Shannon Fable, CEO of GroupEx PRO, shares insight into how she got her start in the health and fitness industry, and how GroupEX PRO offers Group X managers a robust reporting system for objective review of employees, classes and financial health of the group exercise program.
How did you get your start in the health and fitness industry? SF: As a former collegiate cheerleader, group exercise classes in the 90s naturally spoke to me. I found myself in the front row just knowing I could be the one with the mic. Luckily, I worked for a fantastic facility that had a mentor program that led me through the process. From teaching to training, management to sales, start-ups to well-established organizations, program development to writing, I’ve been blessed to learn from so many superstars in this industry.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome and how did you overcome it? SF: In the group fitness world, it’s easy to mistake the spandex and smile as a sign that your ability to successfully contribute as a business woman is lacking. To earn a seat at the table, I asked lots of questions, spent tons of time reading, researching and investing in programs to fill the knowledge gaps that existed, and found ways to work with some of the smartest in the business.
What are the keys to your success? SF: I believe two key behaviors have helped me through the years: experimenting and learning about all facets of the fitness industry through formal jobs and informal opportunities, combined with continually casting a wide net to form an incredible network of colleagues to learn from and lean on.
How does GroupEx PRO differentiate from competitors in the industry? SF: GroupEx PRO lets managers get back to the good stuff through streamlined communication, real-time schedule updates that keep members satisfied, as well as a robust reporting system for objective review of employees, classes and financial health of the group exercise program. We are the only company focused on the unique needs of the group fitness department, seamlessly combining features to communicate with your team as well as your members. We’re way more than a scheduling and reservation system. We run the back-end of group exercise from start to finish.
Why should clubs consider partnering with GroupEx PRO? SF: GroupEx PRO is the only system created by group fitness managers for group fitness managers. Our team is dedicated to supporting group fitness managers with resources and tools to make their lives easier. All of our tech development is led by my amazing husband, John, and not outsourced overseas. And, the customer service team has extensive knowledge in group fitness. We are agile and responsive. We get you. And, our goal is to help minimize the time needed to effectively and efficiently run the backend of your business so you can get back to working with instructors, developing amazing programs and wowing your members.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
