Industry Education Episodes

Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Hewitt Tomlin, the entrepreneur behind Teambuildr—a software platform that's changing the game on how strength coaches and personal trainers deliver programming. Starting with a simple idea in college, Hewitt has built Teambuildr into a leading solution for gyms, coaches, and athletes, empowering thousands with better tools for training and performance. Together, they dive into the rapidly-evolving landscape of fitness techn...

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Johnny Hilbrant—SoulCycle instructor turned viral sensation, also known as "PE Guy." From his roots riding and teaching at Soul in Chicago and Boston, Johnny talks about his journey from fitness enthusiast to comedic creator, blending his knack for improv and sharp observational humor to lampoon a familiar character . . . the "private equity bro" you inevitably get cornered by at a wedding or some other event. The conversation gets i...

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Reka Gobis from Kisaco Research. They discuss how their Connected Health & Fitness Conference is evolving to bring together industry leaders—from boutique gyms and major brands like Nike and Adidas, to healthcare giants like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. They discuss the importance of creating actionable, science-backed insights and meaningful connections in an intimate setting, all designed to help operators deliver tech-enabled ...

In this episode of HALO Talks, industry veteran CJ Bouchard opens up to host Pete Moore about the realities of entrepreneurship in the fitness industry, sharing candid stories of risk, resilience, and what it really means to build from the ground up. From betting his savings on a fledgling franchise in North Carolina and initially making daily two-hour commutes, to pivoting and learning tough lessons about club size, site selection, and market expansion, CJ reveals how grit, adaptability, and a ...

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with long-time friend and industry veteran Tom Muller, owner of Elevate Fitness in Syracuse, NY. With roots that stretch back to the Gold's Gym days, Tom shares his journey through decades of shifting trends, club expansions, and the pivotal decision to rebrand and tech-enable his business for the modern member experience. From innovative fitness programming and thriving tennis and swim programs to the impact of major local investments lik...

Welcome to HALO Talks, where we dive into the entrepreneurial journeys and strategic insights shaping the HALO sector! (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with longtime friend and industry veteran Jim Solomon, founder of Hone Fitness. Broadcasting on location from Toronto, Jim shares his story of more than 26 years in the fitness space, from his early days as a senior associate at Gold's Gym to building and selling clubs in Toronto's unique urban neig...

Kyria Sabin began her journey with Pilates in 1991 while living in Los Angeles and working as an art gallery director. Teaching Pilates was never part of her original path. However, her lifelong interest in fitness led her to eventually catch the bug for Pilates. After attending a workshop with renowned Pilates "Elder" Ron Fletcher, he encouraged her to teach the method, though she initially resisted. Despite her intentions to head to law school, Kyria's passion for Pilates ultimately changed he...

EōS Fitness is one of the bellwether brands in the HALO space, and for good reason! Listen now to today's HALO Talks Fast Break as Integrity Square Managing Partner & Founder, Pete Moore talks about the history of the brand, where it came from, what the name means, and how this all led up to a pending sale from BRS Capital Partners to TSG Consumer. 🎉 This is a huge testament to the power of a strong team, innovative business model, and a relentless drive for growth. 🏋️‍♂️✨ A few key takeaway...

Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Michael Pesta, a veteran in the HALO space whose career has bridged the fitness, entertainment, and tech industries. Michael shares his journey from his beginnings at AFAA—where he played a key role in pioneering fitness education and telemarketing globally—to an unexpected pivot into film and music production. Mike's story started in the mid-1980s, when, as a struggling actor, he agreed to help move boxes at an organization he hadn't heard of—never suspe...

For a number of years, Ed Hertzman found knee-deep in the middle of the supply chain/logistics world. At 26, he became frustrated by the confusion and lack of timely industry information available—where even a day's delay in placing an order could mean higher costs—Ed recognized a gap: There was no "Wall Street Journal" for supply chain professionals! Driven by this, he started the Sourcing Journal to provide real-time news and insights for the supply chain and apparel industries. What started a...

On this episode, host Pete Moore dives into the cutting-edge world of regenerative medicine and longevity with guests Howard Leonhardt, founder of Leonhardt Ventures and Lionheart Health, and Scott Hoots, an expert in health and wellness franchising. Leonhardt is an innovative medical entrepreneur whose journey started in 1982 with the founding of Leonhardt Ventures, the parent of Lionheart Health and Lionheart Longevity and Wellness. Over the decades, Leonhardt has pioneered groundbreaking m...

Mark Fisher's journey began as a self-proclaimed "skinny guy" in high school. Determined to improve his physique, he began working out, a passion that followed him into adulthood. Throughout his twenties, Mark carved out a career as a professional actor in New York City. Although he found moderate success on stage, it was the "fitness bug" that truly captured his heart, leading him to explore opportunities beyond acting and nurturing a deeper passion for the HALO sector. Mark also shares how hi...

In this episode, we're excited to have Chris Van Dusen from the venture capital world join us. He brings a wealth of experience from both the VC and entrepreneurial worlds. He shares his unique journey through sales, marketing, and three successful business exits. Chris also talks about Solyco Capital, his firm that prioritizes smart capital over mere funding, and their approach to matching investors with the right opportunities. Tune in as we dive into venture capital strategies, how to navi...

In today's episode, host Pete Moore is joined by dynamic entrepreneur, Kevin Wathey. Kevin shares his journey from a deeply personal tragedy with his Mom, to becoming a multi-faceted entrepreneur, spearheading innovative projects across the globe. The discussion dives into two latest (and very complementary) ventures, including a new wellness resort set in Costa Rica, tailored for high-performing individuals seeking holistic health transformations. Kevin also touches on Baseline, his health tec...

In this episode, we're joined by Deb Strougo, longtime industry veteran in the HALO sector. Deb shares her insights both as a seasoned consumer and advisor, exploring the current and future landscape of fitness. Pete and Deb dive deep into the experience and inner workings of high-end clubs like Bay Club, weighing their offerings and discussing the evolving needs of today's customer. As Deb articulates the growing importance of holistic wellness and the cultural shifts in exercise preferences, ...

In this episode we're pleased to host Jeremy Kelstrom from Alaris, a company that continues to make waves in the B2B SaaS space by addressing the needs of youth sports, camps, and club check-in experiences. With a really cool origin story that dates back to their initially winning a business plan competition sponsored by Rolls Royce, Jeremy dives into how Alaris pivoted away from its core signature recognition technology origins to eventually becoming a key player in club management software. ...

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Fadi Zoghzoghy, founder and CEO of Bridge Athletic. Fadi shares his insights about the transformative power of tech for the training market, particularly for college and professional athletes and coaches. With a strong background in tech, Fadi goes further into how Bridge is digitizing weight rooms and enhancing athlete development through personalized training, learning, and adaptive learning strategies. Bridge is not just about efficiency, but al...

In this episode, we're excited to once again chat with fellow B2B HALO sector podcaster and industry veteran, Eric Malzone. Eric--known for his work in the Future Fitness and the Podcast Collective-- has conducted over 800 interviews and dives deep into the evolving landscape of the HALO space with host, Pete Moore. He shares his journey from selling his gyms to slowly becoming a leading voice in fitness podcasts, emphasizing the impact, reach, and direct feedback podcasts provide. Eric journey...

Arman Eckelbarger began his career in consulting, experiencing initial success before pausing to prioritize family life. As his family grew, he eventually moved to a more stable 9-to-5 job in insurance and investments, a field he dedicated eight years to. That really do it for him, so he returned to consulting, embracing the always-evolving HALO space. Today, he focuses on enhancing health, muscle span, and lifespan, guiding individuals to enjoy the rewards of their financial success while maint...

In this episode we welcome Meghann Butcher from RepSpark, a B2B e-commerce platform that's revolutionizing retail for boutique gyms, golf shops, and pro shops. Meghann shares her expertise on the challenges faced by studio operators in managing retail and how RepSpark can seamlessly bridge the gap, helping businesses maximize their retail potential. Butcher is a seasoned expert dedicated to simplifying operations for business owners and operators. She clearly understands that many of these prof...

Curtis Christopherson has been a pioneering force in the personal training industry in Canada for the past 25 years. At a time when personal training was predominantly reserved for the affluent, athletes, and celebrities, he launched Innovative Fitness with a single location. He successfully navigated the company through significant challenges such as the dot-com bubble, the financial crisis, and the pandemic. Today, Innovative Fitness is renowned for its high-end boutique model, specializing in...

Steven Webster has carved out a rather unique career path combining sports, technology, and coaching. Originally from the UK and now in California, Steven boasts an impressive martial arts background. His expertise extends beyond the dojo, selling his first company to Adobe and working with customers including NASA, Nike, and the NFL. Also a Microsoft alumnus, he's made significant contributions to athletic coaching, leading British University sports teams to ten national championships. His m...

In today's episode, host Pete Moore welcomes (for his second appearance on HALO Talks) Deekron Krikorian--formerly known as the Fitness DJ--and currently a new author, fitness professional specializing in those over 40, and a seasoned entrepreneur. He shares how his father's rugby background created a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. Transitioning from a corporate career to promoting customized, curated fitness music for professionals, Deekron's prior company "Motion Traxx" grabbed ove...

In today's episode, we dive into (a relatively new field in the US) the fascinating world of 'healthy/performance lighting' with Kyle Harris. Join host Pete Moore as they explore Brainlit technology, a Swedish company that creates healthier indoor environments by mimicking the natural spectrum of sunlight through advanced LED modulation. Kyle and Pete discuss expanding partnerships with major sports teams like the Sacramento Kings, tackling market challenges, and the impressive patent portfolio ...