HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

Pete Moore
  • 5.0 (15)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

Learn from top entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector how to optimize your business success. With host Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square.

  1. 1d ago

    Building Community Through Contrast Therapy-Carrie Bacon's Vision for 180 Degree Bathhouse

    In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Carrie Bacon, a classically trained acupuncturist and co-founder of 180 Degrees Bathhouse in Kansas City. With decades of experience in acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic wellness (sparked by her own journey to recovery) Carrie talks about the intersection of contrast therapy, sauna culture, and acupuncture in building healthier communities. She shares her vision for micro bathhouses as hyper-local hubs combating the epidemic of loneliness and chronic health issues through social wellness, and her perspective on why mainstream medicine is poised for a return to more holistic modalities. If you're interested in scaling your HALO-sector venture, or leveraging new trends in recovery and community health, this episode is packed with a ton of takeaways. When it comes to the loneliness crisis, Bacon states, "Isolation was recently deemed a health epidemic. Loneliness is a health epidemic. And, being able to put bathhouses, which gives you access to that application of contrast therapy, you go into the sauna, you have your sweat, you take a moment of pause to allow your body to settle down and calm down, and then you rinse off and you step into a beautifully designed cold water basin." Key themes discussed Integration of contrast therapies for holistic wellness Acupuncture's role and mainstream adoption challenges Importance of personalized, non-prescriptive wellness protocols Foundations: Building strong health habits over optimization Social wellness and combating loneliness via community spaces Micro-bathhouse model for underserved markets Scaling wellness businesses: capital, education, and community A Few Key Takeaways 1. Reshaping Recovery-Move Beyond Protocols to Daily Practice: Carrie emphasizes the importance of integrating modalities like sauna, cold plunge, and acupuncture into daily routines rather than obsessing over rigid optimization protocols. She explains that "some of these modalities are just meant to be interwoven as daily practices, not necessarily only for recovery optimization." This habitual approach can create a stronger foundation of health and reduce the need for constant targeted recovery 06:17. 2. Reframing Wellness Facilities-The Micro Bathhouse Model: Bacon lays out her vision for 180 Degrees Bathhouse—a micro, 1,600 sq ft venue designed to bring thermic wellness to underserved markets. Rather than chasing massive, urban flagship bathhouses, she's pioneering a right-sized, community-driven model to increase adoption in areas where the concept is virtually unknown 16:08. 3. Acupuncture's U.S. Potential-A Resurgence is Coming: Despite skepticism and slow mainstream acceptance in the U.S., Carrie forecasts a renaissance for acupuncture as the U.S. healthcare mindset shifts towards "healthspan over lifespan" and more holistic, root-cause approaches. She says the field is poised for a return to "thousands of years of medical discipline before we started looking at the system so microscopically" 10:18. 4. Loneliness as a Wellness Crisis, and Bathhouses as the Solution: Both Carrie and Pete underscore the declared national epidemic of loneliness. Carrie positions the bathhouse as a "community center," tackling isolation and enabling organic, meaningful social connections. The micro model creates a "third space" where you can be with a group or on your own, but never truly alone 17:18. 5. Bathhouse Modalities Provide Metabolic and Mental Benefits: Bacon highlights the scientifically supported impacts of sauna and cold plunge: increased metabolic flexibility, better glucose/insulin control, and cardiovascular benefits all while building self-mastery. These accessible, self-directed practices are particularly relevant for addressing major public health issues such as obesity and diabetes 24:00. Resources: Carrie Bacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bacon-53141168    Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

    Building Community Through Contrast Therapy-Carrie Bacon's Vision for 180 Degree Bathhouse

  2. Aug 18

    Outpatient Innovation-Dr. Munir Ghesani Discusses Theranostics, Expansion, and Clinical Trials

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Munir Ghesani, Chief Medical Director at United Theranostics, to explore the cutting edge of personalized cancer treatment and the business of scaling innovative healthcare delivery. Dr. Ghesani discusses his three decades long path in New York's academic medicine scene to leading a fast-growing outpatient theranostics group, detailing why he left academia, what makes theranostics uniquely effective for patients, and how United Theranostics is building a national footprint through a decentralized, community-based model.  We'll unpack how their patient-first strategy is shaking up referral dynamics, why community settings are the future of cancer care, and what it takes to recruit medical talent and manage rapid clinical expansion. Plus, Dr. Ghesani reveals the business challenges of clinical trials, payer dynamics, and how a rigorous approach to risk keeps innovation on track. Whether you're in healthcare, investing, or looking to build a next-gen medical services brand, this episode connects patient outcomes, operational strategy, and smart growth in healthcare. Key themes discussed Transition from academia to private theranostics practice Personalized, patient-centered cancer treatment models Patient access and geographic convenience Clinical trials and innovation in care delivery Recruitment and training for high-growth clinic expansion Collaborative physician partnerships vs. pure referral Regulation, quality control, and risk management in trials A Few Key Takeaways 1.Theranostics-Personalized, Precision Medicine: Theranostics is revolutionizing patient care by merging diagnostics and therapeutics to deliver highly personalized treatment plans, particularly in oncology. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all treatments, theranostics involves tailored scanning to target therapies specifically to affected areas, ensuring treatments are both targeted and trackable for efficacy 05:07 06:02. 2. Outpatient Model Drives Access and Community Impact: The majority of cancer care occurs outside of major academic centers, with about 80% delivered in community settings. United Theranostics focuses on suburban locations, making advanced treatments more accessible and convenient for patients who would otherwise travel significant distances to academic hubs 08:42 14:13. 3. Dual Audience Strategy: Physicians & Patients: United Theranostics balances building awareness and trust among both referring physicians and patients. While most referrals come from medical professionals, growing patient awareness is generating direct demand, reinforcing the need for strong brand positioning, serving as both a partner to doctors and a recognized consumer brand in its space 10:05. 4. Scaling Without Compromising Quality: With ambitions for 50 clinics in every state within seven years, United Theranostics is scaling through greenfield development and a strong recruitment pipeline from academic institutions. The company prioritizes training, regulatory compliance, and quality control, resisting the urge to rapidly acquire or retrofit existing practices 14:29 15:25. 5. Clinical Trials as a Competitive Advantage: Clinical trial partnerships are fueling United Theranostics' growth and reputation, drawing patients locally and nationally for cutting-edge, not-yet-FDA-approved treatments (covered by drug companies). The organization's comfort with complexity and strong academic roots allow it to handle demanding cases, setting it apart from less equipped competitors 18:28 19:58. Resources: Dr. Munir Ghesani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munir-ghesani-md-facnm-facr-fsnmmi-19b29728  United Theranostics: https://www.unitedtheranostics.com/  Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

    Outpatient Innovation-Dr. Munir Ghesani Discusses Theranostics, Expansion, and Clinical Trials

  3. Aug 13 ·  Video

    HALO Academy Two Minute Financial Drills: The Three Strategic Buyers Circling Independent Operators Right Now

    It's Thursday and that means a 2 Minute Financial Drill! Now that we're slowly creeping into the fall and the pending restart of the HALO Academy in a new format (more on that later) keep an eye out for these. This one is clipped from Pete Moore's panel with Brian Smith at Piper Sandler at this past Athletech News ATN Summit in NYC. ● PureGym US, Crunch area developers, and Planet Fitness area developers are the three strategic buyers actively circling independent clubs right now. ● These buyers are contractually obligated, through franchise development milestones, to open in a market whether or not an independent operator agrees to sell. ● Irrational development, i.e. overclubbing a market, is described as the biggest risk to profitability for independent operators and investors alike. ● If a strategic buyer reaches out, engaging is recommended over ignoring the outreach, since they will build around an operator who doesn't transact.

    HALO Academy Two Minute Financial Drills: The Three Strategic Buyers Circling Independent Operators Right Now

  4. Aug 11

    Navigating Legal Challenges in Fitness-Cory Sterling on Waivers, Compliance, and Scaling Safely

    Welcome back to HALO Talks! In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Cory Sterling, founder of Conscious Counsel, legal advisor, and entrepreneur dedicated to the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor (HALO) sectors. After starting his career in professional sports marketing and feeling uninspired by traditional corporate law, Sterling pivoted to blend his passion for movement and wellness with legal expertise, serving gym owners, studio operators, and wellness entrepreneurs across North America. In this episode, Cory explores the changing landscape of proactive legal strategies, the critical importance of customized waivers, and the pitfalls of cutting legal corners, especially in a sector known for its rapid innovation and ever-changing service offerings. From emerging liabilities in fitness centers offering pseudo-medical treatments to the impact of new click-to-cancel regulations and best practices for contract scalability, Sterling delivers actionable insight for operators looking to protect their business and reputation. If you're building or scaling a business in the HALO sector, you won't want to miss this conversation! When it comes to using AI in place of real, boots-on-the-ground legal expertise Sterling says, "ChatGPT is helpful to some extent, but the thing is that AI doesn't have is the history or the experience of having done this very, very specific thing over and over again to understand what sort of problems will come up and to produce a document that, A, you understand, that has the things that you need, and B, proactively goes against the issues that a law practice that's been doing this for 10 years." Key themes discussed Proactive vs. reactive legal strategies for fitness businesses Importance of industry-specific, customized legal documents Scaling legal services via referrals and word-of-mouth Impact of technology and AI on legal processes and pitfalls Evolving liability waivers due to new wellness services Click-to-cancel laws and compliance challenges Structuring agreements for med spas and new offerings A Few Key Takeaways 1. Proactive Law Is Essential for Scaling and Protecting Your Business: Cory emphasized the critical distinction between "proactive law" and "reactive law." Investing in legal documents and compliance up front empowers business owners to resolve issues quickly—sometimes with just a single email—rather than scrambling after a crisis hits 05:10. 2. Industry-Specific Legal Agreements Create True Protection: Sterling underscored that generic contracts, including those generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, are not sufficient. Only industry-specific, lawyer-drafted documents ensure full coverage for unique risks in the health, fitness, and wellness sectors. Customized waivers and agreements need to reflect actual operations, activities, and equipment used 19:19. 3. Rapid Industry Evolution Demands Ongoing Legal Updates: The sector's expansion into new areas, such as hormone therapies, IV drips, contrast therapy, and recovery modalities, means that legal documents must be routinely updated to reflect expanding services and regulatory changes (e.g., ADA requirements now extending to online platforms, click-to-cancel laws). 4. Strong Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Drive Growth: Sterling built Conscious Counsel through deep niche expertise and authentic relationships in the HALO community. He highlighted that word-of-mouth and referrals, backed by stellar client experience and reviews, are the engines of scalable legal services in this space 04:10. 5. Cutting Corners in Legal Can Derail Your Brand and Exit Strategy: For executives with aspirations to scale or exit, Sterling's advice is clear: legal is not the place to cut corners. "You can pay me now or you can pay me later," he said, recounting common scenarios where avoidable legal oversights, like hiring misclassifications or poorly drafted waivers, led to major operational and reputational headaches 22:30. Resources: Cory Sterling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corysterling/  Conscious Counsel: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/  Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com

    Navigating Legal Challenges in Fitness-Cory Sterling on Waivers, Compliance, and Scaling Safely

  5. Aug 4

    Building a Fitness Empire-Tony Scrimale Talks Growth, PE Strategy, and the Crunch Brand

    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 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

    Building a Fitness Empire-Tony Scrimale Talks Growth, PE Strategy, and the Crunch Brand

  6. Jul 28

    Dario Miceli-Making Padel Magazine and Championing a New Sport in America

    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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

    Dario Miceli-Making Padel Magazine and Championing a New Sport in America

  7. Jul 21

    Building EoS Fitness-Growth Strategies and Leadership Lessons from CEO, Rich Drengberg

    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 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

    Building EoS Fitness-Growth Strategies and Leadership Lessons from CEO, Rich Drengberg

  8. Jul 14

    Building Planet Fitness-Joe Pepe Jr. on Family Legacy, Private Equity, and Scaling Fitness Clubs

    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 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

    Building Planet Fitness-Joe Pepe Jr. on Family Legacy, Private Equity, and Scaling Fitness Clubs
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Learn from top entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector how to optimize your business success. With host Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square.

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