HALO Talks

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

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 technology, discussing the rise of strength training in gyms, the impact of AI on coaching, and how fitness pros are adapting to new ways of working in a post-pandemic world. From leveraging digital apps for personalized programs to building strong trainer-client relationships, this candid conversation uncovers what it takes to stay innovative in the fast-paced HALO sector. Tomlin also shares his passion for expanding athletic training into new markets specifically golf—with his involvement in DRVN, a fitness app aimed at me

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore welcomes industry veteran Steve Roderick, the man behind Bozeman, Montana's Ridge Athletic. Steve began his career in the HALO sector serendipitously—thanks to a chance encounter in a Wyoming bar—Roderick talks about how his love for athletics fueled his vision to elevate community health and wellness. From building the Ridge from the ground up to navigating the constantly evolving landscape of Bozeman, he reflects on the importance of creating a multi-generational, welcoming environment, his strategies for growth, and the value of relationships—both inside the club and across the industry. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an operator, or a passionate member of the HALO sector, Steve's story is packed with insights on building culture, driving community impact, and staying ahead through collaboration. When it comes to the secret of building out a great team Roderick jokes, "If you're gonna run a business, the thing you need to do is hire people smarter than you. A

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 into how Johnny developed his PE Guy persona, why the character resonates so widely (with both chuckling fans and the occasional real-life PE pro who's less amused), and how he manages authenticity even as brand partnerships and cameo requests start rolling in. Along the way, Johnny and Pete also discuss the importance of self-awareness, the ability to laugh at yourself, and the line between satire and selling out. Whether you're in the PE world, the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor), or just love a good ro

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Host Pete Moore sits down with branding expert and MonoGram Group founder Scott Markman for a wide-ranging conversation on private equity, marketing, and the art of standing out in a competitive landscape. From Scott's early days building powerhouse brands in PE—like Antares Capital—to the inside stories and lessons learned from working with over 100 PE firms, you'll get a front-row seat to how branding and storytelling have evolved in finance and beyond. Pete and Scott riff on everything from the importance of humanizing private equity to the bold branding of consumer favorites like Liquid Death. You'll hear candid insights on how to keep brand integrity alive, the power of team sports mentality in business, and the struggle to get new industry terms—like "HALO"—to catch on. It's definitely a no-holes-barred, no-nonsense chat guaranteed to inspire anyone growing their business, building a brand, or navigating the always frothy private equity world. Listen now for som

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore catches up with good friend and industry veteran Rich Novelli, marking his second appearance on the show. With over 40 years in the HALO space, Rich shares how he's now turning his focus from traditional health clubs to the rapidly-growing world of corporate wellness. He discusses how his new platform, Alegria Wellness, leverages tech and personalized coaching to drive higher employee participation—especially in small and underserved businesses. Novelli explains why simply offering discounted gym memberships just isn't enough, how accountability and personal connection make all the difference, and what companies can do to create healthier, more engaged teams. Whether you're a business leader, HALO sector professional, or just passionate about corporate wellness programs, this conversation offers fresh ideas on boosting both individual and organizational performance. On empowering smaller businesses, Rich states, "I am targeting these smaller scale companies becau

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 solutions and drive real change in the HALO sector. If you're looking for fresh ideas, strategic partnerships, and inspiration for 2026 and beyond, this episode is a great guide to why you should be at next year's Connected event in LA on Feb 18-20! Gobis states, "At Kisako, and especially at our Connected event, we focus on content all of which is based in hours and hours of research with the industry and most importantly the primary market. The gyms, boutiques, wellness clubs, hotels, spas, longevity clinics we s

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 clear mission have fueled Excel Fitness's phenomenal growth. Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT) is one of the largest and fastest-growing operators of fitness centers in the U.S, and Excel Fitness Holdings is one of their largest franchisees currently operating 150+ clubs in Austin, Dallas/Ft Worth, Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Georgia, and Virginia. Their mission is to build a team culture and atmosphere constructed on trust, humility, and strong relationships, always leading by example and putt

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 like Micron and Amazon, Tom reveals the strategies that have kept Elevate thriving in a stable, but fiercely competitive market.  Tom has always focused on building strong programming for his clubs. Under his guidance, both locations have developed powerful personal training programs and dynamic group exercise offerings. Group X classes, including yoga and Pilates, are a highlight, and Tom even launched a dedicated Pilates studio for reformer sessions. As fitness trends changed, he also transitioned away from spinning cla

Excited to share highlights from this week's HALO Talks FastBreak featuring Kaitlin Miller from Court Kings. A level 5 player herself, Kaitlin and Pete dive deep into the rapid growth of pickleball and how Court Kings innovative court solutions are shaping the industry—especially for health and fitness facilities. 3 key takeaways: Booming Demand: Pickleball courts in NYC (especially at Life Time Inc.) are booked solid from open to close—sometimes with waitlists to join! If your facility hasn't added pickleball yet, now is the time. Turnkey Court Solutions: Court Kings was recently named the preferred court builder for USA Pickleball and offers end-to-end services from consulting and court surfacing to fencing, nets, and soundproofing—making it easy for facility owners to get started. Fast Installation: With proper planning, facilities can have new courts installed in as little as 2–4 weeks. Early communication (with the General Contractor especially) and material ordering are key to a smooth rollout. If you

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! In today's episode, Integrity Square Founder and host Pete Moore sits down with Steve Marchese, the founder of LightStim, to dig into the transformative power of LED light technology and its growing role in med spas and wellness centers across the country. Steve shares the LightStim origin story, which was born out of a personal mission to help his own son combat dangerously high blood pressure when traditional medicine offered no solutions. What started as a family "Hail Mary" turned into years of rigorous innovation, FDA collaboration, and breakthroughs in the science of light therapy. The conversation touches on how LightStim developed from handheld devices for skincare to pioneering full-body LED beds, navigating ongoing regulatory controversies of LED and red light therapy, and the persistence needed to create products that truly deliver results. After a few years, Steve saw an opportunity to expand, developing adjustable facial panels for the professional market

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 neighborhoods. They talk candidly about the "puzzle" that is site selection in metropolitan cities, the evolution and simplicity of the Hone Fitness brand, and the importance of understanding real estate and local culture to create lasting success. Jim and Pete reflect on decades of fitness industry experience, discuss lessons learned from mergers, acquisitions, and private equity partnerships, and reveal how a lean, neighborhood-focused strategy led Hone to thrive in a fast-growing, diverse city. Whether you're an operato

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Luke Hartelust--a dynamic entrepreneur and now the founder of MNLY--who made the leap from the oil and gas rigs off the coast of Australia to California's innovative health tech scene. Luke shares his journey from the grueling world of offshore drilling to launching and scaling fitness businesses, including his instrumental role in bringing F45 Training to Southern California.  The conversation dives deep into his latest venture, a groundbreaking men's health platform that uses AI, cutting-edge blood analysis, and custom supplementation to help men take true ownership of their health. Tune in to hear his insights on building community, the power of personalization in wellness, and what it takes to stand out in the rapidly evolving health optimization space. When it comes to the personalized health revolution he states, "Based on your blood work, our model will prescribe specific doses of specific micronutrients, aminos, herbs, ext

Welcome to HALO Talks! In today’s episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Rick Dennis, Co-Founder of Bakersfield’s Body Xchange and a definite "OG" in the HALO sector. With over 30 years of experience—including a storied career at Family Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, and launching successful clubs with longtime partner John Ovanessian—Rick shares insights on evolving gym models, member experience, and responding to changing trends. Rick and Pete chat about how Body Xchange became a place “where everybody trains,” adapting to the post-COVID demand for more strength training, flexible facilities, and self-guided workouts. Rick opens up about the importance of listening to your local community, running a tight operation with zero leverage, and the unique advantages of local ownership in a burgeoning market like Bakersfield, CA.  Pete and Rick also chat about future growth—both for Body Xchange and the Bakersfield area itself—as well as reflections on how today’s athletes are changing the game in high school sports a

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, host Pete Moore sits down with Duff McDonald, former investment banker and well known business journalist, for a fantastic chat. Duff, whose career has spanned investment banking, business journalism, and bestselling books like “The Golden Passport” and “Tickled,” shares insights on how numbers and data have come to dominate our understanding of business and life—but why they often fail to capture what really matters. In this episode, you’ll hear Duff break down the difference between “experts” and “specialists,” challenge conventional thinking on metrics, and advocate for living—and doing business—in the present. Pete and Duff explore why true connection, presence, and awareness can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more meaningful work, especially in the world of health clubs and other verticals in the HALO sector. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or simply curious about finding more joy and meaning in your day-to-day, this conver

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Logan Chierotti, founder of Physician’s Choice supplements, to dig into the in's and out's of building a high-growth company in the HALO space. Logan discusses his journey from working in digital marketing to launching what is now the top probiotic brand on Amazon, with annual revenues approaching $250 million. He opens up about the importance of focusing on value and science-backed products, the challenges of navigating both e-com and retail distribution, and the lessons learned in building a top-tier executive team. Whether you’re a health club operator considering selling supplements or an entrepreneur looking for growth tips, you’ll want to hear Logan’s takeaways on company culture, self-awareness, and long-term success in a rapidly evolving, highly-competitive space. When it comes to educating customers beyond just price, Logan states, "We wanted to give consumers value. And what's nice is with the Internet or e-commerce or even . . . med spas