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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...
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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.
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15 SEP 2026 · In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tim Klitch, a former D1 tennis player, "Chief Fun Officer" and co-founder of Austin Pickle Ranch. Pete and Tim talk about everything from how pickleball skyrocketed from a niche sport to a 40-million-player phenomenon, the blend of social energy and accessibility that fuels its growth, and what it really takes to make money in this space. You'll hear how Austin Pickle Ranch's beginnings from a rooftop to a 50,000-square-foot facility, the data-driven logic behind scaling courts and optimizing member experience, and why the intersection of in-person community and national brand recognition is changing the game for local clubs. Plus, Tim provides some fantastic takeaways from his professional tennis background, lessons learned in sports investments, and what pickleball can teach us all about fun, fitness, and business. Whether you're exploring deal flow in the HALO sector or just want to understand why pickleball is attracting new investors, operators, and fans, this conversation has something for every executive with an eye for scaling and innovation. Key themes discussed
- Pickleball's explosive growth and demographic reach
- Business models and unit economics for profitable clubs
- Open play versus membership-based facility models
- Comparison of tennis and pickleball facility efficiencies
- The impact of branding and social media reach
- Professionalization and celebrity investment in pickleball
- Social, communal, and wellness benefits of pickleball
A Few Key Takeaways 1. Pickleball's Exponential Growth and COVID Impact: Pickleball exploded from about 4 million to 40 million players in the US, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sport was already poised for growth, but the pandemic "set it on fire," establishing pickleball as a leading social and active lifestyle activity 02:05. 2. Keys to a Profitable Pickleball Facility: To operate a sustainable, manned, for-profit pickleball club, you need scale: 12–16 courts is considered the minimum viable size to generate income and achieve operational efficiency. Larger clubs benefit from economies of scale, with costs consolidated at the front desk and across amenities 05:04. 3. Revenue Efficiency: Pickleball vs Tennis: Pickleball courts are significantly more revenue-efficient than tennis courts. The same square footage that fits a singles tennis match can host 24 pickleball players, explaining why 10% of tennis courts have been converted to pickleball annually in the US over the past three years 09:20. 4. Pickleball as an Accessible, Social Experience: Pickleball's unique value lies in its communal, open play. Austin Pickle Ranch intentionally overfills open play sessions to create built-in breaks and maximize social mixing. Members typically spend 2.5 hours per visit, reinforcing the "ultimate social engagement sport" concept 22:39. 5. Brand Awareness and the Power of Social Media: Despite being a single-location club, Austin Pickle Ranch has developed national and international brand recognition, largely due to social media and internet presence. This organic "brand bleed" has attracted visitors globally and set the stage for possible expansion 13:45. Resources:
- Tim Klitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-klitch-2aa0024
- Austin Pickle Ranch: https://austinpickleranch.com
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
8 SEP 2026 · In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Nico Varano, CEO of SWTHZ who initially started as a franchisee and went on to help built the company into a fast-rising player in the contrast therapy and workout recovery space. Nico talks about his fairly unconventional path from finance into to the HALO sector, reveals why focus and simplicity drive SWTHZ's unit economics, and explains how a data-driven approach helps franchisees scale profitably. With over 100 studios and private equity backing, the company is redefining the recovery sector. Listen to learn more about how the franchise's unique model is attracting operators who want to roll up their sleeves and build real community, and to get insider insights on how to thrive in this fast-evolving segment of the HALO sector. On building a competitive moat in the space, Varano states, "We want to be focused on being the best at one thing . . . which is contrast therapy. When people think about sauna and plunge, SWTHZ should be the first thing that comes to their mind." Key themes discussed
- Franchisee to franchisor journey and leadership evolution
- Traits and selection of successful franchisees
- Focus on contrast therapy specialization
- Importance of proven unit economics before franchising
- Data-driven approach to operational improvements
- Community building and plus-one session strategy
- Optimizing studio size, suite count, and hours
A Few Key Takeaways 1. From Franchisee to Franchisor. In-the-Trenches Leadership: Nico started initially as a SWTHZ member and then a franchisee, rapidly growing his portfolio to five studios and eventually stepping in as CEO. He has kept his hand in operations, signing leases and personal guarantees. This dual franchisee/franchisor perspective creates a unique level of authenticity and alignment with operators 05:12. 2. Hyper-Focused Modality Drives Brand and Economics: SWTHZ stands out by focusing on mastering contrast therapy (saunas and cold plunges) while competitors dilute their platforms with too many modalities. This tight focus builds a competitive moat, streamlines operations, and fosters brand clarity, ensuring customers immediately associate the brand with contrast therapy 07:22. 3. Relentless Data-Driven Optimization of Unit Economics: Nico and his team are obsessed with the numbers: every dollar of additional daily profit directly impacts franchisee success and brand reinvestment. The ongoing, data-heavy approach means constant refinement of unit economics, build-out costs, and suite count per location to ensure payback periods of under 3–3.5 years . . . a huge key to scaling 08:23. 4. Community Through Private Wellness. The Plus One Effect: Despite the private suite model, SWTHZ successfully builds community: 16% of sessions now include a "plus one," up from 7% earlier in the year. Whether it's date night, book clubs, or friends catching up, the company is quickly becoming a new social and wellness "third place," offering an alternative to cafes or group fitness hangouts 15:47. 5. Operator-Minded Partners Willing to Roll Up Their Sleeves: The most successful franchisees are present, engaged, and solution-oriented who are prepared to do everything from P&L analysis to cleaning a suite if necessary. Culture fit, passion, and operational grit matter more than a polished resume. "Own it, fix it, finish it" is the operating mantra 21:05. Resources:
- SWTHZ: https://sweathouz.com/
- Nico Varano: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicovarano/
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
1 SEP 2026 · Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, we sit down with Kat and Brooke Wyman, the co-founders behind SoulFire Collective Yoga, a rapidly growing boutique fitness concept in the D.C. metro area. What began as a smaller, community-driven studio at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, quickly blossomed into a thriving brand with locations in Bethesda and Arlington, thanks to a blend of deep-rooted passion for wellness and sharp operational backgrounds . . . Kat from Lululemon and Brooke from the restaurant industry. Kat and Brooke talk about their path from various side-hustles (and doing literal bike-loads of laundry in the early days of the business!) to now profitable, vibrant, scalable studios that buck the trends seen in the wider boutique fitness industry. Host Pete Moore digs deeper into how their athlete-first approach to yoga resonates with members seeking both community and resilience, their strategies for location selection and market expansion, and the systems that power their rapid instructor onboarding, which bypasses the traditional models for a more immersive, scalable approach. Listen for actionable insights on building authentic fitness communities, the importance of operational complementarity, and what venture-minded investors should consider as SoulFire eyes its next phase of growth. If you're interested in where the HALO sector's heading post-pandemic, or if you're looking for inspiration on how to scale with purpose, this is a must-listen. When it comes to their longevity, Kate states, "I think what's really interesting, and I think what's made Brooke and I unique and what's helped us survive COVID . . . is that we're really good at keeping our ear to the ground and listening for what's needed, but also keeping everything that we shift or change, really on brand and really aligned." Key themes discussed
- Community-centric wellness spaces and fostering belonging
- Growth from local studio to multi-location brand
- Unique founder backgrounds blending retail, restaurants, athletics
- Non-traditional, scalable approach to yoga business
- Market selection and suburban expansion strategy
- In-house instructor training for quality and scale
- Ideal investors: passionate community members or experienced sector partners
A Few Key Takeaways 1. Build Around Community, Not Just Modality: Creating a community hub was the foundational vision for SoulFire. Rather than chasing a trend, Kat and Brooke built a brand rooted in belonging, connection, and well-being, using yoga as the "container" for this mission 00:46 01:21. 2. Cross-Disciplinary Backgrounds Fuel Strong Operations: The founders' experience, one from Lululemon retail management, the other from the restaurant industry, gave them complementary skill sets in branding, experience design, logistics, and cost control. This blend has been instrumental for profitably scaling their studios 08:44 09:40. 3. Differentiation Through "Human Readiness": Soul Fire's value proposition extends beyond traditional yoga. Their focus on human readiness—equipping members with resilience and life skills—sets them apart. Programs like power yoga, activating breathwork, and mat strength target well-rounded physical and mental readiness, not just fitness 14:04 14:52. 4. Data-Driven Expansion Strategy: Location selection is driven by close analysis of demographic and psychographic factor, not simply "gut feel." Their highest-performing studio, Bethesda, serves as a prototype: targeting affluent suburban markets on the edge of large metros, with residents already engaged in other premium fitness offerings. Expansion is further informed by observing successful peers like [solidcore] 17:25 20:08 21:07. 5. Scalable, In-House Instructor Training: Instead of relying on slow, traditional 200-hour yoga certifications, SoulFire developed an immersive, internally controlled instructor training program. This approach speeds up onboarding while maintaining quality and brand standards, enabling fast and consistent scaling 23:02 24:50 25:20. Resources:
- SoulFire Collective: https://soulfirecollective.com
- Brooke Wyman: https://www.instagram.com/_b.wyman_
- Kat Wyman: https://www.instagram.com/katwyman/
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
25 AUG 2026 · In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Carrie Bacon, a classically trained acupuncturist and co-founder of 180 Degrees Bathhouse in Kansas City. With decades of experience in acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic wellness (sparked by her own journey to recovery) Carrie talks about the intersection of contrast therapy, sauna culture, and acupuncture in building healthier communities. She shares her vision for micro bathhouses as hyper-local hubs combating the epidemic of loneliness and chronic health issues through social wellness, and her perspective on why mainstream medicine is poised for a return to more holistic modalities. If you're interested in scaling your HALO-sector venture, or leveraging new trends in recovery and community health, this episode is packed with a ton of takeaways. When it comes to the loneliness crisis, Bacon states, "Isolation was recently deemed a health epidemic. Loneliness is a health epidemic. And, being able to put bathhouses, which gives you access to that application of contrast therapy, you go into the sauna, you have your sweat, you take a moment of pause to allow your body to settle down and calm down, and then you rinse off and you step into a beautifully designed cold water basin." Key themes discussed
- Integration of contrast therapies for holistic wellness
- Acupuncture's role and mainstream adoption challenges
- Importance of personalized, non-prescriptive wellness protocols
- Foundations: Building strong health habits over optimization
- Social wellness and combating loneliness via community spaces
- Micro-bathhouse model for underserved markets
- Scaling wellness businesses: capital, education, and community
A Few Key Takeaways 1. Reshaping Recovery-Move Beyond Protocols to Daily Practice: Carrie emphasizes the importance of integrating modalities like sauna, cold plunge, and acupuncture into daily routines rather than obsessing over rigid optimization protocols. She explains that "some of these modalities are just meant to be interwoven as daily practices, not necessarily only for recovery optimization." This habitual approach can create a stronger foundation of health and reduce the need for constant targeted recovery 06:17. 2. Reframing Wellness Facilities-The Micro Bathhouse Model: Bacon lays out her vision for 180 Degrees Bathhouse—a micro, 1,600 sq ft venue designed to bring thermic wellness to underserved markets. Rather than chasing massive, urban flagship bathhouses, she's pioneering a right-sized, community-driven model to increase adoption in areas where the concept is virtually unknown 16:08. 3. Acupuncture's U.S. Potential-A Resurgence is Coming: Despite skepticism and slow mainstream acceptance in the U.S., Carrie forecasts a renaissance for acupuncture as the U.S. healthcare mindset shifts towards "healthspan over lifespan" and more holistic, root-cause approaches. She says the field is poised for a return to "thousands of years of medical discipline before we started looking at the system so microscopically" 10:18. 4. Loneliness as a Wellness Crisis, and Bathhouses as the Solution: Both Carrie and Pete underscore the declared national epidemic of loneliness. Carrie positions the bathhouse as a "community center," tackling isolation and enabling organic, meaningful social connections. The micro model creates a "third space" where you can be with a group or on your own, but never truly alone 17:18. 5. Bathhouse Modalities Provide Metabolic and Mental Benefits: Bacon highlights the scientifically supported impacts of sauna and cold plunge: increased metabolic flexibility, better glucose/insulin control, and cardiovascular benefits all while building self-mastery. These accessible, self-directed practices are particularly relevant for addressing major public health issues such as obesity and diabetes 24:00. Resources:
- Carrie Bacon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-bacon-53141168
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
18 AUG 2026 · In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Munir Ghesani, Chief Medical Director at United Theranostics, to explore the cutting edge of personalized cancer treatment and the business of scaling innovative healthcare delivery. Dr. Ghesani discusses his three decades long path in New York's academic medicine scene to leading a fast-growing outpatient theranostics group, detailing why he left academia, what makes theranostics uniquely effective for patients, and how United Theranostics is building a national footprint through a decentralized, community-based model.
We'll unpack how their patient-first strategy is shaking up referral dynamics, why community settings are the future of cancer care, and what it takes to recruit medical talent and manage rapid clinical expansion. Plus, Dr. Ghesani reveals the business challenges of clinical trials, payer dynamics, and how a rigorous approach to risk keeps innovation on track. Whether you're in healthcare, investing, or looking to build a next-gen medical services brand, this episode connects patient outcomes, operational strategy, and smart growth in healthcare. Key themes discussed
- Transition from academia to private theranostics practice
- Personalized, patient-centered cancer treatment models
- Patient access and geographic convenience
- Clinical trials and innovation in care delivery
- Recruitment and training for high-growth clinic expansion
- Collaborative physician partnerships vs. pure referral
- Regulation, quality control, and risk management in trials
A Few Key Takeaways 1.Theranostics-Personalized, Precision Medicine: Theranostics is revolutionizing patient care by merging diagnostics and therapeutics to deliver highly personalized treatment plans, particularly in oncology. Unlike traditional, one-size-fits-all treatments, theranostics involves tailored scanning to target therapies specifically to affected areas, ensuring treatments are both targeted and trackable for efficacy 05:07 06:02. 2. Outpatient Model Drives Access and Community Impact: The majority of cancer care occurs outside of major academic centers, with about 80% delivered in community settings. United Theranostics focuses on suburban locations, making advanced treatments more accessible and convenient for patients who would otherwise travel significant distances to academic hubs 08:42 14:13. 3. Dual Audience Strategy: Physicians & Patients: United Theranostics balances building awareness and trust among both referring physicians and patients. While most referrals come from medical professionals, growing patient awareness is generating direct demand, reinforcing the need for strong brand positioning, serving as both a partner to doctors and a recognized consumer brand in its space 10:05. 4. Scaling Without Compromising Quality: With ambitions for 50 clinics in every state within seven years, United Theranostics is scaling through greenfield development and a strong recruitment pipeline from academic institutions. The company prioritizes training, regulatory compliance, and quality control, resisting the urge to rapidly acquire or retrofit existing practices 14:29 15:25. 5. Clinical Trials as a Competitive Advantage: Clinical trial partnerships are fueling United Theranostics' growth and reputation, drawing patients locally and nationally for cutting-edge, not-yet-FDA-approved treatments (covered by drug companies). The organization's comfort with complexity and strong academic roots allow it to handle demanding cases, setting it apart from less equipped competitors 18:28 19:58. Resources:
- Dr. Munir Ghesani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/munir-ghesani-md-facnm-facr-fsnmmi-19b29728
- United Theranostics: https://www.unitedtheranostics.com/
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
13 AUG 2026 · 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/'s panel with https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-smith-5046315/ at Piper Sandler at this past https://www.linkedin.com/company/athletechnews/ 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 operator agrees to sell.
● Irrational development, i.e. overclubbing a market, is described as the biggest risk to profitability for independent operators and investors alike.
● If a strategic buyer reaches out, engaging is recommended over ignoring the outreach, since they will build around an operator who doesn't transact.
Transcribed
11 AUG 2026 · 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, the critical importance of customized waivers, and the pitfalls of cutting legal corners, especially in a sector known for its rapid innovation and ever-changing service offerings. From emerging liabilities in fitness centers offering pseudo-medical treatments to the impact of new click-to-cancel regulations and best practices for contract scalability, Sterling delivers actionable insight for operators looking to protect their business and reputation. If you're building or scaling a business in the HALO sector, you won't want to miss this conversation! When it comes to using AI in place of real, boots-on-the-ground legal expertise Sterling says, "ChatGPT is helpful to some extent, but the thing is that AI doesn't have is the history or the experience of having done this very, very specific thing over and over again to understand what sort of problems will come up and to produce a document that, A, you understand, that has the things that you need, and B, proactively goes against the issues that a law practice that's been doing this for 10 years." Key themes discussed
- Proactive vs. reactive legal strategies for fitness businesses
- Importance of industry-specific, customized legal documents
- Scaling legal services via referrals and word-of-mouth
- Impact of technology and AI on legal processes and pitfalls
- Evolving liability waivers due to new wellness services
- Click-to-cancel laws and compliance challenges
- Structuring agreements for med spas and new offerings
A Few Key Takeaways 1. Proactive Law Is Essential for Scaling and Protecting Your Business: Cory emphasized the critical distinction between "proactive law" and "reactive law." Investing in legal documents and compliance up front empowers business owners to resolve issues quickly—sometimes with just a single email—rather than scrambling after a crisis hits 05:10. 2. Industry-Specific Legal Agreements Create True Protection: Sterling underscored that generic contracts, including those generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, are not sufficient. Only industry-specific, lawyer-drafted documents ensure full coverage for unique risks in the health, fitness, and wellness sectors. Customized waivers and agreements need to reflect actual operations, activities, and equipment used 19:19. 3. Rapid Industry Evolution Demands Ongoing Legal Updates: The sector's expansion into new areas, such as hormone therapies, IV drips, contrast therapy, and recovery modalities, means that legal documents must be routinely updated to reflect expanding services and regulatory changes (e.g., ADA requirements now extending to online platforms, click-to-cancel laws). 4. Strong Relationships and Word-of-Mouth Drive Growth: Sterling built Conscious Counsel through deep niche expertise and authentic relationships in the HALO community. He highlighted that word-of-mouth and referrals, backed by stellar client experience and reviews, are the engines of scalable legal services in this space 04:10. 5. Cutting Corners in Legal Can Derail Your Brand and Exit Strategy: For executives with aspirations to scale or exit, Sterling's advice is clear: legal is not the place to cut corners. "You can pay me now or you can pay me later," he said, recounting common scenarios where avoidable legal oversights, like hiring misclassifications or poorly drafted waivers, led to major operational and reputational headaches 22:30. Resources:
- Cory Sterling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corysterling/
- Conscious Counsel: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
4 AUG 2026 · 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 hands-on leadership, the importance of ownership mentality at every level, and what it takes to scale through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We'll hear his candid thoughts on private equity partnerships, building resilient teams, and staying true to your brand identity in the face of rapid evolution. Plus, Tony shares his excitement about tackling hyper-competitive markets like Phoenix, rebranding Crunch for the next era, and why surrounding yourself with sharp, experienced minds is his secret weapon for success. If you're passionate about scaling operations, navigating deal flows, learning what's involved when private equity jumps in, and more, this one is a must-listen. When it comes to brand identity versus just pure imitation, Scrimale says, "Just because everybody else has something doesn't mean that we have to have it too. What does Crunch identify themselves at? We don't have to have everything, but the stuff that we do have, I wanna be great at!" Key themes discussed
- Ownership mentality and hands-on leadership
- Transition from athlete to fitness entrepreneur
- Relationship-driven vs. volume-based gym models
- Scaling through private equity and acquisitions
- Importance of team and infrastructure in growth
- Staying true to brand identity and focus
- Adapting to evolving industry and new markets
A Few Key Takeaways 1. Ownership Mentality at Every Level: Tony emphasized the importance of developing an "ownership mentality" regardless of your title or role. He highlighted that truly successful operators treat every inch of the business as their responsibility, from picking up trash in the parking lot to ensuring excellence in customer service. This mindset is essential not only for operational excellence but also for anyone aspiring to run or own a facility one day 09:43. 2. Scaling with Private Equity-Plan, Don't Just Grow: The conversation touched on the nuanced impact of bringing in private equity. While access to capital accelerates growth and reduces personal financial risk, Tony pointed out that maintaining a healthy balance between rapid expansion and operational capability is critical. He advised not to sacrifice infrastructure or culture for the sake of speed, warning against reckless acquisitions that don't align with the company's strengths or market strategy 17:46, 18:08. 3. Stick to Your Brand Identity & Don't Chase Every Trend: Scrimale explained how the temptation to mimic competitors or pursue every new trend can dilute a company's purpose and effectiveness. He stressed the importance of knowing what your brand stands for and investing in being the best at core competencies, rather than trying to be all things to all people, 22:33. 4. The Evolution of Health Clubs: From Personal to HVLP 3.0: Reflecting on industry changes, Tony described a shift from high-touch, relationship-driven gyms to high-volume, low-price models (HVLP), and now towards hybrid models with enhanced amenities. Success in a competitive environment, especially with sophisticated brands like Crunch, depends on the team's ability to quickly establish trust and differentiate through both service and offerings despite significantly less member interaction time 13:01, 15:06. 5. Choosing the Right Brand and Partners Fuels Growth: Tony highlighted how alignment between personal passion and brand identity fuels authentic leadership and better business performance. He also underscored the importance of selecting equity partners who support, rather than stifle, the vision and culture, citing positive experiences with North Castle and Sixth Street, who empower the management team rather than impose dramatic change 28:42. For B2B executives and investors in the HALO sector, Tony's journey underscores the value of ground-up experience, maintaining focus in the face of rapid growth, and the critical role of both internal culture and external partners in scaling success. Resources:
- Tony Scrimale: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-scrimale-54a44941
- Crunch: https://www.crunch.com
- Related episode: https://www.halotalks.com/episode-530-future-of-crunch-cr-fitness-expansion-innovative-offerings-and-operational-strategy/
- Related episode: https://www.halotalks.com/keith-worts/
- Related episode: https://www.halotalks.com/assaf-gal-crunch-fitness-franchisee/
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
28 JUL 2026 · 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 courts, sourcing coaches, and attracting capital, Dario delivers an insider's perspective. He unpacks the differences between padel, pickleball, and tennis, the need for innovation in business models, and how communities in places like Spain can serve as a benchmark for what's possible. Whether you're a fitness executive, an investor, or simply curious about what's next in the HALO sector, this conversation offers valuable insights on seizing opportunities in an industry at the very beginning of its American ascent. On padel's cultural phenomenon, Dario states, "You have housing developments that instead of having a pool in the middle, they have padel courts with grills around them. People want to raise their kids around this sport." Key themes discussed
- Growth and adoption barriers of padel in the U.S.
- Lack of standardized business models for padel facilities
- Institutional capital vs. private investment in padel
- Comparison of padel to pickleball and tennis
- Spectator appeal and media presence of padel
- Coaching shortages and challenges for talent development
- Community-building and entrepreneurial ecosystem in padel
A Few Key Takeaways 1.Padel in the U.S. Is the New "Wild West": The American padel market is in a raw, unstructured phase with no set blueprint, governing body, or proven business model. This creates both uncertainty and a prime opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and new entrants looking to shape the industry's direction 05:15. 2. Barriers to Scale Differ From Pickleball: Unlike pickleball, which has low costs and minimal barriers to entry, building a padel facility is costly and complex, often ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per court, requiring municipal approvals, engineering, and expertise to build properly. These higher hurdles explain why institutional capital has not yet flowed into padel at the same pace, though private and venture investors are starting to show interest 07:09. 3. No Proven Facility Model . . . Yet: There's no consensus on the best facility model for padel. Operators are experimenting: some go premium with club-like amenities, others take a stripped-down approach by placing courts in urban spaces with minimal services. Ancillary income from food & beverage, social spaces, and wellness amenities are believed to be important, but no one model has emerged as consistently successful 16:01. 4. Lack of Coaches Is a Major Growth Bottleneck: One of the biggest constraints to padel's U.S. growth is the acute shortage of qualified coaches. Most have to be imported, which raises costs and complexity. There's an emerging focus on converting athletes from other racket sports, but true domestic, homegrown coaching talent will take years to develop 18:16. 5. Ecosystem Building Trumps KPIs at This Stage: For leaders like Dario, success is about catalyzing an ecosystem—getting more people passionate about padel, inspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to build complementary businesses, and spreading awareness. Traditional business metrics take a backseat to community creation and sport evangelism at this early stage 22:11. Resources:
- Dario Miceli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dario-miceli-padel-magazine
- Padel Magazine: https://www.readpadelmag.com
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
Transcribed
Episode #607: Building EoS Fitness-Growth Strategies and Leadership Lessons from CEO, Rich Drengberg
21 JUL 2026 · 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 the country. Whether you're an operator, investor, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights on building teams, scaling strategically, and staying ahead in a competitive landscape. Regarding chosing the right partner when looking to sell, Rich states, "We were in a great situation when we went to market that we didn't have to sell, and we were able to kind of pick who we wanted to partner with. And it was an interview process both ways. And because of that, we were able to have our cake and eat it too." Key themes discussed
- Transition from Gold's Gym to EoS
- Strategic and disciplined growth decisions
- Importance of experienced teams and industry relationships
- Private equity influence and operational mindset shift
- Real estate strategy and anchor tenant positioning
- Staying true to brand identity amidst trends
- Partner selection and aligning with TSG for expansion
A Few Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Sticking to a Clear Identity: Staying true to the company's vision and brand identity was emphasized as vital for long-term success. EoS avoided "chasing every trend" and only adopted changes that matched their strategic direction, which helped them avoid diluting their brand and losing their core audience 25:23. 2. Disciplined, Focused Growth Strategies: EoS's growth was marked by a disciplined approach to new markets and acquisitions. Opportunities were critically evaluated, and only those fitting their model (right location, box size, and alignment with EoS values) were pursued. This sometimes meant saying "no" to enticing deals that didn't fit the vision 05:10. 3. Mentorship and Learning from Experience: Rich credited much of his development and EoS's success to mentors like Bob Giardina and Bruce Bruckman. Their guidance helped shift his mindset from operating a handful of gyms to building a scalable platform, and highlighted the importance of focusing on real estate and bigger picture growth rather than getting bogged down in minor operational optimizations 12:29. 4. Building Relationships is Key to Expansion: Entering new markets and securing prime real estate depended heavily on building trust and relationships with landlords, developers, and REITs. Early on, EoS was not the first choice for many landlords, but through perseverance and relationship-building, they became a preferred anchor tenant 15:28. 5. Industry Know-How Over Outsider Expertise: The episode stressed that having a team with deep industry experience ("gym rats" as described) was critical. EoS's management came from fitness, not coffee chains or hardware stores, enabling them to make better, faster decisions pertinent to the unique demands of the fitness business 17:26.
- Rich Drengberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-drengberg-5923046/
- EoS Fitness: https://www.eosfitness.com
- Journey To A Billion Dollar Deal-2 Minute Financial Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQtaGUQIyxY
- Integrity Square: https://www.integritysq.com/
- Prospect Wizard: https://www.theprospectwizard.com/
- Promotion Vault: http://www.promotionvault.com/
- HigherDose: http://www.higherdose.com/
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...
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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.
show less
Information
| Author | Pete Moore |
| Organization | David Ganulin |
| Categories | Business , Health & Fitness |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| - |
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