Brandon and Andreea Thomas
let loose on the dance floor.
Dharmesh and Neha Shah, from left, recently engaged Zachary Zwicker and Lisa
Cote, and Octavio and Kalpana Lubrano pose for a photo.
which is why I believe we are seeing more members today than in
2010. When we have 2,000 stores and we have 15 million members
and that budget is even bigger, what will the average members per
store be?” Rondeau explained. “Think about it: Today 80 percent
of the population doesn’t have a health club membership. This
industry is very green. It’s almost like being in the cellphone busi-
ness in the ’90s. There’s so much more room for growth. It’s clear to
me how I can see this business continue to scale.”
“Something that is interesting and not the norm in franchising
that I’ve come to appreciate very much over the past four or five
years is the collaboration we have with the franchisees. It wasn’t
always like that,” Rondeau added. “It makes coming to work a
heck of a lot more enjoyable knowing that we are open-book with
the franchisees, and we are really all in this together and working
together to do good for our members.”
And, franchisees are eager to be part of what the future holds.
Pepe said Planet Fitness of Raleigh remains committed to evolving
and improving customer service in its 15 clubs. Rizzo outlined a
dedication to brand excellence and growth for P-Fit Development.
Sunshine Fitness tossed out possibilities from acquisitions to private
Dave and Sharon Lomasney walk the
purple carpet at the Gala event.
equity partnerships.
But, regardless of what the future holds, they all say the venture
has been worth it. “It’s been a great ride,” Dore said. “And, doing it
with my best friend, I couldn’t imagine it any other way.” 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 [email protected].
Financing your
exciting
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• Up to $10M in guidance credit lines
• Competitive fixed and floating rates
• Tenant improvement and working
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• Planet Refresh Program
• Dedicated Planet Fitness team
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The Josts – Jason and Robin, Rich and Kristi, and Jonny and Staci – pause for
a family photo on the purple c arpet.
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