Club management software can come in a variety of options, such as web-based versus cloud-based versus server-based. Partnering with the right club management provider makes any gym operator’s life significantly easier, and Club Automation is a great partner. Club Automation is reinventing health club management by focusing on connecting you to what matters most, your members.
Here, Greg Wells, the CEO of ACAC Fitness and Wellness Centers, shares how he was introduced to Club Automation and why ACAC chooses to partner with Club Automation for their club management needs:
How were you introduced to Club Automation and why did you decide to partner with them?
GW: We were introduced to Club Automation through our accounting firm, Burkette & Beattie. Chris Beattie, a partner in the firm, is a neighbor of Jeff VanDixhorn, the owner of Club Automation. Chris was very familiar with our operation, knew Jeff owned and operated tennis and fitness clubs, and reviewed the software — he recommended we review it as well.
Prior to our conversion to Club Automation, we were operating on a soon-to-be unsupported version of our member management system of 20-plus years. We were being forced to upgrade to a cloud-based solution. We engaged an industry IT consultant to help us determine what features and functionality were needed to serve our members today and beyond. We recognized that members were much more time challenged, and increasingly do business via a digital application. The member management and CRM system had to satisfy those needs at a minimum for us to be competitive in our markets. Our solution needed to be web based, easy to use (both from the member and team member perspective), flexible and forward looking. After reviewing a variety of solutions, we chose Club Automation.
What features of Club Automation’s software have provided the most benefits to your business?
GW: The fact that Club Automation was web-based versus cloud-based was critical because we didn’t want to internally support a client hosted product. Club Automation was much more intuitive for the front line team members in both sales and operations. The membership sales process is very straightforward and revenue centric. What I mean by “revenue centric” is Club Automation is club-friendly when making sure it collects all the revenue it is due for the various services we provide. The recently added credit card updater has been a tremendous add, we reduced credit card declines 30 percent in the first month.
Why is it so important to have such a reliable software partner like Club Automation?
GW: To be successful in the future, a club operator needs to provide its members with an easy-to-use seamless and flexible digital solution. The ability for members to access our club both through the web and their mobile device gives us the ability to meet their ever-changing needs. Club operators need to make it easy for members to give them their money. The digital partner is as important as your in-club service model today, and will most likely be more important in the future.
How would you describe Club Automation’s customer service?
GW: The customer service at Club Automation has been nothing short of phenomenal. They have been very attentive to our needs, from onboarding to implementation and beyond. We are very demanding and don’t always get what we desire in the way of turnaround for enhancements, but Club Automation is very forthcoming on the reality of the delivery date and why. That honesty is much appreciated from my perspective.
Why should other club operators consider working with Club Automation?
GW: I think club operators should be moving toward a web-based solution for their member management and CRM functions. Club Automation views itself as a partner to a club in providing exceptional service to members, not just another software vendor. Club Automation is in it together with you, and always looking to improve and enhance its product.
For more information, check out Club Automation’s club management solutions.
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Bobby is the former assistant editor of Club Solutions Magazine.
