Geared Up Issue 1 2018 | Page 16

Jost ADK Teams Up With Local Boys & Girls Club on Youth of the Year Competition F or Jost ADK, partnering with the local Boys & Girls Club is more than just a national partnership. While helping establish the Judgement Free Generation® is important to many owners and operators across the Planet Fitness® system, Jost ADK’s leadership wanted to take it a step further. When Jost ADK was asked to help judge a local Denver Youth of the Year competition on Jan. 22, franchisee Jonny Jost didn’t miss a beat. Jost, along with two other adult members of the community, were selected to review essays and applications and conduct interviews with seven members of the Wilfley Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. “One pure joy in life comes from helping others and committing to staying involved with the communities that support us,” said Jost. “The Boys & Girls Clubs provide so many opportunities to experience this joy. Our team truly has a growing passion to help our youth reach their goals.” The competition was broken into two categories – Junior Competitors, ages 14-15, and Senior Competitors, ages 16-18. Participants in the competition had been training and attending workshops since the previous fall for their chance to win a monetary prize. The winning senior competitor was awarded a $1,000 scholarship while the junior competitor received a $150 gift card. In addition, winners in both categories went on to compete at the city level and, from there, state and national levels. “For an adolescent, getting up in front of three adult judges takes a lot of courage. The youth of the year candidates were so articulate, passionate and driven to succeed,” said Jost. “It was extremely hard to reach a decision on the winner. Hearing their life experiences and understanding the hard work the candidates put into the competition was extremely moving. I would recommend this opportunity to any community leader within the PF® brand.” Participants were scored in four categories – candidate essays, interviews, public speaking and overall application quality. Questions for the participants ranged anywhere from club experi- ence and visions for the future to personal brand and resiliency and grit. Even though this was Jost’s first time judging the Youth of the Year competition, he looks forward to future opportunities to be involved with the competition along with anything else the Boys & Girls Club leaders ask of the Jost ADK team. G Anchor Management Celebrates 2017 in Style With Year-End Party Anchor Management Group employees participate in the Go Game scavenger hunt. O 14 n Dec. 1, Anchor Management Group held its fourth annual year-end celebration. To show its appreciation for its employees and clubs, Anchor Management Group shut down its clubs for a day to allow employees to enjoy a day full of fun at Broadway at the Beach and Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “The team aspect is one that our franchise truly cherishes,” said Amber Andrews, marketing and merchandising manager for Anchor Management Group, which is owned by Alex Choquette. Around 190 employees came out to participate in team activities, a formal dinner and an awards ceremony. “Way back in the day these parties used to be a dinner out with each of the teams,” said Andrews. “Over the years the parties have taken on Amber Andrews, along with her family, enjoyed the formal dinner at the end-of-the-year celebration. an identity all their own, incorporating a team-building aspect as well as a formal dinner where everyone gets dressed up and has a wonderful evening of camaraderie.” This year, the employees were able to participate in the Go Game, which was an action-packed, mission-based scavenger hunt that took place before an afternoon at Dave & Busters. Employees were given tasks and challenges to perform with their teammates, which were voted on once the game drew to a close. “As we grow, it’s easy to lose that ‘family’ feel that makes Anchor such a wonderful company to work for,” said Andrews. “We love the ability to get everyone in the same room, celebrate the past year and prep for another busy season of changing our members’ lives!” G