Episode #598: Building an American-Made Brand-Jim Stallman Discusses Eco Global and Imagination Playground
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Release Date: 05/12/2026
HALO Academy Two Minute Financial Drills: The Three Strategic Buyers Circling Independent Operators Right Now
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
It's Thursday and that means a 2 Minute Financial Drill! Now that we're slowly creeping into the fall and the pending restart of the HALO Academy in a new format (more on that later) keep an eye out for these. This one is clipped from 's panel with at Piper Sandler at this past ATN Summit in NYC. ● PureGym US, Crunch area developers, and Planet Fitness area developers are the three strategic buyers actively circling independent clubs right now. ● These buyers are contractually obligated, through franchise development milestones, to open in a market whether or not an independent...
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Episode #610: Navigating Legal Challenges in Fitness-Cory Sterling on Waivers, Compliance, and Scaling Safely
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome back to HALO Talks! In today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Cory Sterling, founder of Conscious Counsel, legal advisor, and entrepreneur dedicated to the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor (HALO) sectors. After starting his career in professional sports marketing and feeling uninspired by traditional corporate law, Sterling pivoted to blend his passion for movement and wellness with legal expertise, serving gym owners, studio operators, and wellness entrepreneurs across North America. In this episode, Cory explores the changing landscape of proactive legal strategies,...
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Episode #609: Building a Fitness Empire-Tony Scrimale Talks Growth, PE Strategy, and the Crunch Brand
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks, where we take deep dives into the minds behind the most dynamic brands in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoors space. In this episode, we're joined by Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness and a true industry operator whose path took him from upstate New York to the heart of Florida’s gym scene. Starting as a young gym enthusiast, Tony’s grass-roots experience paved the way for an entrepreneurial ride . . . moving from walking the floor early on, to eventually leading a powerhouse Crunch franchise group with over 100 locations. Tony opens up about the value of...
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Episode #608: Dario Miceli-Making Padel Magazine and Championing a New Sport in America
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world’s fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it’s carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West. From navigating linguistic debates (is it “padel” or “paddle”?), to the complexities of building...
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Episode #607: Building EoS Fitness-Growth Strategies and Leadership Lessons from CEO, Rich Drengberg
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Rich Drengberg, CEO of EoS Fitness and a seasoned leader in the fitness industry. In a rare podcast appearance, Rich shares his journey from Gold's Gym SoCal to transforming EoS into a powerhouse of high-value, low-price gyms across the Sunbelt. Listeners will get an inside look at EoS's disciplined growth, the importance of industry relationships, lessons from private equity partnerships, and why knowing your brand’s identity is crucial, straight from someone who’s helped steer one of the fastest-growing health club chains in...
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Episode #606: Building Planet Fitness-Joe Pepe Jr. on Family Legacy, Private Equity, and Scaling Fitness Clubs
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pepe Jr., CEO of IGNITE Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Planet Fitness area developers and a second-generation leader in the health club industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in fitness entrepreneurship, with his father tracing back to the industry’s early days, Joe shares his path evolving from a family-owned gym business to building one of the most successful Planet Fitness franchises in the country. Pete and Joe also touch on how early risk-taking, embracing disruptive business models, and leveraging private equity fueled explosive...
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Episode #605: How Mighty Pilates Became a Leader-Community Building, Teacher Training, and Smart Expansion
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
On this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Cricket Wardein, founder of Mighty Pilates, and Cat Martin, the company’s CEO and longtime fan, to explore the explosive growth and evolution of their premium Pilates studio brand. Starting with a single location in San Francisco in 2009, Mighty Pilates has grown to 11 studios, with a 12th on the way, successfully combining authentic, high-quality Pilates instruction with a strong sense of community and innovative business strategies. Listen in as Cricket Wardein and Cat Martin share the story of Mighty Pilates, discuss building...
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Episode #604: Offset Loading’s Breakthroughs in Athletic Training-Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca Discuss
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading." Together, they dive into the science and practice behind offset loading, its demonstrated benefits in boosting...
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Episode #603: Behind UFC Gym’s Global Franchise Surge with Adam Sedlack
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
Welcome back to HALO Talks! In this episode, we’re joined once again by Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC Gym, for another conversation that explores the evolution of the brand since his last appearance in May, 2019. (Link below.) Adam takes us behind the scenes on navigating the challenges of COVID-19, transitioning to a franchise-focused, asset-light business model, and expanding globally, with UFC Gyms now operating in 48 countries and growing. You’ll hear firsthand how strategic decisions protected both the UFC brand and its franchisees, why careful franchisee selection and capitalization are...
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Episode #602: Connecting Family Fitness-Lessons from GreatLIFE'S Integrated Approach with Nick Ovenden
HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness
On this episode of HALO Talks, we welcome Nick Ovenden of GreatLIFE, an organization that has redefined community recreation in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. What began as a sort of "accidental" golf course acquisition has evolved into a network of six golf courses, 19 fitness centers, and a bowling alley, serving over 40,000 members within a 90-mile radius. Nick joins us to discuss the unique business model that blends fitness, golf, and family activities under one membership, fostering inclusivity and long-term member engagement. Pete and Nick also dive into how their employee stock...
info_outlineWelcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jim Stallman, the driving force behind Eco Global Manufacturing, a multi-generational family business based in Providence, Rhode Island. From its humble beginnings in upholstery supply after World War II to a diverse portfolio spanning technical foams, medical supplies, playground equipment, and pet products, Eco Global’s story is one of relentless innovation and American manufacturing pride.
Jim shares how the company evolved, their deep commitment to keeping production stateside, the strategic decision to move into direct-to-consumer brands, and the passion projects like Imagination Playground, which fosters imaginative, screen-free play for kids worldwide. Listen now for a conversation spanning everything from entrepreneurship, adaptation, and purpose-driven business that now spans playgrounds, pets, and beyond.
On listening to customers to drive innovation, Jim says, "When we listened to our customers, we adjusted the product by what they said, what they wanted, and then took that end product and threw it into a design award against . . . multimillion dollar playground installations like tens of millions versus our little playground set. We came in third!"
Key themes discussed
- Family business history and evolution
- Pivoting from original equipment manufacturing (OEM) to direct-to-consumer
- American-made manufacturing advantages
- Product innovation: Imagination Playground and Chew’ems
- Marketing brands vs. contract manufacturing
- Impact of screen time on children
- Opportunities in health clubs and community spaces
A Few Key Takeaways
1.Legacy and Evolution of a Family Business: Jim shared the company’s origins, starting from an upholstery supply business post-World War II, growing through decades of innovation in materials (including crosslink foams and open pore urethane), and pivoting strategies to remain viable in modern manufacturing ( – ).
2. Emphasis on American Manufacturing: The company made a deliberate decision to keep manufacturing and jobs in the U.S., even acquiring the Imagination Playground brand to prevent its relocation to China. This has become a point of pride and a significant marketing advantage, especially given supply chain challenges during COVID ( – ).
3. Vertical Integration and Brand Ownership: Shifting from an OEM supplier to owning and marketing their own brands (such as Imagination Playground and Chew Ems) has brought more direct control, creativity, and fulfillment, enhancing the company’s agility and internal morale ( – ).
4. Play, Wellness, and Social Impact: Imagination Playground’s open-ended play products are designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and inclusion among children. The company is dedicated to getting kids off screens and promoting healthy, active, social play, especially important in light of increased screen time and reduced face-to-face socialization due to COVID ( – ).
5. Opportunities with Health Clubs and Community Centers: There is untapped potential for partnerships with health clubs, YMCAs, and community organizations. Deploying Imagination Playground in these environments not only offers a valuable amenity for families but also aligns with broader missions of combating loneliness, obesity, and inactivity among youth ( – ).
Resources:
- Jim Stallman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-stallman-1a7501281/
- Eco Global Manufacturing: https://ecoglobalmfg.com
- Imagination Playground: https://imaginationplayground.com
- Chew Ems: https://www.chewems.com
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com
- Promotion Vault: https://www.promotionvault.com
- HigherDose: https://www.higherdose.com