Join us for an enlightening discussion sponsored by ZenPlanner centered around building community by utilizing software. We will take a deep dive into the customer journey, how software and systems can grow and scale your business, and provide insight on how software is changing how we do business and the new fitness niches it is creating.
With expert speakers and practical takeaways, this panel discussion will give you insight and ideas to help keep your business growing in today's fitness industry.
- (0:36) Panel introduction of Mike Wuest and his background in fitness and how he came to work for Zen Planner
- (1:17) Panel introduction of Kelly and her background in fitness and how she came to work for Zen Planner
- (2:04) Panel introduction of Ben Timm and his background in fitness and how he came to work for Zen Planner
- (3:55) Mike tells his stories and examples of how Zen Planner follows the customer journey
- (6:57) Kelly discusses how important it is to have a relationship with the fitness industry and creating efficiencies for their clients
- (9:22) Ben talks about the tools they give their clients that they know will help grow the business and make their lives easier/more efficiency
- (11:21) Liz touches on the importance of having system and tools so that you can do what you love
- (12:00) Kelly talks about how software can be frustrating and why many owners are leery of using it
- (14:16) Ben talks about his passion of creating engagement utilizing software
- (17:11) Kelly discusses how Sugarwad is utilized in facilities that want to track their athletes and creating friendly competition
- (19:56) Ben talks about creating “powerful moments” for your members through software
- (20:32) Mike discuses how the software can be an engagement tool because people are connecting and building community through the platform
- (22:19) Liz talks about how cool it is that you can create engagement tools based on your client demographic
- (23:52) Kelly discusses how client experience tools are constantly changing and creating new niches
- (25:59) Ben talks about how ZenPlanner is constantly evolving their software to help build in person community as well as virtually
- (28:35) Kelly discusses the evolution of fitness offerings during and after Covid
- (31:25) Mike discusses the importance of understanding how to scale the business while still creating community
- (34:55) Liz talks about how software can creating more opportunities for including new demographics of clients
- (35:55) Kelly discusses how you can only do so much on your own
- (36:50) Mike talks about where you can find him virtually
- (37:41) Kelly about where you can find her virtually
- (38:35) Ben talks about where you can find him virtually
Ben Timm
Ben Timm, the Vice President of Sales at Zen Planner, epitomizes a life led by discipline, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a foundation built on 10 years of active duty in the Marines, Ben's commitment to excellence has seamlessly transitioned into a 27-year journey in strength sports and 25 years as a trainer and coach. His entrepreneurial drive is evident from his 7-year tenure as a gym owner and his investments in functional fitness, martial arts, and yoga businesses, showcasing a holistic approach to well-being.
Kelli Sweeting
Kelli is an experienced Senior Marketing Manager with a 15+ years as an entrepreneur, plus a track record in the tech industry, specializing in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies. Adept at leading high-performing teams, her data-driven approach, and proficiency in diverse marketing channels have consistently contributed to business growth and brand success.
Mike Wuest
Mike Wuest is an accomplished entrepreneur with a decade of experience as a CrossFit gym owner. He co-founded UpLaunch, a marketing automation and CRM platform, where he also created the UpLaunch Framework. This framework provides strategies on capturing and converting more leads, nurturing new members into brand ambassadors, and reactivating former members, garnering a global readership. Currently, Mike serves as the Senior Director of Growth Programs at Daxko and was instrumental in building the Zen Planner Engagement Platform.
Liz Rodriguez
Liz started her fitness career after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University in Exercise Science and Public Relations. She has worked as a Personal Trainer, Pilates Instructor and Nutrition Coach, and spent 16 years in Fitness Management in the Chicago, NYC and Westchester County markets. She went on to complete a Masters in Business and Administration from DePaul University to further her career and formed her LLC in 2016.
After spending time working on the franchise side of the industry she now focuses on women's health coaching and virtual training alongside her work with FBA.
She is a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and holds several certifications including Certified Exercise Physiologist through ACSM, Precision Nutrition, TRX, Functional Range Conditioning, Wellcoaches, FMS and Power Pilates. She also sits on the Advisory Board for the Exercise Science Department at ISU and is currently a Corporate Representative on the Board for NASM/AFAA.
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