The Rush Fitness Complex recently announced changes in the company’s leadership. Steve Saxton has been promoted from president to CEO, and David Carney has been promoted from COO to president and COO. The duo joined The Rush in August of 2012. According to The Rush, Larry Gurney, the founder of The Rush, will remain chairman of the board.
Previously, Saxton was the COO of In-Shape, while Carney was an executive at Wellbridge, after serving as the senior vice president of operations at Lifestyle Family Fitness.
We spoke with Saxton to discover his thoughts on his new role as CEO, and the future of The Rush Fitness Complex.
Q: What’s your background in the health and fitness industry?
A: Formerly, I was the vice president of operations at Western Athletic Clubs, the West Coast director for Crunch Fitness and, most recently, the COO at In-Shape Health Clubs. Next April will be my 30-year anniversary in the health club industry. The secret of my long career is that I’ve always surrounded myself with people who are, in some way, better than me — then I empower them. Our new president/COO, David Carney, exemplifies my philosophy — he’s an exceptional talent. I’m expecting great things from him.
Q: How does it feel to be promoted to CEO?
A: It’s the highlight of my career, so far. I’ve had the privilege to serve hundreds of thousands of members and work with countless dedicated professionals in an industry that helps people feel good and live healthy, productive lives. There’s no place I’d rather be.
Q: As CEO, do you have any goals for The Rush Fitness Complex you’d like to work towards?
A: Our Rush teams have already done an outstanding job of taking care of our members in the communities we serve. To build on that, we want to grow the Rush brand; solidify our existing markets and expand into more markets in the South East USA; continue to help people live longer, look better and feel better, and have fun doing it; educate people that bad life choices — e.g., no exercise, bad eating habits — have a direct impact on their quality of life. Conversely, good life choices have a profound effect, too, on quality of life. Make good choices! And continue to provide rewarding careers for more and more dedicated employees as we grow.
Q: In an interview with Knox News, you mentioned that you’d like The Rush to expand its membership base. How do you plan to accomplish this?
A: We’ll appeal to a broad age range — from toddlers to seniors, and everyone in between. We’ll support that with age-specific programming. The Rush isn’t just for fit people. We’re for everyone who wants to improve their quality of life — the starting line is different for each person. By delivering exceptional service to our members, and ensuring that they have a great experience, they’ll become our best advertisers.
Q: Where do you see The Rush fitting in the fitness industry — for example, what do you think The Rush is/will be known for?
A: Convenient locations, immaculate facilities, friendly service-oriented employees and an exhilarating environment that makes exercise so much fun and so rewarding that they’ll bring their friends and family. The Rush’s founder, Larry Gurney, created a superb product. I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of such an industry legend and build on The Rush’s continuing success.
Q: With 2013 right around the corner, do you have any insight into where you think the industry is headed? (Any changes?).
A: Low-price clubs will continue to pop up because of the ease of entry into the market. Consumers have many choices and they’re watching their dollars. Clubs have to differentiate themselves by their employees, amenities and locations/convenience. We have some exciting plans for 2013. You’ll have to stay tuned to see what they are.
By Rachel Zabonick
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
