Franchise Growth & Innovation: LIVE From Beyond Activ With Bryan O'Rourke
Release Date: 09/23/2024
FitnessKPI Webinar: Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues With Pablo Viñaspre
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his webinar, “Using Data & Technology To Drive Club Revenues,” alongside Pablo Viñaspre of FitnessKPI. The session explores how data and digital tools are reshaping fitness business performance, with a focus on practical, real-world application. Listeners will gain actionable insights on improving member retention, optimizing pricing strategies, and unlocking new revenue opportunities through smarter use of analytics and technology. Designed for operators, managers, and industry professionals, this webinar...
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Building Smarter Tech Stacks For The Future Of Fitness With Vic Kurs
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Vic Kurs, Senior Technology Advisor at Qodeca. Vic leads sales strategy, partnerships, and client success for Qodeca, a firm specializing in custom software and consulting for the fitness, sport, and healthcare sectors. With extensive experience across SaaS and health club operations, he helps organizations streamline workflows, enhance member engagement, and accelerate growth through integrated, data-driven digital solutions. Today, Vic joins Bryan to discuss practical technology adoption, the realities operators...
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European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 & Beyond LIVE From Portugal With Bryan O'Rourke
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote, “European Fitness Market Trends In 2025 And Beyond” live from the SC Fitness Annual Convention in Portugal. Bryan shares the spotlight for what’s next in the European fitness market and the key differentiators needed for successful operators. Whether you lead a gym, studio, supplier brand, or digital platform, this talk is designed to expand your perspective and prepare you for what’s ahead. To view the slideshow, go to: Apply for the 2025 Innovation Awards: One Powerful Quote: 11:51: “The...
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Redefining Preventive Health & Medical Wellness With Uday Anumalachetty
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Uday Anumalachetty, Founder of Bright Medical Wellness, to the show. Uday is on a mission to redefine the health and wellness landscape by making transformative treatments—such as GLP-1 medications—more accessible to those who need them most. Motivated by his personal journey with weight challenges and the life-changing impact of GLP-1 therapies, Uday took the leap into entrepreneurship to build a service that not only improves access to these medications, but also prioritizes education, post-consultation...
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The Discipline Of Transformational Leadership: Lessons From Lindsay Vastola
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Lindsay Vastola to the show. With a rich background spanning corporate management and entrepreneurship, Lindsay brings a dynamic perspective to leadership and professional growth. Through her engaging keynote presentations, professional development workshops, and thought-provoking conversations, she empowers professionals to reach their full potential. As the founder of VastPotential, Lindsay helps organizations cultivate exceptional employee experiences and enhance performance through innovative staff...
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AI Front Desk: Transforming Frontline Work With Brian Holmes
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Brian Holmes, CEO and Founder of AI Front Desk. With hiring, training, and retaining frontline workers becoming increasingly challenging, AI Front Desk offers innovative artificial intelligence solutions that handle complex business tasks directly. By reducing dependence on traditional staffing models, the company helps streamline operations, improve efficiency, and minimize errors. Brian joins Bryan to discuss his company’s approach and the practical impact these solutions are having across the industry. One...
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Key Trends That Will Shape The Global Fitness Industry — Live from FitLife’s Club Network Conference With Bryan O'Rourke
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his keynote presentation delivered live at FitLife’s Club Network Conference in Seattle. Bryan explores the key trends transforming the global fitness industry from rapid technological advancements to the evolving importance of human capital. He emphasizes why now is a pivotal moment for leaders to shape the future of fitness. To view Bryan’s slide deck, go to: One Powerful Quote: 16:54: “Clarity is a superpower.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:34: Bryan gives an...
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Exploring Integrative Coaching & Wellness Services With Chris Edwards
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes back Chris Edwards, Founder and CEO of TriCore Wellness. TriCore focuses on the integration of technology, health data, and professional coaching to deliver comprehensive wellness solutions for individuals, employees, and organizations. Chris joins Bryan to discuss his business model and share valuable insights on current trends in integrative coaching and wellness services. One Powerful Quote: 7:51: “You have to unlearn before you can relearn.” 4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics...
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Strategic Leadership & Growth at Life Time With Jeff Zwiefel
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke sits down with Jeff Zwiefel, Executive Director of Longevity & Performance at Life Time. With over three decades of leadership in the health, fitness, and wellness industry, Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, brand evolution, and operational excellence. As a key architect behind Life Time’s transformation into a comprehensive healthy lifestyle company, Jeff shares his perspective on the future of wellness, the role of leadership in culture and innovation, and strategies for advancing health...
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Driving Innovation In 3D Design Software With Richard Grönberg
Fitness + Technology
In this episode of the Fitness + Technology Podcast, host Bryan O’Rourke welcomes Richard Grönberg, Founder and CEO of ECDESIGN — a leading 3D interior design software that empowers sales professionals to quickly plan and visualize any space without the complexity of traditional CAD tools. With over 10,000 companies across 170 countries using the platform, ECDESIGN is transforming how fitness and commercial environments are imagined and brought to life. Tune in as Richard shares insights into the power of design, his business philosophy, and how intuitive planning tools are shaping the...
info_outlineThis week, on the Fitness + Technology podcast, Bryan O’Rourke shares his presentation live from Beyond Activ in New York. Beyond Activ is a leadership, investment, and business development event for owners, managers, and investors of health, wellness, fitness, and hospitality brands. Bryan was invited to present and host a panel on franchise innovation and growth with Emily Seaman, Head of Marketing from Momence, Bradford Smith, Chief Development Officer from PureGym, Eric Keller, VP of Support at Self Esteem Brands, and Justin Vartanian, Senior VP of International Division at Planet Fitness.
You can access Bryan's presentation deck here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vSI72UFIcTKyT8G7yZ8jskOJaEknXvc6/view
Recap of presentation is as follows: Key Drivers of Future Growth and Innovation (GII): Globalism, Demographics, Values, Technologies, and Economics are identified as the five mega-trend drivers of GII.
Customer Spending and Attitudes: Younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) are spending more on health and wellness than older generations. U.S. consumers consider going to the gym a core part of their fitness routine.
Five Trends Impacting Businesses:
Declining customer satisfaction due to cuts in customer service.
Generative AI is shifting the internet experience from transactional to personal.
Lack of differentiation and creativity in app and brand design.
People feel overwhelmed by technology and desire more control and human connection.
Traditional life paths and values are shifting, leading to uncertainty and a search for trust.
2024 Edelman Trust Barometer: Innovation and technology offer promise but also risk exacerbating trust issues and societal instability. CEOs are expected to address societal changes and lead on issues like job skills, technology ethics, and automation.
Franchising and Competition: The International Franchise Association (IFA) tracks 9,000 brands in the U.S. alone, indicating high competition. There's also increasing cross-border competition for brands globally.
Key Opportunities for Businesses:
Prioritize the customer experience and personalization at scale.
Differentiate through authentic branding and humanized technology.
Embrace long-term thinking, adaptability, and a focus on human values and trust.
CEOs should address societal impacts of innovation and lead on key issues.
Overall, the presentation emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to evolving consumer trends, technological advancements, and societal changes to drive future growth and innovation. please send podcast link asap ty
One Powerful Quote:
9:45: “What this leads to inevitably for all firms and franchising is the balancing of humanizing their brands while futurizing their organizations.”
4-10 Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
2:42: Bryan kicks off his presentation with the five leading trends influencing the industry.
12:04: Bryan asks the panel regarding growth strategy for franchising.
16:14: Bryan asks the panel about growth focus by geography, demographics, franchisees, or mergers/acquisitions.
19:35: Bryan asks the panel about leveraging technology to enhance franchise operations.
27:00: Bryan asks the panel about the challenge in executing innovation.
28:33: Bryan asks the panel about brand consistency and localization challenges for international brands.
32:59: Bryan asks the panel about low performing franchisees.
38:15: Bryan asks the panel about franchise saturation in the marketplace.
42:36: Bryan asks the panel about their personal slogans to business and life.
44:31: Bryan and the panel answer questions from the audience.
Bullet List of Resources:
https://www.planetfitness.com/
Guest Contact Information:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-seaman/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordsmithfranchise/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-keller-cfe-6638a28/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinvartanian/
https://www.bryankorourke.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankorourke/