Memorial Athletic Club opened in 1979 in Houston, Texas, as a racquetball club. Since, it has expanded to serve a wider demographic, adding an aquatic facility with 11 lap lanes, a women’s only facility and the Parisi Speed School.
Here, David Cardone, the owner and general manager of Memorial Athletic Club, shares why he chose to add the Parisi Speed School to the club.
CS: How were you introduced to the Parisi Speed School?
DC: I read various articles about the concept of youth conditioning early in the 2000s. Industry guru Rick Caro and a couple equipment vendors suggested I check out Bill Parisi’s program about 10 years ago. After visiting with Bill Parisi and his team, and a couple of their locations, I knew it was a great opportunity.
CS: Why did you want to offer it at your clubs?
DC: The Parisi Speed School is a tremendous differentiator. The passion and professionalism of the entire Parisi team gave me confidence that my club would be a good fit in the Parisi network.
CS: What are the main benefits of offering the Parisi Speed School at your clubs?
DC: The speed school is a natural fit for a family market. Expectations on students and aspiring athletes have grown exponentially in the last decade. Year-round expectations in performance and preparation make the market for youth conditioning an easy sell. Parents of young children have also become busier. Having a Parisi Speed School and being able to market to those families brings the entire family into our building.
CS: Does the Parisi Speed School solve a challenge you had before offering it?
DC: My first experience at a club was as a young teenager playing racquetball in the early 80s. A few years later I was in charge of operations at that club. I’ve always been aware of the gap in services that exist in clubs for older children and young teens. The speed school engages those young athletes in a program that integrates conditioning, injury prevention and character.
CS: Was there anything about working with Parisi that pleasantly surprised you?
DC: Very quickly I discovered the content Parisi corporate was providing our club was applicable to every department. Front line, group exercise, cycling, aquatics and fitness staff have all benefited from the service and training tutorials.
CS: What would you like other club owners to know about the benefits of offering the Parisi Speed School?
DC: Besides the strong market differentiator, I have no doubt the leadership skills and access to cutting-edge content has contributed to my club’s profitability far beyond the profits of speed school operation.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
