“ Our family ties make our company a more nurturing place to work. It also maximizes productivity and assures that, no matter how great the challenge, we will never quit. You never quit on your family. Ever.”
Family Affair
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2016 Issue 3 | GearedUp than 350 people at 27 locations, keeps its focus on the dynamics of a family culture as it plans for continued expansion.“ The bigger we get, the more important it is to emphasize‘ people first,’ which is one of our core values,” Bryan Reif said.“ It is cliché, but if you take care of your people, they will take care of your members.”
Whether creating opportunities for hard-working staff or helping guests establish and maintain healthier lifestyles, the personal touch of a PF family benefits all involved.“ Our family is very close and has always supported PF and its brand. If something needed to get done, they were there to help get it done. PF is an extended family, and when you couple that with your own family, it is a win / win!” exclaimed Sharon Lomasney.
Working with family presents memorable moments and treasured experiences, such as Gerald Kennedy’ s pride over Zac’ s presentation at the corporate Huddles or the Thomas family’ s tradition of skiing in Colorado for Christmas. The Reifs bring office staff and club managers together for a community service outing each summer.“ Following the service project, we take the team to a Detroit Tigers baseball game. We also challenge our staff to raise funds, together with fellow PF franchisees, for Make- A-Wish ® Michigan’ s Detroit area charitable work,” said Bryan Reif.
The Ryders capitalize on the holiday spirit each year by hosting an annual Christmas party for staff.“ Last year the staff got together and made a video with each of the managers thanking our family for the opportunities we have provided for them,” said Sharree Ryder.“ It was an emotional and humbling experience for all of us and put a lot of things in perspective.”
“ Our family ties make our company a more nurturing place to work. It also maximizes productivity and assures that, no matter how great the challenge, we will never quit. You never quit on your family. Ever.”
— Victor Brick
That’ s not to say a family business isn’ t without obstacles. Franchisees recommend that those considering a family business understand the importance of communication – on issues relating to both work and home. Establishing clear expectations up front is imperative, as is a clear separation of family and business.“ We recommend getting personality profiles done so you know you
Steve Thomas and wife Marianne have five clubs with sons Brandon and Evan filling key roles as managing director and operational director, respectively. are compatible. We also strongly suggest clearly defined, written job descriptions so there is no conflict of interest and failed expectations. Finally, we recommend that there is a previously agreed upon exit process if a family member wants to leave the business,” Victor Brick said.“ As Don Corleone said in‘ The Godfather,’‘ Nothing personal. Strictly business.’”
When blending business with blood, perspective is important.“ It is important to remember that, long after any business is gone, you will still be a family, and that has to come first,” advised Sharree Ryder.
“ If you are fortunate enough build a successful small business, you are in the minority. If you are able to do it with your spouse, that’ s very rare,” Bryan Reif added.“ There isn’ t a day that goes by that I’ m not grateful for this opportunity.”
The care, love and support poured into each club location fosters the feeling of family, giving Planet Fitness a competitive advantage, and setting the brand apart. Through compassion for the communities where they operate, franchisees are ensuring the brand continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.“ We have a trust that only family can have, and I know we can do anything together,” said Gerald Kennedy.“ We also have the same purpose and that is to provide a future for our family, which happens to be the same family.”
“ At the end of the day, family is everything,” concluded Victor Brick.“ Our family ties make our company a more nurturing place to work. It also maximizes productivity and assures that, no matter how great the challenge, we will never quit. You never quit on your family. Ever.” G
Jessica Loeding is the PFIFA director of communications and editor-in-chief of Geared Up. You can reach Loeding at 678-797-5160 or jessical @ pffranchisee. org.
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