Corporate Fitness Works has had a banner week. It was recently recognized as the fastest-growing, largest private company in Tampa Bay, Florida, celebrating 167.7 percent growth. A provider of comprehensive wellness and fitness solutions since 1988, the company employs over 650 professionals nationwide.
As part of their strategy for continued growth in 2016, Corporate Fitness Works also announced a change in its executive leadership by moving COO Allison Flatley into the role of Chief Strategy Officer. Flatley has over 30 years of experience in the wellness and fitness industry, and joined Corporate Fitness Works after the company acquired L&T Health and Fitness, where Flatley was COO, in April 2014.
According to Flatley, the acquisition of L&T Health and Fintess was one of the key factors that kickstarted Corporate Fitness Works’ growth.
“However, we continued to look forward and did not stop promoting healthy cultures as a way of reducing health care costs,” continued Flatley. “While we were managing the impact of the acquisition and streamlining our business processes, we remained focused on new business development and celebrated the addition of new contracts that also contributed to our growth in 2015. We continued to be extremely flexible with our model of wellness. We believe that the wellness and fitness model needs to fit within a community’s culture. Once involved, then we can help the community grow their wellness and fitness model which is the exciting part – where the magic begins.”
Here, Flatley shares more about the company’s success and her new role:
CS: What can other fitness companies learn from Corporate Fitness Works’ fast growth?
AF: More than a year prior to the acquisition, we had detailed discussions and explored various possibilities for continued growth. The key was preparing everyone for change. It was a challenging time for our team, but a big part of our success lies in our team’s ability to rise to challenges. We knew that it would take a while to try different options and solutions before we had a growth plan and strategy in place. I commend our team for taking everything in stride and being flexible as we set priorities. We set up an Advisory Board that meets to discuss “challenges” as they came up and to work through solutions. Now that we have our business unit leaders in place, we’ve discontinued the Advisory Board. We’ve realigned this group into an Executive Board that will empower and support each business unit. We value the team approach as it allows for broader thinking and possible solutions.
CS: What’s your vision for Corporate Fitness Works in 2016? What other successes do you expect?
AF: Our goal is to continue to be a catalyst for healthier communities and lead the health revolution that moves everybody.
CS: Concerning your new role, what are you most excited about?
AF: I’m most excited about introducing innovative new services, products and solutions that we can bring to our clients and communities that support the value of health. Also, to champion our vision, mission and philosophies and to act as a “client-care officer” providing regular and direct contact with our clients and partners. Also, to see our team grow.
CS: How do you expect your role to evolve over the next year?
AF: We have a great team in place which allows me to pull out of operations and focus on our growth strategy. This will take some time; however, thanks to the operational oversight and leadership from Laurie Caton in the role of senior director of the account management team, I’m able to focus clarifying our corporate vision and drive decision making that will sustain longevity for our company.
CS: What will be the biggest challenge in your new role, and how will you overcome that challenge?
AF: The biggest challenge is always differentiating Corporate Fitness Works in the competitive marketplace. There are so many solutions and options for communities to become healthier. I believe our philosophy of valuing diversity and inspiring individuals and organizations to champion their own well-being will take us far. Championing your own well-being should take place every day whether it is taking the stairs today, holding a walking meeting or sending a hand-written note to a teammate – constantly doing some the shows you value health.
CS: Will there be a new COO?
AF: At this time, we are not identifying a COO. We have business unit leaders with defined roles and responsibilities that are taking charge of our priorities and are responsible for decision making in their area of expertise. We value empowering our team leaders so that they can take ownership of our success. I have amazing faith in this team and are excited to see the results.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
