The VoicE 2019 Q3 | Page 18

The VoicE Q3 One of the newest Gold’s Gym franchisees is Ben Newport; the new owner of Gold’s Gym Albemarle, NC, his hometown! We’d like to help you get to know Ben, as the residents of Albemarle do, by sharing a little about him. Ben Newport is not new to Albemarle. He grew up in this small North Carolina town located about 40 miles east of Charlotte. His home was just five minutes driving distance from the gym he now owns. Albemarle High School, where he graduated, is steps from the gym. Back in his youth, family, friends, neighbors and teachers would never have predicted where his future would lead him. Now his gym is just a back yard away! Ben is a huge Clemson Tigers fan! From the time he was a boy, he aspired to go to college there and someday land a job at the university. His dreams of attending Clemson came true, earning an undergraduate degree in 2010. He landed a job working in the athletic department during those four years, as an equip- ment manager for the football team. Upon graduation, he moved back home and completed a master’s degree in Sports Business. One thing led to another as Ben looked for ways to get involved in his community in sports and fitness. He started working out at the Albemarle club, owned by Dusty Mason, and went on to take a front desk position working 18