About Justin Cates

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Continuing Education
The Gamechanger of a Career
July 2020 - We spend years in general and specialized education: K-12, college, post-graduate, doctoral, etc. No matter what the level we may achieve, one thing is common between all of these levels: At the time of their achievement, they are the aggregate of past knowledge. More important is what occurs afterwards. Education is not a start to finish spectrum; it is start, then never finish. Moving from education into a career, the gamechanger that will make or break the success of that career is continuing education. Within the health and fitness club industry, the number of sources that exist to enable continuing education is incredible. This month, Club Insider will attempt to provide information about a chunk of those resources. We won't be able to cover them all, but via those that will be covered, you will find even more to utilize. Read Article...

Courthouse Athletic Clubs' Fitness Coach Program
Meeting At-Risk Members Head-on
September 2010 - This month, we are very happy to bring a unique cover story to you. Typically, in our case-study cover stories, we seek to delve deep into the minds of successful club owners and operators to learn how they got there, as well as give an up close and personal view of the inner workings of their club(s). The goal is to bring valuable "in-the-trenches" information to you in hopes that some of it can help you create value in your club businesses if implemented. Read Article...

Cover Story Classics
The late Dr. Gerry Faust
February 2025 - Last month, in our first Cover Story Classic, we went way back to 1994 and Club Insider's first cover story, featuring the legendary Red Lerille, Owner of Red's in Lafayette, Louisiana, who was recently announced as an inductee into the inaugural class of the Health and Fitness Association's Hall of Fame. This month, though this Cover Story Classic was published more recently, in July 2016, the subject takes us even further back in time, before Club Insider was even in existence! It is because of the late Dr. Gerry Faust and Faust Roundtable #1 that Club Insider came into existence. Like so many who have experienced them, way back then, and today, the Roundtable experience is unique and uniquely effective. Many of the legends of our industry were part of Faust Roundtable #1. Read Article...

Cover Story Classics
Barry's: Inside the Red Room With CEO, Joey Gonzalez
July 2025 - Publisher's Note: As June 2025 (Pride Month) came to a close, good news from a great brand run by a man who happens to be gay was announced. If you read our original cover story in July 2019, you might have missed the fact that the CEO of a major club organization was gay. Joey Gonzalez, then-CEO of Barry's, never mentioned it in our interview because it was public knowledge. His talk with Club Insider was just a normal day. It was business. The focus was on the brand. Recently, the following news came after Club Insider's June 2025 Edition deadline, otherwise we would have covered it for that edition's Club Insider Classic: celebrating Barry's, celebrating Joey and celebrating Pride in those doing great work for this industry. Okay, okay, enough with the tease... Joey Gonzalez has been named Executive Chairman of Barry's. In honor of that elevation, this month's Cover Story Classic is Barry's: Inside the Red Room With CEO, Joey Gonzalez. Folks, I invite you to read on, and I very much invite you to read my closing Note... Read Article...

Cover Story Classics
Club Marketing - Then, Now, Always
August 2025 - Publisher's Note: The following Cover Story Classic comes to you from February 2014. The subject is Club Marketing, and it is fascinating to read the words written then, now, in hindsight. It seems like so much has changed, but a lot has stayed the same. Throughout the article, I will provide a few updates. Additionally, the original version of the article featured interviews from an all-star line-up of contributors: Mike Grondahl, Derek Barton, Casey Conrad Bill McBride, Terry W. Browning, Sherry Robb, Tracey Bourdon and Nancy Trent. Though not included here because of space constraints, these interviews can be found in the original version of this article. Their insights, combined with what you are about to read (or re-read), will give you a true arsenal of tools to take your club's marketing to the next level. Read Article...

COVID-19
The Coronavirus Crisis - Part I
April 2020 - "Good Day. I hope this finds you well." If you have ever received an email or online message from me, that is my standard greeting. Over the years, I have always meant it. On the phone, I begin with the same sentiment, the first part of my call always being to see how the person on the other end of the line is doing. If you've met me in person, once again, it's the same. Every time. I admit... This has become habit. It doesn't mean I don't mean it, but it is a habit. Recently, though, it has just meant more. Now, I take a pause before writing or saying the usual. I read or listen a little bit deeper when receiving a response. Then, I respond accordingly and with conviction. Since a week or two into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Crisis, I have amended my usual greeting to now say, "I hope this finds you as well as can be during these times." Within that statement, I mean several things... I hope you are healthy. I hope your family is healthy. I hope your team is healthy. I hope your members (or other customers) are healthy. And, I hope your health and fitness club business is hanging in there. There's a lot that can and is going wrong within those statements because of COVID-19; thus, I hope you are doing as well as can be during these times. Wherever you are, whatever you are going through, know that you are not alone. Read Article...

COVID-19
The Re-Opening
May 2020 - Here we are... one month deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Crisis. How many months will there be? Now, a month later, some things have changed; other things remain the same. The case count and death toll has become numbing. At the end of each number, though, is a real person and other people touched by the loss, whether family, friends or co-workers. If you're like me, you have pinched yourself at least a time or two to make sure this is real. Unfortunately, yes, this is real, and we are living it day after day. Albeit a "new normal," when will we see "normal" again? Read Article...

COVID-19: The Re-Opening
Key Information From The Industry's Front Lines
July 2020 - Those who have fought say, "War is hell." Every day is a struggle. Those countless days end up in new battles. Every battle can have a decided effect on the outcome of the war. The seemingly endless cycle continues. But, one day, there is a breakthrough, and it leads to victory. Make no mistake about it. The COVID-19 Pandemic is war. But, unlike previous wars, it is not with a people, a country or an ideology. In this case, it is against something insidious, a virus unlike anything seen in over a century. And, in that, more so than in our lifetime, the world is together in terms of hope and determination to overcome an enemy. At local levels, though, the tactics are different, but the goal is the same. Within the overall theater of this war, because of the nature of the enemy, life must go on. It won't go on normally, but it must go on. And, the key to that is the information needed to keep people safe. Read Article...

Crunch Fitness
Making Moves in 2024!
June 2024 - Positivity. Inclusivity. Fun. These are the pillars of Crunch's No Judgments Philosophy, and now, 35 years after its creation, the company has become a stalwart of the health and fitness club industry. We know those pillars have been key to success. Today, their pace of opening new locations may be unparalleled. And, they are just getting started! We are only halfway through 2024, but what a year it has already been for Crunch! What follows in this cover story are those key developments, announced during the first half of this year. Read Article...

Curt Beusman
One of a Kind!
November 2010 - Think of the phrase, one-of-a-kind. Think of the words, genius and fortunate. Sprinkle in a great sense of humor and a sterling personality, and you'll have the ingredients to describe the people person that is Dr. Curtis Beusman. Read Article...

Dave Cardone and Memorial Athletic Club
Leadership Through Adversity
May 2021 - You are tired of COVID. I am tired of COVID. We are ALL tired of COVID! I get it, and though COVID will be an important part of this story, it is but only one part. The more important aspect of this month's cover story is one club owner/manager's ability and absolute determination to have his facility not only survive but provide much needed support to the community in which it operates during not one but two back-to-back disasters, the pandemic being the most recent. This month's cover story is about Dave Cardone, Owner and General Manager of Memorial Athletic Club (MAC), and he is the humblest individual I have ever had the opportunity to interview. I mean that sincerely. Read Article...

David von Storch
An Entrepreneur Building the VIDA Fitness Brand!
September 2013 - Being an entrepreneur is challenging, exciting, frustrating, fulfilling and FUN. Actually, a hundred other words could help describe what being an entrepreneur is like, and that is why anyone who is an entrepreneur has selected that path for their life's journey. As an entrepreneur, almost anything can happen from day to day. Adapting to change is the name of the game, and even then, business survival is not always certain because there are so many factors at play. Read Article...

Doug Ribley and Akron General Lifestyles
Health and Wellness Defined By The Medical Fitness Difference
June 2013 - In the day-to-day pursuit of new members and the retention of current members, it is easy to lose sight of a more overarching, and nobler goal, the betterment of the communities we serve. Am I saying that maximizing revenue, minimizing expenses, and thus, growing profit is irrelevant? Absolutely not, but maybe we are thinking about things in the wrong order. Read Article...

Dr. Gerry Faust
Doctor of the Grand Problem Solving Event - Part I
July 2016 - Almost ten years ago, when I was graduating from college, I learned something very important: My time as a student was not over. In fact, it was just beginning, and the skills I learned during my 16 years of education were merely to prepare me for the ultimate study, that of life and business. To be successful in any medium, you must never relent in your passion to learn and improve. Without such passion, then what you are doing might not be the right thing for you. Within the health and fitness club industry, the tools for that commitment to excel beyond what you already know into the realm of what you can know are numerous. This month, Club Insider is truly honored and pleased to present the story of Dr. Gerry Faust, who is responsible for several important tools that many of the true greats in our industry have been utilizing for years. Read Article...

Dr. Gerry Faust
Doctor of the Grand Problem Solving Event - Part II
August 2016 - In Part II of the story of Dr. Gerry Faust, we will conclude the in-depth interview with Dr. Gerry Faust, in which we will discuss his consulting experiences and diagnostic tools, learn about his years of public speaking and hear directly from two of his long-time clients: Carol Nalevanko, President of DMB Sports Clubs/Village Health Clubs and Spas, and Mark Stevens, Executive Vice President of The Houstonian Club and Spa. Read Article...

Dr. Kenneth Cooper
Reminiscing About 50 Years of Aerobics
April 2018 - It was April, 1968, 50 years ago this month, that the book Aerobics, written by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, was released. Today, what we take for granted as fact in this field was a revolution at that time. There were critics and supporters, but time eventually proved the Aerobics concepts and tests, as well as its supporters right, changing the landscape of physical fitness in the United States and around the world. The first edition of Aerobics sold 6 million copies, and including future editions, the total sold now stands at around 30 million. Dr. Cooper also went on to write 18 more books throughout his career, which is still going strong. Read Article...

Dr. Kenneth Cooper Honored At Club Industry
And, an Interview With Dr. Cooper About Obesity in America
November 2008 - On October 16th, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, "the Father of Aerobics" and Founder of the Cooper Aerobics Center, was honored by Club Industry with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its yearly show in Chicago, IL. Read Article...

Elizabeth Asch and River Valley Club
Improving Lives Through Fitness and Self-care
January 2024 - The cornerstone of boxing is the one-two combo. Throughout the chess-match of each round, jabs set up the cross. Over and over. The eventual goal is to set up more complex and damaging combinations, such as a jab, cross then hook or uppercut. To the initiated, multi-punch combos are survivable. Strength, conditioning and defensive strategy makes this so. Eventually, endurance or that one perfect shot wins out. However, if anyone inexperienced in the sport steps in with a pro, they are likely going down on the first punch. As we live our lives day-to-day, we get used to the usual jabs and crosses thrown into the mix of daily routine. Maybe we overslept or the car has a flat tire or there's a traffic jam on a Sunday morning... We survive these problems without breaking a sweat. In the grand scheme of things, they just aren't that important. But, sometimes, life hits us with the big one, and how we react defines who we become. Read Article...

Eric Schmitz and California Athletic Clubs
"Your Happy and Healthy Place."
April 2022 - One of my joys each month is getting to learn the story of another successful club business professional, then sharing it with you. It's a beautiful thing, and it keeps me going each and every month: motivated, inspired and slightly more educated. This month, that club business professional is Eric Schmitz, President of California Athletic Clubs, and folks, let me tell you: Buckle Up! This cover story interview with Eric is one for the ages, and if you take notes throughout, you will fill pages. The vast quantity of information and takeaway nuggets shared cannot be understated, and it is my privelege for Club Insider to share it with you. I'd normally write more of an introduction, but it would not be worthy of the space compared to what you are about to read. So, with that, let's get right into it! Read Article...

Executive Health and Sports Center
Showing Members Their Health is Their Wealth
November 2016 - What does your health mean to you? Without it, would you be able to do the things you do or accomplish the goals you have set in life? Or, conversely, you are healthy; how would you feel and what would you do if a family member were not healthy? What if it was self-inflicted? Our industry knows all too well how important these questions are in a member's life. We know our industry can offer the solution to so many woes of a society that, by and large, is unhealthy and doing it to itself. But, is anyone noticing? Read Article...

Family Fitness
Where Staff Really Is Family
February 2011 - In the world of dance, a great performance is comprised of strong individual efforts supported by equally strong team efforts. Dance performances have solos and individual stars, but the ultimate success or failure of the show is in the hands of the entire company of dancers. If a soloist falters for only an instant, most will not notice, and the performance can still be considered a success because the group will overcome the mistake of an individual. Read Article...

ForeCourt Racquet and Fitness Club
Celebrating 50 Years as a Community Institution
February 2024 - Believe it or not, I have personally fulfilled every Paid Subscription Order to Club Insider for the past 15+ years. I send every email renewal notice individually, not in batches with a third-party sender. I sign every printed letter, as well as label, stamp, stuff and seal every envelope (Don't worry; I don't have to lick them anymore!). Over the years, the effort has been worth it. I have built relationships with our readership, many of whom have been Paid Subscribers for 5, 10, 20+ years. Each month, it is a wonderful feeling to send these messages out to so many familiar names. And, many times, in addition to their renewal, I receive personalized notes of thanks, good wishes, compliments, and sometimes, critiques. Recently, with his renewal, I received a local news clipping from Dave Morin, Owner of ForeCourt Racquet and Fitness Club, sharing the story of their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Read Article...

Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness
It's not how you feel when you get here... It's how you feel when you leave.
November 2015 - This month's cover story, featuring Franciscan Omni Health & Fitness, concludes our 22nd year of publication and is our 263rd monthly edition! At this time in our industry's history and potential future, I can think of no better topic than the successful integration of health, fitness and wellness services. In fact, as I think back on some of this year's cover stories, this topic has been a very common theme this year, specifically. Read Article...

George Foreman III and EverybodyFights
Train Like a Fighter; Live Like a Champion
April 2017 - Everyone has the fighting spirit in them. Because of the daily grind so many of us get used to, we may not realize it still exists inside of us, but it does. We've all studied it in school; it's called the Fight or Flight Response, and it is ingrained in nature. When we perceive a threat, our heart rate increases, adrenaline kicks in and we become hyper-aware of our surroundings. It is in that moment that one chooses the course that best ensures their survival. Read Article...

Glenda Pigue
A Gem in Benton!
January 2011 - Happy New Year! Are you ready for 2011? This month, to begin the new year, we are very excited to bring you a truly amazing story. Hopefully, it will inspire you to have the best year ever in 2011! Read Article...

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