Why I Joined The GGFA

At the time I was asked to fill a replacement position on the GGFA Board of Directors less than two years ago, I had been concerned that the future of the Gold’s Gym franchise was deteriorating. The franchisees needed an effective GGFA voice if the brand was to be strong. There were great leaders on the Board – John Burriss, Blair McHaney, Jerry McCall, Jeremy Lowell, Mike Epstein and a dedicated Executive Director, Ginger Collins – all of whom believed in Gold’s Gym and were dedicated to preserving and strengthening the brand. I believed that, as a part of this team, I could help make a difference. Once aboard, it gradually became clear that if we could enlist and harness the power of all the owners who believed in the spirit of Gold’s Gym, then we could achieve a powerful brand beyond our imaginations. I’m glad I have the opportunity to be part of the team.

Gordon Johnson
Gold's Gyms of Douglasville, GA
Director, Gold's Gym Franchisee Association

All I have ever wanted to do was to own a Gold’s Gym. When I was asked by then President Jerry McCall to be on the Board of Directors of the GGFA, it was already in my blood to do so. I wanted to make a difference for others who were passionate about this industry and especially this brand. Serving on this Board and for the franchisees is one of the most satisfying, demanding, and emotional roles in which I have ever had the honor to participate.

Blair C. McHaney
Gold's Gyms of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, WA
President, Gold's Gym Franchisee Association

it became evident to me, as this iconic brand was passed from one owner to the next, that the Gold's Gym Franchisees and our shared values were really the heart and soul of this company, yet at the same time we need to evolve profoundly in this highly competitive health and fitness business working as a unified platform. Our evolution must be incremental yet always at a steady pace forward into the 21st Century, to become #1. This kind of transformation requires diverse personalities and talents to accomplish while retaining the classic qualities that distinguish us from our competition. My interest and recruitment to the GGFA Executive Board is based on my desire to create as many opportunities as possible for franchisees to move to the next level. The #1 spot in this arena cannot be inherited, it must be earned!

Drew Chesler 
Gold's Gym of South Beach, FL
Director, Gold's Gym Franchisee Association

As a member of the GGFA Executive Board, it is truly an honor to serve my fellow franchisees. I have always felt that in order to make things happen you need to participate and to be involved. Being on the GGFA board allows me to contribute in a variety of ways that directly help to make a difference. The shared passion for the fitness business and the Gold’s Gym brand at the board level is inspiring. Being part of an organization that is the representative voice for all of its members is a responsibility that the board takes very seriously and it’s very rewarding to be a contributing member of such a dedicated team of people.

Mike Epstein
Gold’s Gym of Paramus, NJ
Vice President, Gold's Gym Franchisee Association 

The GGFA is a valuable resource to the entire franchise body. Until becoming active with the GGFA, I never realized how much influence they were able to have on how GGI interacts with us. In addition to having the GGFA be our “voice at the table”, one of the biggest unexpected benefits we’ve received is how the GGFA cultivates a “family” atmosphere amongst the franchisees that leads to open sharing of best practices, and ultimately improving the bottom line of our gyms.

William Lia, Jr.
Gold's Gym of Albany, NY

It's hard to believe, but some of you are still not that familiar with the GGFA. their accomplishments. We should have 100% enrollment from all franchisees and yet we don't. Here are just a few of GGFA's many accomplishments. Besides negotiating and continuing to modify our new and future Legacy 2 agreement the GGFA is actively involved in:

-Rebuilding the national vendor program to give more value to the franchisees
-Restructuring the advertising committee to get more for our advertising dollars
-Working with GGI to establish the core values and the image of Gold's Gym moving forward
-Continuing to stand up for franchisee rights with GGI
-Working to bring you unique education at the GGFA Owners Conference
-Negotiating with ASCAP and BMI for a better deal on your behalf

The list goes on and on.....we need everyone on board......now!

Mark Steinfield
Gold’s Gyms of Pt Pleasant, Long Branch, and Howell, NJ

After you become a Gold’s Gym franchisee, the second biggest event in your business career should be to join the GGFA. This is an organization comprised of people just like you-Gold’s Gym owners. No group or organization of people has its interests more in line with your success than the GGFA. As a founding member of the organization, I invite you to call a member, contact a member of the Board, talk to Ginger Collins, our Executive Director, and ask them why you should join. This is the one and only organization that advocates and represents your position and interests with Gold’s Gym International. You need to be heard!

Jerry McCall
Gold's Gym of San Jose, CA

Since joining the GGFA and attending the past two GGFA Owners' Conferences, we have been able to network with some of the most respected members of our brand. The ideas that were discussed a few weeks ago in NYC were groundbreaking -- the very legitimacy of our legacy in the fitness industry depends on the active participation of every "finger" in our collective "fist." It has been our pleasure to exchange philosophies and best practices with other owners throughout the country.

Jack & Juan Pozo-Olano
Gold's Gyms of Richmond, Richmond (Southside), Warrenton, and Front Royal, VA

The GGFA has provided unparalleled support at many levels. From helping to identify prospective investors, staff, and much needed advice on operation issues, the GGFA has saved our group a significant amount of time, money, and possible challenges from making the wrong decision on important and sometimes critical issues. The GGFA has made our franchise experience feel more purposeful and I am grateful for the worthwhile work of the entire association.

T. Bryan Murphy
Golds Gym of Houston, TX

As 3 club chain owner in the Northeast I would not have any representation if it was not for the GGFA. Our chain is run by two generations of family members and a lot of the Legacy II terms that our GGFA Association we directly beneficial for us remaining as Gold gyms for many years in future.

Bill Austin
Gold's Gym of Fishkill, LaGrange, Poughkeepsie, NY

GGFA does exactly what it promises – ‘Acts as the official voice of all Gold’s Gym franchisees.’ As a founding member of the organization, I believe GGFA will take us to a higher level. Information sharing is invaluable and GGFA is able to bring operational excellence and best practices together for you. Once you make the decision to become a Gold’s Gym franchisee the next logical step for your success is to join the GGFA.

Angel Banos
Gold's Gyms of Los Angeles and Hollywood, CA 

The unification of franchisees is paramount to the success of this brand moving forward. As a founding director and now serving on the advisory board it is of utmost importance that we speak in one, loud, voice about our cares and concerns.

Jeremy Lowell
Gold’s Gyms of Lorton and Woodbridge, VA 

 I have been very blessed to have been in the Gold’s family for more than 16 years and to serve in an ownership and executive position as a franchisee and the franchisor. I felt that it was important to participate in an organization that has the ability to make a difference for all those it represents. My team and I have been on the receiving side of the benefits of the GGFA and feel that it is time we give back to the organization that represents all us.

Jeff Skeen
Gold's Gyms of Minneapolis, MN and Raleigh, NC