Every month, Club Solutions sits down with an industry expert to share in their knowledge. This issue, we sat down with Alan Loyd, the executive director of Beacon Health Systems.
1. How did you get your start in the fitness industry?
I really just enjoyed the environment and energy of health clubs, and I think naturally gravitated toward it as a career. I can’t think of a better reason to pursue a particular career.
2. What’s been a key to your organization’s success? What are you most proud of?
One of the biggest keys to success has been the longevity of our leadership team. We have so much institutional knowledge that’s been built over many years, and it’s something we leverage in almost all our operational and strategic discussions. I couldn’t be prouder to work with that team.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
When I was first starting in this industry in an entry level role, I was tasked with starting a basketball league in our club with a budget of $500 to make it work. I dove into it, and the league became a huge success. Members loved it. It was fun for everyone, and the club management was thrilled with the program. That program got me noticed by management, and it opened doors for me from there. So as small as it seems, it really propelled my career forward. I’m still proud of that league and the fun we had with it.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Managing through COVID-19 was an incredible challenge, particularly since it was something we’d never planned for or even considered. From concern for the well-being of our team to meeting the needs of our members — all while facing extremely difficult business realities — was a combination of factors converging all at once. We met and overcame those challenges by collaborating with industry leaders and colleagues as we talked through what we were all doing at the time. Countless phone calls, emails and video conference meetings with people all over the country were incredibly valuable, and it was humbling to contribute to those conversations in some way. And then, as a medical fitness facility, having access to our medical director and expert clinical leadership was absolutely critical, too. It all served to remind us of the power of collaboration and expertise.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other fitness professionals can learn from?
Work hard to get to “yes.” Whether you’re dealing with a member request, a potential partnership, a vendor need or whatever the case may be, I try first to think of ways I can say yes. It’s easy to shoot down ideas, give a quick no, and hide behind policy and current practices, but you run the risk of missing out on new ideas, relationships and ways of doing things. It’s not always possible, of course. Sometimes you have to say no. But try to slow down the instinct to give that quick no.
6. Tell us a fact about yourself others may not know.
I met President Jimmy Carter a number of years ago. He literally came riding up on what looked like an old bicycle from the 70s. He had one secret service agent with him who was riding a sleek, top-of-the-line bike.
