James Stropoli, the executive director of member relations for Club Fit, shares how Jonas Fitness has improved their operations and more.
As the years have progressed, technology has evolved and the industry has grown, so has the demand for a more robust and business-intelligent club management software.
James Stropoli, the executive director of member relations for Club Fit with two locations in New York, said they have always had a goal to strengthen their club operations while maintaining the focus of shaping a healthier world for all. Partnering with Jonas Fitness allows them to do just that.
Here, Stropoli shares how Jonas has improved their operations, helped them through the COVID-19 pandemic and why other clubs should partner with them.
How has Jonas Fitness helped your club improve its daily operations?
Attention to detail is one or our core values. Jonas provides us a high compliance level of secure business transactions with our membership while delivering real time reporting and functionality at our fingertips. Whether it is using the core product in a back office or Compete on the Go and Empower Me on mobile devices, Jonas is there for you and your members. In addition, the flexibility to manage varied department business rules including tennis, aquatics, massage and pickleball reservations; online group fitness class enrollments; a secure Kids Center check-in process; cafe and pro shop POS systems; and commission management. Jonas allows us to compete with confidence across the board.
How has Jonas helped you during the COVID-19 pandemic?
As our industry was “unfairly crucified” early in the pandemic as a root cause of virus spread and not rightfully treated as a solution, Jonas realized that it needed to quickly adapt to government mandates being imposed on its clients. From teaching us best ways to use current functionality to adjust billing cycles and mass edit member status or build out new ways to structure capacity levels, the Jonas team was ready to stand with us shoulder to shoulder. Fight or flight? Those still standing decided to fight and we are all stronger for it — together!
Why is it so important to have a great CMS partner like Jonas Fitness?
As mentioned earlier, Jonas is a company that truly cares about the well-being of its partners. When a vendor succeeds and delivers a solid product, it allows for more time to be spent directly with our membership and fellow team members. The reality is that our clubs, no matter what technological advances surface around us, will always be most successful, most impactful with in-person motivation and accountability, in-person socialization, in-person period. Technology is an amazing complementary tool that expands the in-club experience and hopefully drives greater, lasting interest in leading a healthy lifestyle for self and family. Having a CRM partner that can free up staff from sitting in front of a computer and can maximize the time spent coaching staff, developing innovative programming, and delivering genuine hospitality is so important and proved even more critical during these trying times.
How would you describe Jonas Fitness’ customer service?
Committed, dedicated and always available.
Why should other club operators consider working with Jonas Fitness?
As proven leaders in our all-important industry, there has never been a more important time to solidify the foundations of business operations. This pandemic has proven that complacency is a death sentence to any business, especially if software is so rigid that turning on a dime to make things happen is either so frustrating to implement, it just isn’t or simply cannot be done. Jonas Fitness — like its clients — took a massive hit when the shutdown orders were mandated. However, they never ceased to exhibit strength, deliberate product development and a consistent focus on the voice of customer process that in my eyes is the true differentiator. For that we are proud to be part of the Jonas family and recommend them for serious consideration.
