a message from
the president
2016 Issue 2 | GearedUp
A
2
s franchisees, we know
the joys as well as the
challenges of owning and
operating our own business.
We also know that connections are vital
to that business. It’s important to seek out
opportunities to engage our employees,
establish relationships with our customers
and build upon our network of partners.
Two years after the rebirth of the PF
Independent Franchisee Association in a
meeting in Atlanta, those ties brought us
back for the inaugural PFIFA Franchisee
Convention. Held at Chateau Elan Resort
& Winery, the convention highlighted
our mission of providing members with
valuable insight and opportunities to
strengthen our franchisee base and the
Planet Fitness® brand. More than 400
franchisees, C-level executives, system
suppliers and vendors capitalized on the
theme, Connecting Members, Ideas and
Opportunities. The PFIFA Board of Directors and Convention Committee worked
diligently to coordinate an agenda that
was both informative and impactful.
With so much wisdom within the
franchisee system, the convention was
designed to tap into that knowledge,
foster collaboration and identify best
practices. We filled a dozen sessions with
franchisees and industry experts who
offered best practices on club operations
and marketing and media buying, as
well as tips for estate planning, taxes and
exit strategies, and more. Dennis Snow
and basketball legend Bill Walton shared
personal stories from
their journeys during the
keynote addresses. Inside
this issue you will read more
from Snow on impacting customer
service within your club.
Attendees also kicked back and
relaxed while networking with members
and system suppliers. With activities such
as an Opening Night Cocktail Party, the
Dive-In Movie and the lively vendor hall,
the convention had entertaining options
for everyone.
It’s important to seek
out opportunities to
engage our employees,
establish relationships
with our customers and
build upon our network
of partners.
Just as we believe in helping
customers improve their lives through
better health, PFIFA places great emphasis
on giving back. Our 2016 convention
closing event, a Roaring Twenties Casino
Night, benefited two causes close to
our hearts – the Boys & Girls Clubs and
the William Mulleady Family Trust. The
generous, giving spirit of Planet Fitness
franchisees and our vendor partners was
evident in the more than $43,000 raised.
We are Geared Up for Success with
the 2017 PFIFA Franchisee Convention in
Orlando, Florida, April 20-22, and hope
you will help us continue to make the
annual event a remarkable opportunity.
Our success as an association rests with
you, the franchisees.
The convention is just one of the ways
to remain engaged in your association and
cultivate your network of connections. We
have launched an educational webinar
series for members, providing access to
vital business information in a convenient,
cost-effective format. For those seeking an
outlet to serve, PFIFA is accepting nominations for five Board of Directors’ positions
up for election. Nominations will be open
through Friday, Aug. 12, and forms and
more information may be found online
at www.pffranchisee.org. New board
members will be elected during the PFIFA
Annual Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 15, at
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort.
However you choose to become
involved, I encourage you to be an active
participant in the future of PFIFA.
Sincerely,
Trey Owen