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

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