FIRST word August 2020
Yep, we were all set in January 2020 for a great year! Owners were experiencing a record
month in sales along with other ancillary revenues. The GGFA was set up for the year with our
four Regionals and fabulous Owners’ Conference. The Executive Team was gearing up for the
annual planning session at IHRSA in early March. Our suppliers were feeling good and doing
well with their own sales and planning. GGI had the convention set for Red Rock again. And
then….POOF!
The one thing in life that is constant is change. We have to adapt. No one ever expected to
have to rework everything in their world…. And yes, it was EVERYTHING. COVID, terrorists
taking over peaceful demonstrations, corporate gym closures, and bankruptcy. As I write this, I
literally am holding back tears. Really. Just ONE of these things is devastating but all of it has
been overwhelming and heartbreaking.
BUT, as I write today, there is hope. I have no doubt, all of you will emerge from this and pick
yourself up for the 7th damn time, or 10th or the 15th! And become stronger, nobler, and be
prepared to dazzle the world once again.
We have a new parent company! Gone is TRT. Gone is shadiness. Gone is their incessant
damage to the Brand and Franchisees. Poof again…. – Gone. And now we have a smart
ownership group that actually has feelings of kindness and appreciation! They actually know
and excel in our industry. Imagine that! Leadership from an owner that has a huge heart and
likes to enjoy life. A much brighter future ahead!!
So, I cannot wait to see what I’ll be writing about in the Q4 issue of The VoicE! It will be a
positive and exciting message about the future. No doubt! All the bad crap – Gone! Poof!!!
Now, I’m so happy we are moving forward with our signature Annual Owners’ Conference.
We will have a ton to celebrate for sure! And that’s what it will be… a big party with everyone
doing what they love to do! Talk, share, laugh, support, cocktails, and HUGS! See inside this
issue for the details!!!
And talk about resetting! Our Regionals have been put on hold until 2021. :( BUT, we have a
new platform we developed and are very proud of that will take place August 19-20th. A 2020
Virtual Experience!!!! Two days of great speakers in breakout rooms for staff and owners. We
will even have our famous speed sessions with those gracious SPN members who are sponsoring
this innovative event! I know you’ve already seen the marketing but be sure to register and
get on the program! You’ll need to be ready to have some Zooming fun!!!
I am so excited to feature Dave Kenyon in this issue! He is an inspiration not only to
Franchisees, but for the entire Gold’s Gym Brand. You will get more of my thoughts on Dave
in his feature story! Other noteworthy topics in this issue are brought to you by Aldous &
Associates, Les Mills International, MyZone, Sara Kooperman, and VB Enviro Care.
As always, thank you for your support and we cannot wait to see you! And thanks to the
awesome adaptable GGFA Staff for loving their job and YOU!
Ginger Collins
GGFA Executive Director
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