HALO Talks

Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jim Stallman, the driving force behind Eco Global Manufacturing, a multi-generational family business based in Providence, Rhode Island. From its humble beginnings in upholstery supply after World War II to a diverse portfolio spanning technical foams, medical supplies, playground equipment, and pet products, Eco Global's story is one of relentless innovation and American manufacturing pride.  Jim shares how the company evolved, their deep commitment to keeping production stateside, the strategic decision to move into direct-to-consumer brands, and the passion projects like Imagination Playground, which fosters imaginative, screen-free play for kids worldwide. Listen now for a conversation spanning everything from entrepreneurship, adaptation, and purpose-driven business that now spans playgrounds, pets, and beyond. On listening to customers to drive innovation, Jim says, "When we listened to our customers, we adjusted the product by what

Welcome back to HALO Talks. In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Alexander Tsiaras, founder of StoryMD and a pioneering force at the intersection of digital health and patient empowerment. From his roots as a DARPA programmer developing virtual surgery for astronauts and soldiers (!!) to raising over $55 million in grants and private capital, Alexander has dedicated his career to transforming healthcare data into a powerful, patient-centered narrative. Together, they discuss the fractured landscape of medical records, the journey of building an AI agent that acts as your personalized primary care, and the impact of making complex medical data accessible and actionable. Tsiaras shares how this technology helped his wife during her cancer treatment and why turning data into stories is the key to thriving, not just surviving. Whether you're an elite athlete, working through a health challenge, or passionate about wellness innovation, this conversation will change the way you think about your own healt

In this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Tony Saxby, founder of W.O.L.F Fitness ("Workout Live Fierce") to explore his lifelong path in the HALO space. (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors.) From humble beginnings as a teenage personal trainer at a local YMCA, through years of law enforcement, to building and scaling a unique community-centered gym franchise (that has attracted the attention of Dave Bautista), Saxby shares his philosophy for creating spaces that go far beyond four walls and equipment. Discover how W.O.L.F differentiates itself from big-box competitors like Planet Fitness and Crunch by prioritizing community, elevated amenities, and grassroots engagement, and why Tony believes finding the right franchise partners is the key to sustainable success. Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, fitness, or learning what it takes to build a genuine community, this episode promises valuable insights from the frontlines of gym innovation. When Saxby opines on the truth about some fr

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Matt Fornaro, a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience, now dedicated to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. Having left the world of "big law," Matt brings invaluable insights into the legal challenges that new and growing companies face, everything from intellectual property and commercial leases, to the need for proper contracts and the pitfalls of relying solely on digital tools like AI for legal advice. Listen now as Pete and Matt talk about building a solid legal foundation for your business, why cutting corners on agreements can cost you, and practical tips for working with franchisors, negotiating leases, and planning successful business exits. If you're an entrepreneur or looking to start a business, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you avoid common legal mistakes and set your venture up for long-term success. On why every entrepreneur should prioritize IP, Fernaro states, "If they're devel

Welcome to HALO Talks NYC! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Ashok Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO of TheraNow, and talks about the future of telehealth and its impact on physical therapy. From humble beginnings and unique inspirations to the challenges of building a specialized tech-enabled service, Gupta discusses launching and scaling TheraNow alongside his wife and Co-Founder. Together, they discuss bridging gaps in healthcare access with the power of virtual care, how technology is transforming patient assessment, and the innovative solutions they've brought to large hospital systems across the country. Whether you're curious about entrepreneurship in health tech, the state of remote physical therapy, or how to foster seamless patient care in a changing landscape, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and inspiration. On the reality of tech in healthcare Gupta states, "I do not try to disguise ourselves as a tech company, when at the end of the day, what we offer is a service which is o

On this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Sam Circh, founder of Watch Me Move NYC, a unique non-profit program dedicated to bringing movement and fitness experiences to thousands of children across Manhattan. Sam shares his path from volunteering at Genesee Valley Rotary Camp in Rochester, New York to pioneering adaptive and early childhood fitness in the city. Pete and Sam discuss the challenges and successes of creating inclusive programs for kids who don't always fit into traditional sports, building community-based activities, and the importance of fostering confidence and core strength in young people. Whether it's transforming public parks into playful, safe spaces or collaborating with schools and local organizations, Sam's commitment to child development and accessible fitness shines throughout. When it comes to more unconventional fitness options for kids, Circh states, "Just seeing that most of the fitness outlets for kids are specifically for sports . . . if there's somebody in between, the

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Jody Merrill, founder of btone fitness, to explore her path from speech therapy to building a thriving Pilates-based studio business in Boston. Merrill shares some candid stories of personal reinvention, the inspiration that led her to launch btone, and the challenges of navigating the fitness industry . . . including how she leverages her unique background to cultivate strong teams and authentic connections. From opening her first location using funds she inherited and a bathroom read of "Franchising for Dummies," to expanding through a thoughtful franchise model that prioritizes culture and unit economics, Merrill discusses the growing pains and lessons learned on her path to multi-location success. She provides solid, actionable insights on building community, choosing locations, and maintaining integrity while scaling while (clearly!) maintaining a fantastic sense of humor. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneu

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Garrett Salpeter, founder of NeuFit, for a conversation about breakthrough technologies in injury recovery and nervous system stimulation. Salpeter shares his personal journey from college hockey player facing disappointing traditional rehabilitation, to discovering the power of functional neurology and direct current devices that changed his trajectory, and helped heal his own injuries without surgery. Diving deep into the science, Garrett explains how NeuFit's Neubie device leverages neuro-bioelectric stimulation to restore function, accelerate rehab, and, in some cases, deliver rapid results for athletes and weekend warriors alike. The discussion explores the latest on how electrical, magnetic, and light energies impact the body, why nervous system re-education is a game-changer for recovery, and how the device is reshaping protocols for everyone from post-op patients to those suffering with chronic pain. Tune in to hear real-world success stories, th

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Chris Mirabile, founder of NOVOS, for an inspiring conversation about the science of longevity, the importance of preventative health, and the journey from personal health crises to building an impactful company in the supplement space. Chris shares his compelling story of surviving a brain tumor at age 16 which launched his lifelong passion for optimizing long-term health, and reveals how that experience shaped his unique view on wellness and aging. The conversation goes into the challenges of building credibility in a noisy market, and the rigorous scientific process (and team) behind NOVOS' approach. Expect to hear insights on biological aging versus chronological age, the steps NOVOS takes with clinical trials and advisory board selection, strategies for building a mission-driven company, and how to stay authentic amid the wellness industry's hype. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a health enthusiast, or just curious about the future of aging, t

Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jessica and Damien Zouaoui, the husband-and-wife team behind Oakwell Beer Spa in Denver, Colorado. They started in New York City, where feeling professionally unfulfilled, they decided to quit their corporate jobs, sell everything, and head off on a 14-month adventure across 25 countries looking for a unique business idea! Along the way, they experienced beer spas in the Polish Alps, social wellness spots in South Korea and Japan, and quickly realized Americans were missing out on these accessible, communal wellness concepts. Jessica and Damien talk about how their love for hospitality and wellness merged with their analytical approach to create Oakwell Beer Spa, a modern, science-backed spa experience where hydrotherapy baths infused with hops and barley offer real holistic benefits. From navigating the challenges of getting funding and finding the right city, to making the spa inclusive for both men and women and designing it for scalabi

Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where Pete Moore sits down with Angel Olavarria, founder of Strive mens skincare, and cosmetic chemist from Forest Hills, Queens. Angel reflects on his journey from a career in sales to becoming an entrepreneur in men's skincare. He reflects on the idea that people tend to attribute positive attributes to others who are very attractive, inspired him to dig deeper into self-presentation, which eventually led him down the path of skincare science. Angel discusses the often confusing (and slightly sometimes sketchy) world of men's skincare, his hands-on approach to developing formulas, and the importance of using the proper amount of evidence-based ingredients. He also opens up about the process behind launching his business, staying true to his principles, and building a brand that values authenticity over flashy marketing tricks. It doesn't matter if you're interested in men's skincare or not. What is key here are the lessons Angel has learned as he continues to (rapidly!

In this new episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with David Appel from KORB Health to dive into the rapidly evolving world of GLP-1s, fitness, and clinical care integration. Pulling from his experience as a longtime coach-turned-operator, Appel talks about the genesis of KORB and how they're working to bridge the gap between telehealth, health clubs, and innovative weight loss solutions. They bring up marketing strategies that connect with new demographics, the challenges and opportunities of GLP-1 programming, and the importance of education for both fitness professionals and their clients. If you're curious about the future of fitness, medical wellness, and how health club operators can leverage these advancements to better serve their members, this one is a must-listen.  Regarding the role of provider relationships in weight loss success: "Through this provider relationship they're not going to ramp up the drug just to get the weight loss if you're not doing any of the other parts to help with

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! On today's Fast Break, host Pete Moore catches up with Erika Wasser, Co-Founder of Prospr. This is Erika's second appearance on the pod, her first being back in 2020. (Link below to the full episode.) Wasser has been on a mission to streamline club and studio operations for years, tackling the challenge of consolidating disparate tools into one seamless platform. She shares some exciting updates about how Prospr has evolved into an enterprise-level solution, now integrating with major platforms like Awardco, Mariana Tek, and Mindbody, with more on the horizon. She also touches on why a lot of businesses are switching over to her solution. Mainly it's because of its power to consolidate multiple management tools and create operational consistency across. She mentions tons of new features like auto-routed ticketing, robust operational checklists, AI-powered scheduling, and bilingual communications, all designed to make life easier for managers and frontline staff. As al

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore reconnects with longtime friend and real estate industry veteran Jeff Roseman, Vice Chairman at Newmark and previous guest. (Podcast #151. Link below.) Together, they dive into the surging demand for fitness and wellness tenants in New York City, discussing how the HALO space has helped revitalize the retail and office markets.  Jeff shares insider perspectives on landlord-tenant dynamics, the nuances of leasing deals—including the New York-centric "good guy clause"—and the importance of understanding market economics. The conversation covers emerging concepts, evolving tenant rep strategies, and the exciting growth of new brands shaping the city's HALO landscape. Whether you're a seasoned operator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about what's driving NYC's commercial real estate trends, this episode is packed with practical insights, some fun anecdotes, and a bullish outlook on the future of in-person fitness and retail. On the good guy clause Roseman

In this Fast Break, HALO sector veteran Jay Shoates put forward some powerful ideas on building fitness businesses that serve both professionals and the local community, as well as the importance of always learning and adapting. Some key takeaways: Agility in Business: The HALO sector isn't one-size-fits-all. Jay emphasized the importance of being agile, exploring different roles from facility operations to consulting to ensure full utilization and holistic contribution to the industry. Community Connection: Success isn't defined by facility size, but by the value you provide and your connection to the community. As Jay puts it, "You have to be in some form a servant of your community in order for your community to come service you." Consistency and Lifelong Learning: Whether managing a boutique gym or expanding to a 30,000 square foot facility, consistent service and a commitment to ongoing learning (Jay is still eager for more with the HALO Academy!) remain the foundation for sustainable growth. If you'

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Hunter Ziesing, founder of Longevity Health, to dive into the rapidly chaing volving world of preventive health and personal wellness data. Bringing decades of experience from Wall Street, athletic pursuits, and nonprofit work, Hunter shares his inspiration for moving into longevity and healthspan solutions after seeing friends and family struggle with preventable health issues. He discusses Longevity Health's mission: Democratizing access to clinical-grade health data and AI-driven recommendations. . . basically what elite practitioners charge six figures for, made accessible to the masses. Learn about how he aims to empower individuals to truly own their health data, integrate information from wearables and medical tests, and leverage AI for personalized action. This episode also explores the business of building scalable solutions, collaborating with fitness chains, and balancing the desire to revolutionize public health with mindful entrepreneu

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Chris Rotondi, franchisee of a Serotonin Center in Greenwich, Connecticut. From his early days as the 13th employee at Shift4 to his foray into the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) space, Chris talks about his entrepreneurial path and passion for biohacking, longevity, and helping others transform their lives. Listen now as Pete and Chris discuss the hard truths behind starting and scaling a HALO business, the importance of authentic local marketing, and the unique advantages (and sometimes challenges!) of joining a strong franchise network. Whether you're interested in the business side of wellness, new trends in anti-aging, or just enjoy hearing candid stories from the front lines of entrepreneurship, this episode delivers plenty of insights and takeaways. (And if you missed it, we interviewed Seratonin Center CEO Eric Casaburi a while back. Link down below.)  On expanding within a franchise, Rotondi states, "After your first store it get

On this episode of HALO Talks-FastBreak, host Pete Moore welcomes University of Georgia student and public health major Ethan Bezner for a transparent conversation about tackling today's greatest health issues—loneliness, obesity, and diabetes. Bezner shares his motivations about why he dove into research around early onset type 2 diabetes, exploring risk factors like sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and our evolving relationship with fitness. The conversation steers into into the reality of the public health system as Ethan recounts stories from his time as a clinic phlebotomist, where systemic education gaps and real-life challenges come to light. They also discuss the role of government and food manufacturers in transparent labeling, and debate the best ways to reach younger generations, whether through books, social media, or a combination of both. Listen now for a look at the factors shaping public health today and the future leaders working to solve them. Some key takeaways: 1. The lifestyle-disea

Welcome to this episode of HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Bryce Berry, a New York native whose career led him from Westchester County to the mountains of Salt Lake City, and eventually to building a powerhouse presence in the Gold's Gym franchise network. Bryce shares his entrepreneurial path, starting with the unexpected lessons learned from running Dairy Queen stores, before moving into the health club industry and launching some of the largest and most successful Gold's Gym locations in Colorado, Wyoming, and Washington. From the intricacies of site selection and gym operations to adapting to changing market dynamics and member expectations, Bryce reveals how he's created "rainmaker" clubs by offering standout amenities like expansive weightlifting and cardio areas, basketball courts, racquetball, pickleball, and innovative tanning and recovery services. He digs into the evolving branding landscape of fitness franchises, the role of pricing strategy, and why the Gold's Gym name still carr

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes Dr. Joey Munoz, a leader in the world of fitness and nutrition, straight from Tampa by way of Miami. Joey shares his transformation from an overweight teenager to earning a Ph.D in nutritional sciences, and explains how education and mentorship shaped his evidence-based approach to health. They dive into the evolving landscape of the HALO sector, discuss the confusion that many face around nutrition labels, and stress the importance of taking ownership of your health through education rather than relying on the latest "hacks," "latest diet," or supposed "quick fixes."  Munoz also opens up about founding Fit For Life Academy, his commitment to helping everyday people—not just athletes—build sustainable, enjoyable health habits, and the crucial role accountability plays in making lasting changes. Whether you're a fitness pro, operator in the space, or just beginning your wellness journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to h