In-Shape Health Clubs Hires New CEO
Posted: October 18, 2016 in Chains
In-Shape
STOCKTON, CA – In-Shape Health Clubs, one of California’s premier destination for fitness, recreation and fun, announced that its Founder, Paul Rothbard, is stepping down as CEO after 25 years in the post. Rich Nelsen, most recently a senior executive at Starbucks, will replace Mr. Rothbard effective December 1st. Also as part of the succession plan, Mr. Rothbard will retain his ownership in the company and transition to an active role on the In-Shape Board of Directors.
Paul Rothbard began building In-Shape Health Clubs in 1992, when it was just three loosely-affiliated clubs in Stockton, CA. He subsequently unified the brand and – over the course of the next 25 years — grew the company to more than 70 state-of-the-art health and fitness destinations up and down the state. An active CEO who always viewed In-Shape as a family business, Mr. Rothbard oversaw operations, sales and marketing, member- and employee relations, real estate, facilities and development, fitness programming and amenities, and brand evolution. At a time when impersonal health club franchises were popping up in every shopping mall in the country, Mr. Rothbard remained true to the Company’s founding vision to build clubs that serve members at every age and stage of their health and wellness.
“There are three things that I am particularly proud of about my tenure at In-Shape: (1) we built a successful company and brand that was welcoming and accessible to the whole community; (2) we adopted an innovative strategy when selecting locations for new facilities, often revitalizing spaces and neighborhoods with our presence, and (3) we are a brand that empowers people to make their lives better,” said Paul Rothbard. “Because In-Shape is quite literally in my DNA, my decision to move on is naturally bittersweet. I will remain active as a board member and significant owner, and I look forward to supporting Rich as he leads In-Shape into the future.”
Rich Nelsen is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in operations, business development, brand building, leadership cultivation, and community relations. Across his 30-year career, Mr. Nelsen has worked for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Starbucks Coffee Co, Taco Bell and Clark Convenience Stores. For the last 12 years with Starbucks, Mr. Nelsen held leadership positions in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, and presided over one of Starbucks’ most successful expansions in the United States, more than tripling its retail footprint in the Mid-America region.
As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, Mr. Nelsen is excited to lead the next generation of growth for In-Shape. “I believe in the importance of cultivating health, wellness and community and am thrilled to join In-Shape,” said Mr. Nelsen. “Paul and the team have built In-Shape into a powerful brand, grounded in solid financial infrastructure and a commitment to the service of its members and employees. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and leading In-Shape into the next stage.”
