Bill McBride Launches New Health Club Brand

Active Sports Club in Petaluma, Calif.

Bill McBride, the former president of Club One, has teamed up with Jill Kinney, the founder of Club One, to launch a new club brand called Active Sports Clubs. McBride will serve as the president and CEO of the company, while Kinney will serve as its chairman.

A former Club One in Petaluma, Calif. will serve as the flagship location for the new brand, and additional locations are expected to open in 2014.

“I’m excited about working with Jill Kinney, an industry icon, Carey White, an extremely accomplished CFO and strategic thinker, Ken Brendel, one of the best general managers I have ever worked with and our full team of business and fitness professionals,” said McBride, in a news release.

Active Sports Clubs will attempt to bring a highly-localized focus to its locations, in an effort to better serve the communities in which it resides. For example, at the Petaluma location, a farm-to-table organic café will be introduced, which will feature fresh, local produce and healthy to-go meals.

In May 2013, McBride stepped down as the president of Club One. According to the company, McBride’s departure was part of a strategic shift for Club One to expand its fitness and wellness management offerings and portfolio. In lieu of his departure, McBride founded BMC3, a consulting, coaching and club management company.

“This new endeavor is a compliment to BMC3’s work over the last few months, serving a valued existing clientele with an emphasis on the priorities and nuances of their local markets,” continued McBride in the release.

By Rachel Zabonick