Over the past year, Club Solutions Magazine has highlighted a variety of health club operators from various states, different facility sizes and each with their own unique background. Here, we share insights and takeaways from 2023’s top-read cover stories.
January 2023: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Overview: The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, founded in 1980 and spanning 27-acres, has undergone a number of improvements and changes over the years. But, its most significant renovation to date began in March 2019 with a commitment to make more than $70 million worth of upgrades to the campus. Construction on The Houstonian Club — the property’s 185,000-square-foot fitness club — began in March 2021 and ultimately impacted almost 70% of the gym’s facilities. With a $23.5 million renovation budget, the project took three phases to complete.
Takeaways: There were many highlights, challenges and lessons learned during the course of the expansive, 20-month-long project. the major goal of The Houstonian Club’s renovation was to open the overall layout of the club and develop areas for socializing and connecting, as well as update the group exercise studios and other fitness spaces alongside operational areas such as childcare and food and beverage.
The biggest challenge of the three-phase project was keeping services functional for members during the course of the renovation. For example, the kids gym and cafe were moved three separate times, creating an operational challenge for the team. Another key takeaway from the project was the importance of considering the member’s perspective from every angle. “The biggest learning lesson was to always remember to think about what the members have lost in the renovation, rather than just what they have gained in the process,” said Cher Harris, the general manager.
Read the full story: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/themagazine/january-2023/
April 2023: Club Northwest
Overview: When Scott Draper opened the doors to Club Northwest in 1997, there was one statistic that stuck out in his mind. At the time, over half of the U.S. population had their first humiliating experience occur in either a sport or physical fitness setting. From Day One, Draper wanted to take the intimidation factor out of the gym — he wanted to create a new paradigm. Simply put, Club Northwest exists to witness, respect, celebrate and elevate the love and well-being that’s inside of everyone.
Takeaways: While this model of focusing on the member’s well-being instead of physical appearance may seem abnormal, it doesn’t mean it’s not successful. In 2019 — and for 2023 — 62% of their gross income was from non-dues revenue. The focus on well-being has transitioned to what the facility is comprised of as well. The space is jam-packed with offerings like a world-class med spa, one of the largest indoor play centers for kids in the country, an outdoor ropes course, an aquatics center with saltwater pools, a NinjaZone, an indoor rock climbing wall and more. However, the differentiator is these offerings were created through the lens of letting members play, as well as focusing on improving their inside instead of their outside. And Draper said it’s paid off.
Read the full story: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/themagazine/april-2023/
June 2023: Kevin McHugh
Overview: Kevin McHugh, the president and COO of The Atlantic Club, never planned on working at the club. However, he became the director of marketing and sales for The Atlantic Club and began his 30-year career with the company changing lives.
Takeaways: Over the years, McHugh has worn many hats. From overseeing antique shows, being the first headmaster of the onsite Atlantis Preparatory School, rebuilding the Tennis Center and then expanding it twice, launching The Atlantic Club Red Bank location, opening two new Milagro Spas and Salons, and numerous other initiatives, McHugh said nothing would be possible without the tireless support of Laus and the team at The Atlantic Club.
McHugh also helped develop a New Jersey Fitness Leadership Team of approximately 12 individuals who were successful in securing 11 of the 12 House of Representatives and both their Senators in New Jersey to cosponsor the GYMS Act. From advocate and headmaster to president and painter, McHugh is the jack of all trades and willing to help push the industry where it needs to go.
Read the full story: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2023/06/kevin-mchugh-jack-of-all-trades/
October 2023: Midtown Athletic Club
Overview: Midtown Athletic Club began as a single tennis club in Chicago in 1970 and has grown to become a leader in the upscale tennis and fitness club industry. Today, the company is comprised of eight clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada, combining health and wellness with community and a member-first mentality. At the heart of Midtown Athletic Club is the desire for members to find a home away from home.
Takeaways: When the City of Chicago announced lockdowns in March 2020, like the rest of the industry Midtown had to cancel or freeze thousands of memberships indefinitely. Midtown’s flagship had gone from its biggest asset to its biggest liability. Faced with this grim reality, the Midtown executive team spent the lockdown rethinking the future of the company.
The team came up with two major priorities:
- To stay afloat financially and reopen the clubs as quickly and safely as possible.
- Continue positioning the organization for growth in a post-COVID world.
Thanks to the work done during the shutdowns, Midtown Athletic Club was able to reopen with a completely reorganized and standardized leadership structure across all clubs. This change has been critical to expediting the clubs’ growth and culture the past three years.
Read the full story: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2023/10/member-first-mentality-at-midtown-athletic-club/
