HALO Talks: Elevating Wellness

Learn from top entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners in the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector how to optimize your business success. With host Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square.

Episode #566: Maximizing Pool Utilization-High-Value Adult Swim Programming with Cori Myka 09/09/2025

Episode #566: Maximizing Pool Utilization-High-Value Adult Swim Programming with Cori Myka 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 Overcoming adult fear of swimming. The psychological aspect of learning to swim. Differences between adult and child swim instruction. Opportunities for adult swim programming in clubs. Creating supportive communities for adult learners. Market demand and pricing for adult swim lessons. 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: Cori Myka: Calm Within Adult Swim: Orca Swim School: Integrity Square: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/38148875

Episode #565: Building Winning Teams in Fitness-Tom Johnston on Talent Optimization and Employee Engagement 09/02/2025

Episode #565: Building Winning Teams in Fitness-Tom Johnston on Talent Optimization and Employee Engagement 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 Importance of talent optimization in business strategy. Building and retaining a high-performing team. Role of data and surveys in employee engagement. Value of organizational transparency and action. Impact of employee retention on company valuation. Process of talent acquisition and onboarding. Significance of compassionate leadership for team success. 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: Tom Johnston: Talent Optimizer Group: Club 16 Case Study: Integrity Square: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/38060470

Episode #564: Mindset, Health, and High Performance with Former NFL Pro Larry English 08/26/2025

Episode #564: Mindset, Health, and High Performance with Former NFL Pro Larry English 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 Transition from NFL career to entrepreneurship and business. Importance of health optimization for business performance. Data-driven approach to personal health and performance. Mindset shifts after major career setbacks. Accountability and structure for lasting personal change. Defining success and fulfillment beyond financial achievements. 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 entrepreneur and coach as a blueprint for others who want to “win the war, not just the game." Resources: Larry English: Mind Body Mastery: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37967915

Episode #563: Advancing Health Literacy and Ovarian Cancer Awareness with Beverly Wolfer of Tina's Wish 08/19/2025

Episode #563: Advancing Health Literacy and Ovarian Cancer Awareness with Beverly Wolfer of Tina's Wish 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 Brozman. 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 troops. On 'solving herself' out of a job, she states, "My goal is for us to solve Tina Brozman'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 Health literacy and gynecologic cancer awarenes. Importance of early detection for ovarian cancer. Tina’s Wish Foundation mission and impact. Community partnerships and fundraising in fitness spaces. Personal fulfillment in nonprofit career transitions. Honoring veterans and family legacies through service. 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 Brozman, 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: Beverly Wolfer: Tina's Wish: What To Know Down Below podcast: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37883355

Episode #562: Breaking Down Sports Investment Trends with Andrew Petcash-Insights on Venture Capital and NIL 08/12/2025

Episode #562: Breaking Down Sports Investment Trends with Andrew Petcash-Insights on Venture Capital and NIL 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 Building credibility through content and thought leadership. Action-oriented investing in sports and health sectors. Market research and sizing sports investment opportunities. Navigating early-stage venture capital and due diligence. Challenges and opportunities of NIL in college sports. The value of networks and relationships in sports investing. 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: Andrew Petcash: Profluence Capital: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37780645

Episode #561: Running for Life-Tony Reed on Health, Community, and Breaking Barriers in Distance Running 08/05/2025

Episode #561: Running for Life-Tony Reed on Health, Community, and Breaking Barriers in Distance Running 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 Diabetes prevention and health through running. Overcoming myths about African Americans in distance running. Founding and mission of Black Marathoners Association. Importance of education, training, and sustainability. Partnerships with health clubs and coaches. Inspirational stories and role models in running. 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: Tony Reed: National Black Marathoners Association: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37694160

HALO Talks Fast Break: Timing Your Sale-Sell Your Business When You're Winning 07/31/2025

HALO Talks Fast Break: Timing Your Sale-Sell Your Business When You're Winning 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: Build and maintain a culture of consistent achievement. Track your performance, and recognize when you’re “winning.” If you’re considering selling, do it from a position of strength—not as a turnaround. Go HALO! Give us 10 hours of your time at the next HALO Academy starting Sept 8, 2025. Register at 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 /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37626305

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill-Funds Flow Closing 07/30/2025

Episode #560: Mindful Leadership and Lasting Impact: Marc Rothschild on Clubs, Retreats, and Empowering Others 07/29/2025

Episode #560: Mindful Leadership and Lasting Impact: Marc Rothschild on Clubs, Retreats, and Empowering Others In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and veteran health club entrepreneur, Marc Rothschild. From launching his first gym in 1995 to navigating the evolving landscape of the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space, Marc 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 Marc’s shift from traditional gym operations to curating meaningful wellness experiences, like his transformative retreat in Costa Rica. Pete and Marc 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 Personal growth through fitness and mental health. Evolution from health club operations to wellness retreats. Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga as transformative tools. Importance of community and supportive environments. Embracing discomfort for personal development. Reframing life’s hardships into strength and compassion. 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: Marc Rothschild: Solluna Yoga Retreats: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37598310

Finance 101: When You Play A New Game, How Do You Win? 07/28/2025

HALO Talks Fast Break: Behind the Numbers-Health Club Multiples and Market Transformations 07/24/2025

HALO Talks Fast Break: Behind the Numbers-Health Club Multiples and Market Transformations 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: Once dominated by just a few big players, the space is now segmented with unique opportunities (and risks) for each vertical. Brands like EoS, Vasa, and Fitness Connection may look new, but actually. . . many are evolutions of legacy Gold's clubs. Valuations: Investor sentiment is extremely strong right now, with leading brands commanding impressive multiples (EoS at 13x, Crunch corporate at 18x.) A diverse club portfolio across states also usually means higher valuation and more investor interest. 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 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 /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37540135

HALO Academy Two Minute Financial Drills: Closing 07/23/2025

Episode #559: Breaking Down Misconceptions-Kristin Anderson Discusses the Art and Science of Pilates 07/22/2025

Episode #559: Breaking Down Misconceptions-Kristin Anderson Discusses the Art and Science of Pilates In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Kristin Anderson, a trailblazer in the HALO sector and a well-known, high-profile Pilates instructor out of Los Angeles. Kristin 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. Kristin 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 Scaling wellness and Pilates impact beyond local communities. The benefits and science behind Pilates practice. Movement as a tool for mental and physical well-being. Balancing personal career ambitions with community contribution. The evolving role of technology in fitness and Pilates. Importance of daily movement—no need for lengthy workouts. Pilates’ integration into sports, rehabilitation, and "mainstream" fitness. A few key takeaways: 1. Movement Is Essential—Not Just for Fitness, But for Life: Kristin 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: Kristin 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, Kristin 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: Kristin 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, Kristin 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: Kristin Anderson: HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37508135

HALO Talks Fast Break: Navigating Franchise Growth-Greenfields, Acquisitions, and Scaling Fitness Brands with Private Equity 07/17/2025

HALO Talks Fast Break: Navigating Franchise Growth-Greenfields, Acquisitions, and Scaling Fitness Brands with Private Equity 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 now for $495 and earn a $100 gift card from our friends at Promotion Vault. Testimonials at ================================================== Thanks to Promotion Vault and HigherDose for sponsoring. For 15% off products sitewide (excluding bundles, kits, and full saunas) use the code GOHALO at Resources Athletech News: Mark Federico: Terry Blachek: Orange Theory Fitness: Crunch Fitness: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37446535

Episode #558: Mary Laudati’s Playbook for Boosting Health Club Revenue and Member Loyalty 07/15/2025

Episode #558: Mary Laudati’s Playbook for Boosting Health Club Revenue and Member Loyalty 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 Importance of sales strategies and processes in health clubs. Customizable CRM/software solutions for sales and retention. The critical role of training and investing in your employees. KPIs, net growth, revenue, and retention. Mystery shopping and call recording for sales team improvement. Enhancing member engagement, onboarding, and relationship-building. Shared membership/referral programs to boost membership and loyalty. 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: Mary Laudati: Mary Laudati Sales Consulting: HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37417630

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Asset Purchase Agreement 07/10/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Asset Purchase Agreement Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, 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 Watch the video here: =================================================== 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. /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37355470

Episode #557: From Taekwondo to Tech-Marco Benitez on Building Rook and Connecting Fitness Data 07/08/2025

Episode #557: From Taekwondo to Tech-Marco Benitez on Building Rook and Connecting Fitness Data 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 Importance and value of data integration. Rook’s middleware solution for wearables. Challenges of connecting multiple wearable devices’ data. Building and scaling a B2B SaaS company. Lessons from sports and long-term business growth. The evolving role of data in healthcare and insurance. Differentiating real, actionable intelligence from the AI hype. 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: Marco Benitez: Rook: HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37338855

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Exclusivity Period 07/02/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Exclusivity Period 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 : ====================================================== RESOURCES Watch the video here: ====================================================== 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. /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37260530

Episode #556: Mastering Fitness Studio Growth-KPIs, Cashflow, and Expansion With Lauren Schoenfeld 07/01/2025

Episode #556: Mastering Fitness Studio Growth-KPIs, Cashflow, and Expansion With Lauren Schoenfeld 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 Importance of financial clarity for fitness studios. Role and value of a fractional CFO. Building and tracking key business KPIs. Strategies for boutique studio revenue growth. Managing cash flow and operational adjustments. Software tools and systems for studio management. Community engagement and sales through conversation. 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: Lauren Schoenfeld: Active Core Consulting: HALO Talks 2 Minute Financial Drills (Videos): Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37243690

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drills: Selection Process 06/25/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drills: Selection Process Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, 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 Watch the video here: =================================================== 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. /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37149865

Episode #555: Building Community for Endurance Athletes-Marcus Gordon's Vision for Endurance Ohana 06/24/2025

Episode #555: Building Community for Endurance Athletes-Marcus Gordon's Vision for Endurance Ohana In this episode, host Pete Moore reconnects with longtime friend and fellow Emory University alum, Marcus Gordon. They dive into the significant evolution of endurance sports over the years, and the business opportunities surrounding the endurance athlete community. Marcus shares his journey from collegiate athlete and marketing professional to passionate triathlete and entrepreneur—highlighting the explosive growth in triathlons, marathons, and ultra events across the globe. Pete and Marcus chat about the gaps in the market for facilities catering specifically to endurance athletes, the concept behind Marcus’s upcoming venture Endurance Ohana, and how advances in tech are transforming training and competition prep. They also touch on the importance of community, the power of simulation-based training, and what makes a truly next-level fitness experience for serious endurance enthusiasts. Marcus pulls back the curtain on his exciting plans for a destination-style facility focused on not just performance, but recovery, community, and the full spectrum of an athlete’s needs. On 'viral' indoor cycling tech, Gordon mentions, "You'll be able to ride the entire Ironman Hawaii course on your trainer. And except for the wind on your face and the sun glaring down your back, you get every element of that course in terms of being able to see who's in front of you, who's behind you, the elements of going up a hill, coasting down a hill, and so on. We can bring that environment indoors and people love doing that!" Key themes discussed Endurance sports culture and personal journey Growth and popularity of triathlons/ultras Gaps in facilities for endurance athletes Concept and mission Tech integration in training and recovery Community and togetherness as core values Premium experience: Performance, recovery, and social aspects A few key takeaways: 1. A New Kind of Performance Center: Marcus is launching “Endurance Ohana,” a boutique gym and performance center specifically catering to endurance athletes—everyone from 5K runners to Ironman competitors. While traditional gyms have amenities endurance athletes use, none are truly targeted at this community’s unique needs. 2. Community and Experience at the Core: The concept centers on the Hawaiian term “ohana,” meaning family and community, emphasizing a supportive, communal environment. It’s not just about physical training, but also bringing together passionate individuals with similar goals in a space specifically designed for collective motivation and support. 3. High-Tech, Multi-Disciplinary Training: The facility will also feature cutting-edge options for swimming, arena-style cycling (with advanced indoor trainers, including options to bring your own bike), running, strength, mobility, and top-tier recovery options like cold plunges and saunas. There’s a major focus on integrating tech for tracking and simulating real-world race conditions. 4. Training, Recovery & Content Creation: Beyond just equipment, Ohana will offer full support: Nutrition, recovery, strength, mobility, and even social media and content creation resources. The facility looks to be a true “third place” for athletes, complete with recovery lounges and podcast/video studios. 5. A Premium Membership for a Passionate Community: Expect a high-end experience, with membership hovering in the $300+ per month range. This reflects both the deeply invested target audience (endurance athletes already spending heavily on gear and races) and the all-inclusive nature—training, recovery, storage, and community all under one roof. Resources: Marcus Gordon: Endurance Ohana: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37138815

Episode #554: Entrepreneurial Drive and Innovation-The Story Behind the Stallworthy's Your Reformer 06/17/2025

Episode #554: Entrepreneurial Drive and Innovation-The Story Behind the Stallworthy's Your Reformer On today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Emma and Ben Stallworthy, the husband and wife team behind the Melbourne-based, Your Reformer. With a foundation built on serial entrepreneurship and a huge passion for Pilates, Emma and Ben share their story from reviving a rundown health club to scaling a successful chain of gyms, and ultimately selling their business to a major player. They dive into the challenges of pivoting from brick-and-mortar to launching their own Pilates equipment and digital content venture, all while (trying!) to balance family life, married life, and staying true to their values. Listen now for some candid conversations about risk-taking, jumping on opportunities, and why they believe the future of wellness lies in making Pilates accessible anytime, anywhere, and for anyone. On knowing your bottom line during negotiations, Emma states, "Make sure you're equipped with the right advisors around what is a realistic valuation that you can have some wiggle room in negotiation to move with. You should know, what's my bottom line, what would I walk away from, and what am I comfortable with? This way, you can then go in there and be comfortable with either decision and have no regrets." Key themes discussed Building and scaling health clubs in Australia. Entrepreneurial journey and personal growth. Introducing reformer Pilates into gyms. Navigating acquisitions and business exits. Creating boutique wellness experiences within larger clubs. Transitioning to digital and at-home Pilates solutions. Balancing family life with business partnerships. A few key takeaways: 1. Entrepreneurial Spirit and Diverse Ventures: The couple's journey highlights their strong entrepreneurial drive. From purchasing a rundown club at 22, to experimenting with other unusual businesses, they’ve shown a knack for identifying and chasing new opportunities. Their evolution to focusing on one “core thing” (Pilates, with Your Reformer) demonstrates the power of learning, adaptation, and focus. 2. Building, Growing, and Exiting a Fitness Chain: They took a failing gym, revamped it, and eventually scaled to six clubs (Pinnacle Health Clubs) by innovating early—like introducing 24/7 access before it became common. This alone doubled their membership! Their ability to consistently listen to member needs and adapt offerings was essential for sustained growth, culminating in a successful exit to Viva Leisure. 3. Pilates and Boutique Wellness as a Growth Engine: The pair recognized Pilates—specifically Reformer Pilates—as a critical differentiator and a driver of future growth. By integrating boutique wellness elements into their clubs, they expanded the appeal and unlocked additional revenue, with up to 30% of members opting in for premium wellness options. 4. Navigating the Acquisition Process: Emma and Ben shared valuable advice on selling a business: When a strategic buyer comes with an offer, don’t let personal attachment cloud your judgment! They stressed the importance of getting solid advice, knowing your worth, negotiating from a position of strength, and recognizing that the first offer is often the best. Detaching emotionally and staying commercially minded is crucial. 5. Transitioning to Product and Digital Solutions: After their exit, they transitioned from brick-and-mortar gyms to manufacturing reformer Pilates machines and digital solutions, supplying both commercial facilities and the home market. Your Reformer meets the needs of major gym chains to home users, making Pilates more accessible without breaching any non-compete. They’ve combined design, content, and hardware into user-focused solutions, leveraging insights from hands-on, member-facing experience. Resources: Emma Stallworthy: Ben Stallworthy: Your Reformer: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37043960

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Letter of Intent ("LOI") 06/17/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Letter of Intent ("LOI") Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, 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 Watch the video here: =================================================== 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. /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/37048525

HALO Talks Fast Break: History of Private Equity 06/12/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Bid Instruction Letter 06/11/2025

HALO Academy 2 Minute Financial Drill: Bid Instruction Letter Every Wednesday we release our all new “HALO Academy: 2 Minute Financial Drill" by Integrity Square Founder & HALO Talks host, 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 Watch the video here: =================================================== 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. /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/36961210

Episode #553: Merging Hospitality and Real Estate: JaJa Jackson’s Blueprint for Flexible Living Success 06/10/2025

Episode #553: Merging Hospitality and Real Estate: JaJa Jackson’s Blueprint for Flexible Living Success On this episode, host Pete Moore reconnects with Jaja Jackson, a longtime friend and fellow Harvard Business School alum, for a deep dive into the intersection of real estate, hospitality, and health. Jaja shares his path from developing homes and communities, to joining Airbnb in its pivotal years, where he helped bridge the gap between multifamily housing and the (then) cutting-edge world of home sharing. Now a leader at ICONIQ Capital, Jackson discusses how his team has reimagined multifamily properties to boost net operating income and create vibrant, HALO-focused communities. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) Pete and Jaja explore how many lessons from hospitality and flexible living can--and probably should--carry over into the health club industry—emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, curated experiences, and bringing on top-tier talent. They discuss the role of loneliness in today’s health crisis and offer actionable ideas for club operators, from employing inspiring staff to forming innovative partnerships with residential buildings. Jackson provides solid suggestions and practical takeaways from outside the industry that any club operator would do well to take seriously. Listen now for this fresh perspective on elevating the HALO sector. On increasing the yield in multifamily without major renovations, Jackson states, "All you're doing is changing the operator and in some cases investing in furnishings to extend the value and the operation of your amenities in common spaces . . . that translates into an unlevered yield increase of between 1 and 5 or 6%. And it's tremendous!" Key themes discussed Evolution of Airbnb and real estate partnerships. Creating flexible living asset classes for higher returns. Overcoming resistance and building trust in hospitality innovation. Strategies to enhance resident and member experiences. Importance of health, wellness, and community in living spaces. Leveraging talent (athletes, trainers) for cultural impact. Addressing loneliness and building genuine connections. A few key takeaways: 1. Transforming Multifamily Real Estate Through Flexible Living: Jaja shared his experience moving from "traditional" real estate development to pioneering “flexible living” while at Airbnb and now at ICONIQ Capital. By blending hospitality concepts with class A multifamily buildings, he helped create new asset value and returns, boosting net operating income by 15–40% without expensive renovations. 2. The Power of Trust and Experience in Merging Hospitality & Real Estate: Initially, the biggest hurdles were skepticism and trust issues from large apartment owners about the idea of short-term rentals. Jaja and his team addressed this by building software and policies ensuring resident safety and a trusted experience, paving the way for programs like Airbnb’s Friendly Buildings. 3. Culture and Personalization Are Game Changers in Health and Fitness: Drawing parallels to the health club space, Jaja highlights that the sector is overdue for a hospitality-like approach—moving beyond transactional relationships to foster real community and deep personalization. He suggests health clubs can learn from hospitality by knowing members’ needs, supporting their goals, and making every interaction memorable. 4. Building Community and Combating Loneliness: Both in multifamily living and health clubs, facilitating real connections is crucial. Jaja’s approach includes encouraging residents to meet each other through fitness amenities and group activities, even integrating professional athletes as resident “ambassadors” to inspire and engage. He strongly believes in addressing not just physical health, but also combating loneliness and building social connections as a core part of wellness. 5. Talent and Ownership Mindset Are Critical: Whether in property management or fitness clubs, success hinges on having the right people—those who think like owners, have charisma, and are invested for the long term. Jaja and Pete both emphasize the importance of intentional hiring (“pay for talent”) and instilling commitment, suggesting businesses treat employee recruitment and culture-building as vital investments, not afterthoughts. The statements by Jaja are not investment advice and do not represent ICONIQ Capital or Airbnb. Resources: Jaja Jackson: Iconiq Capital: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/36942490

HALO Talks Fast Break: Add More Classes! 06/05/2025

HALO Talks Fast Break: Add More Classes! 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗢 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝙁𝘼𝙎𝙏𝘽𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙆-𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀! 🚨 Calling all boutique fitness studio operators! 🚨 Managing Partner & Founder Pete Moore is back as "Dr. HALO", and this is a must-hear for anyone running a boutique fitness studio. He's not mincing words either: If you’re only running a few classes a day and wondering why you’re struggling, it’s time for you to look in the mirror. A few things: Increase Class Frequency Most boutique fitness studios simply aren’t offering enough classes. If you’re only open for a few hours or offering just 2-3 classes a day, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. More classes equal more revenue opportunities—don’t sell yourself short by playing it safe. Maximize Revenue per Hour, Not Just per Class Look at Southwest! This is also an hourly business. Every hour you don’t run a class is a lost opportunity for revenue. Running a business on “airline logic” means utilizing your space as much as possible throughout the day. Go Beyond Your Core Demographic Stop telling yourself there aren’t enough people in your area who want to work out! From soccer moms to assisted living residents, triathletes to brunch-goers, Get creative and dig into who else could fill seats in those classes at different hours. There are always more opportunities than you think—if you’re willing to do the work. Think Like a Multi-Use ArenaLook at yourself as Madison Square Garden, not just a single-purpose facility. That means filling your space with a variety of offerings—different types of classes, events, even partnerships—to maximize usage, build community, and drive revenue. You're Responsible for Creating Value Tough Love Time: If your studio isn’t open enough, not generating revenue, and feeling like a victim—change it. Create true value by filling time slots, building community, and serving new demographics. Buyers only want valuable, profitable businesses, not ones that are break-even or losing money. Value is built—so get to work! Stop playing small, fill your calendar, and serve your community. Start thinking bigger. Go HALO! Resources: Sponsored by our friends at . Reward Intelligence! /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/36877715

Episode #552: Fletcher Pilates Around the Globe-Kyria Sabin on Education, Expansion, and Community Impact 06/03/2025

Episode #552: Fletcher Pilates Around the Globe-Kyria Sabin on Education, Expansion, and Community Impact Kyria Sabin began her journey with Pilates in 1991 while living in Los Angeles and working as an art gallery director. Teaching Pilates was never part of her original path. However, her lifelong interest in fitness led her to eventually catch the bug for Pilates. After attending a workshop with renowned Pilates "Elder" Ron Fletcher, he encouraged her to teach the method, though she initially resisted. Despite her intentions to head to law school, Kyria’s passion for Pilates ultimately changed her trajectory, shaping her future as a leading educator in the field. Pete and Kyria continue on to discuss the origins of Fletcher Pilates, the evolution of teacher training, and what sets Pilates apart as a transformative practice with remarkable return on time invested. She opens up about the rigors of Pilates instructor certification, the expansion of Fletcher Pilates’ international licensing program, and how the method’s focus on quality movement has led to life-changing results for clients of all ages. On international expansion Sabin states, "After we developed the program, we had people coming in from Asia, Europe, South America . . . all wanting to study his [Ron's] lineage of the work. We quickly realized is that we could reach many more people if we sent teachers to those countries." Key themes discussed Growth and evolution of Pilates as a fitness modality. History and legacy of Fletcher Pilates. Intensive process of Pilates instructor certification. International expansion through licensing and teacher training. Impact of group classes and mass-market Pilates studios. Value of in-person Pilates versus online instruction. Pilates benefits for diverse age groups and populations. A few key takeaways: 1. Pilates as a Transformational Practice: Sabin’s experience highlights how Pilates isn’t just about exercise—it's about quality movement, efficiency, and transformative change in both mind and body. She shares her experiences being a client to realizing the profound physical benefits, describing it as a return on time investment with fantastic results. 2. Rigorous Teacher Training and Legacy: Unlike quick certifications in other fitness fields, becoming a Fletcher Pilates instructor is a comprehensive process that can take up to two years. Sabin emphasizes that students must first experience the work deeply themselves before teaching, underscoring the importance of depth and mastery in the method. 3. Pilates’ Global Reach: The growth of Fletcher Pilates worldwide happened both organically and intentionally. Demand from students in Asia, Europe, and South America led to a licensing model, making it possible for people to access quality teaching without always having to travel extensively. This preserves the lineage while also expanding its reach. 4. Pilates for All Ages and Backgrounds: Kyria advocates for Pilates as a lifelong practice accessible to everyone from young people to seniors. She's seen significant improvements in posture, strength, and balance at all ages, and challenges the notion that older adults are limited to just "maintenance." 5. Personal Touch Still Matters: With the continued emergence of online and at-home Pilates offerings, Kyria remains firm on the value of in-person training, especially at the start of someone’s practice. She believes the energy, supervision, and personal connection play a significant role in a student’s success and safety, calling remote work more supplemental than foundational. Resources: Kyria Sabin: Fletcher Pilates: Prospect Wizard: Promotion Vault: HigherDose: /episode/index/show/halotalks/id/36836470

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