeed in the HALO sector and reach the next level - learn tips from Sue Hitzmann's many years in the space.
What are the pitfalls of taking in investors and how to prepare for them?
Discover the secrets to a successful business and the critical importance of understanding the relationship between units, price, and revenue.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

https://www.halotalks.com/episode-328-dr-layne-norton-ceo-founder-biolayne/
https://www.halotalks.com/dr-joel-fuhrman/
https://www.halotalks.com/brian-anderson-principal-small-pond-group/ (MELT Method's new CEO.)

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Dan Rubenstein is the CEO of Pups Pet Club, a pet care company with five locations in Chicago and Brooklyn. He has over 20 years of experience in the space, and is passionate about providing the best possible care for dogs.

Dan took an interest when he had to find care for his dog while he was working. He eventually found a service that took his dog to a park to run around, but they didn't listen to him when he said not to take his St. Bernard out in hot weather and--very sadly--his dog Sidney ended up in the hospital and passed away. :(

This motivated Dan to start his own, best-in-class, pet care business for many reasons, not the least of which was to make sure something like this never will happen to anyone else. Today, Pups Pet Club (which officially started in 2015), is a highly successful venture with five locations and many more planned. He attributes their success to their focus on taking care of dogs, their people, and their technology. He believes that the pet industry has potential for much more growth. "People seek out the best when it comes to their dog. They spend on them like they spend on their kids. Everything else is secondary to dogs and kids. And so if I'm looking at a marketplace and I see a really weak competitor, then I either want to look at making an acquisition play for that competitor, or putting a store fairly close to them," he says.

Their fifth store opened in Jan 2021 and because of Dan's business savy, they were able to emerge from COVID stronger than when they went in. He states, "Williamsburg is really the relaunch of me personally in pet care in New York and of course, the introduction of the Pups Pet Club brand in the area. This brand itself . . . is the best, most evolved platform that I've started, operated, and managed. And that's because I'm smarter and more experienced than I was before. I'm a better manager, and I understand exactly what it takes to build this business quickly and do it so that we don't compromise any value for our customers, we don't compromise the quality of care, and we certainly are focused on taking care of our people too, which is a big part of our business. . .when I was with them, Accenture taught me 'People, Process, Technology."

In this episode you'll hear:

What inspired Dan Rubenstein to start his pet care business.
How has the pet care industry changed over the years.
What sets Pups Pet Club apart from other pet care businesses.
Dan's plans for expansion for the brand.

Connect with Dan here.

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Sumner Hanna is a professional fitness instructor, former professional dancer, and Founder of Sumner Leigh Athletics. She's been teaching SoulCycle classes for over seven years and is currently also trainer with CLIMBR. Growing up as a professional dancer paved a way for a life of sweat and creativity for her. She worked on tours, TV shows, and music videos before eventually immersing herself in the realm of boutique fitness. She taught everything from Barre, Cycle, HIIT, strength training, and even celebrity dance cardio classes!

She mentions, "Now that we're two years after the pandemic, I kind of feel like people are craving the energy to be back in a room, working out with others, instead of on a digital platform. For some people, digital stuck because they've been doing it at home for a while now. I think the majority though are craving that energy and environment and community again."

In this episode, Sumner touches on:

The psychology of the "new normal" and how she thinks things are going to play out in the world of fitness.
The importance of treating instructors well, paying them well, and offering them career growth opportunities.
The critical role that marketing has always played (and will continue to play!) in the future success of fitness studios.

Click here to download transcript.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

https://www.halotalks.com/jaidus-mondesir-founder-takes-on-adventure-soulcycle-instructor/

https://www.halotalks.com/ruth-zukerman-flywheel-founder/

https://www.halotalks.com/mantas-zvinas-of-surf-yoga-beer/

Connect with Sumner here.

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In a world where tennis courts are king, one man struggles against the odds. He trudges forward daily doing his best to build a pickleball empire and overcome the obstacles of a competitive market and multiple naysayers. (Admit it. . .you just read that in the "in a world" voice, right?) ;)

Our job is done here! Moving on . . .

In this episode, you will learn:

The potential for pickleball to generate significant revenue streams from multiple sources, including membership dues, tournaments, and food and beverage sales.
The importance of relationships in the fitness industry, and how Sean used them to grow his businesses over the years.
The importance of feasibility studies when considering a new business venture, and how he used them to validate his pickleball idea.

"There is a gross imbalance in the court supply & demand model right now," Graham states. "The number of people coming into the game and making a lateral move from tennis and racquetball and squash . . . putting it anywhere in the country, about anywhere from 300 to 1000 people per court, depending on where you're at. Down in Florida, you go to the villages, or you come up to where I'm going to play tonight, it's going to be 65, 75 people for six courts. So I see the big picture in providing the courts."

Graham is a veteran health club operator who learned the business working at his Dad's club. His new venture is Backspin Pickleball. He has a wealth of experience in the industry, and is passionate about helping others and mentoring new entrepreneurs. His Dad was an entrepreneur who owned a chain of clothing stores and then opened up the a racquetball club in Fairfield, Connecticut. He followed in his father's footsteps, working in the family business and eventually started his own consulting company.

Sean was introduced to pickleball by a friend and was immediately hooked. He saw the potential for pickleball to become a big business, so he opened his own club and things took off! He's been quite successful so far, but sees a lot of room for growth and encourages others in the HALO sector to look at this very seriously.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

Lynn Cherry: Pickleball Fire podcast.

Connect with Sean.

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Eric Casaburi is the founder of Serotonin Enterprises, a company that provides anti-aging solutions through hormone replacement therapy, nutritional coaching, and fitness programs. He is also a franchise consultant and has over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. In his second appearance on HALO Talks, he chats with host Pete Moore on what he's been doing since he founded Retro Fitness many years prior.

The Serotonin anti-aging platform is a new way to help you look and feel younger. In this episode you will learn:

The importance of serotonin in the body and how it affects mood and happiness.
The potential for franchising Serotonin locations in order to provide services on a larger scale.
The range of services that Serotonin offers, including body contouring, weight loss, and immunity shots.

"I started my career in the industry 20 years ago, and I saw a need for a more holistic approach to health and fitness that addressed the needs of an aging population. I spent 2019 and 2020 researching the best way to provide this type of service, and I launched Serotonin Enterprises as a way to provide happiness and results to people who are struggling with their health. Our services include immunity therapies, body contouring, medical weight loss, and hormone replacement therapy. We have a network of health and fitness professionals that we work with to provide the best possible care for our clients, and we are always looking for ways to improve our services and grow our business," states Casaburi.

This space is only getting larger and if you own a brick and mortar facility--the post workout/recovery space is something everyone needs to pay close attention to.

Other episodes you'll enjoy:

https://www.halotalks.com/eric-casaburi-ceo-of-retro-fitness/

Connect with Eric here.
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here.

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Swerve Fitness (which initially began as a successful brick and mortar space with three locations) now offers a, "Live streaming, groundbreaking fitness experience to gyms around the world, all built on the power of team sports." Eric Posner and his team have come up with a great "hybrid" that helps facilities fill in studio dead time, doesn't influence their existing staff placements, provides unlimited classes in a boutique experience with some of the best instructors available . . . and on and on. It's a unique twist and it's going very well.

Posner states, "We initially came up with the idea for Swerve, which was the world's first team inspired indoor cycling studio. We pitched our clients on this and they said, 'Look, we love it, but you got to quit your job. You got to put up your own money and then we'll back you.' So that's what we did. We quit our jobs, we put up our life savings and they helped us raise the rest of the money to open up our first location in Flatiron. Fast forward, we had three locations in the city, we had a pop-up out in Montauk and things were going quite well. And then the pandemic hit."

How Posner and his team managed to successfully pivot is a fantastic study in teamwork, belief in the company Mission, and belief in each other. Once they firmed everything up, they approached Crunch for a test--which went great--and they were off. They gameify the classes, do multiple live classes on the hour, do not canibalize the existing cycling instructors at the facilities that pipe in their offerings . . . and multiple other benefits.

This is a substantial cost savings for the gym which has proven to drive more revenue, and it's a win for members because it's all included in their dues. They can take unlimited classes per month if they wanted which gives them a boutique-level/live experience in the club they're already a part of. With a retention rate of 88% and bookings continuing to rise, Posner's team seems to have found the sweet spot in a space that still continues being carved out post-pandemic.

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Alex Dzierbicki has held a variety of positions in the hospitality and HALO sectors. At one point, he owned three gyms, worked in private equity, moved on to the franchise space, and now works for the highly regarded Cultivate Advisors, where all advisors must possess a minimum of at least 10+ years of business ownership.

When asked about the importance of perspective, he states, "The broader that is, the better you will be able to form commonality and pattern recognition skills. So saying, 'Hey, I've seen how the big boys play. I've seen how the little ones play. I've seen how the winners, losers, various intention have walked these notions out. I can say, Oh A, B and C, are common factors . . . so this is what I think is likely.' What are we doing to address these problems? How can we peak around these corners?"

It's critical to ground businesses in data--to take something from the more "etherial" to the more concrete. He discusses how an engagement works with Cultivate, what the process entails (the need for 2 years+ of operating data being the starting point), and more.

"One of the big differentiators from the larger consulting companies, is we do our proposals and contracts based on scope of work, not on time. Because we don't want to say, 'Hey, this task took me 45 extra minutes, that'll be $200.' We want to figure out what's needed, put a price tag on it, and then do the work. We are implementers."

Cultivate has clients on 4 continents, is industry agnostic, and has just over 60 advisors. He strongly urges Founders to consider their personal views and long term interests on brands and franchise systems, when thinking about expansion. ("Franchising is only sexy from the outside.")

Any business owner can always use a fresh set of eyes from time to time--and you may want to consider reaching out to Alex and Cultivate at some point down the road.

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Alex Dzierbicki has held a variety of positions in the hospitality and HALO sectors. At one point, he owned three gyms, worked in private equity, moved on to the franchise space, and now works for the highly regarded Cultivate Advisors, where all advisors must possess a minimum of at least 10+ years of business ownership.

When asked about the importance of perspective, he states, "The broader that is, the better you will be able to form commonality and pattern recognition skills. So saying, 'Hey, I've seen how the big boys play. I've seen how the little ones play. I've seen how the winners, losers, various intention have walked these notions out. I can say, Oh A, B and C, are common factors . . . so this is what I think is likely.' What are we doing to address these problems? How can we peak around these corners?"

It's critical to ground businesses in data--to take something from the more "etherial" to the more concrete. He discusses how an engagement works with Cultivate, what the process entails (the need for 2 years+ of operating data being the starting point), and more.

"One of the big differentiators from the larger consulting companies, is we do our proposals and contracts based on scope of work, not on time. Because we don't want to say, 'Hey, this task took me 45 extra minutes, that'll be $200.' We want to figure out what's needed, put a price tag on it, and then do the work. We are implementers."

Cultivate has clients on 4 continents, is industry agnostic, and has just over 60 advisors. He strongly urges Founders to consider their personal views and long term interests on brands and franchise systems, when thinking about expansion. ("Franchising is only sexy from the outside.")

Any business owner can always use a fresh set of eyes from time to time--and you may want to consider reaching out to Alex and Cultivate at some point down the road.

Click here to download transcript.

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Brandon Cullen is a former professional NHL player and one of the Founder's of MADabolic. (Fun fact: MAD stands for Momentum Anabolic Durability.) Along with his partner Kirk Dewaele, "The duo founded MADabolic after noticing a hole in the fitness market. There were no high-quality group fitness training systems for people who prioritize strength, value structure, and demand results…everyday people, and people past their sport looking to age athletically…people, it turned out, like them."

The MADabolic brand has been quietly, but slowly and surely expanding. . .but doing so mindfully and cautiously. He chats with Pete about their trials and tribulations of becoming a franchisor early on, managing franchisees (and marketing to find the right franchisors.) Their goal is to get to "200 successful units" in the next 5 years.

He says, "We just started noticing that different people were coming in the doors. We removed the scoreboard, we removed the barbell, we started play playing around with a lot more work-to-rest ratios versus chasing reps [in the CrossFit model.] That a-ha moment became when we actually funded a second location and put this experimentation into a full program."

Cullen goes on about their plans for expansion in certain key markets ("going deep instead of wide"), challenges of educating the uneducated consumer, what they feel is their brand's special sauce, and more! This is one group you'll be hearing a lot more about down the road.

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April Berg is the Co-Founder & Customer Experience Director of the Aruna Project, an incredible organization which empowers women through employment. The Project, "Creates lifelong freedom marked by holistic care for victims of human trafficking. Products are crafted in freedom by skilled Artisans who are finding their voice, experiencing independence and growing with a sisterhood of others who have overcome."

They've employed over 120 women since they began in 2015 (products launched in 2018) with 60 women currently employed, and they look to bring on 3 new women per month. Their training center serves over 3,000 in the redlight area in India which they started from. "Will never employ a woman unless we can fully sustain her ongoing," states Berg.

She continues, "Everything that we create . . . was made by women who we've helped set free and have overcome quite awful situations. We provide sustainable employment through holistic care so they're fully sustained. And then our products are sold and marketed here in the USA."

Her life was forever changed when her and her husband on a trip to India--witnessed a two square mile area with over 15,000 sex slaves existing in tiny corridor and awful living situations. She and her whole family returned, embedded in the area and spent months researching mission, vision, values of other organizations before they launched.

She discusses how they fund the business, how they train the women to not only live their life after they get out of the brothel, but then to get them into work, how they compete with other, larger athleisure brands, plans for working with the HALO sector, and more.

Be sure to reach out to April to inquire about donating, or if your organization would consider reselling their items. Lots of possibilities here for brick and mortar facilities of all sizes!

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"My purpose is to help others," states Roger Harvey succinctly. This long time, highly-seasoned HALO executive served as the COO of Crunch for 13 years (from 3 studios to 27 in 1993-2006), as a COO and CEO in the boutique space, a consultant to a good number of brands, and most recently as the CEO of New York Sports Clubs. He was charged with the "minor" task of taking a 50 year organization (from 186 gyms going in, to 68) out of bankruptcy--while in the middle of the pandemic--pre vaccines! "I walked into a full on crisis," he states.

This was an utterly Herculean task on every level with literally 2 days notice, but as anyone who has met Roger knows, this sort of thing doesn't phase him. He continues, "I opened [the podcast] with the fact that my purpose is to help others, and it would make me really bad at fulfilling my purpose if somebody asked for my help, they then explain what they need help with, but I say no, because I think it's too difficult!"

He has honed what he calls his Level4 curriculum over the years for awareness training. "It helps you practice living by learning to go more slowly, so that you can recognize options, and then choose the way that's best for you. It's built on six steps: Love, learn, appreciate, forgive, teach, serve. The next stage is the process of understanding expectations. Five words: Organize, communicate, educate, evaluate, modify, and then repeat."

There is much, much more to this. These are not pie in the sky platitudes. Roger walks his walk and applies all of these principles to the very real, nuts-and-bolts world of managing and running brick and mortar companies of all shapes and sizes--and those people and companies who have had Roger involved in some way, shape, or form . . . always come out better for it.

This HALO Talks is filled with a tremendous number of valuable takeaways that you should absolutely consider applying to your business immediately. If you want to work with Roger personally, reach out to him on LinkedIn at the link above.

Click here to download transcript.

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"My purpose is to help others," states Roger Harvey succinctly. This long time, highly-seasoned HALO executive served as the COO of Crunch for 13 years (from 3 studios to 27 in 1993-2006), as a COO and CEO in the boutique space, a consultant to a good number of brands, and most recently as the CEO of New York Sports Clubs. He was charged with the "minor" task of taking a 50 year organization (from 186 gyms going in, to 68) out of bankruptcy--while in the middle of the pandemic--pre vaccines! "I walked into a full on crisis," he states.

This was an utterly Herculean task on every level with literally 2 days notice, but as anyone who has met Roger knows, this sort of thing doesn't phase him. He continues, "I opened [the podcast] with the fact that my purpose is to help others, and it would make me really bad at fulfilling my purpose if somebody asked for my help, they then explain what they need help with, but I say no, because I think it's too difficult!"

He has honed what he calls his Level4 curriculum over the years for awareness training. "It helps you practice living by learning to go more slowly, so that you can recognize options, and then choose the way that's best for you. It's built on six steps: Love, learn, appreciate, forgive, teach, serve. The next stage is the process of understanding expectations. Five words: Organize, communicate, educate, evaluate, modify, and then repeat."

There is much, much more to this. These are not pie in the sky platitudes. Roger walks his walk and applies all of these principles to the very real, nuts-and-bolts world of managing and running brick and mortar companies of all shapes and sizes--and those people and companies who have had Roger involved in some way, shape, or form . . . always come out better for it.

This HALO Talks is filled with a tremendous number of valuable takeaways that you should absolutely consider applying to your business immediately. If you want to work with Roger personally, reach out to him on LinkedIn at the link above.

Click here to download transcript.

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Matt Spielman is Founder of Inflection Point Partners and author of the newly released book, Inflection Points-How To Work and Live With Purpose. (Check out a quick one sheeter here as well.)

Matt notes, "I transitioned from Executive to Executive Coach . . . and the part that really drew me in was seeing the people on the team grow, develop, thrive, giving them stretch opportunities, the promotion discussions and . . . just giving feedback in a constructive way. That was the stuff that really drew me in."

He discusees his own (rather inspirational!) career journey, what he went through himself at 44, finding sources and drains of energy, some of the concepts behind what he calls the Game Plan System ("you can't goal set your way out of an emotional rut"), and more.

He goes on to chat about the effect COVID has had (in both positive and negative ways) on people's lives and career paths, and how he built his own coaching practice from scratch. (It was a slow, steady climb, and now Spielman counts executives like Alex Rodriguez and Bill Owens, Executive Producer for 60 Minutes, as some of his clients.)

Matt received his MBA from Harvard Business School, and a BA from Columbia University, where he earned national honors as a varsity baseball player.

Matt has been a friend of Integrity Square for many, many years and we wish him all the best on the launch of his book and the continued growth of Inflection Point Partners!

Click here to download transcript.

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Matt Spielman is Founder of Inflection Point Partners and author of the newly released book, Inflection Points-How To Work and Live With Purpose. (Check out a quick one sheeter here as well.)

Matt notes, "I transitioned from Executive to Executive Coach . . . and the part that really drew me in was seeing the people on the team grow, develop, thrive, giving them stretch opportunities, the promotion discussions and . . . just giving feedback in a constructive way. That was the stuff that really drew me in."

He discusees his own (rather inspirational!) career journey, what he went through himself at 44, finding sources and drains of energy, some of the concepts behind what he calls the Game Plan System ("you can't goal set your way out of an emotional rut"), and more.

He goes on to chat about the effect COVID has had (in both positive and negative ways) on people's lives and career paths, and how he built his own coaching practice from scratch. (It was a slow, steady climb, and now Spielman counts executives like Alex Rodriguez and Bill Owens, Executive Producer for 60 Minutes, as some of his clients.)

Matt received his MBA from Harvard Business School, and a BA from Columbia University, where he earned national honors as a varsity baseball player.

Matt has been a friend of Integrity Square for many, many years and we wish him all the best on the launch of his book and the continued growth of Inflection Point Partners!

Click here to download transcript.

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Struct Club brings structure to music-inspired fitness instruction. By providing software for gyms, studios, and their instructors, Struct Club's simple app & unrivaled programming database streamline the entire process of delivering impeccable group exercise classes. In 2018, Amira incorporated Struct Club out of Harvard Business School, where she both got her MBA and began teaching indoor cycling classes at their gym. Coming from a prior career in enterprise software, she found that instructors lacked a modern tool to 'hit play & go' with facility-standard workout plans, playlists, and coaching scripts. "There should be an app for this," she thought. Class intelligence should be shared, and even predictive of individual styles based on personal preferences. Pollack continued, "Everybody deserves a great experience. That's what we want to provide as an industry. Losing 60% of our clients in one week, for example? That's just a disastrous business problem." Today, Struct Club's app is known by thousands of instructors in over 60 countries as their "karaoke machine" for class. But under the hood, Struct Club has a killer data engine that can fully automate a SoulCycle-esque DJ-ing & choreography process for a gym, studio, or club according to their own unique method, brand style, & rules. Check out Struct Club's quick Overview Deck for owners, franchisors, &/or decision-making operators. Click here to download transcript.

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Struct Club brings structure to music-inspired fitness instruction. By providing software for gyms, studios, and their instructors, Struct Club's simple app & unrivaled programming database streamline the entire process of delivering impeccable group exercise classes. In 2018, Amira incorporated Struct Club out of Harvard Business School, where she both got her MBA and began teaching indoor cycling classes at their gym. Coming from a prior career in enterprise software, she found that instructors lacked a modern tool to 'hit play & go' with facility-standard workout plans, playlists, and coaching scripts. "There should be an app for this," she thought. Class intelligence should be shared, and even predictive of individual styles based on personal preferences. Pollack continued, "Everybody deserves a great experience. That's what we want to provide as an industry. Losing 60% of our clients in one week, for example? That's just a disastrous business problem." Today, Struct Club's app is known by thousands of instructors in over 60 countries as their "karaoke machine" for class. But under the hood, Struct Club has a killer data engine that can fully automate a SoulCycle-esque DJ-ing & choreography process for a gym, studio, or club according to their own unique method, brand style, & rules. Check out Struct Club's quick Overview Deck for owners, franchisors, &/or decision-making operators. Click here to download transcript.

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"Red light therapy has been around for 60 years but 'more' isn't always better," states Perry Kamel, the CEO of DNA Vibe, the innovative new company revolutionizing red light therapy and the way its administered. "More" was the direction the industry went down (and arguably is still going down) once people realized the modality had positive effects. "It's absolutely about precision, not power . . . and too much could be harmful," Kamel continues.

With some recent coverage on the Today Show and over one hundred professional and Olympic athletes using the DNA Vibe technology, the company is growing exponentially both on the business to consumer, and the business to business sides.

Better still? The company is veteran owned, 100% of the product is constructed in Colorado, and they've managed to do so at a cost (and quality) that beat everything they found when (initally) looking abroad.

This is a highly engineered, very technically advanced product that is challenging the way red light therapy has traditionally been administered. They continue to receive stories monthly from all ages and all performance levels.

If you have ever had an interest in seeing what red light therapy can do for you, definitely have a look at DNA Vibe and consider trying their product. The group also offers a "Good Vibes" guarantee so there's nothing to lose!

Click here to download transcript.

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"Red light therapy has been around for 60 years but 'more' isn't always better," states Perry Kamel, the CEO of DNA Vibe, the innovative new company revolutionizing red light therapy and the way its administered. "More" was the direction the industry went down (and arguably is still going down) once people realized the modality had positive effects. "It's absolutely about precision, not power . . . and too much could be harmful," Kamel continues.

With some recent coverage on the Today Show and over one hundred professional and Olympic athletes using the DNA Vibe technology, the company is growing exponentially both on the business to consumer, and the business to business sides.

Better still? The company is veteran owned, 100% of the product is constructed in Colorado, and they've managed to do so at a cost (and quality) that beat everything they found when (initally) looking abroad.

This is a highly engineered, very technically advanced product that is challenging the way red light therapy has traditionally been administered. They continue to receive stories monthly from all ages and all performance levels.

If you have ever had an interest in seeing what red light therapy can do for you, definitely have a look at DNA Vibe and consider trying their product. The group also offers a "Good Vibes" guarantee so there's nothing to lose!

Click here to download transcript.

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Virginia Carnesale is the founder of Shop Stage. Her story of surviving breast cancer is incredibly inspirational for others going through what she did, and was the push needed for starting Shop Stage. Her inspiration was based on her experiences as a patient, and her life long background in retail.

While the company is only about five months old as of this podcast (Sept 2022), she and her team are doing incredible work helping other women take the guess work out of their cancer treatments, have non-profit partnerships with three organizations, and have 60 brands on their platform.

"You really do need community to support you to get through this. And it's not just friends, family and loved ones--of course, they're hugely critical--but if you don't have anybody in your inner circle that's been through this before, it's hard for them to know how to relate or how to support you."

"There really is no substitution for connecting with other survivors. I was so fortunate to get connected with other women who had gone through this before to impart helpful tips and advice on what to expect each step of the journey," she states.

Virginia discusses her business model, plans for future growth, how people can get involved, and more. It is perhaps not a coincidence that one of her favorite quotes is from Tony Robbins, "Every problem is a gift, and without problems, we won't grow."

Listen now to learn more and definitely spread the word about this fantastic company!

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As a very active kid, Bryan Clay (Founder of the fast-growing franchise Eat The Frog Fitness and 2008 Olympic decathlon gold medalist), found himself with an ultimateum by his Mom: Track and field or swimming . . . and he chose track and field because, "There was no way I was going to wear a Speedo!" he jokes. Clearly, it turned out to be the right choice.

"The track became my sanctuary," he states. Clay went on to gain a Fulbright scholarship, compete in the 2004 Olympics, won the gold in 2008 in Beijing, and has been at the top of his game in the athletic world. How then, do you go from that-where every part of your life is controlled and revolves around your fitness-to the craziness that is entrepreneurship?

It's not easy! Clay continues, "One of the hardest things about going from professional athlete to entrepreneurship is that when you're a professional athlete, everything revolves around you. If I need to get better, I have to put in the time. I fix it, I become obsessive about it until I have it perfectly. There's a certain intensity that you train with . . . a certain amount of grit, tenacity, drive and focus that you have to have."

"When I moved into entrepreneurship, it was the complete opposite! In the beginning, me or my business partner could do it all, but as you grow, you can't. You have to bring on team members that can help you. And that was a new world for me. It's still kind of a new world that I have to learn. It's personalities and people and all kinds of stuff. The hardest thing was realizing that people don't operate the same way I do, or the same way I did," he states.

Bryan and his team (the "Frog Squad!") call their workout "honest." In other words. . .it's not one-size-fits all. (Something Bryan saw when he first entered the industry which upset him quite a bit.) It's programmed and progressive. It's not fancy, but it gets results! Clay dug in and learned to become an an operator at the grass roots level, but he learned the balance of wearing the CEO/Founder hat when the time came to deal with other matters.

As someone who dealt with the highest levels of competition his entire life in athletics, when it comes to business he says, "There are people who try to find shortcuts, or find ways to try to work the system. When you see that as an athlete, you have to be confident enough in your system, in your training and what you do and why it works, so that when you look at the others you just think of it as noise . . . as distractions."

This is the same mentality he and his team have about EFT. They are a company who cares about results. They care about giving an honest and safe workout. They care about their employees and not going back on their values to make money. This is a group to pay close attention to and to learn from.

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Daniel Tobon is a self-described "hard 48." He joined the military at age 17 immediately after high school and served for 7.5 years. Due to a serious back injury, he later went on to get the, "most boring job I could" and became a lawyer. (Ha!)

Tobon currently heads up iVIK Holdings. iVIK is a 100% USDA and EU certified organic cannabis production facility. They're also white-label, vertically integrated, and run a highly successful direct-to-consumer brand, Relevium.

After selling his prior company to private equity, Tobon (also a duel citizen with Colombia) realized the incredible opportunity presenting itself in cannabis. He "had a front seat on the war on drugs" growing up in Colombia (one of the reasons he came to American initially) and saw the incredible effects of the plant on many levels, but especially for veterans suffering from PTSD.

"We collect more tax revenues from cannabis than alcohol," he states. "But it's critically important to get the cost down to commodity levels. A dry gram costs around $1.25, which is what it costs you to grow it a big greenhouse in North America versus somewhere around 3 cents in Colombia."

He continues, "The second I saw South American countries were going to start issuing licenses, I thought, 'This is it!' This solves for that issue because you are not going to change usage patterns until you get that commodity pricing. People are not going to be paying $7 a dose, no matter how well it works. It doesn't matter how high it gets you. If you're going to put this in PowerAid for example to help with recovery, you need to get it down to manageable prices."

Tobon continues to discuss the incredible benefits of CBD, how you can ensure you're getting a legitimate product, how they're slowly navigating the changing political climate as (certain parts) of the USA become more favorable to cannabis and CBD, how this can be a substantial revenue stream for gyms, and more.

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Alessandro Biggi & Francesco Brachetti are best friends since college and grew up in Italy. They started Avocaderia- the buzzy new restaurant (now with 4 locations.)

They have far from the "typical" background of hospitality entrepreneurs. Both studied and worked in the finance world but eventually, Alesandro came to the idea of,"Healthy comfort food that's good for you but enriched with healthy fats which could be cheese, almonds and so on. I realized that it was really hard to find healthy food. . . so I started playing with the idea of creating delicious avocado based salads and dishes. I shared that with Francesco who was living in Mexico, in the country of avocados!"

The two self-funded their first two locations and not having any background in hospitality turned out to be a positive. In finance parlance, they aimed to create an MVP ("minimum viable product") and did exactly that using, among other things, Instagram to create community and assess demand!

"In our case, we didn't know anything, so we just did it. Now that we know a lot more, it's actually a lot harder," quips Bragetti. It was their first experience taking an Excel model and turning into reality--something most in finance never have done, or will do, and have no idea how difficult it is. The pair worked 14 hours a day, nearly year round when they first started. COVID hit, but they did more than just survive-they thrived!

Alessandro and Francesco chat more about what success means for them, the differences in work-life balance in Italy versus NYC (Italy, once again came out on top last year,) where they're going in the future, and more! These guys are putting a different spin on the hospitality model and are a group to keep your eye on. Definitely stop in and check them out (or order online!)

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"Remedy Place is the world's first social wellness club," states Dr. Jonathan Leary, Founder. There is an incredible amount of buzz around this company, and for good reason! Leary has been working on this concept for a solid 10 years, and their new location in New York City's Flatiron district just recently opened. (Their first is in West Hollywood, CA.)

"It's a whole entire club that's centered around holistic self-care, but it's made to enhance your health and your social life at the same time. So it's not like a spa where you go and isolate yourself in each room. Although everything in the club you can do by yourself, we'd rather you do it with others," he continued.

Leary and Pete discuss the (now very popular) workout recovery space and where it's going, sourcing talent and building out a staff, the common (but wrong!) perception of "oh, you're skinny so you must be healthy," creating authentic relationships with customers and patients, (lead by example!) the long term plans for Remedy Place, Jonathan's main motivation for building it out, and much more.

Leary has carved out a rather unique niche in the HALO sector that is clearly resonating with a good number of people. Be sure to check them out if you're in NY or CA!

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Jeff Riney is currently the COO of the beautiful new St. James Club and has been in the industry since 1995. He got into the HALO sector, "By chance. . .and to avoid your classic 9-5 job. I started with selling memberships." Years later, the flagship St. James Club is a monster, 450,000 square feet facility with literally everything under one roof. It's a hybrid member/non-member model with all branded concepts developed in-house.

"From a branding standpoint, Crunch and Equinox were really the first big brands in the industry to help understand the relevance of a customer's relationship with a brand versus a commodity. We've all seen, in the last decade or so, this bifurcation of the industry from the HVLP sector up to the high touch, high price point. What I've learned is it's hard to play at the higher price point! That's why there's less consumers there, but there's also less players because it's much harder to deliver on."

Jeff discusses the differences he's experienced management-wise over the years. (Something to note? Neither one of the two CO-CEO's come from the HALO sector.) How they go about recruiting, and the current thinking around children's sports and how they manage that as well. (Is "not keeping score," a good idea, or a not-so-good idea?)

Riney concludes with a bit of a teaser for where the St. James Club is headed. This is certainly a group to keep your eye on.

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Jeff Riney is currently the COO of the beautiful new St. James Club and has been in the industry since 1995. He got into the HALO sector, "By chance. . .and to avoid your classic 9-5 job. I started with selling memberships." Years later, the flagship St. James Club is a monster, 450,000 square feet facility with literally everything under one roof. It's a hybrid member/non-member model with all branded concepts developed in-house.

"From a branding standpoint, Crunch and Equinox were really the first big brands in the industry to help understand the relevance of a customer's relationship with a brand versus a commodity. We've all seen, in the last decade or so, this bifurcation of the industry from the HVLP sector up to the high touch, high price point. What I've learned is it's hard to play at the higher price point! That's why there's less consumers there, but there's also less players because it's much harder to deliver on."

Jeff discusses the differences he's experienced management-wise over the years. (Something to note? Neither one of the two CO-CEO's come from the HALO sector.) How they go about recruiting, and the current thinking around children's sports and how they manage that as well. (Is "not keeping score," a good idea, or a not-so-good idea?)

Riney concludes with a bit of a teaser for where the St. James Club is headed. This is certainly a group to keep your eye on.

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After playing Gaelic games professionally for nearly 15 years, JP and Dermot started Gaelic Performance, a firm which sold equipment into the highly niched Gaelic sports market. Sandbags and other products didn't really hold up and they ended up developing a much more sturdy and versatile product called the RAM and started RAMfit (Recycle And Move.)

There's a heavily green ethos to the company and the product is made from recycled tires (which are heavily regulated in Europe) and steel from companies based in Ireland.

"Looking back on it now, we were that entrepreneur who thought we can go our own way. One big thing we learned from the Spartan Race partnership was that, yes, while we have a very good product, at the end of the day, we're not going to revolutionize the world of fitness with it. So what benefits us is actually going out there and seeking these partnerships. That's what has accelerated our growth and which will help our growth in the future," states McArdle.

JP and Dermot discuss their fantastic partnerships with Yancy Camp, the Spartan Race, how they survived post-COVID, their new partnership with Camp Gladiator, the benefits of going "deep" instead of "wide" so you can own your market, and more!

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In this episode, we're pleased to present an informative and enlightening interview with Ben Ludwig, a growth pastor, and a fitness coach with a rather unique background.

"If you ask most people that are in ministry, that was never their original plan. For me, fitness was always my 100% go to. I started as a person trainer back in the day and worked my way up just through my passion for helping people. That's what I thought my career was going to be forever," states Ludwig.

Ben and Pete discuss parallels between his career in the ministry and fitness, the growth of F45 in the United States and how the brand will continue to evolve, (despite it's most recent troubles,) Ben's thoughts on growth, mindset, and business, and more.

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In this episode, we're pleased to present an informative and enlightening interview with Ben Ludwig, a growth pastor, and a fitness coach with a rather unique background.

"If you ask most people that are in ministry, that was never their original plan. For me, fitness was always my 100% go to. I started as a person trainer back in the day and worked my way up just through my passion for helping people. That's what I thought my career was going to be forever," states Ludwig.

Ben and Pete discuss parallels between his career in the ministry and fitness, the growth of F45 in the United States and how the brand will continue to evolve, (despite it's most recent troubles,) Ben's thoughts on growth, mindset, and business, and more.

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Who doesn’t love good, healthy food? Better still, who doesn't love the option to have it delivered while also knowing that the restaurant (not Big Tech!) is getting their fare share of the profits.

Today’s episode of HALO Talks is made livelier and healthier by Josh Morgan, the founder of Sesame Order, a new marketplace created by a restaurant veteran squarely with other restaurant professionals in mind. Currently in approximately 250 restaurants in the NYC area, Sesame is still in beta and testing carefully, but by all signs, reception from both the restaurants and the consumers has been very positive.

"Sesame came about in a post-COVID world. We started to think about how fundamentally challenging being in the restaurant business is. And even when times are good, it's hard--but in the face of things like COVID we came to the realization that we needed to make some changes. Sesame was a response to the challenges that we've had as restaurant operators fighting against the aggregators in Silicon valley and big tech monopolizing our off-premise business," states Morgan.

With honesty and transparency baked into their core values, Josh and his team plan on disrupting the status quo of the food industry for the sake of all stakeholders and to promote the betterment of the industry. Not an easy task to be sure, but they're well on their way.

We're big fans of what Sesame is trying to do. It's certainly a company to keep an eye on, and we encourage you to check them out if you're in the NYC area.

Check us out here for more episodes you might have missed.

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A former college athlete who moved into a fitness career (and became a pro MMA fighter!) industry veteran Emre Ozgur is now the Founder and CEO of a buzzy new brand with an extremely unique concept, Safe Sweat.

"When we started really working on this, initially it was a concept for the pandemic, but the reason we decided to push forward is because there is a very large demographic of underserved people that have been saying for years, 'I don't want to work out in the social environment. I don't want to do a class. I would rather work out on my own. And that's how we got to the safe sweat concept.'" states Ozgur.

The numbers bear this out. Currently based in Vancouver with aggressive plans for growth, they're seeing an average of $188 per unit with the lowest price of $150. "It is clear that people will people will pay a premium to have their own, private space with high end equipment, as well as digital content," he states.

Their unique concept is first to market, highly profitable, and easy to run. But as any entrepreneur is well aware, getting a new venture off the ground is anything but easy! Ozgur talks all about the in's and outs of getting and SBA loan, bootstrapping, talking to your significant other (and living to tell the tale!) about starting a new business, meeting with bankers, getting an SBA loan, putting in 17 hour days, and more. Entrepreneurs at any stage of growth will be able to commiserate! Great takeaways here and a brand to watch out for.

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Recorded in NYC at the Boutique Fitness Solutions Summit in April 2022, Katy Richardson, Founder of Neighborhood Barre, a (barre studio franchisor) talks with Pete Moore about her (briskly growing) portfolio of 23 studios, which still remain self-funded. Katy was also the recipient of the highly regarded Pinnacle Business Award in the Young Entrepreneur category in Knoxville, TN.

As a former cheerleader who suffered a severe accident, Katy got into yoga and other lower-impact modalities to aid in her recovery. She did not have an extensive barre background. "I didn't want to be influenced by what someone else was doing necessarily. I wanted to find the style of barre that connected the most with me and then research it. I had that yoga teacher training background and started to build my own program without too much outside influence . . . you definitely don't have to have everything figured out before you get started," she states.

She talks about what she did to get through COVID and some of the lessons learned. (They're currently back to "less clients but at a higher value who stay longer"), how they're maintaining success on the retail side with branded apparel, ways to test out retail without a big upfront investment, and other lessons learned. ("A big one? It's definitely not true that if you build it they will come!") she jokes.

Franchisor, franchisee or not . . . Katy gives us a great number of takeaways and value relevant to any entrepreneur looking to scale in the HALO space.

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Monique Nadeau is the Co-Founder of EatLove
a company whose, "best-in-class technology delivers personalized, on-demand meal guidance that adapts to all lifestyles and food preferences and helps guide the 200 decisions we make around food each day."

As a former investment banker, Harvard University graduate with an MPA in Economic Policy, Nadeau is well aware of the critical importance of nutrition and the obesity crisis currently facing America. "I've always been attracted to people who want to solve the hardest problems, even though it could take many years to actually come to fruition. Did you know, for instance, that the number one reason for rejection to the military is actually obesity," she states.

EatLove has 7,000 dietician approved recipes, 6,000 healthy restaurant options, AI to crunch the data, and more. It's a product that's "created to drive behavior change, it has the ability to process tremendous amounts of data, and it feels like we're just at the beginning," says Nadeau.

She and Pete also talk about the (rather substantial distinctions) between RD's (Registered Dieticians) and nutritionists, her company offerings on the medical and fitness sides, their current work with over 500 health organizations, and much more.

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InTouch Technology is a business very familiar to the Milkie family. As the current CEO, Mary spent 15 years on the vendor / CMS side, and has about 30 years total in the sector. She owned health clubs prior and worked in nearly every position.

InTouch recently secured additional investment capital and is now branching out into the consulting and call center side. Mary provides some very valuable intel into the changing landscape of the CRM world.

Regarding pricing she states, "I've been in the industry for about 30 years and I've said it's a race to the bottom as far as price goes, a race to zero. I just feel like we've really hurt ourselves sometimes . . . if we are focusing on customer service and helping people get results and offering people, things that they need to obtain their goals, I just think that's a better value and better option than going into a club where there's no hand holding at all."

There's a lot of valuable takeaways in this one! Listen now to learn more.

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"I'm a tech guy / ex-athlete who became a big believer in this idea that food can get you sick, and food can also become the best medicine that you have," states Ari Tulla, CEO and Co-Founder of Elo. On their site they mention their vision is to "transform food from the cause of disease to medicine."

Ari is a serial entrepreneur and was an early investor in the (now very popular!) Oura ring.

When it comes to nutrition, where there's so much information changing (it seems!) weekly. Tulla says, "There's so many people who are giving you guidance and-really-it's like, 'I already have enough information!' So it's not about that. I can go online and find what I need, but to change behavior? It has to be made so easy that the new change makes your life easier than it was before."

Elo aims to be the flag bearer for becoming the first "biomarker-first" and "smart nutrition" company. They built a cutting edge AI from a proprietary analysis of 3,000 peer-reviewed studies, and by looking at various biomarker data, Elo takes "custom" to another level. They look at sleep activity, recovery, glucose, weight, and much more. There is nobody else doing exactly what Elo is doing and everything was built from the ground up.

As a special offer for HALO Talks listeners, Ari is offering up something you should jump on! How does it work? Go to https://www.elo.health/ and signup with code HALOTALKS to start the Elo program with a free biomarker test and nutrition consult. Here's what’s included in the Elo biomarker test:
https://www.elo.health/articles/how-to-collect-a-successful-blood-biomarker-sample-at-home/ Definitely check them out! Click here to download transcript.

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Robbie Bent is the CEO and Co-Founder of Othership. As one of the first employees with Ethereum, Robbie is extremely well versed in community building and galvanizing people around a particular cause. When it came to what is now Othership (with a brick and mortar location in Canada and a highly successful app,) he built this community initially in his backyard which grew to 400 people (and then a few thousand) with ~$20,000 a month in revenue.

His initial entre to breathwork was, "As a way to continue to stay sober and build up a social community that focuses on other things besides alcohol. I left the Ethereum foundation and started with an ice bath in my backyard, just building crazy community of neighbors, people coming in using the ice bath every night, doing these crazy bonfires and just creating a really nice social environment without alcohol. . . I just realized that the hot and cold could be used to build amazing class-based experiences for people and a whole new way to socialize," he states.

In one of those "clearly meant to be" moments, it also turns out one of Robbie's goals is the exact same as Pete's--to help solve loneliness! He's definitely on his way and has big plans to grow--mindfully! Robbie is extremely hands on (they tried over 50 types of tiles for the floor!) simply because he's that passionate about what he's built. He uses the space every day and it's baked into his daily life.

"It's really more about creating the best possible experiences where people will actually change their behavior. And then for me, it was always, the revenue will come later. It's always secondary for when you're working on your passion."

He and Pete chat about how to release the "DNA of your business" while still scaling it, how breathwork effects your nervous system, how it can be used to (literally!) change the way you live your life, how to cultivate community by "providing experiences that create awe and bring you joy," and more!

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In one of our most important podcasts released to date, we're proud to talk with Dr. Laurie Whitsel, Vice President of Policy Research and Translation of the American Heart Association & Senior Advisor to the Physical Activity Alliance, a non-profit that, "Brings together stakeholders in the physical activity communities for us to speak with one voice on significant policy and systems changes," states Whitsel. Joining her is Integrity Square's own Chief Political Architect and policy veteran, Tom Richards, JD who also heads up Activist in Motion.

It is critical everyone in the HALO sector know about the work going on behind the scenes in something called the HL7 process (Health Level Seven International) and the steps currently being taken to, "Build standardized measures for assessing, prescribing, and referring physical activity for patients."

Concurrent with that is the Time To Move initiative, a multi-year, multi pronged approach which (among other things) involves bringing in and standardizing billing codes for physical activity, connecting wearables so the data can flow and follow the patient through healthcare delivery, but also working with with CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services) to get coverage determinations for the exercise prescription for health and fitness professionals to offer it and more.

These things are happening now and Dr. Whitsel is the tip of this particular spear. Pete Moore, host of HALO Talks, mentions early on that this is indeed like "moving boulders" but they are moving. . . perhaps further and faster than we all thought.

Policy conversations may not be everyone's particular cup of tea when you have a business to run and 100 other things demanding your attention. However, what Dr. Whitsel discusses here and what is literally happening right now will have incredibly far ranging positive effects for the entire industry-and probably sooner rather than later.

This is one of our longer episodes and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. All the resources mentioned are available at the links below. Get involved now!

PAA Letter to the White House
PAA HL7 Slides
PAA Action Plan

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A veteran of Techstars in 2019 with an app that has 10,000+ five star reviews (along with the the US Air Force as a client!) Tom Kiss, Co-Founder and CEO of Ate-The Mindful Food Diary and Coach, has made tremendous strides in a relatively short period of time.

Formerly a consultant who was often on the road, he entered the HALO sector out of a personal need and frustration. "I had a wakeup call in the form of a panic attack, and realized I had to do something, and my trainer friend introduced me to food journaling," he states.

"We built Ate with the belief that everyone is on an inner journey to become healthier and happier, and we think that building the inner curiosity about your choices and habits is the key to sustainable change. We built Ate with the intention to help ignite that curiosity and try to support people on their health journey. We're mindfulness based, nonjudgmental, and all about body positivity."

Ate's grown has been impressive. They're up 300% in the last six months both on the revenue and user side. Kiss goes on to chat about creating a consumer brand, their four core values ("Four H's-Honesty, happiness, hungry, and humble"), how they found some of their first angel investors, tips on maintaining focus across your team, and more.

This is an idea whose time is long overdue, and we suggest anyone in the sector who has a vested interest in seeing their clients, gym members, etc succeed to reach out to Tom and his team.

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Integrity Square and TSG go back a long way. . . and we're excited to finally welcome Pierre LeComte, a highly seasoned private equity executive to HALO Talks.

TSG began in consumer packaged goods but, "Just realized over time, what we were was brand investors. We really liked to back brands that were on trend and were riding consumer demand waves," states Comte.

He continues, "We realized that could happen in a lot of different categories, not just historically food and beverage . . . but that you can do that in many categories, including retail businesses, which we expanded into aggressively over the last 10 or 15 years. We realized what we wanted to do was really focus on businesses that needed resources and support to continue to grow, to create the infrastructure around that, and really have a differentiated consumer brand."

TSG currently maintains both control and minority investments. (They're investors in Planet Fitness) and have a legacy of 30+ years where many of the brands they invested in are still around.

Pierre discusses how to delineate between investing in a person versus investing in a brand, how TSG views a brand itself, how they consider valuation multiples, growing a brand (TSG has their own in-house agency!), thoughts on strategic companies buying brands they can't create internally (ex: What Coke did after buying Vitaminwater), what entrepreneurs need to consider before taking on external capital, what they need to think about when considering a majority or a minority stake, and much more.

We expected this podcast to be full of takeaways for anyone at any level of growth, and Pierre didn't disappoint. This master class in how private equity can help build a company (positively!) should be required listening for anyone as they continue to scale their company--regardless of whether they plan on selling, taking on outside capital, or want to continue to run the business indefinitely.

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Mohammed Iqbal is the Founder & CEO of SweatWorks . . . the company quietly behind the tech of a lot of larger companies you're no doubt familiar with--CrossFit, Spartan Race, and many more. They are, "The leading digital agency in fitness design and technology to create meaningful wellness journeys for everyone."

Iqbal spent 7 years at Sharp and, while there, worked on the iPhone with Apple's team which strongly impacted him in many ways. Originally from Dubai, he moved to NJ in 1991. "I dove all in to Jersey culture . . .funnel cakes, the whole bit!" he laughs. "But I got out of shape and started my fitness journey. It changed my life and I asked myself 'Why didn't people get it?'"

He started SweatWorks in 2012, around the same time FitBit began, and has been in business for 10 years. The HALO sector though has never been big spenders on, well, anything, and Iqbal chats about how they were able to break through that initial hurdle. He discusses how to reduce churn, (hint: it's not 'set it and forget it!'), how the industry needs to respond to the hybridization model "which is here to stay," and a lot more.

A key takeaway on where we're going: "AI and machine learning need to be complementary, not the strategy itself. You need to have a human element. People know when you're talking to a machine versus when you're getting the personal touch."

The HALO sector has come a long way, and SweatWorks is positioned perfectly to ensure brands keep up with the times and bring their members along for the ride! Listen now to learn more.

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Carolyn and her husband Paul owned three private training facilities in Orange County, CA which catered mostly to higher level athletes. Nutrition was (obviously!) a significant part of that, and in 2013 they founded Balanced Habits™ as a way to bring scalable, personalized nutrition programming to the fitness industry.

"It became something we were known for. It carried us through the financial crisis and really is what put us on the map . . . Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and for whatever reason, the industry wasn't embracing that and were kind of farming out nutrition somewhere else," Fetters states.

She discusses how facilities around the country use their program to generate revenue, ways the program is being sold/implemented, tips on bringing nutrition into your club, how their program is managed, the necessity of proper messaging, and much more.

The fact is, "more people need to lose weight, than want to go to the gym," says Fetters and she's spot on. This is not something the industry can afford to ignore anymore or just 'hope' that members find something to do on their own.

Reach out now to the team at Balanced Habits to learn more about implementing this proven program at your facility.

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Becky initially began her career in ocean conservation focusing on coral reefs. "I wanted to save the world and see the world. . . and when I found Joyride, I found this authentic community and wanted to be a part of it!"

After moving full time into the HALO sector, she quickly realized there were no cycling studios in the San Antonio / south Texas region. She saw a need, jumped in, and become the first cycling studio to open in the area.

Now, as the Founder of her newly launched, Amp Studio and President of Consumer Brands at GoSaga (working with Geoff Schneider, a prior HALO Talks guest) Cerroni discusses her plans for Amp, market differentiators, the importance YPO plays in her development as a business owner, and more!

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"Culture can never be something where you just check the box. Once you've built that culture, you're not done! It takes every single day," states Joel Goldberg, speaker, broadcaster and author of Small Ball, Big Results.

The parallels between sports and business are undeniable, and Goldberg shares some 'in the trenches' stories with Pete on everything from recruiting, finding the right roles for employees (athletes) and more!

He also provides some real life examples (involving athletes you probably heard of!) of on-field behavior, how it was handled, and applicability for business.

Joel has spent more than a quarter century on television, relying on relationship building to tell athletes’ stories. His unique access enables him to share lessons learned from the baseball field to the board room as a motivational speaker and to homes everywhere through his business podcast.

Joel was very difficult to book as a guest due to his busy schedule, and we're grateful to him and his team for making it happen. This is a must listen for anyone in the HALO sector.

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Wellness 4 Every 1 aims to increase awareness of the inequalities in the wellness industry and provide opportunities for diverse communities to have access to quality arts and wellness programming, as well as a space for social and emotional well-being.

Their programs are currently in 100 public schools nationwide, with 150 classes weekly (new programs are added all the time) and impacting over 10,000 students! How do they know it's working? Among other things, "Every year the schools expand their programming!" states Alison Rootberg, Founder.

"The initial frustration was we saw a huge need for improvement in Chicago public schools. But now we work with New York, New Jersey, and others. The school systems do not have funding for these programs! So students are not receiving art, music, dance theater . . . and physical education was the most underserved, least funded programming!" she states. The programs are very affordable for districts as well. $4 provides a 1 hour class to a child.

"We're particularly proud of the way we empower kids to love movement. It's not just about burning calories or getting moving, it's about inspiring them to continue to do it," echoes Steve Feinberg, Director of Partnerships and long time industry veteran.

Alison and Steve go on to discuss the challenges around fundraising and applying for grants, their plans for expansion (since there's clearly a lot of need!) onboarding instructors to maintain quality across the network, and more.

The ideas here are so "simple," and easily implemented that host Pete Moore strongly urges, "Anyone who listens to this podcast should immediately listen to it again to get some ideas and make them happen!"

Wellness 4 Every 1 is quietly (but quickly!) making waves and affecting kids in so many positive ways. Reach out to them directly to get your school involved (or as a fitness professional to learn how you can participate.)

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Kory Angelin has been in the HALO sector for over 10 years. He began as a trainer and worked his way up with organizations like 24 Hour Fitness, Lifetime, Equinox, F45, and is currently the COO of Volofit. "I think I've been in every position along the way," he jokes.

On the culture of an organization, he says, "A business is made or broken starting with the owner or ownership group. You're setting the tone at the top . . . the relationship between you and the customer, even before they become a client, has to be genuine and honest."

He and Pete go on to discuss sales, sales training, marketing, the power of not discounting because it devalues the brand. (Apple never discounts, but they provide a gift card!) and more.

Angelin stands firm in his belief that the industry-especially now post-COVID-needs to think very hard about doing things differently. He quotes Simon Sinek, "People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it."

Angelin believes everyone is a salesperson, and it's important to work hard to lose the dogma / stigma some hold around that term, how roleplaying (a favorite tool of his) can help facilitate that, and more.

At the end of the day, "People want to talk about their goals, they don't want to be sold," he says. Angelin has been in the trenches and many of the tips and techniques he lays out here make this a must listen for those in the HALO sector.

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Katie Webb was in digital partnerships for 11 years while also working as a fitness trainer and group exercise instructor.

She ending up spending a lot of time at GNC and slowly started to learn the supplement industry. "I couldn't really find any formulas that were leveraging food ingredients over ingredients I've never heard of (never mind the 300 grams of caffine!) and a lot of my female clients felt the same."

That frustration eventually led to her starting Aila, the Scottish/Gaelic word meaning "from the strong place." She's raised a small pre-seed and is now moving to their next stage.

She and Pete discuss the (lack of!) quality control around the (mostly) unregulated supplement industry, which was one of the key reasons Aila is all plant-based, They also supply all their ingredients directly from the US and do multiple rounds of third party testing.

"We're doing everything we can to rebuild across the stigma this industry has. There are only 8 ingredients in all of our formulas, and everything is something you recognize, so we're doing our part in trying to make things a little more transparent," Webb states.

Aila is 85-95% female and women make up about 70% of supplement sales, so she is most certainly in the right place, with the right product, at the right time. This is most definitely a brand to keep your eye on!

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Rachel Raymond served as COO for five years at Indigo Ag--one of the fastest growing companies in the space--and it was there where she found inspiration to start Purpose, "A mental wellness company that leverages the science of the microbiome to help us improve our mood." One of their biggest goals is to help the consumer gain visibility into their mental wellbeing in a way that best serves them.

"What you eat impacts how you feel. That's intuitive," she states. "But one of the many reasons for that that may not be intuitive to your listeners, is because the microbes in what you eat interact with all the other systems in your body."

Mental wellness is as important to manage as your physical health-- perhaps even more so--and Raymond goes on to discuss the relationship between mental wellness and stress, how the two interact, and why (a little bit) of stress could be highly beneficial.

An experienced entrepreneur with a great track record, she also touches on uses of capital, creating value to the consumer quickly, scaling properly in a multi-billion dollar industry, balancing the science with the need to get out a minimum viable product (MVP) as soon as possible, and more!

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A computer scientist by training, Ross Lauder, Founder of Single Focus Talent, went through an IPO with Hubspot and has ". . . worked the roles I hire for!" he states.

Single Focus is a boutique executive search & career specialist for the SaaS / computer software & technology driven industries, with a focus on sales, operations and leadership roles across the EU and USA. Lauder also hosts the Global Tech Leaders podcast.

"You've got to go inches wide, and miles deep . . . and there's way too many generalists out there, they're not actually getting people the roles in the space."

He and Pete discuss the current state of hiring ("there's an absolute war on talent right now!"), how he thinks about candidates, the landscape of executive search, thoughts on what to look for in new hires, a few "do's and don'ts" for interviewing, and more!

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Dr. Michelle Segar is author of the forthcoming The Joy Choice-How to Finally Achieve Lasting Changes in Eating and Exercise which will be released April 26, 2022. Her extensive academic research (and time "in the trenches" as a health coach) focuses on creating and maintaining sustainable "self-care" behaviors such as exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, etc.

Anyone who is in any way connected to the HALO sector needs to read this (heavily cited, well-researched & extensively documented) book. It is that powerful. Her advice is something our industry must heed if we are (finally!) going to be able to reach that 80% of the population who do not exercise or have a health club membership.

"This is a time of reckoning for the fitness industry," she states. "We need to step out with new messaging that will help that 80% rethink, relearn, and reexperience physical activity." She provides some easy, immediately actionable tips for clubs to consider implementing quickly.

Segar goes on to discuss her four TRAP's (Temptation, Rebellion, Accommodation, and Perfection) which serve as drivers (or disrupters) for certain behaviors. Take the free quiz on her website now to learn more.

An example: "In theory, people would call joining a gym to lose weight a "driver," but it actually winds up being a huge disrupter to their daily decisions to actually make it to the gym and exercise," she says. It is critical that individuals understand what their disrupters are, and that communication coming from our industry reflects that accordingly.

She also briefly dives into her "POP" decision tool. (Pause - Open Up - Play - Pick the Joy Choice!) which can help us learn how to make better choices while not beating ourselves up either.

Dr. Segar's voice is a most welcome, (and critical!) one that we must all heed if we hope to actually effect real changes in our space rather than going back to "the way things have always been." The timing of this work couldn't be more fortuitous.

Order before April 26th and you'll also receive access to her live book club and some other fun bonuses!

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Formerly in finance at investment banks and a hedge fund, Paul O-Reilly-Hyland is currently the CEO and Founder of ZEAMO. Zeamo, "simplifies and enhances the relationship between fitness partners and fitness consumers with a digital-first approach that meets the evolving needs of the fitness industry while staying true industry partners."

Currently in 2,000+ clubs, they conducted a test with McKinsey in 2018/early 2019. Currently with 100 employers on the platform (some with 40-50K employees!), an integration with Virgin Plus, and slightly over 1,000 studios on the platform, Zeamo is on track to meet Paul's goal 5,000 by the spring.

"Platforms like us weren't necessarily popular. We were thought of as a discounter, and we're definitely not. We're out there to solve a problem for an employer, but it wasn't easy to do . . . We make it easy for a company to subsidize employees healthcare. We pay the clubs in usage and allow employees to actually join, and reward employees every time they go to the gym."

Hyland discusses the challenges of creating and managing a marketplace (they count Echelon, Les Mills, and others as partners), how they use gamification, growth plans for the next 3-6 months, the lessons he's learned from actually running a business versus being on the banker side, and more!

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We're pleased to announce the recent merger of The Athlete Book into GamePlan! "This is a huge strategic initiative for us," states Max Wessell, Chairman of the Board.

The industry leader in the space, GamePlan was founded nearly 14 years ago with the idea of helping athletes get jobs. Currently with 300+ athletic departments, over 100,000 athletes averaging ~1,400+ e-learning courses a day, GamePlan counts the NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL and others as partners. "We help an athlete move through their entire journey experiencing campus," states McCaffrey. "What better place is there than the HALO sector for an athlete to land?"

"We are Mission aligned, with Ryan" says Wessell. "We're trying to improve the student athlete experience, and a big part of that means a better outcome after college, and having employers value their athletic experience in college."

Ryan Drummond, Founder of the Athlete Book, has appeared on HALO Talks twice previously (interviews here and here) and is now part of the GP team. He touches on the (very substantial) number of benefits recruiting college athletes, "According to the National Association of College of Employers, over 80% surveyed said the number one trait they want in candidates is the ability to work in a team!" The challenge has always been, how employer brands could find their way to get in front of these prized candidates.

"It's far more than just a transactional, job board approach," he continues. "It's building the relationships with the right employers who see the benefit of a proactive, long term, pipeline strategy to bring athletes into their organization and educate them at the same time."

To that end, in the summer 2022, GamePlan will launch GamePlan Academy focused on career development skills with two courses--the first on B2B sales, and the second on management training with more already in development.

There is nobody else in the market doing what GamePlan is doing and no better opportunity for HALO sector brands to tap into this incredibly driven talent pool from the beginning of their college years and beyond.

Contact Ryan Drummond now (ryan@theathletebook.com) for more information and to explore all available options.

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Many in the HALO sector already know Lee Hillman. What they may not know however is that prior to entering the space, he was a partner in one of the Big 4 accounting firms. He left in 1991 to serve at Bally's as the CFO, even before it was solely a health club business.

He worked with Bally's until 2002, helping grow it to nearly a billion dollar company and is now and an Owner/Partner in Power Plate.

Lee has also been a director for public and private companies and is a self-professed "turnaround and distressed assets" guy. He chats with Pete about what he looks for in a new business opportunity, how you stay psychologically motivated in a distressed situation, how much runway you need, and more.

Power Plate has gotten incredible traction over the past few years, and he discusses the strategy behind that as well. "I'm not coming to Power Plate as a zealot. I truly believe this is a product that can change people's lives for the better, and those around me are also just as passionate. We're here on a Mission. It's a product that, once experienced, will help improve people's lives and they'll find a way to use it."

Lee concludes mentioning their 10+ year relationship with Mark Wahlberg, the research behind the product (which they never pay for), and more!

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Dr. Layne Norton jokes, "I describe myself as a meathead who loves science or a geek who lifts heavy things!" A highly prominent figure in the direct-to-consumer fitness and nutrition space, Norton attended the University of Illinois (perennially in the top 5 for Nutritional Sciences) where he earned his Ph.D. He went on to earn his pro card in natural bodybuilding, and became a world record holder in powerlifting, all while authoring, "conservatively over 100,000+ posts on bodybuilding.com and other various forums."

With a "six figure business" coming out of graduate school, Norton is currently the founder of Biolayne, Outwork Nutrition, Carbon diet coaching app, and author of a good number of books. And he does all of this while--much to enjoyment of his very extensive audience-- naming names and calling out the nonsense so utterly pervasive in his space.

When asked how nutrition got so complicated for the general consumer he states, "There are tons of voices out there vying for your dollars. If you're doing it the right way, it's going to take time . . . and people are very impatient, so they start making bold claims because that's what gets attention."

He continues, "If I want to get healthy, if I want to change the way I look, it takes months and months, so people are always asking, 'What's the hack? Where's the trick in there?' Behavior modification is devoid in the fitness industry. We make people out to be X's and O's, but people are messy."

Norton closes with thoughts on why he doesn't necessarily think government intervention into the nutrition world is the best idea, the state of fitness in the USA, serving sizes, marketing, modern news media, scaling his business, how he defines success, and more.

There are relatively few people in the D2C space that are as qualified as Dr. Norton, never mind his willingness and obvious passion to continuing to myth bust, name names, and educate those who have found him.

This is a must listen, but with a caveat: Be prepared to examine your own beliefs because, as Norton is often fond of saying, "Data is greater than your feelings" and not everyone likes to hear that.

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Now with 15 years in the HALO sector Founder of YBell Fitness, Aaron Laurence, found his calling and career relatively late at 35 years old. He jumped immediately into small group training. "The one challenge I faced was around the equipment I was using," he states. "Setting up a whole lot of stuff in the morning for 30-40 people was quite a bit of a challenge!"

Host Pete Moore has stated many times that the best businesses / solutions are often born from a Founder's frustration, and the YBell's genesis (and quick scale!) are proof of that.

Industry veteran and seasoned marketing & advertising executive Mark Livingston explains how YBell has managed to actually grow in the middle of COVID and how they've increased business internationally. "We were one of the only companies that actually had product," he states. He continues and chats about how, in certain ways, the pandemic has even made them a better company!

This extremely ingenious piece of equipment (with top-notch content provided as well) deserves strong consideration from everyone to distributors, club buyers, fitness professionals, and more.

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CEO & Co-Founder of Boutique Fitness Solutions, Julian Barnes joins a rare club of HALO Talks guests making their second appearance! (First one here.) We're proud to join him at BFS's 4th Summit, April 28-30, 2022 at the Westin Times Square.

In a quick "state of the industry" after 2 years of COVID, Barnes tells us according to IHRSA, 30% of the studio market is now closed unfortunately. He discusses why that is and more importantly, what those studios who've remained (and in some cases, thrived) have done differently.

In terms of some thoughts on the future, Barnes states, "Digital isn't going anywhere. We're very much at the beginning. Virtual is not intended to be a national brand. Most studio owners aren't trying to compete with the Peloton and Daily Burn's of the world. They've realized that the role of virtual in their business model is to support existing clients . . . 80% of the industry is run by studios with 3 or fewer locations."

The BFS 2022 Summit has tracks for CEO's (their invite-only CEO Summit) as well as for Managers and other employees all under one roof with top speakers from across the country.

Register at the links above, and hopefully we'll see you there!

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Jared Hanley is the CEO and Founder of NatureQuant, a company that "quantifies" nature in a sense. In a nutshell, their tech assesses and promotes nature exposure.

Hanley's background was in finance using big data, analytics, and machine learning . . . but he's always been passionate about the outdoors. "I wondered why do we feel so good when we get outside? I wanted to apply my skill set in that area. Nature never had any real data attached to it, it never had any kind of measurement, and I thought it was a huge opportunity," he states.

They have found very strong associations between certain natural elements and many positive (or negative) health aspects. "Nature prescriptions" have existed for a long time in many Asian and European countries, but only recently are starting to gain traction in the USA.

Listen now to learn what the most influential environmental factor is, possible uses for the HALO sector, their upcoming app (NatureDose), how policy makers, insurance companies, and others are beginning to realize how important nature prescriptions are to the healthcare continuum, and much more.

This is a fascinating company and a must listen for anyone in the HALO sector.

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Keith began his career in the HALO sector from the ground up working as a commission-only salesman at a Powerhouse Gym in Augusta, GA. He slowly became interested in the tech side of the business as well--which was "pre-Windows" era when you had to connect computers with coaxial cables! Trawick became an evangelist for technology in the sector as the years went on. He states, "Tech companies now are trying to be too many things to too many people . . . Organizations should be allowed to have their own definitions and enact their own business processs around those definitions."

He and Pete discuss the always-controversial topic of who owns what data, marketing trends that have come full circle, why we're still in the "bottom of the first" when it comes to tech compared to other industries, pricing trends (thankfully, it's no longer as much of a "race to zero" as it used to be) and more!

How an organization should use tech is also critical, and is often overlooked. "Technology enhances and amplifies the core that's already there . . . and that can work to your advantage or against it, depending on how good your existing business processes are."

This is a must for anyone in the sector with an interest in tech. It offers definitive takeaways from a long time, industry veteran who has been there since the beginning.

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Benj has had fascinating career path into the HALO sector. Currently the General Manager of the College Park Athletic Club, he's always been into sports as a kid (thanks in part to his Dad who coached in high school.) He lived in Sweden for a year and eventually became a Pastor for 7 years at a small church in Michigan. After returning east, his friend gave him a job in the club business, and he hasn't left since! On navigating COVID, Ecker states, "We're a program driven club as opposed to membership driven. Programs really drive our revenue. We stuck to the same price model we had all along." He continues on about the current trends in racquet sports (pickleball, tennis, paddle tennis), how they work internally to ensure tennis pros and trainers are on the same page, the lessons he's brought into the space from being a Pastor, the importance of addressing mental health issues in sports, why everyone should "learn how to lose and deal with failure," and more.

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The former CEO of In-Shape, Schuler now serves as the CEO of the California Fitness Alliance, an advocacy organization working to galvanize all subsets of the fitness industry in California.

"It took this crisis to realize how important advocacy is, how hard it is to get heard in an industry that's just trying to get people healthy . . . and how much of a disconnect there is with policy makers," she states. The well-represented Alliance is also looking at other powerful, highly effective organizations (notably the National Restaurant Association) as models.

As a life long marketer, Schuler opines on some critical issues which need addressing in our sector. "We need to focus less on vanity, and more on health! Google 'fitness' as an industry and it shows the top of the pyramid, which makes us look very exclusive and less essential," she states.

Anyone with an interest in where the HALO sector is going post-COVID needs to listen to this. Help support IHRSA in their Mission, support the Gyms Act, get involved in the CFA if you're in California! And perhaps most importantly . . . hold your local representatives accountable!

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Ntiedo has had quite a career both in corporate America and as an entrepreneur. Originally from Nigeria and the Bahamas, he learned six computer languages before age 11, eventually made his way to McKinsey, founded FitGrid (originally called YourGuru) and, along with Julian Barnes (his HALO Talks here), co-founded Boutique Fitness Solutions, Etuk became interested in the HALO sector because his group ex classes helped cured him of his plantar fasciitis! However, he saw a big need that wasn't being met: "From a retention perspective, we believe that if you come to class, you're more than likely to keep coming back if you're connected to other people," he states. FitGrid is kind of an "automatic community builder," he continued. "Nobody had ever created a software that allowed you to leverage your entire community."

Ntiedo discusses the challenges of building the platform from the ground up, how software should work with "real life" scenarios ("Software should help 'surface' what you need to do in person!") and more.

He offers examples of other companies outside the industry he turns to for inspiration (and encourages others to do the same!) Listen until the end where he also gives us "the best business advice" he's ever received!

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Joining us for his second appearance on HALO Talks (first interview here), Founder and CEO of Flexit--Austin Cohen--chats about rolling out their new virtual personal training platform mid-COVID and how it's been an "absolute game changer" for both their B2B and B2C customers.

Virtual personal training "fits into a real white space in the industry," he states. Flexit built out their own system with features specific to the modality. Suffice to say, it's definitely not ZOOM . . . and they did so mid-COVID!

Cohen discusses new revenue models he's seeing which are highly effective ("Clubs that compensate trainers the same for virtual that they do for in-person are having really good adoption internally"), as well as other metrics and best practices.

"It's important for clubs to embrace how virtual now fits in with the future of bricks and mortar," he says. It should be clear to anyone in the HALO sector at this point that digital isn't going anywhere. It was coming anyway--and COVID simply accelerated that.

This episode is a must for anyone who already has a digital/hybrid program in place, or for those continuing their research for a future rollout.

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Conor O'Loughlin, CEO & Co-Founder of Glofox, is a former professional rugby player who is taking his lessons learned on the field and finding great success in the business world. Glofox raised a "humble" $2M initially, and recently received another round for a total of nearly $25M. With a fast-growing team of approximately 200, Conor and his (initially) small team bootstrapped everything, started as a basic "professional services" company, and evolved from there.

Any entrepreneur (at any level of growth) can relate to what Conor is doing! He chats with Pete about how they came up with the Glofox name, the challenges of entering a very crowded US market from Ireland ("We came to the USA with a very narrow focus on the type of business we want to serve . . . we went, almost uncomfortably narrow"), and more.

He discusses use of funds ("We have 40% in R&D for long term planning,) thoughts on cash burn, why it's important to learn to stay no to "big fish" even if it's a great revenue opportunity ("You can do anything, but you can't do everything,") and more!

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An industry veteran in the sector since the early 90's, Paula Neubert has been with Club Greenwood for 19 years. A high end, massive, 150,000+ sq foot fitness resort in business for 34 years, Paula and her team have built something extremely unique in the HALO space.

"We look at the competition as ways to make us better. I can say with 100% certainty that our club is built on referrals . . . it's like a family," states Neubert. She continues and discusses the critical importance of marketing messages and why, for example, they use words like "resort" or "club" versus "gym." With regards to expanding and remaining "small" she states, "Know what you do well. The more locations you have, the more opportunities you have to spread things thin, and mess up."

Club Greenwood is very well known in the space, and Neubert continues to be a critical player in making that happen. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to take their facility-regardless of size-to the next level.

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Pete Moore appeared on Matt's podcast in August, and we're excited to introduce him to the HALO Talks audience if you're not already familiar.

Co-Founder of Escape Fitness and host of the excellent, Escape Your Limits podcast, Matt's company started in the UK, progressed into Poland, Germany, and 10 years ago came to the states. He trades stories with Pete about his early trade show days and how to stand out. (Hint: clothes from The Prodigy!)

"We always asked ourselves how can we continue to innovate, move our company forward, and help the people we're working with? . . . The more value you continue to provide, the more likely you're going to be the obvious choice," he states.

They continue on and discuss why receiving a large capital infusion too early on could be a big mistake in your company's growth, the significant challenges and differences doing business in multiple countries, where Escape is heading in the future, and more!

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Petra Robinson (aka "Mama ZUMBA!") got into the HALO sector while living abroad because of her passion and desire to help others. She studied with industry pioneers Jacki Sorensen & Judi Sheppard- Missett, became certified by AFAA in 1986, and eventually became their VP and ran their convention for 10 years!

Now with ZUMBA since 2005, Robinson runs 100-120 tradeshows a year for them. She and Pete chat about how ZUMBA became one of the most successful companies in the HALO space, and why it continues to thrive and grow. "The DNA is all about joy. The philosophy is to just wiggle and giggle. It doesn't matter if you can do the moves or not! You have to have an easy, basic entry point where people can come in, feel somewhat successful, and then you can keep training and grooming them," she states.

The nuggets of wisdom uncovered from this 30+ year industry veteran make this a must listen for anyone in the HALO sector!

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Robert's first HALO Talks was in 2019 where he chatted with Pete about the up's and down's of scaling a business-to-business software company. "A B2B SaaS business caught me completely off guard. It's a different totally different ballgame from running a gym!" he jokes. (Jackson also owns the high end Forma Gym in San Francisco.) Since then, he's sold Fitness BI (which he started with only $100,000!) to ABC Fitness, and chats with Pete about the process of exiting / valuations, working through his deal with ABC, what's involved when going through due diligence, scaling a company, the exciting plans they're cooking up at ABC for the future, having private equity inside the HALO sector, predictions for the future of the industry post-COVID, and more!

Any entrepreneur who is building a company (or is at the stage where they're considering selling!) will find fantastic insights here.

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As the CEO & Founder of KickHouse, a new boutique franchise currently with 35 open locations, Jessica Yarmey started the company in July 2020 (right in the middle of the pandemic!) She states, "The value add of the boutique fitness experience is real, and it's priceless to people have that guided experience." A former D1 soccer player, lifelong athlete, and 10+ year industry veteran, Yarmey has always been a bit contrarian.

In this wide ranging conversation with Pete, she offers thoughts on the trajectory of the boutique space, pricing, how starting her business during a crisis was actually a positive, and more. She continues, "There's no semi-absentee model now! You've got to be in, fighting, and know your business inside and out!"

This is a must listen for anyone in the HALO sector!

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Recorded live at the 2021 IHRSA convention in Dallas, Brent has been in the HALO sector his entire career. With degrees in both exercise physiology and exercise science, he's served as the VP of Cooper Aerobic Center, (see Dr. Cooper's HALO Talks here,) owned TELOS Fitness Center, and is recently coming off of a fantastic job having served as the interim CEO of IHRSA prior to Liz Clark's appointment as the new CEO. (HALO Talks here.)

"Crisis breeds progress, inventiveness, and creativity," he states. "Clubs are recovering slowly, but well and will be healthier in the long term." Darden also heads up a few REX Roundtables and has his ear to the ground when it comes to what's going on granularly.

He chats about what they've been doing to help get the industry get through the pandemic, how clubs have learned to do more with less, thoughts on institutional capital, the increased advocacy efforts of IHRSA, the changing climate in DC around the HALO space, what needs to be done to keep momentum going, a bit about the NHFA, and more. This is an absolute must-listen for anyone in the sector!

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A passionate and driven voice for the industry, Andrew Wall states, "For me, being on the front lines in helping to support and to bring education to the industry is one of my passions. It's a dream job, and everyday I get to wake up and do what I like." Wall is the Director of International Business Development for the American Council on Exercise, a long time, industry leader in education for fitness professionals whose Mission is, "to get people moving."

Andrew and Pete discuss the current challenges facing the industry, what is next for ACE, ("It's not just a certification. It's about having the education and then getting the experience"), career paths for fitness pros, the business of running a nonprofit, how they're amplifying their Mission in other parts of the world, navigating the pandemic, and more.

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"You have to crock pot a manager, you can't microwave one," is a quote Terry offered in his first appearance on HALO Talks - which subsequently made an indelible mark on a good number of people, including ClearLight partners, the firm Terry partnered with. He initially had 18 Orange Theory Fitness stores and, in Sept 2018 after completing the deal and doing a number of acquisitions, now have 135 stores in 6 different states. Currently, they're the second largest OTF group in the country. Terry has a lot to teach. He chats with Pete about his experiences with private equity, how he thinks about growth, managing and nurturing staff, technology (both pros and cons) and much more!

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A 30 year veteran in the HALO sector, Doug Katona has been the CEO of American Barbell for almost two years. AB is a Las Vegas based company where everything is manufactured by hand! ("It's a Ferrari with a BMW price!")

Doug studied exercise science, was a college athlete, with a partner they began the first personal training organization in Newport Beach, and more. He started at the front desk and worked his way up. "Fitness chose me, I didn't choose it!" he joked. "I continue to gravitate towards being a coach, leader, and building teams."

Doug's non-apologetic attitude of "working out versus training," his resolute belief in the importance of fitness and lifting ("You have to train hard, move fast, lift heavy. Sorry! Otherwise, life's gonna get 'ya!"), and emphasis on putting people first ("Put people before profits, and profits will follow"), will serve to catapult this already extremely well known brand to the next level.

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As former college athlete, Peter brings his many lessons learned on the field into all top companies he works with. He currently serves as an Advisor, Board Member, CEO and Investor. Having worked at Fortune 100 companies in the past, he now works with Xponential Brands, Yoga6, was the former CEO of Velocity Sports, is a Senior Advisor to Athletic Republic, Chairman of UpperHand, and others.

In this wide ranging conversation with Pete, Peter discusses the top three things an executive must consider if asked to serve on a board, plans for the Xponential XPASS, how he thinks through looking at a new business ("The key thing is it's always about the people. I only get involved with really good people. I genuinely like the people and groups I'm involved in.") and more.

Peter's breath & depth of experience in the HALO sector at all levels makes this podcast a must-listen for not only seasoned executives, but those who want to take their skills to the next level as well.

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After 7 years at Equinox as one of their top membership sales people and then moving on to Xponential, former competitive athlete Hensley Ellefritz now owns her own consulting firm with a team of 7 serving over 100 studios.

"Any successful fitness business, or any business in general . . . operates as a sales driven business with a conceptual overlay. Once you capture what makes a person tick and that specific emotion, there's no dollar sign which can be attached to that," she states.

Ellefritz provides some insider thoughts about her time with Equinox, (there's never been an ad for Equinox with a dollar price on it!) offers solid takeaways on how boutiques can manage their relationship with ClassPass, thoughts on the future of the boutique space, and more!

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"The industry has changed so much . . . ideally a PE firm should be complementary and supportive from a strategy standpoint," states Richard Steere, Founder of New Heights Capital. He spent 10 years as an M&A advisor before moving into private equity, was one of the earliest investors in the sector, and a first mover in the HVLP 2.0 model. He's done minority, preferred, structured equity deals and others. . .and was also an initial investor in The Edge Fitness Clubs, Fresh Meal plan, Orange Theory Fitness at the franchisee level, and more.

He and Pete discuss what happens when you bring in institutional capital, having conversations with landlords, his disciplined approach to investing and evaluating companies, thoughts around HALO sector deals in the COVID climate, his outlook on the sector for the next few months (bullish!) and more!

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Currently the CEO of Texas Family Fitness with 13 locations, Josh Wheeler is a 33 year HALO sector veteran who started as a front desk employee with Gold's. Josh is a lifelong learner and clearly appreciative of his Mentors, whom he cites often in this educational, wide-ranging chat with Pete.

"I look at people, systems and accountability. Who are my people? What systems are in place, and what level of accountability?" says Wheeler. He discusses having a "big appetite" for growth against, ". . .being real careful to not grow just the sake of growing." He defines HVLPHS, a phrase they coined (High Volume, Low Price, High Service), what a persona mix is, their plans for the future, and more! This is a must-listen for any executive at any level in the HALO space.

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As a newcomer to the HALO sector, Erick Donaldson built out 99 Bxng, to one of the top boxing clubs in the Tusla, OK area. Donaldson has always been in fitness. He received a baseball scholarship to Oral Roberts. While rehabbing a torn Achilles he encountered a boxing club in the area and loved it so much he ended up buying and rebranding it!

He discusses the challenges of learning the business from the ground up (he had no experience with fitness clubs before), his thoughts on personal trainers, ("Trainers are your new marketers . . . and when they have the backing of the location, it only elevates them!") his plans for expansion, how boxing has made a "very strong" comeback, and more!

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In his second appearance on HALO Talks, 38 year industry veteran Frank Ancharski discusses his current role as COO of leading RaaS ("rewards as a service") gift card provider, Promotion Vault.

"People really still don't get that 'free' and 'discounted' dues don't work. It erodes your revenue stream and EBITDA. We're on a Mission to let people know there are far better options than discounting memberships and dues . . . this isn't a gimmicky thing or tchotchke, we're a real life behavioral change company," he states. Promotion Vault offers a completely digital, zero-waste gift card solution with top brands like Amazon, Lululemon, Starbucks, Nike, Under Armor and many others.

Frank and Pete discuss what "breakage" is and why it's a good thing, why "point" systems can harm your balance sheet, how the CEO of a well known brand switched from "zero down" to a $25-50 gift card on a join which resulted in significant increased cash flow and revenues, why continuing to sell on price hurts the entire industry, how using gift cards can be critical to increasing your company's valuation, and more!

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A former competitive triathlete, Damien Dau, Founder of ActivePlace, was frustrated with the fragmented nature of his online community. "People just don't do one thing anymore, there's an integration of categories," he states. Focusing initially on the endurance market (running, cycling, triathlete, swimming) ActivePlace, "Helps grow your active life by connecting you to health & fitness products, experts, community, information and inspiration." Damien discusses how they're markedly different from things like Facebook Groups, how they pivoted to make it through COVID, their subscription model launching shortly, lessons for startup Founders and more!

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A former D1 cheerleader for Syracuse University, Danielle Donovan founded CHEERFIT after tearing her ACL twice. She decided to forgo surgery and worked to rehab her injuries herself. "Cheerleading has evolved from cheering for sports to becoming its own sport in general . . . It's going to be featured in the next Olympics!" she states. CHEERFIT offers a 2-day, 8 hour certification with standardized workouts appropriate for kids as young as 6-8, for both cheerleading gyms and for selling directly into the health clubs.

She chats with Pete about how her program has scaled from just "fitness for cheerleaders" to include kids of all ages, and even their parents who may have been cheerleaders in the past. Her program could be a strong revenue driver for any club wishing to tap into this extremely fast-growing segment. Listen now to learn more.

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Founder of Health Hero, Anthony Diaz naturally gravitates toward helping people due to his Dad's background as head dietician and nutritionist at a health care facility. Started 6 years ago, now with 4,200+ clients around the world, Health Hero is, among many other things, a gamification app placed in MS Teams, Slack, or Salesforce.

"We take gamification and health engagement seriously, and if you provide those elements you can change behaviors, and we've seen that, we've done it, and we continue to do it," Diaz states. In essence, they're "building UnitedHealthcare in reverse." Learn more about their significant differentiators, how to think about enterprise level sales, tips to scale quickly, their future plans, and more!

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While not actual Step Brothers, Bryan Baia and Calvin Martin might as well be! These two savvy, hard working (and hilarious!) friends have been working together since 2013 when they met at Equinox. Years later, they began their own brand, recently signed with OBE Fitness, and are now completely independent running 3 full classes per week.

They discuss how they did it, their new partnership with OBE, the importance of knowing your strengths and splitting up work, and more. "Who we are as people and as coaches, the way we connect and really build our brand, is when we get in front of people . . . when that happened, it took things to another level," states Martin.

Their advice to club owners on how to get the best from their training staff and what to do post-COVID is crucial. Keep an eye on these guys. Big things in their future! (And here's the Instagram post Pete keeps coming back to!) 😂

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Dr. Cooper is a legend in the HALO sector. Currently a spry 90 years old, Cooper founded his clinic 51 years ago in Dallas which has since grown to a 30 acre campus. It is one of the few places in the USA that combines a medical and fitness center. With books published in 42 languages, over 600 peer reviewed papers presented, Dr. Cooper was--putting it mildly--way ahead of his time. After presenting his keynote at IHRSA 2021, he sat down with Pete to discuss the results of one 25 year study in particular ("You're better off being fit and fat, than skinny and sedentary") and adamantly continues to drive the point home that, "No drug can replicate the results of an active lifestyle."

He points out some of the problems with statin drugs, the 8 factors his Institute focuses on to get people "Cooperized," the critical importance of Vitamin D3, his personal regimen, thoughts on wearables and personal fitness data, ("Data drives decisions!") and more.

His message (perhaps now more than ever due to COVID) is a must listen for anyone at any level in the HALO sector.

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We're excited to release our Oct 14th conversation with Liz Clark, the newly appointed CEO of IHRSA. She joined Pete for a HALO Talks live during the IHRSA 2021 convention in Dallas. Liz grew up in Montana, played 3 varsity sports and is an avid outdoor fan, "but I'm a city kid now and live in DC!" she jokes.

When asked about the advocacy role IHRSA plays she states, "Yes, we have a trade show and publications, but we were never an advocacy focused organization. We did do a lot of advocacy at the state level, but nothing federally. We just weren't structured that way. That wasn't the Mission of the Board . . . but obviously over time it became much more critical."

She continues, "We know we lost a lot of members over the years because we weren't focused on advocacy . . . I was very intentionally chosen for this position to pivot the organization to focus on advocacy and communication. That is the first thing we're doing out of the gate."

She discusses the need for IHRSA to reevaluate "our value for membership," the actual name of the organization itself, the value proposition, and much more. She also provides immediate, easy-to-follow advice for what health clubs (and members) can do to continue to get their voices heard, talks about how PAC's work, other concerns which are at the top of her list, what drew her to IHRSA, and more. This is a must listen for anyone in the HALO sector!

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Jonathan is the CEO of Ingenuity Brands, which has Brainiac as their flagship product. He states, "I got into this space unintentionally. I always wanted to do things to help people and the planet." His background was founding a company focused on renewable energy. Listen to learn more about how (and why) they ended up in the "brain health" space, and a some tips on balancing entrepreneurial energy with discipline, planning, excitement, and focus. ("It's about planting seeds, harvesting relationships, it's about working your butt off ultimately, and following the opportunity.") Jonathan's story and how he ended up doing what he does currently is a wild, fun ride and a must-listen for any entrepreneur!

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Darryl and David Bailey have been in the HALO sector for 40 years. The family business began in 1979 and they were way ahead of the curve with with regards to using software to manage their clubs. They even developed their own, a system called PSI Power Software.

Currently at 17 locations, they started small and eventually grew them into 20-40,000 square feet facilities and now completely dominate the Jacksonville, Florida area. Among many other topics in this wide ranging discussion with Pete--they discuss about how their demographic has skewed toward women versus when they first started, how the first four days back after they were allowed to reopen were the largest in the club's history, building brand loyalty, what their future plans are, advice for newer club owners, and more!

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Lynn Cherry picked up a pickleball racquet about three years ago and, a month later, she got hooked and quickly started the Pickleball Fire podcast and website. Pickleball started back in the 60's, and is now one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. "Anyone can get on the court and play immediately! I've met so many people who've never played any other sport in their life, but they get on the court and can get started easily!" she states.

We are still in the "top of the first" when it comes to pickleball and many people in the industry want to get it into the 2028 LA Olympics. Lynn chats about the sports explosion, RV parks/pickleball concepts, how the demographic is moving to the younger generations, why this is a must for anyone in the HALO sector to consider, and more!

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As a serial entrepreneur (who also was on the founding team of Audible in addition to other start ups,) CEO of Halotherapy Solutions Steve Spiro states, "I kind of just stumbled onto the Halotherapy industry. It's been great, and business is absolutely exploding now!" Halotherapy began about 150 years ago in Poland and Russia, made its way to the USA about 10-15 years ago, and has been slowly growing since. Pete and Steve chat about the powerful benefits of implementing this in your facility, pricing structures, how "localized wellness and 'staycations' are going to be huge," the response from the medical community, their partnership with Clearlight saunas, and more!

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Upper Hand makes running studios, facilities, and academies easier and offers best-in-class scheduling experiences for clients and better access to data for staff. Kevin MacCauley, CEO, initially began the company as a market place to help connect parents with youth coaches. Upper Hand has changed quite a bit over time and is now at the "nexus of sports and technology."

"How do you start thinking about athlete progression? How is software helping that business owner? How does it help them deliver the value of what they're doing to help the athlete know they're getting better? Something like 20% of US income is spent on youth sports and fitness," states MacCauley. He chats with Pete about what made them pivot, offers some case studies with D-BAT (Baseball and Softball Academies,) Athletic Republic, Modern Goalkeeper, why it's critical to be a partner to your customers and not, "a vendor" and more.

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Co-Founder of The Axle Workout, Andrew Page has been a sports performance coach and fitness trainer since 19. He's worked with NBA players in the Euro league, the Hospital for Special Surgery, and has a long history with injury recovery and injury prevention. "A 7 foot long, 45 pound bar isn't really that big for guys 6'6 and up, but when you put it in the hands of someone who has never lifted weights before, it becomes a different challenge," states Page about the origins of the company.

"We saw an opportunity to create something much more practical for someone who has never lifted," he continued. Staring with a Crunch rollout, they now sell on Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Wayfair, and many others. He chats with Pete about the importance of staying lean, how it's possible to start a business without a lot of money, getting a "digital marketing education," and more!

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"Scenting is something luxury brands have always done, and paid attention to. Sense of smell has always been pivotal in the HALO market--two of the most famous brands that focus on it are Equinox and SoulCycle," states Daniel Zimmon, Founder of NatScent. He and Pete discuss the strong use case for creating a unique scent, empirical data behind the effectiveness (and very high ROI!) of scenting, the results of a famous NIKE experiment, and some examples of how this is used by companies like Wynn hotels, Aveda, Apple, Mercedes, Rolls Royce and others. This is something that should be strongly considered by any HALO company.

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Pete McCall is a respected industry veteran with 15+ years in the HALO sector. He recently published his second book with Human Kinetics titled Ageless Intensity: High-Intensity Workouts to Slow the Aging Process. "My definition of fitness is having the ability to do what you want to do, when you want to do it," he states.

He discusses his motives behind the book, provides thoughts on where fitness is going (virtual reality!), chats about the increased importance of technology at the club level--especially for those 25 and younger, building out co-working/remote working facilities in the clubs, reviews recent studies around aging and testosterone, and more. Grab the book, leave a review on Amazon, and "get after it!"

Finally, if you're not familiar with that fantastic commercial discussed in the podcast, you can see it here. (But don't say we didn't warn you!)

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Ageless Intensity: High-Intensity Workouts to Slow the Aging Process

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As a "typical entrepreneur" who dives head first into everything, Dan did the same with CrossFit, ". . . after doing nothing for 10 years. I went down the rabbit hole, realized the software in the space was sub-par. Now, here I am 10 years later!" he jokes. He discusses how PushPress differentiates itself in a very crowded field ("We built it on the concept of integrations & expandability like the concept of app store, so you can make it your own") and more.

PushPress also tends to focus on the single owner-operated facilities as well--a space where others may have left. As a self-professed "tech nerd," he offers up thoughts on where the market is going (data driven decisions, AI, automations) as well as pricing discussions, sales (top-down or bottom-up shoppers), the importance of failure, and more!

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In this info-packed episode, we're treated to an "insider's look" at the public and private markets from a highly experienced veteran. Sharon chats about what public markets look at and why some companies get valued the way they do. "Any analyst worth their salt is doing their own modeling and trying to figure out where the risks lie, and where the opportunities are," she states. She continues about the importance of playing the long game, (regardless of whether you're public or private,) calibrating market euphoria, ("First mover is advantage is important, but it's only important so long as you can maintain your flywheel and maintain your innovation gap relative to your competition,") thoughts on inflation, labor, going back to the office, and more!

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Bob began his career with Healthtrax in 1980. Due to his strong science background, they were one of the first to get into company healthcare. "I was a company intrapreneur," he states. "Starting divisions, selling some off, and keeping others. I forged a lot of relationships with hospitals like John's Hopkins as well." In this wide ranging discussion, Bob offers his thoughts on the corporate wellness market, ACO's (accountable care organizations) the continuum of "upstream and "downstream" care, population health management aimed at early interventions, post workout recovery, and more!

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Going from a former insurance agent to a successful entrepreneur with a Shark Tank appearance under his belt (January 2020,) Genius Juice Founder Alex Bayer has quite the story!

Genius Juice makes the purest coconut smoothie on the market, and produces over 20,000 coconuts per day and brings in several containers per month. They use less than 10 ingredients per bottle, their top seller has 2 ingredients and their number 2 seller has only 5 ingredients. "We pride ourselves on simplicity, taste, and benefits of using coconut water and coconut meat in every single bottle produced. I often say there's 'no dumb stuff in our product' he jokes.

Despite the Shark Tank deal not working out, the company raised half a million dollars in one month after the episode aired. He chats with Pete about future growth, the beverage market, his two new key hires (Casey Plachek & Gavin Linde) the story behind the company name, behind-the-scenes experiences on Shark Tank, and more!

Contact him at Alex@geniusjuice.com, email orders@geniusjuice.com if you're interested in wholesale, and use genius10 as coupon code to get it for $5 per bottle!

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After a 20+ year background in finance, Pete Moore brought Brent into the industry in 2005. After acquiring Crunch while at Angelo Gordon and then working with New Evolution Ventures, Brent is now firmly on the operating side. Since founding Equity 38, he has since become the new owner of the highly regarded TRX brand.

Leffel states, "You can't model people and culture. That's the most important thing in these businesses . . . All my time in private equity, we were focused on the wrong things. We should have been focused on, 'Do you have the right people running the business? Are you supporting them in the right way?'"

He and Pete chat about lessons learned, discussion of TRX and how Equity 38 thought about the purchase, where TRX is going, club hybridization, virtual training, trainer compensation and retention, the three most important words a fitness owner needs to know, and more!

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Regarded as one of the top body transformation studios in NYC and very well known for the fantastic community they foster, this podcast was conducted right from UpFit Academy! Junior high school classmates, Wes Chow and Paul Park have co-owned UpFit for the past 4 years. "We treat members as if they're extended family. I don't want someone paying for something that they're not getting tremendous value out of . . . if they're coming here, they know they're going to get results," states Chow. They continue on to discuss how to determine roles & responsibilities, what their definition of success is, their carefully considered plans for expansion, how they're seeing revenues now that are better than pre-pandemic levels, and more!

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Bobby founded Active Entities after a successful college and professional basketball and tennis coaching career. "Health clubs don't matter to people these days. Health matters to people!" he states firmly. "People will pay for quality and results. Out of this pandemic, we learned a lot about ourselves as an industry--a lot of our shortcomings. When you get grouped with casinos, it really tells you where you're at."

He shares his in-the-trenches experiences with independent "big box" operators, chats about why it's important to consider increasing prices, provides some tips for independent clubs who may feel they're "on an island," what clubs are doing now to get people in the door, and more!

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Kevin is a 28 year veteran of the beautiful, 44 acre Atlantic Club. 33% of its business comes from the health club, and 67% from ancillary revenue. They have one of the biggest day spas and tennis programs in the country and most managers have been with the organization for over 20 years. "During COVID we had to ask ourselves what would we need to be in the future . . . Pretty much everything has changed. We are a completely different company . . . also we also learned our competition can be our friends, they don't have to be enemies."

Pete and Kevin chat about how they survived (and in some ways thrived) during COVID, the conversion of their 22,000 square foot fieldhouse into one of the largest training areas in the industry, what they did with their cycling studio to maximize revenue, their use of shipping containers (!) why the future looks especially bright for the larger facilities, and more thoughts on marketing, medical fitness, new pricing strategy, and more!

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In business for 12 years, Anthony started in the industry at 16 and worked his way up. Now 41, he's the owner of five Push Fitness locations in the tri-state area. "I always wanted to do a luxury gym at an affordable price . . . a lot of people think running health clubs is an easy business, but it's really not, especially if you run them the right way," he states.

Tony reviews some tips anyone opening a new facility should consider, the right (and wrong) reasons to expand, how he competes (and wins) against cheaper clubs, how they survived COVID, advice for people just entering the field, and more!

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Founder & CEO of 305 Fitness, Sadie Kurzban opened her first studio in 2014. Currently with 7 locations across Boston, DC, and NY, over 1,000 trainers trained (with plans for 25,000+ in the next three years) 305 is perfectly positioned for massive growth!

"The new woman isn't sold on an aspiration of exclusivity, thin-at-all-costs, performance and leaderboards. She's sold on the aspiration of inclusivity, self-confidence, owning her truth and feeling like there's a place to love her body," states Kurzban. She and Pete chat about how she created the special culture she has while finding (and retaining) the best talent (over 90% of her staff is returning,) how she found angel investors and strategic partners, their pivot into the digital side for COVID ("we built our amazing YouTube community almost by accident!") and more!

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At 19, Coss Marte was making over $2 million a year selling drugs. Imprisoned at 23, he quickly realized he had "all sorts of health issues." He lost 70lbs in 6 months and started CONBODY after his release 8 years ago. He states, "I knew it was going to work. Just show up everyday, deliver a great product, and trust the process. . . 95% of the people in Rikers Island are Black or Hispanic. I've hired over 50 people with a zero recidivism rate. Nobody has gone back into the system." And people are paying attention! They've trained over 50,000 people and during COVID, one of his classes had 800 attending! Coss discusses his plans for opening post-COVID, an instructor training program, non-profit work, apparel, their current capital raise, and more!

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As the Founder of Crossrope, (which he bootstrapped from the beginning) Dave has jumping in his blood! He spent 12 years as a Naval pilot and, while in the Academy, also competed in both long jumping and high jumping. He says, "I've always had this indescribable, innate, passion for the freeing feeling . . . for the challenge and enjoyment of jumping!" Crossrope has a hugely dedicated following with an incredibly enthusiastic online community.

He and Pete discuss how the company went about setting themselves apart in a highly commoditized market, the product lifecycle, intellectual property protection, how they've dealt with people's concerns around "I haven't done this since elementary school!" and more. Dave goes on to chat about his 'contrarian' views on entrepreneurship, hiring, the EOS management system, where the company is going in the next 5 years and more!

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With a 40 year background in the industry, Sara started in group exercise, eventually owned her own studio, became the #1 distributor for Les Mills for years, and then founded SCW Fitness Education. She was at the inception of the boutique fitness world, before it was even called that!

In this wide ranging discussion, she and Pete chat about everything from the future of the industry post-COVID ("We're going to have a shortage of . . . group exercise instructors and personal trainers,") to why it's important to not restrict instructors as we bring them back in the clubs (and how to implement that exactly.) She continues on about the critical need to learn lessons from outside our industry (with specific examples from Apple, Lululemon, Kate Spade, boutique hotels), and more!

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Ian Mullane is the Founder of keepme.ai. With a strong background in finance, predictive analytics, and the fitness industry (he owned Vanda.fit in Singapore) Ian related, "I asked myself if I could possibly utilize the data within my organization to predict whether or not a member will stay or go? That's how Keepme came about . . . if you're going to build a platform of substance, it helps to have had the problem yourself."

He and Pete chat about the importance of retention in the industry, how the thinking around it really hasn't changed in the past decade, what can be done about it, why technology should be an 'enabler' to building relationships, and more!

Download Ian's Future of Fitness whitepaper here.

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As Founder of The Wellness Agency ("TWA") Jay describes it as, "Kind of a Y-Combinator meets William Morris or UTA for wellness." Prior to TWA, Jay founded Mammoth Records and was Head of A&R at Atlantic Records before selling to the Walt Disney Company. His extensive experience helping artists grow carried over perfectly to his business ventures.

TWA has a vision to being a material part of creating 10 unicorns in the next decade. They provide startup accelerator services, access to an investor network, DTC strategy and implementation, and market entry to China. He and Pete chat about upcoming trends and products, the increasing importance of "microinfluencers," experience with "celebrity investors," and how those deals come together, and more.

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With a challenging history of severe autoimmune disease, Shauna Reiter's journey to eventually founding Alaya Naturals has been a long, but rewarding one. Alaya's annual revenue is $6 million with over 100,000+ customers and a team size of 5!

On evaluating other products, she states, "You have to ask whose agenda is it? What's their Mission and purpose? Who are they associated with? If there's a big profit to be gained, then sometimes quality can be overlooked, and there's plenty of marketing gimmicks that . . can mean nothing. You have to do a deeper level of research."

In a wide-ranging chat with Pete, she discusses the role politics and law play in the nutrition and supplement industry, (e.g., the use of the term "organic"), the need to let go from time to time when it comes to diet and nutritional choices, the importance of slowing down and not rushing a product to market, challenges in keeping a company small and personal versus scaling too fast and (possibly) losing credibility, and more!

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Erika Flint is an award-winning hypnotist, best-selling author, speaker, co-host of the popular podcast series Hypnosis, Etc., and co-host of the radio program Reprogram Your Health. She is the founder of Cascade Hypnosis Center and the creator of the Reprogram Your Weight System.

Before becoming a hypnotist, Erika designed software for the high-tech industry. She was working in that field for over a decade when she realized how interested she was in the most powerful computing device available – the human mind. Now she combines her analytical expertise along with powerful hypnosis techniques and her compassion for people to help clients utilize their most powerful asset – their mind.

"Hypnosis allows us to be the CEO of our own operating system. . .it helps business owners make very clear decisions and feel good about them--and that's paramount," she says. In this chat, she and Pete discuss why hypnosis is becoming more popular, the hurdles the pharmaceutical industry poses, differences between meditation and hypnosis, how you know if hypnosis is right for you, differences between guided meditations and hypnosis, and more!

Check out a great hypnosis relaxation recording for free here and if and you'd like a free copy of her books - Reprogram Your Weight, Lighter, or Can You Be a Hypnotist - email erika@cascadehypnosiscenter.com and she will send a PDF version. Click here to download transcript.

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The Joy of Mom's Mission is, "To unite and empower women everywhere to be unapologetic warriors and sisters while navigating the ever-evolving life cycle of motherhood." To say they've succeeded would be an understatement! Founder Vicki Reece has, from the ground up, built a "natural, organic, beautiful community of over 5 million Mom's!" "They have a 60 million reach average monthly," which is, according to COO Dush Ramachandran, "Completely organic. Not one like or share has been paid for. Every post gets 1.5 billion annual impressions. Videos get 334 million annual views. 80 million annual engagements."

This incredible community not only continues to grow, but engagement grows with it (which is usually not the case.) Dush and Vicki discuss how to know when to "let the business go" to allow it to grow, fundraising, the importance of providing "trust based value" (the right company valuation will follow!), where the community is going, and much more!

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Aileen Hoffman is the VP for the National Sunrise Walks,, a series of walks to help raise funds for the incredible Sunrise Association. "It's been an unbelievable 15 year journey serving thousands of children impacted by pediatric cancer," she states. Their next event is June 4-6, Rise Up for Sunrise.

The Founder Arnie Preminger, realized a while back that there was not a single day camp in the entire world for children with cancer. He started small in Long Island with 96 kids and--15 years later--they have grown to 8 camps, plus another 3 in Israel and no family pays a single dollar! For anyone who has been lucky enough to have the summer camp experience, you know how important and life-changing it can be.

Have a look at this video to learn more about this incredible group, and reach out now to donate or get involved!

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A former student-athlete and author of #sponsored: How Athletes & Brands Can Leverage Each Other to Create Value, Jasmine Chou chats with Pete about the differences between--and ways companies approach--both amateur and pro sponsorships, concrete steps on approaching companies, the three types of amateur sponsorships, how recent changes in the NCAA have impacted the sponsorship community, challenges of social media and more!

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Kaumil Gajrawala is the author of a seminal, recently released (April 6, 2021) initiating coverage report from Credit Suisse titled, Wellness Sector Initiation: An Apple a Day which can be downloaded here.

"We think HALO will be a $7 trillion industry. Not every piece will be a winning piece . . . but at the end of the day you're talking about something growing very significantly on a global basis," he states.

Integrity Square views this as a critical milestone for the industry in that it's the first time a top-tier investment bank such as Credit Suisse has authored a report strictly focused on the wellness (HALO) sector.

Kaumil discusses his thoughts on scaling, valuations, brand building, certain benchmarks to be aware of, the pitfalls of looking at public company comps, running a private versus public company, the #1 performing stock of all stocks since the 2000's, (it's not who you think!), his bullish thoughts on the sector moving forward and more!

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A former NHL Hall of Famer, (Top 100 all time NHL), Stanley Cup Champion, NHL MVP and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (4x Olympian,) and now President of Well Inspired Travels, Chris has gone "all in" on his strong beliefs around the "healing power of travel, and how it can take your personal and professional life to that next level." A family owned business, their agency caters to elite athletes, entertainers, C-level executives and business owners. It's been a ". . .passion project for my wife Lauren and I for many years." Chris discusses the catalyst behind the business, some key carry overs from athletics to business, how fitness, spa and other offerings continue to take on a new level of importance in the travel world, and more!

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Sal has been in the industry since 1979, first as a club owner and then in 1984 when he moved to selling equipment. "You have to put yourself in the position of the customer . . . you have to see what's happening in the field and need boots on the ground. You need to see what customers are doing!" he states. He recently returned from his first 6 day road trip post-COVID and brings good news! He gives his take on the current "temperature" of the industry, some positives that have resulted from the pandemic (adaptation to tech/virtual), and reports on trends emerging inside the clubs. In a notable positive development, many of his customers are raising their prices as "the race to the bottom doesn't do anybody any good." He chats about his excitement around the sale of Precor to Peloton, opines on where the industry is heading, and more! This timely, bullish podcast from an industry veteran is a must listen--especially now as things continue to open up!

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A former investment banker for almost 24 years with entrepreneurship in his DNA, Todd is the CEO of Title Boxing Club and Co-Founder of Box Union. He chats with Pete about his experiences going from banking into the entrepreneurial world of building a brick and mortar business from the ground up. On the parallels (and differences) between the two, he jokes, "Investment banking is an unbelievable training ground . . . we're not going deal to deal, but rather within the company, topic to topic so it's kind of similar. It works well with my A.D.D!" For anyone considering buying into a franchise, this episode in particular provides some fantastic takeaways and questions to ask.

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"We're going into these deals with the intent of partnering with Founders, that they're going to continue to be involved, and the last thing we want or need is for them to be surprised or disappointed with something along the way," states Rob Fioretti, Managing Director of Palladin Consumer Retail Partners.

Rob has been in the private equity space for more than 25 years and in this chat with Pete, he provides extremely valuable information on what Palladin looks for in companies as well as the benefits of partnering with institutional partners versus using personal capital. He and Pete shed important light on the "business" of raising capital, why a firm may say no, some "behind the scenes" thoughts on valuations, what questions to ask before deciding to partner with a venture capital or private equity firm, the return of the studio model, and more!

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"We do not have any tech available that's better than our ears and our mouths . . . we've spent 300,000 years becoming the best communicators this planet has ever seen using our voices and our ears," states Celeste Headlee, a journalist for over 20 years, author and TED Talk speaker whose video hit over 24 million views. "Email is not faster, is more prone to miscommunication, and makes people more prone to irritation . . . all of the assumptions we make to avoid actual conversations are just flat out wrong," she continues. Learn more about why it's not wise to just "trust your gut," the most effective ways to get members back after the pandemic, thoughts on Town Halls, surveys, the one unique phrase everyone from every culture responds to, how to become a more caring organization, examples of brands that were "rehabilitated," and more! This is a must listen to anyone in the HALO sector, especially now as it continues to open back up.

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Eleiko is a Swedish based, 60+ year, family owned, seminal brand in the HALO sector founded in 1920's which has a massive following among strength athletes globally. "Quality has always been at the core of what we do," states Erik Blomberg, CEO. "We want to bring design into strength equipment, an area that's been lacking for many years . . . We're looking to create the ultimate lifting experience for people that feels as if it's part of your body." Pete chats with brothers Erik and Rickard on the increased use of technology for retail purchases (in-club and corporate wellness) forthcoming products, processes behind the development and rollout of new products ("speed is fun!"), where to allocate dollars inside a company, and more.

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Praveen Kashyap is the CEO of Smart Health Clubs and a self- professed, "Born inventor, engineer, and now entrepreneur!" He came to the USA in 1987, did his Ph.D in Computer Science, and among his many other achievements, led the Samsung digital R&D group for the very first smart TV. He partnered with Mike Alpert, COO, and a 20+ year industry veteran. "We took the vision Mike had of single platform that does everything and would be member facing . . . and that's what we built." They chat about the response of the industry when promised an "all in one" solution, how they were able to grow their customer base in the middle of COVID (30 locations to over 100, increased customer acquisition 19%, and revenue growth 34%.), how to prioritize updates to a SaaS product while balancing consumer demand, and more.

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"Exercising at home is unstructured. As great as it is . . . there's nothing more beneficial than being in a gym with a good personal trainer . . . clarifying that what you've read online is what you should (or shouldn't!) be doing . . . I don't buy into the idea that gyms and health clubs are dead," says Dr. Reardon, Founder of FitnessGenes and long time fan of the industry. In this provocative, wide-ranging chat with Pete, they discuss his experience on the front lines battling COVID, the need for an aggressive, new global focus on how people take care of themselves, the dangers of over pathologizing "medical conditions," the importance of building resilience, the dangers of loneliness, vaccines and the critical need to "lose the conspiracies" around them and more!

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"bodyART comes from an understanding of Western science as well as Eastern philosophy to 'help bridge the gap' in movement," states former professional dancer and bodyART Training Studios Director and Owner, Ryan Beck. Ryan appeared often on stage, TV, and movies and eventually, dancing took its toll. He found his way to bodyART and was instrumental in establishing a variety of collaborations with medical institutions with this very powerful, and unique modality which has a strong following worldwide. He and Pete discuss the rise of virtual/digital fitness ( "The virtual space can serve as wonderful supplemental content"), the synergistic and inextricable links between the performing arts and the fitness industry, his experiences with early stage investors, and more!

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"We've seen an incredible amount of growth in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector for the past 10-15 years. I love the space, the industry, and its passion and energy!" states Barry Herbst from The Elliott Group where he's been for 5 years. Founded 38 years ago (and now with 18 search consultants and 20 analysts!) Pete and Barry chat about job hunting, the benefits of using a recruiting firm, why private equity groups depend on the Elliott Group for C-suite hires, the critical importance of patience when searching for the right candidates, pointers on job hunting post-COVID for executives who may have been furloughed, and more!

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A former Wall Street executive, Rick caught the entrepreneur bug and for the past 10 years has been running Wash Club, now in 75 cities and 4 countries. "COVID took a bite out of us, but on the upside we're definitely starting to see things trickle back in to place." Rick and Pete chat about the the pros and cons of providing towels internally versus externally. ("Stick to what you're good at and what your Mission is! -Pete) Rick brings up some anecdotal experiences of what happens if you take away towel service (don't do it!), the advantages of using RFID technology, ("If you're a good operator, you should already be using technology as your friend!") and more. This is a must-listen for any club operator.

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Live Oak is a niche lender in 30 different industries. "We're niche lenders within a niche space. . . focusing more on tried and true, well rounded fitness concepts and established, multi-unit borrowers and providing them with a debt platform to allow them to grow," states Aaron DiGregorio who focuses on the HALO sector. Learn more about tranche financing, leverage ratios ("we don't like to go beyond 4x") and how its changed during COVID, his thoughts on boutiques versus the larger facilities, how they think about debt and asset value, how a PPP loan ranks in the capital stack, financing criteria, and more!

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Jim was a former "rainmaker" and partner at three different investment banks on Wall Street for most of his adult life. He's written 7 different books, has a documentary about fitness and aging well on PBS, and recently turned 80. He says he's now in the "inspiration business" after being, for years, a "certified couch potato!" The Wall Street Journal named his book Just Move, one of the 5 best books of 2017. He chats with Pete about how he completely turned his life around (at 70!) with fitness, provides valuable, actionable takeaways for gym owners on how to market to an older demographic, and more. This is a must listen for any professional in the HALO sector AND their members or clients. Please share and help us pass along his incredibly motivational message and story!

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"The cool thing about dance as fitness is that you don't necessarily have to focus on what you look like doing it. . .you're just focusing on movement and the well-being of your body without having to worry as much about performing," states Andrea Fornarola, Founder of Elements Fitness Studio. Andrea was always a professional dancer, and she got her start on the fitness side at the well-known Physique 57 in their early days around 2005. She and Pete chat about the proliferation of dance-based exercise, thoughts on the pandemic and how group fitness will shift ("more appointment based, less drop-in model") the rise of the virtual studio model, her plans as things start to open back up, and more!

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When asked about how the industry has been responding since COVID, Eddie Tock, CEO of REX Roundtables states, "I think it's great to see the industry coming together in a stronger way. I still think we have a long way to go outside of the traditional for-profit clubs to really make an impact on the national and state levels with the media, and with state legislations that are out there." He and Pete chat about how the industry will evolve, "how to partner with different aspects of the industry to deliver the best for our consumers, our market, and our future consumers," the three different types of business owners, the critical importance of listening to the customers (now more than ever!) and more.

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"I'm a lifer!" states Frank Ancharski, industry veteran and owner of Club Coach Services. "I've been in it since leg warmers were around, The Step® was just coming out, StairMaster wasn't a reality yet, and there was the duo-chest from Nautilus," he jokes. Frank is bullish on an "epic comeback" and in this chat with Pete, they discuss the reopening of the industry and how to manage it, customer service ("You shrink your market more by the way you treat someone on the way out, then you do based on more competition."), pricing discussions, and more.

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Matt Richter is President of the Thiagi group and, in his second appearance on HALO Talks (first one here,) he and Pete continue their in depth conversation on learning, development, and training. With regards to COVID, Matt states, "We were able to share, and demonstrate that live online learning can be as effective as in person . . . If things are done and designed well, you get the same level of effectiveness, if not a bit better." They go on to discuss how this can benefit the HALO sector with the rise of "hybridization," some of the myths around online learning ("people don't focus as well,") and much more.

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A long time industry veteran, Glenn states, "Neighborhood Trainers was meant to be kind of a combination of a dating site and real estate listings as a way to help people find the right trainer." He got the inspiration (a while back) when people were still posting flyers on bulletin boards. (They're still out there and they still work!) Pete and Glenn chat about how trainers were forced to evolve during COVID, how they moved from ZOOM to parks, the always-ongoing discussions on "who owns the member," thoughts on where personal training is going post COVID, and more.

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"For every W2 employee you have, you could be eligible for up to $5,000 per employee depending on your particular fact pattern. This is not a loan. You don't have to pay it back. It's not income tax. It's a payroll tax credit. It's above the line," states Adam Taplinger from Tax Credit Co.

Adam and Pete chat about the critical Employee Retention Credit (that you need to know about!) how to use it, how it's different from the PPP, the two paths to eligibility for the ERC, and more.

Adam is a former investment banker with deep experience in the space, and Tax Credit Co is a highly respected firm with over 25 years experience and 200 employees. They are responsible for helping get hundreds of millions of dollars for eligible businesses. This is a timely, critical "must listen" for any employer in the HALO sector.

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"The problem that trainers are looking to solve is finding and keeping new clients. For clients? They don't need another tool to find new content. They want the 'answer.' Jijo is a match.com for clients, and a Shopify on steroids for trainers," states Charles Friedberg, Founder & CEO. Charles has 25 years in financial services and as a (former) 'outsider' looking in to the HALO sector, he found a need that simply wasn't being addressed. He continues, "The problem isn't trainers not knowing how to post stuff on the Internet. It's how do they attract and keep clients? It's improving the LTV of the client, while simultaneously lowering the cost of acquisition." Charles and Pete chat about the digital landscape, the relationships between brands and the trainers, and more.

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"The pandemic either will make you stronger, or will force you to get out of the way for new technology and new ideas. But I think a lot has been the same. Connecting with members in a deeper way is a big part of this. . . A huge portion of the value of a membership is the social experience. I can't see that ever really changing," states long time industry veteran, Rich Novelli. Pete and Rich touch on the many differences between High Volume Low Price (HVLP) business models versus a premium brand like Highpoint Sports and Wellness, and the effect COVID has had on both. As an example, Novelli continues, "A lot of our members continued to pay their dues. If you can't go to bat for people like that, what are you going to do?" It's about having a relationship with a 'human' versus having one with their credit card!

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"Brands are very powerful. It is the ultimate moat. When someone has built something that resonates with a lot of consumers and drives passion, that's when something is investible," states Jon Canarick. North Castle is one of the first, and most highly regarded private equity investors in the HALO sector. Pete and Jon discuss how North Castle evaluates a company, what they track, how to approach, criteria, why valuations these days tend to be very overblown, some fundamentals of finance, and more! This highly educational session is a must listen for entrepreneurs and business owners at all levels.

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"I'm very bullish on the return to boutique and studio in-person fitness," states Jack Thomas, Founder & CEO of the high end chain BASE out of Bangkok, Thailand. This discussion touches on the state of COVID in Thailand and its affect on the industry. They also chat about the cultural differences around Asia's handling of the pandemic versus the US and UK, how BASE created and leveraged a unique technology for group fitness classes, some lessons learned while visiting boutique facilities in New York, investor sentiment in the HALO sector in Asia, and more!

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"Part of our Mission is to conduct an amazing, two way, connected, live stream workout with coaches that see and care about you. . . and two-way is the word I want to repeat! We're one of the leaders in it, and it's what the Peloton's of the world simply aren't doing," states CEO and serial entrepreneur Kyle Bergman. A former lacrosse college athlete who went on to play on the Israeli national team, Kyle got his retail background at Bloomingdales, coached for 4 years at Orange Theory and Flywheel and founded Sweat From Home due to COVID. This wide ranging chat touches on the critical importance of focusing on hiring the right people for word-of-mouth growth, the importance of using breakout rooms in ZOOM, dealing with competitors, and how Five Guys Burgers are critical to the fitness industry! (Not a typo!) Listen now to learn more.

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When asked about the digital "hybridization" of the industry, long time industry veteran Bill McBride states, "It's going to be like a swimming pool. Not all your members are going to use it, but when you sell a membership, everyone wants it! So you must have a strong virtual, digital program available, now more so then ever." This wide ranging discussion touches on the effects the pandemic had in our sector, the stronger footing we must gain in Washington to effect real change, the need for licensure and standards, thoughts on the next few months as things continue to open up, and more!

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"One thing campus recruiters, athletes, and professionals don't have a lot of is time," states The Athlete Book Founder, Ryan Drummond. In this update, Ryan takes us through their new point-based system focused around consuming content and creation of a leaderboard which puts coaches on the map of an athlete's career path and development. "Nobody wants to be on the bottom," he says. Among many other advantages, this also provides the employer the opportunity to tell the story of what they're looking for. It puts education about the company and culture ahead of the application links. Perhaps most exciting is their new, full integration with Remo's incredible event planning software which Integrity Square will be utilizing for an event, March 2021.

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On what ShapeLog can do for your club, Co-Founder & CEO Bryan O'Rear states, "Imagine user behavior is something that you know well in half of your facility, but that journey falls off very quickly as they traverse over into the strength and functional areas. There is now a chance for you to really understand that user behavior that otherwise was just dark. How do you plug yourself into their journey at the right time and make sure they're well aware of the complete offerings at your facility?" ShapeLog brings a connectivity to the strength world which was previously unavailable--and that opens up an exciting new realm of possibilities. Listen now to learn more about this game-changing technology!

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"There are some basic table stakes today with respect to how a member wants and expects to interact with their brand, so the days of having an app just to say you have an app. . .are over," states Bryan O'Rourke, Founder of Vedere Ventures and long time HALO sector veteran. Bryan began as a technologist in the food and beverage industry in the early 80's and entered this space in the mid 90's. This broad discussion touches on some highlights and insights gleaned over the past few months, discussion on valuations, why letting "sleeping members lie" is a horrible idea, the forthcoming push toward hybridization, and more!

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Marcus Johnson is a modern Renaissance Man! He's an independent Billboard-ranked musician and NAACP Image Award-nominated jazz keyboardist and pianist. Also the CEO and Founder of FLO ("For The Love Of") Brands, and more recently FLO Wine, he states, "My life motto is DEEPER: "Dream, Engage, Environment. Plan. Execute. Reflect. Entrepreneurs are very good at execution, but bad at reflection because reflection calls for vulnerability." This wide ranging discussion touches on points business owners (of all sizes) will relate to. Topics like why you should "love fear" and what that means, growing a business, why it may be ok to make a graceful exit, why making a plan can sometimes be a double edged sword, and more are touched on.

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"There is a need for personal, human connection that will never go away, no matter how good our garage gyms get, no matter how good the technology gets, people still want to work out together. If you've been in gyms recently as I have, the places are packed," states Hillis Lake of Eleiko. Hillis has been in the HALO sector since 1979 and started his career with Joe Cirulli. He discusses how free weights have done a complete full circle, shares his incredible come back story after being told he'd never walk again, how the industry will actually improve as a result of the pandemic, how continuing to sell price and discounting is extremely detrimental and what to do instead, and much more!

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With a background in planning, promoting and executing C-level, multinational conferences in the gas and oil sector, Singapore based, Ross Campbell went on to found The Fit Summit. "We started as a community business and built live events and thought leadership on top of that." He continues, "The HALO sector is such an amazing investment opportunity, however it doesn't get the airtime here in Asia and in more immature markets, but it's coming." He goes on to discuss the importance of ongoing business education (especially in Asia) thoughts on the "irrational development" around the sector, how COVID has sped up the consolidation of the industry, and much more!

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Aaron attended the University of Texas at Austin and followed that up by obtaining his MBA. He worked his way through the ranks in a sports agency and eventually became the youngest NFL agent ever at 25. He went on to launch Revolving Mind Media and currently represents Jaylon Smith, Dez Bryant, Dennis Smith, Jr and many others. Pete and Aaron dive deep into the world of athlete endorsements, the marketing and diligence that goes into branding and equity deals, how deals have evolved through COVID, and more.

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Roland Memisevic is the CEO & Founder of Twenty Billion Neurons, a Microsoft M12-backed artificial intelligence startup committed to making personalized coaching and companionship accessible to all people. Having earned his Ph.D in Computer Science, Roland has been working in AI his entire career. Taylor Roth is the Product Owner for Fitness Ally, 20bn's direct to consumer, fully interactive AI fitness coach app that's seeing phenomenal traction. This wide ranging discussion touches on the increasing role of AI in the HALO sector, how their technology is being utilized by some top players in the space, thoughts on the future of tech in fitness, and more.

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"I put it away and then I went back to doing my thing. I didn't realize it was going to be useful!" laughs Dr. Jason Wersland, Founder of the Theragun when asked how he got started early on. (Like most great ideas, it was born of a personal frustration.) Five different versions later (created between 2008 - 2015) Jason met experienced angel investor Ben Nazarian, now the CEO. Learn more about what an investor mulls over when thinking about whether to back someone, the evolution of the product, why most people thought they were doing 'everything wrong' in the beginning, how to deal with knockoffs, and more.

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"I always had a love for tech, what it can do, and how it can transform business . . . .and nothing is transforming fitness these days more than technology," states Adam Zeitsiff, CEO of Intelivideo. Adam has deep roots in the space, having started a video conferencing company at 22 and growing it to 130 employees, 9 offices, and $40M in revenues. This wide-ranging discussion touches on how tech has become (even more) critical to the industry since COVID, the powerful advantage clubs have of owning the "hyperlocal relationship with members," (versus Peloton, Mirror and others), the critical importance of having a top video on demand library, how tech can significantly add to the bottom line in addition to aiding in retention, digital workouts becoming intertwined with in-club workouts, and much more!

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Asked how Prospr began and what her initial pain points were, Erika laughs, "I thought I must just be a bad people manager! It wasn't until I started meeting others across different verticals that I realized, 'No, I don't stink at managing people! People are just really hard to manage . . . but specifically shift and hourly based work force!'" She discusses the ups and downs of developing software (as a non-coder!), how her (very simple but powerful) program helps increase productivity, employee satisfaction, and much more. This is a must listen for any owners or managers who works with shift or hourly based employees.

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"Before you become this fancy Swiss Army knife, are you even a decent pocket knife first? Do you do one thing really well yet? People will cancel memberships, they're less likely to cancel relationships," states Stu Brauer, host of the WTF Gym Talk podcast and owner of Urban MVMNT. Since 2015 he's focused on the "microgym" industry which came out of his years of experience with CrossFit and bigger box facilities. Stu discusses his thoughts on how to make it out the other side of COVID, retaining employees versus members, the importance of not being emotional about members, not memberships, and more!

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"We didn't set out to build a tech company, we were looking at our own frustrations of being stuck at home," states Sami Asikainen, CEO & Co-Founder. After a highly successful campaign on Indigogo which raised $314,239 (628% of their $50,000 goal) Carbon Trainer has some fantastic momentum. Sami chats about his thoughts on competing / co-existing with digital providers and brick and mortar stores, how to determine what to raise, his process behind development and scaling the business, and more.

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"I work closely with the Founders to align their vision with my understanding so I can go and create appropriate milestones," states Jeff Kazmucha when discussing part of his process working with clients. A fitness industry veteran, Jeff also talks about the critical importance of being an Evangelist for the companies he works with, thought processes behind scaling sensibly and properly, common mistakes most Founders make when coming to market, the relationship between brick and mortar and tech companies. predictions on the next few months of the HALO sector, and more!

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Matthew and Michael Rosenberg both come from banking and finance. They saw an opening in the market that wasn't being addressed and started Solin Fitness. Initially, their model was partnering with trainers who only had large followings, but they ended up pivoting to a white label product. Matt states, "We're only as successful as our Partners are. Ultimately, they're the ones making the impact on the consumer. If we're really successful, nobody ever knows who Solin is." They go on to discuss the impact of tech in the HALO sector due to COVID, the critical importance of both the content library and the instructor, compensation strategies, and more.

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"There's this race to the bottom, which is doing everyone a disservice. If your value proposition has to be driven by the fact that you can give the cheapest access to your solution, I have to question . . . do you even deserve to be in this business!? I could replace you with equipment from Amazon," states 25+ year industry veteran Jason Stowell. This pull-no-punches podcast discusses everything from selling solutions versus 'packages,' the fact that you're never going to outsell sincerity and genuineness, the role of technology in the HALO sector (the "and/or" syndrome,) the necessary paradigm shifts that need to happen now for the benefit of all, and more!

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Dr. Elizabeth Stanley earned her B.A. from Yale, her M.B.A. from MIT, and her Ph.D from Harvard. She's a former Army Intelligence office and author of the recently published (and very timely) Widen The Window: Training Your Brain and Body To Thrive During Stress and Recover From Trauma. "In our culture, we spend so much time turning stress on, and never turning it off," she states. This broad discussion touches how the nervous system can be trained, the negative implications of too much technology on the brain, and some tips on handling anxiety and stress. "The fact is, loneliness and isolation have been linked to epigenetic changes towards chronic inflammation in the body, which is the root cause of a whole range of illness . . .Now more than ever, it's critical to be vigilant about investing time in our social networks," she continued. Listen to learn more and also check out her Mind Fitness training course (which was tested in the military) being released this month.

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"We help first, and we hunt second," states Co-Founder Matt Adey of their newly rebranded company, Good Soul Hunting. (Formerly Pipeline Partners.) Along with veteran HALO sector Co-Founders Lucy Adey, Emma Barry, and Andrea Perugini (Director) this broad discussion touches on everything from the current state of recruiting and how it's changed, to interview hints, what differentiates a good management team from a great one, how to know when you need a new hire (and the process involved,) blending into a culture for new employees, the future of Good Soul Hunting and more!

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"The Confess Project is America's first mental health barbershop movement. Currently in 14 cities, it is a grassroots movement committed to building a culture of mental health, particularly for young men of color," states Founder Lorenzo Lewis. Lorenzo was clinically diagnosed with depression and, having grown up in his aunt's beauty salon, he knew he "needed to reach people where they already were." Barbers receive training to become Mental Heath Advocates and learn skills to engage properly in order to increase access to further mental health treatment. Lorenzo secured a national partnership with Gillette to aid in furthering this incredibly worthy initiative. Listen to hear more about the state of mental health care in America, future plans for the Confess Project and more.

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"It's not about the exit. It's about working with the right people who recognize that this brand stands for something and they're prepared to put the resources behind it," states Todd Waks. A self-described, "serial brand marketer," Todd was diagnosed with stage 3A melanoma and moved into the HALO sector. As the CEO of AKESO water (named after the Greek goddess of healing and curing) AKESO is the world's first and only odorless, colorless, tasteless broad spectrum CBD water. It's also the first and only fully verifiable food or beverage in the history of that industry. Todd discusses the current status of the CBD world, where it's going, how they've become the gold standard in their space, their plans for the future, and more!

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"I don't think the brick and mortar gym business is going away, but I do think the connection to the client is going to get much deeper outside the gym," states Jim Crowell. As a former athlete and coach with a background in finance, Jim has worked in all levels operationally of the HALO sector, as well as seen how deals are done from the outside. He chats with Pete Moore about how boutiques and big box gyms are positioned post-COVID, his approach to growth, working within the franchise model, thoughts on influencers and digital platforms, why hyperlocal marketing is more important than ever, and more.

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"It's the travel channel meets wellness," states Greg Commins, CEO of the three year old company, Three Sages Wellness. He continued, "Particularly where we are with COVID, I think there's going to be a phased approach to coming out of this." Greg is a former professional rugby player, performance coach, owner of a training business, and a designer of wellness spaces turned tech entrepreneur, with over 20+ years experience. This wide ranging chat touches on the future of the design industry for the HALO space, how his content differs from everything else available, the trajectory of Three Sages, and more.

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Scott Welle is a #1 international best selling author, speaker and founder of Outperform The Norm, a leading program for business leaders and athletes looking raise their game and perform at the highest level. His one common goal is to help people improve and to be better today than they were yesterday. He states, "You learn your greatest lessons when you're going through some amount of adversity. Instead of asking--why me--ask yourself--why this?" This wide ranging discussion touches on everything from the take away's of high performing executives, managing the current climate, how to better manage uncertainty (hint: structure & progress!) and more.

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Originally from the finance and wealth management world, Physique 57 Founder Jennifer Maanavi states, "I always wanted to get into the business world, and I was always a dancer growing up . . . I never thought I could combine both!" After purchasing the well known Lottie Berk Method studio on the Upper East Side, Jennifer brought things to another level. She discusses their (very careful) expansion, the early days of the brand, the difficult question of "whose client it is" (teacher or the brand?), their intensive 200 hour training program, (the average length of service for an instructor is 4 years!), the pro's and con's of external capital, maintaining quality control as you franchise, discussions of the losses of being an entrepreneur, and more!

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"If you ask my parents, they'd still say I'm crazy--jumping from banking to an early start up!" laughs Kal Jamshidi, former investment banker turned entrepreneur. Kam formed onPodio 15 months ago out of a personal frustration experienced at Equinox. onPodio is for independent fitness pros to give them all the tools they need to get online quickly and easily. He provides an "insiders"view on the nuts and bolts of start up life, the evolution of the tech available in the sector, the skill sets that carry over from banking to the day-to-day of running a company (and those that don't) and more!

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Primo Fitness is a 20+ year company in the refurbished equipment space representing multiple brands and works with top chains internationally and domestically. A former pro Australian footballer and coach, Cam took his extensive background in fitness and is now their Western Sale Manager. Here he discusses the current state of the industry, what he sees happening in the next few months, what goes into refurbishing equipment, discussions of margins, buying "as is," and more. This is a must listen for anyone looking to learn more about the (critically important) equipment side of the HALO sector.

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"We're a platform for a life well lived . . . being a big, multipurpose facility you're always trying to reinvent yourselves and stay relevant," states CEO Frank Lawrence of the Little Rock Athletic Club. With 25+ years in banking, and having entered the HALO sector 10 years ago, Frank knows the "realities" of running a club versus "just looking at spreadsheets." Here he talks about rebranding during COVID, the positives (and challenges!) of running a larger facility, what's been occurring with their membership base during these challenging times, and more!

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"You can't just plug someone in to a vacuum. You've got to think about how they fit into a bigger picture," states Pete Leibman, author of Work Stronger, and founder of his recently launched executive search firm specializing in the HALO sector, Stronger Talent. This wide ranging chat touches on the latest in executive search and how the profession has changed, the positives that carry over from athletics into the workplace, what Pete took away from his time at the NBA working with the Washington Wizards, the problems that result from a bad hire, and more!

HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness: Recent Episodes

Pete Moore