This Month in Club Insider: November 2018
Jim Worthington's Newtown Athletic Club
Celebrates 40 Years! - Part I
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesCONGRATULATIONS to Jim Worthington and his Family as they just celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his amazing Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The events celebrating this milestone were held November 2nd and 3rd. According to a first-hand report by my son and Partner, Justin Cates, the events were epic and truly world class. On Friday night, November 2nd, a small party was held at Jim's home featuring a taste of Philly. The following evening, Saturday Night, November 3rd, the main event was held in the NAC Sports Training Center of the Newtown Athletic Club. Read More...
How We Can Expand Our Learning By Giving
Part I
By: Mike Alpert
Mike AlpertThe Holiday Season is right around the corner, and I must say that it's my favorite time of the year. You might think it's because of gifts, parties and food and beverages, but it's really because of the giving spirit that seems to especially come out this time of year. I have been honored to be part of the REX Roundtables since 2002, and it has meant more to me both professionally and personally than anything I can think of. Our Roundtable is made up of some of the finest club operators and people I know. So, I want to let you know about the extraordinary giving that these clubs are doing in their communities to make life better for others in need... Read More...
Retention Starts With Brand Loyalty
By: Mario Bravomalo
Mario BravomaloOver the last 30 years, the industry retention rates have remained relatively the same, and many of the factors related to retention will never change. People worldwide have consistently shown that there are periods in their lives where exercise has less importance... times of illness, moving, job changes, birth of children, career, etc. Now, there's a small percentage of individuals who, if the planet was going to be destroyed by a meteor in the next 24 hours, would still schedule a quick workout. But, for the majority of people, they will begin a period of on and off exercise for the majority of their life. Knowing that our members will come and go at different times in their lives, it's important that we build brand loyalty. When that time in their life comes, and they are ready to start exercising again, we need to become their go-to brand. Read More...
Five Tips For New Year Marketing Success
By: Jon Butts
Jon ButtsIt's that time of year again! Santa is getting his final month of training in at North Pole Health & Fitness, prepping for an epic workout that will take him around the world. After his journey is complete, and everyone has overindulged during the holidays, their focus will quickly turn to New Year's resolutions. It goes without saying that January presents a phenomenal opportunity for your business. The question is, what should your marketing strategy be in order to best capitalize on this yearly tradition? Here are five winning tips that will help you reach maximum results this New Year... Read More...
Inside Instinctive Insights
Client Spotlight: The Athletic Clubs... Pillars, Culture and Passion
By: Deneen Laprade
Deneen LapradeFrank Lawrence, CEO of The Athletic Clubs in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a dynamo. His passion for lifelong learning and living by example are evident in every aspect of his person, both as an individual, family man, friend and fitness professional. His prior background in banking and financial services positioned him to be successful in the fitness vertical, and he draws parallels between his role as a banker and his experiences working for a credit union as, "having set me up incredibly well for this [fitness industry]. I'm able to understand the needs of diverse populations while focusing on member satisfaction." Read More...
Franchising: The New Expansion Wave in the Fitness Industry
By: Paul Bosley
Paul BosleyAs an industry veteran of 45 years, I have witnessed profound changes in the health and fitness club industry. I started working in sales in a privately held chain that merged in with Health & Tennis Corporation of America, owned by names that have become famous in our industry, Jerry Kahn and Donahue Wildman. When our companies were acquired by Bally, the total number of clubs stood over 600 nationally and the second largest chain was Gold's Gym. The only other franchises, which really operated as licenses, were World Gym and Powerhouse Gym, and remained the same for many years. Read More...
Do You Have a Bad Boss or Are You a Bad Boss?
Part I
By: Karen Woodard-Chavez
Karen Woodard-ChavezBad bosses are so common that many jokes and even blockbuster movies have been made about them. Some of the classic "Bad Boss" movies include: Swimming with Sharks, Devils' Advocate, Weekend at Bernie's, 9 to 5, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Devil Wears Prada and Office Space. Some of these movies are chilling, and some are hysterical. However, it is not so funny when you are the one who has the bad boss. A sense of humor can only go so far, right? Read More...
Attracting Talent
It's a System
By: Michael Gelfgot
Michael GelfgotAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. unemployment rate in September of 2018 was 3.7%, the lowest it's been in the past ten years. Although that's wonderful news for the economy, as small business owners, it's been more challenging to find great people, especially if you are operating in smaller towns (5,000 - 30,000 people). Books such as Stop Hiring Failures, 13 Fatal Errors Managers Make and How You Can Avoid Them, and Coaching Sales People Into Sales Champions are wonderful resources to use when interviewing and managing people. Read More...
E Pluribus Unum
By: Derek Barton
Derek BartonI always smile when our "Tribal Leader" and Club Insider Publisher Norm Cates states in his monthly column, "Is America a great country, or what?" I love Norm's passion for his country and the health and fitness club industry! America IS great, but sometimes, the politics of our nation doesn't always paint a pretty picture. The canvas of our democracy always seems to be painted with two opposing colors, Red and Blue. We have been nicknamed, "The Divided States of America." In a recent poll, the majority of Americans do feel we are divided. That got me to thinking about the motto that our congress adopted in 1776, E Pluribus Unum. Read More...
Telephone Consumer Protection Act Case Update
By: Paul R. Bedard, Esquire
Paul R. Bedard, EsquireIn July's issue of Club Insider, I provided some information and suggestions aimed at helping club owners and operators to maintain compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and to avoid the recent explosion of TCPA lawsuits. As I reported in July, the frequency of TCPA lawsuits has increased 1,298% between 2010 and 2016! Given this surge of litigation, and the potentially crippling financial repercussions, staying abreast of TCPA legal developments and maintaining compliance in this regard is essential. Read More...
The 2018 Club Industry Show
A Report by Club Insider's Friend and "Roving Reporter" Angie Pattengale
By: Angie Pattengale
Angie PattengaleThe Club Industry Show is the show where "better businesses are created." This year, October 24 - 26, in Chicago, there were events inside events, which made it a show with something for everyone to choose from. Attendance was up over 20%, and you could see it when making your way through the expo hall, popping into networking events or sitting in on any of the 90+ available sessions. The Club Industry Show included the Wellness Symposium, the CEO Summit, Educational Conference (with 9 different tracks!), Trade Show & Expo and Networking Events throughout its three days. It was three days of learning, growing and connecting, and the hosts at Club Industry aim to please. Read More...
Study Reveals SilverSneakers Fitness Program Linked to Less Social Isolation and Better Health for Older Adults
CHANDLER, AZ - Participation in an exercise program has significant social benefits that, in turn, magnify benefits for health, according to a new study from Tivity Health (NASDAQ: TVTY) and the MIT AgeLab. Results from the study show that members of SilverSneakers, the nation's leading fitness program for older adults, experienced less social isolation than those not participating in the program, leading to reduced loneliness and better overall health. Read More...
Rodney Steven II Partners With Great Wolf Lodge Founders For New Waterpark and Hotel Concept
WICHITA, KS - Wichita entrepreneur and philanthropist, Rodney Steven II, announced the development of a new hotel and indoor waterpark complex in a partnership between the city of Goddard Kansas, Genesis Health Clubs and Imagine Resorts and Hotels, whose principals, Bruce Neviaser and Craig Stark, were Founders of Great Wolf Lodge. The massive indoor waterpark and 123-room hotel will be the largest indoor waterpark within a three-hour drive. Read More...
FIBO
World's Largest Fitness Health & Wellness Event To Make U.S. Debut
NORWALK, CT - On December 5 - 8, 2018, FIBO, the world's largest interactive showcase of fitness, health and wellness innovation, will make its United States debut at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Backed by the long-running success of FIBO Global events in Germany, China and South Africa, FIBO USA will assemble fitness professionals and enthusiasts for an immersive exhibit of the most groundbreaking people, products and ideas propelling the industry forward globally. Read More...
Crunch Fitness Announces New Workout Series to Celebrate 30th Anniversary of Men's Health
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Men's Health, the largest men's magazine brand in the world, and Crunch Fitness announced a partnership in honor of the magazine's 30th anniversary. On November 1st, Crunch Fitness will debut a new workout class called "30 in 30 Powered by Men's Health" at more than 30 Crunch Signature Club locations across the country. Read More...
Norm's Notes for November 2018
By: Norm Cates
Norm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Publisher and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 299th monthly edition of Club Insider! Yahoo! We've almost reached our 300th Edition Milestone, and if the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise, we'll hit 300 in December! Double Yahoo! Read More...