Every month, Club Solutions sits down with an industry expert to share in their wealth of knowledge. In the November issue, we sat down with Scott Morris is the vice president of operations at Crunch Fitness Franchise.
1. How did you get started in the fitness industry?
I chose Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. After this degree program was consolidated into another department, I shifted my field of study to health sciences. Upon receiving my degree in exercise science, I joined Fitcorp, a corporate fitness and wellness company, as a personal trainer. After developing my skills in sales, staff development and management, I was promoted to general manager.
2. What’s been a key to your organization’s success?
At Crunch Fitness, we have a culture that genuinely cares about our franchisees, gym and team members’ success, and an amazing and irreverent brand that adheres to our “No Judgments” philosophy.
3. What are you most proud of?
Seeing the number of individuals I’ve had the pleasure of supporting and developing over the years and the successes they’ve achieved both inside and outside of the industry. It has been gratifying to see them become great leaders and mentors for others.
In addition, without a doubt, my biggest accomplishment has been becoming the vice president of operations for the Crunch Fitness franchise. As one of the largest, fastest growing and most recognizable global fitness brands, our growth correlates directly to the success of our franchisees. Their success comes from having knowledgeable and well-trained teams. At Crunch Fitness, we have created and continue to enhance best-in-class tools, systems and processes to help our franchisees achieve their goals.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career? And how did you overcome it?
Going from a single-unit general manager to a multi-unit leadership position. I learned the hard way I could not be in all places at all times and fix the issues myself. I had to hire, train and develop a team of self-starters who shared my vision around creating an exceptional member experience.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other fitness professionals can learn from?
Be willing to take risks and never stop learning. Our industry is ever-changing and the more versed you are in every aspect of the business, the more valuable and impactful you’ll be to your organization today and in the future.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
I enjoy traveling with my family. When we travel, we like to attend sporting events in most places we visit. We’ve had the fortunate opportunity to see many arenas, golf courses and stadiums for a variety of games and tournaments throughout the U.S.
To learn more about Scott Morris, connect with him on LinkedIn.
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
