Before 2008 , we had a loosely formed group of suppliers who supported the GGFA at the Owners ’ Conference . I had been the Executive Director for three years by then . The Board and I had been talking about establishing something more formal with suppliers for a while . Blair McHaney , who was GGFA President at the time , and I were invited to attend FISA in February 2008 in Palm Springs as a team .
Almost immediately , the suppliers we were meeting with had more questions about the Association than wanting to introduce us to their products and services . They wanted to know how they could become more involved with the Franchisees and the GGFA . We were literally hunted down after the speed sessions for more conversations !
We had a break halfway into the day and Blair and I looked at each other and said , “ We gotta figure something out !” And no kidding , in five minutes we formed the Supplier Partnership Network . No guidelines , no thoughts about what it would look like , no idea how to provide worth ! But for sure the vision was to provide value to the stakeholders – the franchisees , the suppliers and the GGFA .
On the first board call after FISA , Blair and I presented what had happened , and by then I had some thoughts to stand it up . More discussions took place and the board decided to have the Supplier Partnership Network ( SPN ) become Associate Members of the GGFA . With our attorney ’ s
( Andy Selden ) help , the GGFA By- Laws were changed to incorporate the SPN as members .
Now , the hard work was staring me in the face . I had some heavy lifting to do . I still have documents I created that March following the FISA trip . I proposed what I thought would be desirable benefits for all parties . I developed a PowerPoint AND I gave meticulous attention to the costs of being in the SPN . The board approved .
THEN – In April I started contacting suppliers . Not having Zoom back then , I was consumed with phone calls . Y ’ all , no fibbing ! I lost my voice after the first week ! Plus , I was trying to acquire as much information as I could on what they thought would be of significance to be a part of our Family ! The first four that joined in Alpha order are ABC Fitness , Les Mills , Life Fitness and Matrix !
So much has evolved over 15 years , but the one thing that we started with and still maintain today is the close-knit friendships we ’ ve all developed with the suppliers who support this wonderful group of Gold ’ s Gym Franchisees .
We will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of the SPN at the Owners ’ Conference this year ! Please be sure to thank them for their backing and caring that they do for us !
Ginger Collins GGFA Executive Director
We asked our first four Supplier Partners to share their memories of joining and their perspective on being part of the GGFA family since then . Here ’ s what they had to say …
Mike Escobedo ABC Fitness Solutions
Can you remember when you first found out about the GGFA ’ s Supplier Partnership Network ? Nearly 10 years ago ! I remember thinking ,”
Who is this Ginger everyone is always talking about ?”… and then I met her …. the rest is history !
Why did you join the SPN ? I quickly discovered our purpose , values , and ultimate goals were very much aligned . I deeply respected the SPN ’ s passion , not only for the Gold ’ s brand , but the industry as a whole .
What have been some of the biggest changes you ’ ve seen over the years since you joined ? The natural evolution of the organization and their ability to be flexible and thrive regardless of headwinds . It ’ s truly impressive and is a testament to why they are more relevant now than ever .
What is the biggest value you derive from being part of the SPN ? The genuine partnership mentality . Every organization has highs / lows ( ours included ), and the opportunity to ride those waves together is invaluable .
Can you share a memorable experience that is particularly special ? Breakfast in Chicago a few years back - during Ginger ’ s recent health scare . We had an amazing raw con-