Club Insider

The Club Insider Archives: November 2020

The Schwartz Family
50 Years of Success at Midtown Athletic Club

By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesNorm CatesThe year is 1970. A new decade arrives, the space race has been won and Tennis Corporation of America, TCA (now Midtown Athletic Club) opens its doors. A gallon of gas is 36 cents, and the cost of a new home is just over $25,000. It was a different time. Fast forward to today, and Midtown Athletic Club is now celebrating 50 years of success. Founded by Alan Schwartz and his father, Kevie Schwartz, the family business is now four generations deep, with Alan's son, Steven Schwartz, as the company's CEO, and Steven's son, Alex Schwartz, as the company's Director of Marketing. The Midtown of today is night and day compared to the TCA of the early days, but it was not an overnight change. The key tenet of reinvestment into the business has led to a steady evolution of the company over the years. Read More

Ten Ways to Be a Successful Gym Owner
By: Jim Thomas

Jim ThomasJim ThomasI always ask this question, "Who wants to be a success?" Of course, all hands go up. But, then, I ask, "Who's willing to do what's necessary to be a success?" Not as many hands go up. There are many reasons for this, but one that always seems to be at the top of the list is, "I don't have time." Truthfully, you don't have time not to, but remember this: When it comes to time, no one has an advantage. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, the same seven days a week, etc. Here are ten things to consider to help you be a more successful gym owner... Read More

"Non-Essential" Never Again
Part II

By: Eric Durak, MSc

Eric Durak, MScEric Durak, MScIn the first part of this article series on the essential nature of the fitness industry, I discussed some of the issues that have affected the industry and those that need to be addressed regarding the concept of the importance of health clubs in the landscape of our current culture and where we could find ourselves in the very near future within healthcare. Read More

Seven Marketing Tips for Powering Up Your Gym in 2021
By: Madison Sosebee

Madison SosebeeMadison SosebeeOh, what a year 2020 has been! Gyms closed, some forever, and others reopened with strict new safety protocols. After months of dealing with all this uncertainty, club owners and managers are anxious about 2021, and understandably so. As colder weather sets in, gyms may have to temporarily close again or face further restrictions, but clubs that can survive these challenging times will grow even stronger. Here are some marketing strategies to power up your business for 2021... Read More

Developing Resilient Leaders and Loved Ones
Part I

By: Karen Woodard-Chavez

Karen Woodard-ChavezKaren Woodard-ChavezResilience is such an important quality to have at any time in our lives, and especially these days, when we are seemingly faced with new challenges that test us each day. What you will find as you read on is how to define resilience and how you can deepen it for yourself, those you lead and those you love. Ping Fu, author of Bend, Not Break, has a beautiful quote, "Be like the bamboo... bend but do not break," which is a very good description of the concept of resilience. If you are to develop and deepen resilience within yourself and for others, how do you define resilience? Let's define it in the following way... Read More

Business Finance Depot Video Series
Different Types of SBA Loans

By: Paul Bosley

Paul BosleyPaul BosleyIn this article and accompanying video, we outline the three different types of SBA loans available to startup and existing companies. It is the most common loan type because the SBA backs a significant amount of the loan, which reduces the risk of the lender. The main types of SBA loans and their key characteristics are as follows... Read More

What if the Apple Store Sold Health Club Memberships?
By: Jeffrey Pinkerton

Jeffrey PinkertonJeffrey PinkertonFrom conversations with customers and potential customers, the typical sales process often goes something like this: (1) meet, greet, ask a few questions and complete a needs analysis; (2) give a tour of the facility showing various features; (3) highlight specific features, explain benefits, present price and discuss personal training; (4) ask for their business, leading with personal training. If yes, book appointment with personal trainer. If no, sign up under standard membership; and (5) give key card, welcome pack and (possibly) one free session with a personal trainer. Read More

Medical Fitness Association Names Atlantic Club's Kevin McHugh to Board of Directors
PINEHURST, N.C. - The Medical Fitness Association (MFA) announces that Kevin McHugh, COO of The Atlantic Club in New Jersey, a MFA Certified Facility, has been appointed to the MFA Board of Directors. Mr. McHugh will serve a three-year term beginning in January, 2021. Read More

Norm's Notes for November 2020
By: Norm Cates

Norm CatesNorm CatesHello Everybody! This is your Club Insider Founder and Tribal Leader Since 1993 checking in with our 323rd monthly edition. Justin and I are very honored to be presenting this edition, because it marks the end of our 27th year of publication! We cordially invite you to be with us next month when we begin our 28th year of publication with Club Insider's December, 2020 edition! Stay Tuned, folks! Read More

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