HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

In today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with returning guest Jason Moore, CEO and founder of Spren (formerly Elite HRV.) Jason shares the journey of his company’s cutting-edge technology, which transforms any smartphone into an advanced biomarker and body composition analysis tool. With over a million users and thousands of coaches trained, Spren’s platform is accelerating how gyms, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts track results and stay motivated. Pete and Jason dive into the evolution of Spren’s technology, lessons learned from the pandemic, and how partnerships with industry leaders like Fitness On Demand are reshaping the member experience across more than a thousand gyms. Jason also pulls back the curtain on the powerful data trends Spren has uncovered, including what truly drives lasting health changes among gym members—and why focusing on muscle may be the key to long-term success. Whether you’re a club operator, coach, or just passionate about fitness technology, this episode is a candid look at where health and wellness measurement is headed, how to engage members both inside and outside the gym, and the grit it takes to keep innovating in the HALO sector. In discussions surrounding tech, there's always the question of data. On that Jason states, "Ultimately the member owns their data . . . that's how we think of it. Like you Pete, or whoever's listening, you own your own data, you can delete it all or take it with you. There's a big trend towards data portability." Key themes discussed 1. Spren's Technological Evolution: Spren has transitioned from a prototype-focused company to delivering a full-fledged, scalable product. Their tech uses just a phone camera to provide accurate body composition analysis comparable to a DEXA scan. Over the last two years, they've moved towards offering turnkey solutions that require no IT or development resources, making implementation easier for fitness operators of all sizes. 2. Strategic Partnerships & Expansion: Spren has formed partnerships with major fitness platforms like Fitness on Demand, enabling rollouts across over a thousand gyms. These collaborations let gyms effortlessly integrate body composition tracking and personalized coaching for members, meeting the growing demand for accountability and measurable wellness outcomes. 3. Market Learnings & Business Model Shift: Jason shared that initially, Spren focused on offering their technology as an SDK/API for other tech teams to integrate. However, long implementation timelines and the complexity of custom integrations led them to shift toward simple, self-contained solutions that appeal directly to operators and members—and the market has responded positively to this shift. 4. Holistic Data & User Experience: Spren not only tracks body fat and muscle composition but also integrates data from blood labs and wearables to provide a more comprehensive view of a member's health. The company emphasizes user privacy and data ownership, and keeps the member in control of their own data, with growing features for research and cross-platform health data portability. 5. Industry Trends and Actionable Insights: One of the biggest insights from Spren’s dataset is that consistent gym-goers and those who work with qualified coaches show significantly better health outcomes. Also, members who focus on muscle building and preservation, not just fat loss, enjoy better long-term outcomes. Jason also noted a shift in club operators showing a greater willingness to pay for high-impact technology that enhances retention and member results, acknowledging that wellness tech can be an investment rather than just an expense. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehumanjasonhttps://www.spren.com https://www.halotalks.com/episode-384-unlocking-biometric-sensing-technology-w-jason-moore-of-spren-elite-hrvhttps://www.integritysq.comhttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

On today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Cori Myka, founder of Calm Within Adult Swim, to dive into the world of adult swimming—and why it’s never too late to learn. Cori shares her personal passion for water, the (often substantial) psychological hurdles adults face when learning to swim, and how her unique Foundations of Change program helps people overcome fear and embrace aquatic confidence. Pete and Cori explore the relatively untapped demand for adult swim instruction, discuss the mental and physical dynamics of learning new skills later in life, and offer insights for health clubs considering specialized swim programming. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a club owner or manager that has access to a pool, or just someone eager to get more comfortable in the water, this episode delivers thoughtful advice, actionable strategies, and a refreshing perspective on aquatics for all ages. On the untapped potential of adult swim programs, Myka states, "That's the piece that I think is an underserved, underutilized component in the swim industry. It's really because there's such a focus on children, which is great, but there are more adults out there than kids." Key themes discussed A Few Key Takeaways: 1.Half of Adults Can’t Swim—But They Can Learn: According to Cori, about 50% of adults do not know how to swim. While there’s a major focus in the industry on children’s swim lessons, the adult market is underserved and much larger than many people realize. Cori’s mission is to reach these adults and show that it’s never too late to learn. 2. Psychology and Fear Are Major Barriers for Adult Learners: For adults, fear is a significant barrier to learning how to swim—much more so than for kids. Cori’s “Foundations of Change” program is tailored to this, focusing two parts on mindset and one part on physical skills. Progress is based on how adults feel in the water, and it typically takes 20–100 hours for an adult to feel comfortable in deep water. 3. Adult Swim Programming Is Underpriced and Undervalued: There’s a big revenue opportunity for clubs willing to offer adult swim programming, especially when marketed and priced at a premium—often comparable to or higher than kids’ private lessons. These programs can utilize off-peak pool hours, making them a win for both facilities and clients. 4. Online and In-Person Learning Are Both Essential: While some instruction can be done online (breaking down the learning steps and addressing mental blocks), the kinesthetic, in-water experience is irreplaceable. Cori’s approach blends these, guiding adults step-by-step without overwhelming them, and leveraging online cohorts or local instructor training to scale the model. 5. Creating a ‘Water Culture’ Starts with Adults: For families, making swimming a regular part of life is vital to kids’ comfort in the water. Cori emphasizes that the main barrier for kids is often parents’ own fear or inexperience. Adults who learn to swim not only change their own lives—they open doors for their families and help build a culture where water safety and confidence are the norm. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cori-myka-62314a18https://adultswimlesson.comhttps://orcaswimschool.com/meet-our-staffhttps://www.integritysq.comhttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

On today’s episode, Founder of Integrity Square and HALO Talks host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and Talent Optimizer Group founder, Tom Johnston. They dive deep into the power of talent optimization and why having the right people in the right seats is the ultimate game-changer for HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) sector businesses. Tom unpacks how health clubs can move beyond traditional hiring practices, bring rigor to their people strategy, and use data-driven insights—like employee engagement surveys and behavioral assessments—to build winning, high-performing teams. From real-world case studies with leaders like Club 16’s Trevor Linden to practical advice on boosting employee retention and preparing your business for sale, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help club owners turn their workforce into a true differentiator. Whether you’re scaling up, planning an exit, or just want more engaged employees and less churn, you’ll get an inside look at the role of compassionate leadership and systematic talent development. On bridging the gap between 'business strategy' and 'people strategy,' Johnston states, "Most organizations have a business strategy. They know what results they're looking to achieve, but they don't necessarily have a people strategy. There's a discipline around how we go about hiring the right people for the right role, and how we go about retaining talent." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Talent Optimization Is a Discipline, Not a Buzzword: Tom emphasizes that talent optimization goes beyond simple recruiting—it’s about aligning "business strategy" with a well-thought-out "people strategy." This means intentionally hiring, retaining, and developing employees to match organizational goals, much like building a high-performing sports team. 2. Data-Driven Approaches Improve Employee Engagement: Tom discusses using tools like the Predictive Index to survey and assess team fit, manager-employee relationships, and overall engagement. These surveys, which are anonymous and concise, provide actionable insights leaders can use to improve employee satisfaction and retention. 3. Cultural Fit and Leadership Matter Just as Much as Skills: It’s not just about a person’s resume (“the briefcase”); hiring should prioritize behavioral fit (“the head”) and passion or values alignment (“the heart.”) Compassionate leadership and a focus on psychological safety foster a winning, loyal team. 4. Optimizing Talent Directly Impacts the Bottom Line: Tom shares case studies (like Club 16) illustrating how improved organizational structure and engagement have led to multi-million dollar gains. Reducing turnover, maximizing existing payroll, and scalable talent systems translate into real, measurable financial value—especially important when positioning a company for sale. 5. Winning Cultures Are Built on Transparency and Action: Both Pete and Tom stress the need for leaders to be transparent with teams—sharing survey results, explaining the “why” behind changes, and taking meaningful action. This not only helps employees feel seen and valued, but also drives consistent improvement and business success. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomassjohnstonhttps://www.talentoptimizergroup.comhttps://talentoptimizergroup.com/case-studyhttps://www.integritysq.comhttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Larry English—former NFL player, real estate developer, and now the mind behind Mind Body Mastery and the Union Capital Company. Larry opens up about his journey from achieving his childhood dream of playing in the NFL, to facing the tough transition into business and entrepreneurship. He shares the pivotal realization that his champion mindset and focus on health, once honed as a pro athlete, was just as essential in the world of business. Larry talks about the importance of optimizing the "operator behind the business," using a data-driven approach to health and performance that goes far beyond "typical" fitness routines. Learn how a life-changing moment—watching the film "Concussion"—sparked his commitment to longevity and cognitive health, leading him to invest heavily in cutting-edge wellness strategies. Now, Larry helps executives and entrepreneurs unlock their peak potential through personalized, high-accountability programs that blend science, discipline, and mindset. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation that proves whether on the field or in the boardroom, true performance starts with taking care of yourself first. You'll gain actionable insights on building sustainable vitality, avoiding burnout, and playing the long game in health and business. On the hidden cost of ignoring your own health as an entrepreneur, English states, "As business people, we don't debate or second guess the fact that we need to know our numbers in our business. We need to know our KPIs . . . we need to watch that P&L like a hawk. We need to know our conversion rates and cost per acquisition, leads, how many leads we're bringing in . . . all these things, right? But then we look at our health and we think that it's supposed to just happen on its own, intuitively, by happenstance? And that's just not the case." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. The Importance of Optimizing the "Operator" (You!): Larry emphasizes that just like in sports, your personal health and performance as an entrepreneur or business professional are crucial to overall success. He points out that many professionals fail to recognize that a performance mindset and maintaining health are just as important in business as they are in athletics. 2. Lessons from Professional Sports Transition to Business: Larry draws direct parallels between elite athletics and building a business. He discusses how data-driven approaches, discipline, and having a clear playbook are not just for sports, but equally vital for high-performing business leaders. Just as athletes track performance metrics, business leaders should monitor their KPIs—and their health metrics. 3. Facing and Overcoming Burnout: Burnout isn't just a result of overworking. As Larry puts it, “your operating system is busted.” After leaving the NFL, Larry learned the hard way that abandoning a health-first mindset led to a decline in vitality and performance—even as he achieved success in real estate. His story illustrates the need to reset and refocus on personal well-being for sustained high achievement. 4. Data-Driven, Holistic Optimization Programs: Larry’s program is built on a holistic, science-based approach. It includes training, nutrition, biomarker optimization (via bloodwork), supplementation, and lifestyle supports. Success isn’t just about willpower; it’s about a system that offers expert guidance, accountability, and customization to each client's needs—so that health goals can directly power professional and personal ones. 5. Seeing Setbacks as Setups for Transformation: One of Larry’s most powerful reflections centers on how a major business deal falling through led him to reconsider his true purpose. Rather than letting the setback define him, it pushed him to pursue his passion for helping others optimize their lives. He now uses the lessons—and the systems—that helped him transition from NFL athlete to successful...

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Beverly Wolfer, Executive Director of Tina’s Wish, to dive into the critical topic of health literacy and the power of community-driven change. Beverly shares her journey from the world of consulting to the nonprofit sector, where she leads efforts toward early detection of ovarian cancer—a mission inspired by the legacy of Judge Tina Brosman. Pete and Beverly explore how HALO sector leaders (health, active lifestyle, outdoors) can champion women’s health through partnership, awareness, and education. Beverly sheds light on the life-saving potential of spreading knowledge about ovarian cancer’s subtle symptoms, and explains how Tina’s Wish is building a powerful platform—“What to Know Down Below”—to bridge gaps in health literacy and empower women to advocate for themselves. Listeners will also hear Beverly’s inspiring perspective on purposeful career pivots, the importance of giving back, and the deep meaning she finds in honoring her brother’s legacy through another nonprofit supporting American Jewish troops. On 'solving herself' out of a job, she states, "My goal is for us to solve Tina Brosman's dying wish and to find an early detection. And I can't think of a better way to put on my next resume, you know, how to put myself out of a job. Because we solved the problem that we went into solving, right?!" Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Mission of Tina’s Wish-Early Detection for Ovarian Cancer: Tina’s Wish was founded in memory of Judge Tina Brosman, who passed away from late-diagnosed ovarian cancer. The foundation’s mission is to fund research to develop an early detection screen for ovarian cancer—a test that currently doesn’t exist. The foundation has raised $29 million since 2008, fueling innovation and bringing hope closer to reality. 2. The Power of Health Literacy and Community Education: Beverly emphasized the importance of health education, especially about gynecologic cancers and women’s health. Her organization’s “What to Know Down Below” platform and podcast series empowers women to recognize symptoms and advocate for themselves, literally saving lives through awareness and knowledge. 3. Partnership Opportunities for Health and Fitness Communities: Tina’s Wish is seeking collaborations with fitness clubs, yoga studios, and wellness businesses. Ways to get involved include co-branding materials, distributing educational decals (such as in locker room bathrooms), and participating in turnkey fundraising events—making it easy for organizations to support the cause and educate their communities. 4. Running a Nonprofit: Purpose and Professional Fulfillment: Beverly’s transition from the corporate world to nonprofit leadership was driven by a desire for purpose. While the daily work still involves tasks like HR and accounting, knowing her efforts are mission-driven makes a profound difference. She shared that her ultimate goal is to “put herself out of a job” by solving the very problem her organization was founded to address. 5. Honoring Personal Legacy and Service: Beyond her role at Tina’s Wish, Beverly runs a foundation in memory of her brother, a Jewish American soldier killed in Iraq. Her family focuses on education, awareness, and meaningful care packages for deployed soldiers, highlighting both the personal impact of service and the ongoing need to keep memories and lessons from the past alive. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-wolfer-nerenberg-38749467https://tinaswish.orghttps://tinaswish.org/whattoknowhttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Andrew Petcash—former college basketball player, venture capitalist, and one of LinkedIn’s most insightful voices on the business of sports. Andrew shares his journey from building a massive NBA YouTube channel as a teenager to founding Profluence Capital, a sports-focused venture fund that connects founders, investors, and cutting-edge sports businesses. The conversation dives deep into Andrew’s strategy for breaking down sports industry segments, sourcing valuable market data, and building authentic, action-oriented thought leadership (or, as Pete calls it, “action leadership!") He unpacks how his personal brand has become a powerful engine for attracting investment targets and shares why transparency in the investment process can spark even more opportunities in the ever-evolving sports landscape. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or just interested in youth and collegiate sports—including the ripple effects of NIL—this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how major trends are being identified, funded, and built from the ground up. Petcash also offers candid advice for aspiring investors about the best ways to get involved in early-stage sports deals. On their investment aproach, Petcash states, "Most of our companies have said we're their most helpful investor because we can also get them a lot of attention from our channels from a marketing lens. We also just have a huge network to get them more investment or to get them more customers or whatever." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Content Creation as a Market Differentiator: Andrew leveraged his expertise in content creation to position himself as not just a thought leader, but an “action leader” in the sports and VC world. By sharing insights and market analysis on platforms like LinkedIn, he built trust, credibility, and created a network effect that brings founders and opportunities directly to him. 2. Unique Approach to Market Sizing and Research: Andrew highlights his process of identifying investment opportunities in sports—especially youth sports and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changes. He combines feedback from industry contacts, exclusive data access, and his own proprietary database, blending qualitative and quantitative insights not widely available elsewhere. 3. Innovative Venture Capital Model: Profluence goes beyond the typical VC approach. They split their portfolio between more predictable, linear investments (e.g., sports teams/events—what he calls “layer one” assets) and higher-upside venture bets. This aims to balance risk and ensure strong fund returns, even if only a few high-risk investments succeed. 4. The Value of Strategic Partnerships and Advisory Networks: Petcash also emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with subject matter experts and private equity partners as both LPs (limited partners) and advisors. This adds significant strategic value when evaluating deals and managing portfolio companies, helping Profluence "punch above its weight" in deal selection and support. 5. Advice to Investors-Use Funds Over Angel Investments: Both Pete and Andrew caution against direct angel investments into early-stage companies, unless you have professional oversight and industry-specific expertise. Instead, they recommend investing through established funds with strong governance and a relevant network—offering better diversification, professional vetting, and an increased chance of success. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewpetcashhttps://capital.profluence.com/team/andrew-petcashhttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Tony Reed—a longtime marathoner, accomplished CPA, grandfather, and passionate advocate for healthier communities. Tony shares his journey that initially began with a childhood diagnosis of pre-diabetes and grew into a lifelong commitment to fitness. He discusses how running not only changed his own life, helping him avoid diabetes, and chronic disease, but also inspired him to support others, particularly within the African American community, through education and community-building. Tony details the beginning of the National Black Marathoners Association, the myths they aim to dispel, and the training and sustainability programs they've launched over the past 20 years. He also talked about the organization's impact—including producing documentaries and creating a nationwide network of running clubs—and offers solid advice for anyone looking to balance a demanding career with a purpose-driven mission. Whether you’re a runner, a club owner, or an advocate for healthier, more inclusive communities, Tony’s story and insights are absolutely worth your time! When it comes to starting up clubs, Reed states, "We've encouraged our members to get their coaching certifications either through the Roadrunners Club of America or USA Track and Field. Then once they get their certifications, for example, they could partner with a health club, and within that health club, they can actually have a distance running club." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Personal Health Journey as a Catalyst Tony was pre-diabetic as a child and was told he’d likely need insulin as a teen. Instead, through consistent physical activity, inspired by mandatory sports in school and Dr. Kenneth Cooper’s book "Aerobics," Tony committed to a lifelong goal—averaging three miles a day. Decades later, he's run over 51,000 miles and never needed insulin. 2. Turning Personal Motivation into Community Impact Tony’s health transformation and running achievements led him to create a formal organization aimed at getting African Americans more involved in distance running. Sparked by community interest when he neared his 50th marathon, he turned his personal discipline into a mission and movement, focusing on education, training, and sustainability. 3. Dispelling Myths and Creating Representation One of the association’s core pillars is education: Challenging the myths that African Americans are only sprinters and not suited to distance running. Tony and his organization have produced documentaries to showcase role models and share inspirational stories within the community. 4. Building Partnerships and Running Communities The organization actively encourages members to get certified as running coaches and set up local running clubs—sometimes in partnership with health clubs. They provide role models, resource sharing, and opportunities to affiliate local clubs with the wider movement, enhancing retention and engagement in health clubs by helping members train toward collective race goals. 5. Impact and Legacy Tony’s organization is a non-profit with free membership and has directly or indirectly influenced over a quarter million African Americans to get active. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the association continues to grow, foster community, and provide platforms (like their annual summit) for sharing ideas and expanding their impact. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreedcpa/ www.BlackMarathoners.orghttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

Hope you’re having a winning week! We’re back with this week’s 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 and today we're focusing on a game-changing question that we get asked a lot at Integrity Square: When is the best time to sell? Here are some things to keep in mind: 🏆 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Just like in sports, the HALO space rewards winners. Brands and businesses that consistently outperform, scale effectively, and deliver more value to their members are the ones catching the eye of investors and securing higher valuations. 📈 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 Are things going well for your business after the challenges of recent years? Now might be the ideal time to think about your exit strategy. Selling when you’re on top—when revenues and EBITDA are strong—means you’re more likely to get a premium valuation. Don’t wait for another downturn when performance and prospects might dip. 🔄 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 = 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 The best franchises (in any industry) have a repeatable playbook, a winning culture, and fans who stick around. Whether it’s jerseys sold or fitness memberships renewed, sustained excellence sets you apart—and attracts both area developers and investors. 💡𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: Go HALO! Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials ====================================================== Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDOSE for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com

𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 This week we're finally at the ninth-inning in closing our deal. We've gone through all the prior steps. . . club financials continue to perform and—against all odds (!) —every landlord signed their lease assignments. No last-minute disasters, no drama. (This never happens, but work with me for the sake of illustration. Ha)! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘄, 𝗔𝗻𝘆𝘄𝗮𝘆? All parties expecting cash are listed in a Funds Flow Excel sheet. In this case, $3 million is set aside into an escrow account for two years, ready for any unforeseen surprises. Equipment lenders (like Macrolease) get paid directly by the buyers, ensuring all liens are cleared before ownership fully transfers. Every last closing cost—success fees, accountants, landlord payments—is disbursed. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗽 With all wires sent and debts cleared, what’s left? A classic “tombstone” celebration for the team, and a HUGE sense of accomplishment. These deals take a long time to close. . .anyone who says otherwise is lying (or doesn't truly know the space.) Our shortest deal in the history of ISQ took 60 days. Our longest? About 14 months. Until next week—Go HALO! We go into much more detail in the HALO Academy. Registration open now for our September cohort: https://www.thehaloacademy.com

In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and veteran health club entrepreneur, Mark Rothschild. From launching his first gym in 1995 to navigating the evolving landscape of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space, Mark shares his journey through the industry’s highs and lows—including insights gained through decades of club ownership, expansion, and his own, personal transformation. The conversation dives deep into Mark’s shift from traditional gym operations to curating meaningful wellness experiences, like his transformative retreat in Costa Rica. Pete and Mark reflect on the power of disconnecting from daily anxiety, reframing self-care, and the importance of creating supportive communities—both inside and outside the gym. Whether you’re a fitness professional, club owner, or someone in search of inspiration for your next chapter, this episode is packed with upfront wisdom, real talk about growth, and a look at what it means to both "lead and heal." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Transformative Power of Retreats and Mindful Experiences: Marc shared how attending a retreat in Costa Rica was a huge turning point for him, both personally and professionally. He mentioned it challenged him physically and mentally, helping him disconnect from daily anxieties and reconnect with nature, mindfulness, and himself. He now feels pulled to curate similar experiences for others, focusing on true transformation rather than just a "typical" vacation. 2. Embracing Discomfort for Personal Growth: Marc emphasized growth comes from getting out of your comfort zone. Whether it's sharing a bungalow with strangers or pushing through physical pain during the retreat, stepping into discomfort allowed him and others to experience real change and build resilience. 3. Entrepreneurial Spirit vs. "Traditional" Employment: Throughout his career—from opening his first gym in 1995, partnering on joint ventures, to his current pursuits—Marc has always been a serial entrepreneur. He reflected on the importance of building a life and work style true to oneself, especially as he’s realized he thrives when running his own show versus working for someone else. 4. A Holistic Approach to Fitness, Health, and Recovery: Marc’s perspective on health over the years has shifted to a more holistic view. He talked about the importance of integrating modalities like yoga, Tabata, and strength training with mental and emotional well-being, clean nutrition, and recovery. He suggested that feeling your best is about making cumulative positive choices—what you eat, how you move, and how you care for your mind. 5. Community and Connection Versus "Just a Gym": Marc’s clubs (like Rock Creek Sports Club) have found success not just by offering fitness classes and equipment, but by fostering real community. They focus on culture, inclusivity, and kindness, attracting and retaining members who want support, encouragement, and genuine connection rather than just your "standard" gym experience. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-rothschild-84a31252https://solluna.yogahttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

In today's 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩𝘽𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 we're excited to bring you another portion of our panel discussion at the recent Athletech News Innovators Summit held in NYC, July 2025. Integrity Square Founder Pete Moore had the pleasure of moderating a panel with Mark Federico (CEO of Crunch Fitness CR Fitness Holdings, LLC) and Terry Blachek (Orangetheory Fitness) for a deep dive into the real-world challenges—and strategies—of scaling fitness franchises. M&A Is More Than Just Numbers: At its core, M&A is (also!) about “multiples and add-backs” 😉—understanding valuation drivers and how projecting future growth (and dealing with the inevitable aftershocks) can make or break a deal. The HALO Sector Has Transformed: Valuations: We encourage everyone to work hard to understand the bigger picture that's literally happening right now in health club M&A—beyond just the financials.💡 Want to learn more? (You should. Otherwise you're playing checkers while the rest of the industry plays chess.) Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials ====================================================== Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDOSE for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com

𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀: 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 Navigating the Final Steps in Asset Sales—What Happens After You Sign? If you've been following along, Pete Moore has breaking down what’s happening behind the scenes as five groups compete to acquire 20 health clubs. In our latest 2 Minute Financial Drill, he goes behind the scenes of what happens after signing an APA ("Asset Purchase Agreement.") Here’s what’s happening once the ink dries: After a series of back-and-forth's (think maybe 3-5 rounds of drafts between lawyers!), both the buyer and seller are now locked into detailed representations ("reps") and warranties. Every piece of information—disclosures about competitors, potential lawsuits, or governmental issues—must be fully transparent. Also? These reps and warranties don’t just disappear right after closing; they can survive for years, or even indefinitely if it involves major issues like ownership or taxes. But we’re (not even close) to finished yet! 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀! If you’re selling a group of clubs (and don’t own the real estate), every lease needs to be transferred—with landlord consent. This means approaching every landlord individually to get their sign-off on the new buyer. If the seller is still guaranteeing any lease, efforts are made to release or indemnify them, so later liabilities don’t haunt them after the sale is done. We go into much more detail in the HALO Academy. Registration open now for our September cohort: https://www.thehaloacademy.com

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Kristen Anderson, a trailblazer in the HALO sector and a well-known, high-profile Pilates instructor out of Los Angeles. Kristen shares her journey from competitive figure skating to entrepreneurship, revealing how her passion for movement has shaped her approach to helping others live healthier, more balanced lives. Kristen drives home points about "the power of small, consistent movement," the enduring value of Pilates, and how she's leveraging technology to make fitness more accessible. This is a fun one! And it's packed with inspiration, wisdom, and practical advice for anyone looking to “feed their humanity” through movement—plus a nod to shared passions for Taylor Swift and how Pilates is benefiting everyone from pop stars to pro athletes! Anderson is known for successfully launching several products, though being ahead of the curve hasn't always been easy—sometimes leading to frustration or skepticism from others. Still, her ability to anticipate change and her commitment to personal authenticity keep her moving forward. When discussing a healther future, she says, "This is fighting for what you believe in! You guys (Integrity Square) are about getting rid of childhood diabetes and obesity, because those things are still around, and you can't sleep at night when it's going on out there! I have that same thing. It's like . . . it's just a tiny bit of movement. It makes me feel better, you feel better, and then I still have time to do all my other things, because when I get out of balance, it's not good." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Movement Is Essential—Not Just for Fitness, But for Life: Kristen emphasizes that movement isn’t just about working out or looking a certain way—it’s about staying healthy, feeling good, and functioning well in everyday life. She says, "Some kind of movement, regardless of who you are, will get you some endorphins . . . and that actually influences the rest of your life and all these other areas that we're always trying to knock down.” 2. The Power of Scaling Positive Impact: Kristen shares how her drive isn’t about money— it’s about helping more people through movement. She believes in a “butterfly effect”: helping one person move better can ripple outward to help countless others, feeding her “purpose” of giving someone the gift of a better day. 3. Pilates Is Here to Stay—and Evolving: As a Pilates innovator, Kristen points out that Pilates is no passing fad. It has become a foundational movement system for everyone from athletes (like the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift!) to everyday people. She predicts that Pilates principles will become further ingrained in mainstream fitness and even children’s physical education. 4. Balance and Community Matter for Longevity and Joy: Kristen talks about how she structures her own schedule to balance client work, creative projects, personal pursuits, and mentorship—because “when I get out of balance, it's not good.” She stresses the importance of community, connection, and feeding “your humanity.” 5. Pilates (and Movement) Is Becoming More Accessible and Customizable Looking to the future, Kristen sees Pilates (and movement-based wellness in general) getting even more personalized. Whether it’s bite-size routines for specific goals (like sport recovery or rehab) or leveraging tech/AI to deliver targeted programs, she envisions a world where the benefits of Pilates are widely available and “normalized.” Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-anderson-thankyou/https://bit.ly/2minutedrillshttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

In today's Fast Break we're excited to bring you (a snippet) of our panel discussion at the recent Athletech Innovators Summit held in NYC, July 2025. Integrity Square Founder and HALO Talks host Pete Moore moderated a panel with Mark Federico (CEO of Fitness Holdings/Crunch Fitness) and Terry Blachek (Orange Theory Fitness) for a deep dive into the real-world challenges—and strategies—of scaling fitness franchises. Mark Federico’s Growth Playbook Mark walked us through his journey, from running a nine-club independent brand to leading a 50+ club Crunch Fitness operation across 10 states. He shed light on the big question: Build new locations (greenfields) or buy existing ones (acquisitions)? He shared the calculus behind each approach, breaking down real cost factors and explaining why “development space” is critical for franchisees. Franchise Valuation—Not All Clubs Are Created Equal Many single-gym owners want “big company” multiples, but Mark explained why scale, growth runway, and strategic value make a huge difference in valuation. Pro tip: Buying a single club isn’t the same as absorbing a whole region. If you want premium pricing, bring growth potential to the table. Financing Franchise Expansion Terry opened up about the risks and strategies he used to finance Orange Theory locations, including SBA loans, finding investor partners, and personally guaranteeing leases. They discussed what it really takes to stand behind a business—sometimes with tens of millions in personal guarantees—long before private equity gets involved. The Realities (and Rewards) of Entrepreneurship Both guests emphasized the massive personal and financial risks entrepreneurs take to build these fitness empires. Pete made an important point: These risks deserve respect and reward, not scorn. Bonus Insight: The "Microwave vs. Crockpot" Growth Model Terry shared Orange Theory’s approach to expansion, balancing rapid growth with careful, sustainable development. If you're a franchisor or area developer, this is a must-hear perspective. Want to learn more? (You should. Otherwise you're playing checkers while the rest of the industry plays chess.) Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at https://www.thehaloacademy.com now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at https://www.thehaloacademy.com/testimonials ================================================== Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDose for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at https://www.higherdose.com Resources https://athletechnews.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-federico-163069182https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-blachek-78431a174https://www.orangetheory.comhttps://www.crunchfitness.com

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Mary Laudati, a seasoned sales and marketing leader with deep roots in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space. From her days leading the sales group at Sports Club LA to her current role as a consultant working with top clubs across the U.S. and internationally, Mary shares her insights on building effective sales strategies, leveraging cutting-edge software like Salesforce, and creating a powerful culture of member engagement and retention. She provides boots-on-the-ground, immediately actionable tips on using data, recording sales calls, and mystery shopping to pinpoint where clubs are leaving revenue on the table—plus, the importance of strong onboarding and personal connections to keep members coming back. Mary also discusses the latest trends in CRM technology, club operations, and the shift toward shared memberships and referral models. Whether you’re a club owner, sales team leader, or just passionate about the business of the HALO space, Mary’s advice on finding—and keeping—members is pure gold. On early member retention, she states, "Those three months are crucial . . . for those clubs that don't have salespeople, not only do you want to embrace the incoming (they've got to follow up and make a lot of phone calls), but they also have to check on the new members and look at their attendance to make sure that they're coming in." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Sales Process Needs Structure and Ongoing Evaluation: Mary emphasized that many clubs claim to have a strong sales team, but more often than not lack strategies, scripts, or KPIs. She underlined the importance of having sequential, process-driven systems and regular evaluation—often through recording, analyzing calls, and “mystery shopping” the current experience. 2. CRMs and Custom Software Are Game-Changers: A major part of the episode centers around the critical need for effective, customizable CRMs. Mary championed Salesforce for its adaptability, noting her experience implementing it at Millennium Partners. She highlighted recent successes helping clubs (like Powerhouse Gyms in Novi, MI) leverage technology to understand their numbers, coach their teams, and boost revenue. 3. Training and Investment in People Drives Revenue: Laudati strongly advocates investing in employee training alongside technology. She’s seen clients who paired software adoption with robust training, and realized up to 25% growth year-over-year. She's a believer in hands-on onboarding, coaching, and ensuring team members are held accountable—not just to sales, but to ongoing member engagement. 4. Retention is as Critical as Acquisition: Both Mary and Pete stressed the importance of looking beyond just new member acquisition to also address attrition. Laudati recommends clubs track net growth (sales minus cancels), invest in the early months of a member's journey, proactively reach out to disengaged members, and create meaningful connections (a la “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name!) 5. Shared Memberships and Ongoing Engagement are Winning Strategies: Highlighting clients like Bay Clubs, Laudati also talked about the explosion of shared or referral-based memberships and how they can create instant community and value. She noted the value of actively integrating new members into programs or group activities (think personal training, group ex, or even pickleball) during the crucial first three months to help maximize retention. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-laudati-89206232https://www.marylaudati.comhttps://bit.ly/2minutedrillshttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: https://mailchi.mp/9567da51c0ce/2025programschedule ====================================================== RESOURCES https://www.integritysq.comhttps://www.halotalks.comhttps://www.thehaloacademy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@halotalks =================================================== ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America. Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series. Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup. Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.) ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector. Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Marco Benitez—a guest who brings together the worlds of Taekwondo and biomedical engineering! Marco is the founder of Rook, a "middleman" company specializing in connecting data from hundreds of wearables and medical devices. Drawing on his extensive background in sports and years in big pharma, Benitez discusses the challenges and opportunities in bridging data silos in the fitness, health, and insurance spaces. He also dives into the origins of Rook, the significance of B2B SaaS (Software as a Service) models, and the importance of building predictable, scalable solutions that empower organizations to actually use their data—not just collect it. Whether you're a fitness pro, entrepreneur, or just interested in the quickly evolving landscape of fit tech, this episode is packed with insights into how smart data integration is reshaping the way we approach the HALO space. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) On working in the enterprise space Marco mentions, "Working with enterprise clients . . . takes a lot of time to close deals but once they are closed, you will receive a lot of feedback, and you will be in the heart of their company. Because we are an API solution, we live 'inside' the platform . . . inside the app." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Rook Connects Wearable Data Seamlessly: Rook acts as a middleware platform that allows companies to easily integrate and extract data from over 300 different wearables and medical devices. This solves a huge pain point for fitness apps, gyms, digital health, and insurance companies that need unified, standardized, and actionable user health data without having to build separate integrations for each device. 2. B2B SaaS with Active User Pricing: Rook is a B2B SaaS company, charging clients (gyms, fitness apps, insurers, etc) based on the number of active users accessing data through the platform. This recurring revenue model is 'sticky' and predictable, making it attractive for both business growth and investors, since switching out such a middleware solution tends to be costly and pretty disruptive for clients. 3. Wearables Becoming Medical Devices: The wearables ecosystem is quickly evolving, with many devices attaining FDA clearance. This means the data they provide is now medically credible and increasingly important for areas like digital health, fitness, and prevention-oriented insurance models—creating new demand for integration platforms. 4. Long-Term Perspective: Building to Become a Data Science Company: Benitez emphasizes the value of the long game—he compares entrepreneurship to earning a taekwondo black belt. Rook’s long-term vision is to move beyond just delivering clean, structured data to offering actionable intelligence, insights, and predictive analytics to their clients. 5. Flexibility Driven by Customer Need: A key lesson? Rook’s roadmap for integrating new wearables is customer-focused. Rather than chasing each new device that comes out, the team prioritizes devices with the most client demand and market share. This way, they deliver real value where it matters most, instead of losing focus. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcobzghttps://www.tryrook.iohttps://bit.ly/2minutedrillshttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com

Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, Pete Moore on everything you need to know for financial literacy, unit economics, legal documents used for M&A and capital raises, capital sources you can access, understanding how financings are structured, valuation metrics and parameters, and what you need to know about your own business before engaging in cap raises and/or a potential sale. If you missed our email about this, you can re-read it here: ====================================================== RESOURCES https://www.integritysq.comhttps://www.halotalks.comhttps://www.thehaloacademy.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@halotalks ====================================================== ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Pete is the Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Dream Architect at Integrity Square ("ISQ"), a leading boutique financial advisory firm focused on the $4.7T Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor ("HALO") sector. Since founding ISQ in 2010, the firm has played an active advisory role in 100+ mergers & acquisitions, private placements and advisory assignments across North America. Pete Moore and his team have also invested in passionate entrepreneurs at HigherDOSE, XTEND, and Promotion Vault. ISQ's media and "live education" properties include HALO Talks, the leading B2B podcast in the sector, Time To Win Again, and the HALO Academy, an Executive Education Bootcamp Series. Prior to ISQ, Pete was Head of the Active Lifestyle & Wellness Group at Sagent Advisors (2003-2010.) Prior to 2003, Pete was co-founder of FitnessInsite, a SasS sales management platform with 1500+ clients (based in AZ.) At FitnessInsite, Pete invested his personal capital, leveraged his credit cards and learned what it takes to manage a startup. Pete built his business and financial acumen on top of the foundation laid at three critical positions early in his career: Senior Associate at Brockway Moran & Partners, the private equity owner of Gold’s Gym International, Inc; worked as an Associate at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette; and an Analyst at Chase Securities. (Now JP Morgan.) ISQ saw a need for a deeper & more useful level of education in the HALO sector. In response, we launched the HALO Talks podcast, with 500+ completed interviews and over 120,000 downloads. HALO Talks has become a “must listen” for anyone working or investing in the sector. Pete graduated from Emory University (BBA, 1994) and received his MBA from Harvard Business School (1999.) While at HBS, he co-founded IRON PLANET, the leading B2B auction site for used heavy equipment, which was sold to Ritchie Bros for $758 million. His hobbies include: Football, basketball, tennis, podcasting, amateur ventriloquism, pro bono DJ and fitness enthusiast.

In today’s episode, host Pete Moore talks with Lauren Schoenfeld, founder of Active Core Consulting and a powerhouse fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) specializing in the boutique fitness space. With an impressive finance background spanning PwC, WeWork, and Equinox, Lauren has a unique blend of skills in the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors) to help studios and gyms not only survive but thrive. She relays her journey from athlete to finance entrepreneur, the creation of her consulting agency during the pandemic, and how her team supports fitness businesses with everything from streamlined financial and business planning, to holistic sales and operations coaching. Schoenfeld dives into common financial pitfalls fitness operators face, why understanding your KPIs on a weekly and monthly basis is critical, and her hands-on approach to guiding owners toward sustainable growth and profitability. Whether you're struggling to get your cash flow under control, looking to scale to multiple locations, or simply want to run a tighter ship, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-world studio benchmarks, and Lauren’s “just ship it” mantra. Tune in for an insightful conversation that’s critical listening for anyone in the HALO space aiming to manage, measure, and ultimately maximize the value of their business. On the power of personal connection in the digital space, she states, "I also think that because our world has become so digital, even having the front desk team learn how to have conversations with people that are coming into the studio is a huge area of opportunity that we help our clients with." Key themes discussed A few key takeaways: 1. Strong Financial Foundations Are Essential, Not Optional: Lauren highlights many fitness studio owners lack a true understanding of their finances. She says it's not just bookkeeping that's missing but a real, hands-on understanding of cash flow, profitability, and Key Performance Indicators (KPI's.) Solid financial processes and regular P&L reviews help owners avoid surprises, make better decisions, and ultimately set themselves up for growth or a potential exit. 2. Fractional CFOs Offer Comprehensive Benefits: Lauren’s firm, Active Core Consulting, provides not only CFO-level guidance but holistic support—combining bookkeeping, financial modeling, three-year business plans, and ongoing operational consulting. This all-in-one approach is especially valuable for boutique fitness studios needing more than just a traditional bookkeeper or an accountant. 3. Regular KPI Tracking Drives Better Outcomes: She stresses the importance of tracking KPIs weekly (and monthly)—not just revenue, but also leads, intro offers, membership sales, and class packs. By setting benchmarks and monitoring progress, studios can make fast changes and improve their results over time. 4. Sales and Operations Training is Often the Missing Link: Lauren found that many studios simply didn’t have a solid sales process, clear guidelines, or strong community marketing strategies. Her agency often helps struggling studios by focusing first on sales and operations coaching—sometimes before touching the financial model—believing operational tweaks can quickly stop the bleeding and boost revenue. 5. Entrepreneurial Flexibility Can Beat Franchise Rigidity: While franchises promise a business-in-a-box, Lauren sees real opportunity for independent owners (and even franchisees) to create more tailored systems that genuinely fit their vision, rather than following (in many cases) overly-rigid franchisor mandates. Her team encourages owners to build scalable, profitable businesses with proven frameworks but without unnecessary constraints. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschoenfeld1ttps://www.activecoreconsulting.com/podcasthttps://bit.ly/2minutedrillshttps://www.theprospectwizard.comhttp://www.promotionvault.comhttp://www.higherdose.com