Every month, Club Solutions sits down with an industry expert to share in their knowledge. This issue, we sat down with Mary Frank, the vice president of sales and marketing at Cincinnati Sports Club.
1. How did you get your start in the fitness industry?
More than 30 years ago, I completed a sport management/marketing internship at the Cincinnati Sports Club and was hired on at the completion. I made a comfortable $2 an hour. My hands were in all parts of the three-year-old organization, and I was quickly named the sales and marketing manager. The journey continued.
2. What’s been a key to your organization’s success? What are you most proud of?
Creating a mission for our brand that we are joyful stewards and believe in making a difference in the lives of others through our hybrid health club business model. Making a difference involves annual capital expenditures for constant improvement in facilities, outside-the-box program creation and service offerings for the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of our members. Our efforts continue to no longer be considered in the fitness industry but are rather an essential lifestyle experience.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
Never would I have thought I would be at one job for 30-plus years. Being part of an environment that believes in constant growth, reinvestment and serving the whole person has taught me more than I could have imagined — much of which is carried over to my personal life. It’s a place where my 26-year-old son was raised and seasonally worked. Our team has created an environment where members can have dignity as they move through the numerous stages of life.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Managing from the heart. Learning situational leadership, I’m a getter done, grit-producing team member and thought everyone was like me. Learning how to hire, connect and manage individuals to achieve personal success while accomplishing the company sales goals is an art and constant work in progress.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other fitness professionals can learn from?
Too many come to mind. Systems and processes are keys to success. When something succeeds or fails, we should always evaluate to find out the why and keep asking the why until we get to the real answer.
We are all interns. If we’re not growing, learning or open to change, then we are behind.
6. Tell us a fact about yourself others may not know.
I completed the Colin O’Brady 12 Hour Walk in Fall 2022. The 12-Hour Walk is a one-day prescription to eliminate your limiting beliefs by finding yourself worthy enough to invest 12 hours of your time in solitude. No picture taking, no texting, no music, no scrolling, no communication. It’s about you being only with you. Fascinating experience.
To learn more about Mary Frank, connect with her on LinkedIn.
