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HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

Auteur(s): Pete Moore
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À propos de cet audio

 Learn from top entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector how to optimize your business success. With host Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square.Integrity Square-2025 Hygiène et mode de vie sain Économie
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  • Episode #575: Scaling Planet Fitness-Lessons in Execution and Growth from CJ Bouchard

    Episode #575: Scaling Planet Fitness-Lessons in Execution and Growth from CJ Bouchard
    Nov 20 2025
    In this episode of HALO Talks, industry veteran CJ Bouchard opens up to host Pete Moore about the realities of entrepreneurship in the fitness industry, sharing candid stories of risk, resilience, and what it really means to build from the ground up. From betting his savings on a fledgling franchise in North Carolina and initially making daily two-hour commutes, to pivoting and learning tough lessons about club size, site selection, and market expansion, CJ reveals how grit, adaptability, and a clear mission have fueled Excel Fitness's phenomenal growth. Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT) is one of the largest and fastest-growing operators of fitness centers in the U.S, and Excel Fitness Holdings is one of their largest franchisees currently operating 150+ clubs in Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth, Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Georgia, and Virginia. Their mission is to build a team culture and atmosphere constructed on trust, humility, and strong relationships, always leading by example and putting others first with the utmost integrity, dedication, and accountability. Pete and CJ also dive into how partnering with private equity has transformed the business, what it takes to be a successful operator in today's market, what to expect when working with a PE firm, and the importance of building a strong team and community-driven approach. CJ also shares the meaning behind his "Hope is not a strategy" tattoo, and why execution—not wishful thinking—remains his guiding principle. Whether you're a club owner, aspiring HALO sector entrepreneur, or curious about how major fitness brands expand, this episode is packed with actionable insights, real-world advice, and plenty of inspiration from one of the industry's top leaders. Key themes discussed Entrepreneurial journey and early struggles in fitness industry.Evolution and disruption of the Planet Fitness business model.Challenges involved in club building and expansion.The critical importance of location for a gym's success.Strategic growth: Acquisitions, private equity, and territory development.Leadership style: Clarity, vision, and execution over hope. A Few Takeaways: 1.Entrepreneurial Grit & Humble Beginnings: Bouchard started in the fitness industry as a personal trainer without a college degree, working in Connecticut's gym scene and grinding through tough times. He didn't take a paycheck for two years and put payroll on credit cards when launching his first Planet Fitness in North Carolina. Real entrepreneurship often means sacrifice, resilience, and relentless commitment. 2. Evolution from "Hardcore" Gyms to Disrupting the Market: CJ's transition from traditional gyms (Gold's, World Gym, etc.) to Planet Fitness highlights a change in business philosophy. It went from focusing on "results" to focusing on "access." He recognized Planet's disruptive model early on, betting on a concept that many were skeptical about and ultimately building one of the largest Planet Fitness area development companies in the country. 3. Importance of Site Selection and Operational Knowledge: Both Bouchard and Moore emphasized how crucial it is to understand the nuances of real estate, site selection, and the operational details of running clubs. The value of personally touring sites and knowing the history and layout of each location is essential. Software and reports can't replace firsthand experience. 4. Strategic Growth: Mergers, Acquisitions & Private Equity: Under CJ, Excel Fitness strategically expanded through acquiring clubs, merging with other operators, and partnering with private equity (Olympus Partners.) CJ shared how growth now includes both new club development and acquisitions of existing gyms (like Texas Family Fitness), always with an eye on preserving legacy and community as much as possible. 5. Culture, Team, and Values: CJ's leadership philosophy stresses execution, daily engagement in operations, and a moral compass focused on building communities through fitness. His tattoo "Hope Is Not a Strategy" clearly shows his belief in preparation and action, not relying on luck. He also spoke passionately about valuing long-term employees and creating opportunities for others in the organization. Resources: CJ Bouchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-bouchard-9ba3aa7Excel Fitness: https://www.excelfitness.comPlanet Fitness: https://www.planetfitness.comIntegrity Square: https://www.integritysq.comProspect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com
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    41 min
  • Episode #574: Elevate Fitness Evolution-Real Estate, Recovery, and Community Impact With Tom Muller

    Episode #574: Elevate Fitness Evolution-Real Estate, Recovery, and Community Impact With Tom Muller
    Nov 18 2025

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

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

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

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

    Key themes discussed

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

    A Few Key Takeaways:

    1. Club Evolution & Adaptability: Tom shares his story from Gold's Gym to Elevate and explains how adapting the club's facilities (converting tennis and racquetball courts to new amenities, etc) has been key to staying current with industry trends and maintaining relevance in the community.

    2. Focus on Programming & Membership Layers: A strong emphasis is placed on diverse programming: Personal training, Group X classes, Pilates, yoga, and more. Tom also highlights the move to layered memberships, allowing for upselling and greater value for members, especially through services like recovery centers.

    3. Leveraging Technology: Switching to an integrated platform like Zenoti streamlined operations, combined all member-facing tech under one roof, and has allowed Tom and his team to better track member behavior, manage layered memberships, offer targeted promotions, and drive revenue more efficiently.

    4. Real Estate Ownership as a Strategic Advantage: Owning the club real estate provides flexibility for ongoing capital improvements. Muller underscores how continuous investment in capex helps keep the clubs up-to-date and competitive, especially crucial in a stable but slowly evolving market like Syracuse.

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

    Resources:

    • Tom Muller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-muller-elevate-fitness
    • Elevate Fitness: https://www.elevatesyracuse.com
    • Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
    • Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
    • Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
    • HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com
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    28 min
  • HALO Talks Fast Break: Pickleball Consulting, Court Installs, and Industry Trends With Kaitlin Miller from Court Kings

    HALO Talks Fast Break: Pickleball Consulting, Court Installs, and Industry Trends With Kaitlin Miller from Court Kings
    Nov 13 2025

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

    3 key takeaways:

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

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

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

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

    Resources:

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

    Connect With Us:

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