It is no wonder why Kim Kenyon was named “Franchisee of the Year” by Gold’s Gym International. Her dedication to not only the members of her clubs, but also the community as a whole, is unparalleled.
Kenyon started at Gold’s Gym over 22 years ago and today is a managing partner of Gold’s Gym Dutchess County (GGDC), which includes two facilities in LaGrange and Fishkill, New York.
GGDC serves more than 11,000 members. For Kenyon the key to success is ensuring each of those members feels valued and that their individual needs are met from the moment they walk through the door.
“The thing that we have been working on for the last three or four years, and feel very confident about, is the member on-boarding,” said Kenyon. “We try not to just sell you a membership, but we try to give you a membership that is appropriate for what your goals are. Then we do an on-boarding program for the first 90 days.”
Each new member begins with the Smart Start Workout, which consists of a 30-minute consultation appointment to review the new member’s goals, health risks and other information followed by a 30-minute workout. A follow-up is conducted every week for the first 90 days of membership to ensure their success.
“There is someone in the club checking on you, seeing how you are doing,” said Kenyon. “Are you getting the results you want, are you participating in classes, are you participating in small group training and what can we do to make sure you are getting the results you are looking for?”
However, Kenyon’s focus extends beyond the four walls of her clubs. GGDC participates in extensive community outreach as well. Earlier this year, the group received an “Outstanding Community Service Award” from IHRSA for its exemplary work in the local community.
“I think it is important to take your staff out of the club and put them into the community to try to affect a wider base of people, not just your members,” said Kenyon. “Getting people involved in running, kids fun runs, soccer events and stuff like that. We want to be known as the gym that cares and gives back to the local community.”
According to Kenyon, GGDC organizes and hosts around 20 events a year. It recently held a Duathlon that raised funds for Miles of Hope, an organization helping those affected by breast cancer in the surrounding New York area.
As for being named “Franchisee of the Year,” Kenyon said she is honored to be recognized by her peers. “I feel that we work really hard as an organization to be the best and always strive to be the best, so it was very nice to be recognized,” she said.
By Emily Harbourne
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Rachel Zabonick-Chonko is the editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
