IPO Edge hosted a fireside chat at the 2023 ICR Conference with the CEO of Planet fitness, a growing dynamic judgement free public gym. The in-person interview featured CEO, Chris Rondeau joined by IPO Edge Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone and Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks. Watch the full recording below:
About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2022, Planet Fitness had approximately 17.0 million members and 2,410 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90 percent of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.
About Chris Rondeau
Chris Rondeau has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness since January 2013. Prior to that he served as the Chief Operating Officer since 2003. Mr. Rondeau joined Planet Fitness in 1993, working the front desk at the very first location in Dover, NH, one year after the original founders, Michael and Marc Grondahl, started the Company in 1992. Today the brand has over 2,300 locations system-wide.
Throughout the years, Chris played a critical role in developing and refining the unique, low-cost/high-value business model and lean operating system that revolutionized both the fitness and franchising industry. Under Rondeau’s leadership, Planet Fitness has experienced tremendous growth and has been recognized for many accolades including, Entrepreneur Franchise 500 – Fastest Growing Franchise List, Franchise Times’ Top 200, Forbes’ America’s Best Franchises, Newsweek Best Customer Service, and Best Places to Work in New Hampshire. An innovative entrepreneur, Mr. Rondeau was honored as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year and inducted into the UNH Alumni Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. Mr. Rondeau also received an honorary doctorate degree from Philadelphia University and received the University’s honorary innovation medal. In 2020, he joined the International Franchise Association (IFA) Board of Directors; board members are drawn from a world-class set of franchise brands.
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