As the temperature in Miami nears a steady 100 degrees, this week we have out thoughts firmly planted on the cooler days of Fall. With elements diet and fitness clubs opening in 5 new markets, from Cleveland, Ohio to Nashville, TN within the next 8 months - our development team must assist the clubs with development to ensure an on-time opening. The scope of support provided from our corporate offices to the local clubs is extensive, we assist with all phases of project development, from site selection and lease negotiations to club layout & design. We also handle much of the local press and pr. from our offices.
We are installing additional large plasma screen televisions to our Lincoln Road (Miami) offices, to assist with presentations and filming. While I believe this work should best be done after hours, a scheduling conflict meant that this was the "something extra" to our Wednesday. The loud sawing and drilling forced me outside to a nearby cafe to do some phone calls.
On Wednesdays, I like to connect with our club owners to discuss member feedback, and to catch up on new development projects. As part of our comprehensive club operations training, we have a set of 5 manuals which is continually enhanced by our operations team. We monitor pilot programs to track success and usage rates, and rely heavily on market sampling, testing, and feedback to enhance programs. Today, the focus is on standardization and themed offerings within the group fitness programming, and also several enhancements to the membership sales forms library. It is quite interesting in speaking to the local owners, to see national trends evolve (regardless of locale), as I hear common requests and suggestions throughout the morning.
Our local club philosophy is that each club should reflect the upscale elements? brand and our values of a balanced, healthy lifestyle… but also have a voice to the local market - this approach allows the clubs to build strong local communities, which are enhanced by our national presence.
