Geared Up Issue 3 2016 | Page 27

When Gerald Kennedy converted a Gold’s Gym to Planet Fitness in 2004, his son, Zac, was still in high school. Five years later, Zac joined GNT Holdings, LLC after college graduation as the general manager of a new club the company was opening. Today he is the GNT Holdings’ director of operations. “For me, the benefit of working alongside family is simple: I get to stay involved in my son’s life on a daily basis,” Gerald Kennedy said. Twelve years and 19 locations later, the brand has offered the Kennedys the ideal family opportunity. “First, it is a business that is focused on helping people and changing lives, so for our family, it is a natural fit,” Gerald Kennedy explained. “Second, with the growth that has happened in PF and our group, it gives us all an opportunity to contribute.” David and Sharon Lomasney also joined the Planet Fitness brand 12 years ago for much of the same reasoning. The couple had worked with World Gym for 15 years and sought a more mainstream franchise with a broader appeal. PF provided an opportunity for the family to explore their individual skill sets. “There are so many diverse facets to operating a Planet Fitness,” said Sharon Lomasney. “Our daughter, Kelly, was managing our gym and all our departments. Shortly after we The Lomasn ey family, fr became a PF, she went to work for an outdoor advertising om left, Zac Kelly, Sharo hary, Elizabe n and Dave, th, David, company and managed our outdoor advertising. Our son, joined the PF operating an brand 12 yea ot her franchise rs ago after David, has helped with maintenance of our equipment. Our fitness cente r. other son, Zachary, is finishing his last year of college in the hospitality field, which has helped prepare him to manage a fitness facility. He has already worked in our facilities in every Continued on page 26 “HydroMassage has helped increased our Black Card percentages to over 80% at our new clubs.” “We are now putting in 5 Beds and Lounges at every new club.” We have sold many Black Cards solely on having HydroMassage!” For more information on HydroMassage, contact Maria Kruse at 727.536.5566 or [email protected] GearedUp | 2016 Issue 3 -Alex Choquette, Planet Fitness® franchisee 25