Maria Gonzalez’s 2024 was a whirlwind of travel and connections. Attending various industry events highlighted the importance of relationships.
Maria Gonzalez, the CEO of ClubFitness Greensboro, had a whirlwind 2024, traveling across the globe, attending numerous industry events and connecting with people at every turn. From Expo Sport Fitness in Mexico to Fitness Brazil Latin American Conference & Trade Show and Beyond Active in New York, she made the most of every opportunity to learn and recharge. Her year was a busy one, attending both the Club Solutions Leadership Summit and the Club Solutions Leadership Retreat, normally only able to attend one.
These events were an essential part of her journey, allowing her to meet both familiar faces and new people who would become valuable connections. For Gonzalez, it was always about the relationships — the connections that fuel her return to her club and community, ready to give back.
One of her key takeaways from the year was the importance of collaboration.
As a board member of the HFA, Gonzalez also learned the importance of involvement and having a voice in industry decisions. Serving on boards, she believes, is crucial for influencing the future of the industry, as decisions made at the highest levels trickle down and shape communities worldwide. For her, being at the table where conversations are happening gives her the chance to contribute to the direction of the fitness world.
“ You really need to get involved,” said Gonzalez. “You need really need to be part of the conversations, have a seat at the table where decisions are being made with these conversations that are shaping the industry and the community that you’re in.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Gonzalez is most excited about the opportunities to continue engaging people in the gym, especially those who haven’t yet joined. She recognizes the challenge but is eager to break through the barriers and change the narrative about who gym members are. “ People inspire me,” she said. “Seeing the impact that we create in so many people’s lives, like hearing those stories and understanding that each story is different, that the needs of your people are different. It’s the beauty in these messiness of the world that we live in. That’s what honestly inspires me.”
From overcoming personal obstacles to supporting one another through difficult times, it’s these moments of connection that drive Gonzalez’s passion for the fitness industry. As she heads into 2025, her advice to operators is simple: always remember that the people — your staff and members — are the heart of everything. Together, we can make a difference in our communities and beyond.
