HALO Talks

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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."  5. 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

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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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.

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:  1. 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.  2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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). 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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 

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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     

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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.

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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/ 

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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.) 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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!

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

Every Wednesday we will 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.

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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.  4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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.  3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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.  4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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.  3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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." 4. 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. 5. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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

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:  1. 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. 2. 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.  3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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