• HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

  • By: Pete Moore
  • Podcast

HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

By: Pete Moore
  • Summary

  • Learn from top entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector how to optimize your business success. With host Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square.
    Integrity Square-2023
    Show More Show Less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2
Episodes
  • From Local Ads to Global Brand: Crunch Fitness's Unique Growth Strategy with Founder, Doug Levine
    Oct 29 2024
    In this first-ever "HALO Talks Live" episode held at Sid's Gym in NYC on October 17 2024 to a packed house, we dove deep into everything from fitness innovation, building a brand from the ground up, deciding to 'break the mold' of the fitness space, guerilla marketing, and a ton more with legendary Crunch Fitness founder Doug Levine. Host Pete Moore and Doug explored Crunch's creative, unorthodox beginnings, from viral marketing campaigns to avant-garde classes like aerial yoga and others. Sue Hitzmann, visionary creator of the world famous MELT Method (and also a Crunch veteran from the early days & HALO Talks alum!) started us off and discussed the importance of fascia health for true body wellness, emphasizing proactive self-care, how 'recovery' has changed over the years, the importance of proper trainer education, why facilities should strongly consider getting their instructors up to speed on the methodology, and more. Levine was the driving force behind Crunch Fitness, and he transformed the fitness industry by fostering a unique sense of community. Under his leadership and working side by side with Roger Harvey--Crunch's first COO of 12 years--Crunch defied the stereotype of a massive, impersonal corporation. Instead, it became a closely-knit environment where instructors bonded, attended each other's classes, and learned collectively. Doug ensured that the instructors felt valued and well-compensated, emphasizing personal investment in their growth. His vision extended beyond group exercise to personal training, establishing a comprehensive, supportive, and thriving fitness community. Doug not only built a successful brand but literally revolutionized the health club experience. On the early days of advertising Levine recalls, "So nobody knows this, but . . . Time Warner didn't like running people's local ads. Local ads, when they introduced it into New York, were largely Midas muffler shops, Jiffy Lubes, etc. They were franchises that had ads produced by corporate and they could afford. But our deal with Time Warner was that--because they loved the creativity of Crunch's ads--we would get almost all of their unsold inventory. So basically, we would spend $10,000 a month and get a half a million worth of ads, or or whatever their unsold inventory was for many, many years!" We also want to acknowledge Sid Raman (another HALO Talks alum!) from Xpriential on his patented treadmill, which blends cutting-edge technology with incredible, immersive exercise experiences. These treadmills are game-changing and do not exist anywhere else in the world (yet!) Whether it's franchising insights, AI's role in fitness, branding, risk-taking, the evolution of wellness trends and more. . . this one runs the gamut! Key themes discussed Sue Hitzmann--MELT Founder--explores fascia's role in pain.Self-treatment technique for physical and emotional health.Medication masks symptoms; addressing root causes critical.In a key move, Crunch evolved to a recurring, monthly membership.Evaluating on-brand, trendy group exercise programs.New, innovative 'boutique fitness trends' attract interest.Cool, diverse brand, universal language, special plac and community.Building a brand from scratch is incredibly complex! A few key takeaways: 1. Innovation and Creativity in Fitness: Doug emphasized the importance of unique and creative fitness programs, such as Crunch's iconic drag queen and aerial yoga classes, which helped set the brand apart and establish new trends in the industry. The organization's ability to leverage creativity instead of relying solely on traditional KPI's was crucial to its early success. 2. Embracing New Advertising Methods: Doug shared an inspiring story about utilizing creative local TV advertising to market Crunch, leveraging free resources from advertising professionals who were members and huge fans of the brand. This strategy was a part of Crunch’s PR-driven marketing approach that insisted on standing out without high costs, demonstrating the power of ingenuity in growing a brand from scratch. 3. Importance of Fascia Health: Sue Hitzmann discussed how fascia health impacts overall bodily function, joint stability, and mobility—highlighting that repetitive movements can lead to problems in the fascia, causing joint issues and inflammation. She argued against merely masking symptoms with medication, stressing the need for proper self-care to address the root causes of pain. 4. Experiential Fitness Technology: Sid Raman introduced an innovative treadmill simulator that combines hardware, software, and AI to offer immersive movement experiences through virtual reality. This "experiential" fitness equipment provides diverse, entertaining activities suitable for all ages, showcasing the future of tech-enhanced workouts. 5. Franchising and Community Building: Doug and Pete discussed the challenges and rewards of growing Crunch through franchising. Despite the potential for dilution, ...
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Episode #524: Transforming Lives Through Nutrition and Fitness-Arman Eckelbarger’s Approach
    Oct 25 2024
    Arman Eckelbarger began his career in consulting, experiencing initial success before pausing to prioritize family life. As his family grew, he eventually moved to a more stable 9-to-5 job in insurance and investments, a field he dedicated eight years to. That really do it for him, so he returned to consulting, embracing the always-evolving HALO space. Today, he focuses on enhancing health, muscle span, and lifespan, guiding individuals to enjoy the rewards of their financial success while maintaining overall well-being. His journey reflects adaptability and a commitment to both personal and professional growth. Arman dives deep into his systematic approach to health optimization including extensive lab work, customized nutrition and exercise plans, and the integration of DNA methylation tests. He discusses the importance of belief alignment with clients and the critical role of insulin in managing health. Listen now to hear Arman's insightful perspectives on achieving better health, and learn about the cutting-edge methodologies and science-based protocols that are changing lives. As far as decreasing injuries Arman states, "Strength training is going to keep the ligaments and tendons where they need to stay and help keep the muscles strong around them, so you're less likely to have those strains or tears. But you also have to listen to your body. If you have an abnormal feeling in the knee from pickleball or something as an example . . . you need to learn to give it a break and then rehab that as quickly as possible." Key themes discussed Transitioned from consulting to insurance, then returned to the industry.Companies should focus on results, avoid aggravation.Solving health issues through HALO ecosystem involvement.Strengthen muscles, rest injuries, stay lean. A few key takeaways: 1. Comprehensive Health Evaluation: Arman emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health evaluations, including extensive lab work that goes beyond standard medical tests. His approach involves checking for hormones, metabolic panels, inflammation markers, and DNA tests, providing a detailed understanding of a person’s health status. 2. Customized Health Plans: Each health plan Arman creates is highly personalized based on individual needs and health conditions. Clients go through a detailed questionnaire and lab work which help tailor the plan to address their specific health goals and challenges, ensuring a high level of customization. 3. Importance of Belief Alignment: Arman talks about the necessity of aligning beliefs with clients, especially regarding nutrition and exercise. He emphasizes that it's crucial for clients to be open to potential changes in their lifestyle and beliefs for the programs to be effective. 4. Role of Insulin in Metabolic Health: Arman provides insights on the role of insulin and how its management is critical to metabolic health. He explains that excessive carbohydrates and sugars can lead to elevated insulin levels, contributing to fat storage and various health issues, including diabetes. 5. Leveraging Modern Technology and Resources: Arman uses various modern technologies and resources such as specialized apps for nutrition and training, and partnerships with medical teams for evaluating lab results. He also mentions that his programs can be funded through HSA or FSA accounts, making them accessible for more people looking to invest in their health. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Arman Eckelbarger: https://www.armaneckelbarger.comArman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arman-eckelbarger-75664823Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Episode #523: Unlocking Retail Revenue-Meghann Butcher on B2B Ecommerce for Fitness Studios
    Oct 21 2024
    In this episode we welcome Meghann Butcher from RepSpark, a B2B e-commerce platform that's revolutionizing retail for boutique gyms, golf shops, and pro shops. Meghann shares her expertise on the challenges faced by studio operators in managing retail and how RepSpark can seamlessly bridge the gap, helping businesses maximize their retail potential. Butcher is a seasoned expert dedicated to simplifying operations for business owners and operators. She clearly understands that many of these professionals aren't trained buyers or merchandisers, despite their unique opportunity to serve a guaranteed daily clientele. Meghann focuses on making the entire processes easy and seamless, empowering owners to maximize potential profits without the hassle of managing a complex back end. Megan goes into depth about not only optimizing retail spaces, but also making them a profitable extension of your fitness studio. Whether you're running a small boutique gym or a larger operation, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help turn your retail from a cost center into a robust profit center. Key themes discussed Efficient, flexible ordering; know customers' preferences.What's the retail revenue potential for studios?Microsites enable inventory-free sales for events.Exploring revenue potential for studio operators' space.Boost work achievements with desired employee incentives.Incorporate apparel rewards for engaging studio communities.Quick setup for brands on digital platforms. A few key takeaways: 1. Retail Strategy for Studios: Meghann discussed the importance of having a retail strategy for boutique gyms and studios. She emphasized that retail sales should be part of the overall revenue strategy and needs to be intentional. Understanding member preferences and curating products that align with their needs can boost sales. 2. Ease of Ordering and Inventory Management: She highlighted how RepSpark's platform makes it easy for studio operators to manage their retail offerings. The platform allows for seamless ordering, inventory management, and reordering of products in different sizes and colors. It eliminates the need for direct interaction with sales representatives, saving time for studio operators. 3. Customization and Co-Branding: RepSpark supports customization, offering an opportunity for studios to brand products like towels, bags, and apparel with their logos. This not only serves as a marketing tool but also enhances member loyalty, as members like to showcase their association with the studio. 4. Revenue Potential from Retail: Pete and Meghann discussed the revenue potential of the retail space in studios. Comparing it with golf pro shops, there is a significant opportunity for studios to generate substantial revenue through well-curated retail offerings. She mentions that consumables, basic apparel, and accessories like socks and candles move quickly and can be profitable. 5. Microsites and Pop-Up Shops: Meghann introduced the concept of microsites and pop-up shops, which allow studios to offer products without holding inventory. These can be used for special events, challenges, or seasonal promotions. Members can shop directly from these microsites, and the products can be customized, offering additional value without the need for significant upfront investment. Click here to download transcript. Resources: Meghann Butcher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannbutcher/ RepSpark: http://www.repspark.com Prospect Wizard: http://www.theprospectwizard.comPromotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.comHigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com Connect With Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehaloadvisors/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Integritysquare YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@halotalks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-square/ Website: https://www.halotalks.com
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins

What listeners say about HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.