HALO Talks

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks, where Pete Moore sits down with Mike Zaino, the seasoned legal consigliere behind countless deals in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor sector. With over 25 years in private equity law and currently at the helm of the New York corporate practice at ICE Miller, Mike has weathered every twist of the dealmaking rollercoaster with a deep bench of legal expertise and a commercial mindset that prioritizes real-world business outcomes. In this episode, Pete Moore and Zaino get deep into the legal landmines and practical considerations that can make or break a successful M&A transaction. They get real about intellectual property pitfalls, the headaches of product liability, and the critical importance of prepping documents, assignments, and shareholder agreements ahead of a deal. You'll hear battle weary, hard-won advice on dealing with less experienced attorneys, the escalator of reps and warranties, the nuts and bolts of escrow, and the increased use of AI in M&

Welcome back to HALO Talks! In this episode, Pete Moore sits down with Daniel Whittelsey, co-founder of Drop Fitness in Montvale, New Jersey, for an inside look at how disruptive thinking and a dose of frustration with the status quo led to a new model in the gym and wellness industry. Daniel shares the story behind Drop's hybrid concept, bringing together luxury amenities, premium boutique fitness brands, and a seamless tech-driven member experience, all under one roof. Tune in to hear how Drop is redefining flexibility in memberships, removing outdated barriers, and making high-end boutique classes accessible to suburban audiences. Pete also touches on their innovative approach to technology, including building a proprietary platform that not only transformed Drop's operations but is now gaining traction with other operators as a scalable solution for the industry. When it comes to being more flexible, Daniel states, "What the idea was foundational for Drop is, can we build something that is more flexible

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks. Host Pete Moore sits down with Amanda Guarniere, a Nurse Practitioner, clinical operator, and VP of Sales and Marketing at GuardianMD, where we take a deep dive into the rapidly evolving world of med spas, IV hydration, telehealth, and weight loss services. With the medical wellness sector booming and the lines between fitness, healthcare, and recovery increasingly blurred, operators are eager to tap into these lucrative new categories. Amanda brings a unique dual perspective, combining hands-on clinical experience with compliance and oversight expertise, to break down what it takes to launch and scale medical service offerings safely and successfully. She talks about hot industry trends like GLP and peptide therapies, the compliance challenges facing new entrants, strategies for integrating medical services into existing businesses, and how GuardianMD helps brands and independent operators navigate regulation, patient safety, and staffing requirements. Whether you'r

Welcome back to HALO Talks, where we dive deep into the strategies and stories driving success in the Health, Active Lifestyle, and Outdoor sector. In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Jon Sheldon, founder of Belleau Wood Coaching and a true "coach of coaches" who specializes in transforming vision into action. Drawing upon a unique background that includes Marine Corps leadership, financial advisory, and now business coaching for owner-operators across industries, Jon shares battle-tested insights on building high-performing teams, optimizing for accountability, and aligning personal motivation with organizational KPIs. Listen as he maps out why business is more like a continuous sport than a finite game, why the right roles and the right team fit are critical for growth, and how to maintain culture and results, even as remote work becomes the norm. Plus, get an inside look at the origins of Bella Wood's name, and discover actionable tactics for scaling your business, driving team engagement, and

This HALO Talks Fast Break is a must-listen for operators looking to streamline insurance payment headaches and unlock new member revenue with Welld Health. Amy Bach is their Chief Commercial Officer. She joined Pete Moore for a rapid-fire rundown on how tech is transforming check-in reimbursement for gyms and studios nationwide. Some takeaways: 

On this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Bill Quateman, founder and international director of Advanced BioCell. Known for his transition from an acclaimed recording artist to a pioneer in orthomolecular medicine and regenerative health therapies, Bill talks about his unique professional path and what he's learned along the way. Listeners will learn how he parlayed lessons from the music industry and personal passion into heading up building a clinic specializing in personalized nutrition, ozone therapy, stem cells, and peptides.  The conversation gets deep into the science behind these treatments, the evolving business landscape of health optimization, and practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking to scale "with heart" in the HALO sector. Whether you're interested in disruptive healthcare models or simply want to understand what's next in patient-centric wellness, this episode is packed with experience-driven perspectives and actionable strategies. On bridging health paradigms Bill says

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tim Klitch, a former D1 tennis player, "Chief Fun Officer" and co-founder of Austin Pickle Ranch. Pete and Tim talk about everything from how pickleball skyrocketed from a niche sport to a 40-million-player phenomenon, the blend of social energy and accessibility that fuels its growth, and what it really takes to make money in this space. You'll hear how Austin Pickle Ranch's beginnings from a rooftop to a 50,000-square-foot facility, the data-driven logic behind scaling courts and optimizing member experience, and why the intersection of in-person community and national brand recognition is changing the game for local clubs. Plus, Tim provides some fantastic takeaways from his professional tennis background, lessons learned in sports investments, and what pickleball can teach us all about fun, fitness, and business. Whether you're exploring deal flow in the HALO sector or just want to understand why pickleball is attracting new investors, operators, and fans,

In this episode of HALO Talks, host Pete Moore sits down with Nico Varano, CEO of SWTHZ who initially started as a franchisee and went on to help built the company into a fast-rising player in the contrast therapy and workout recovery space. Nico talks about his fairly unconventional path from finance into to the HALO sector, reveals why focus and simplicity drive SWTHZ's unit economics, and explains how a data-driven approach helps franchisees scale profitably. With over 100 studios and private equity backing, the company is redefining the recovery sector. Listen to learn more about how the franchise's unique model is attracting operators who want to roll up their sleeves and build real community, and to get insider insights on how to thrive in this fast-evolving segment of the HALO sector. On building a competitive moat in the space, Varano states, "We want to be focused on being the best at one thing . . . which is contrast therapy. When people think about sauna and plunge, SWTHZ should be the first th

Welcome to HALO Talks! In this episode, we sit down with Kat and Brooke Wyman, the co-founders behind SoulFire Collective Yoga, a rapidly growing boutique fitness concept in the D.C. metro area. What began as a smaller, community-driven studio at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, quickly blossomed into a thriving brand with locations in Bethesda and Arlington, thanks to a blend of deep-rooted passion for wellness and sharp operational backgrounds . . . Kat from Lululemon and Brooke from the restaurant industry. Kat and Brooke talk about their path from various side-hustles (and doing literal bike-loads of laundry in the early days of the business!) to now profitable, vibrant, scalable studios that buck the trends seen in the wider boutique fitness industry. Host Pete Moore digs deeper into how their athlete-first approach to yoga resonates with members seeking both community and resilience, their strategies for location selection and market expansion, and the systems that power their rapid instructor onboarding, wh

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Carrie Bacon, a classically trained acupuncturist and co-founder of 180 Degrees Bathhouse in Kansas City. With decades of experience in acupuncture, bodywork, and holistic wellness (sparked by her own journey to recovery) Carrie talks about the intersection of contrast therapy, sauna culture, and acupuncture in building healthier communities. She shares her vision for micro bathhouses as hyper-local hubs combating the epidemic of loneliness and chronic health issues through social wellness, and her perspective on why mainstream medicine is poised for a return to more holistic modalities. If you're interested in scaling your HALO-sector venture, or leveraging new trends in recovery and community health, this episode is packed with a ton of takeaways. When it comes to the loneliness crisis, Bacon states, "Isolation was recently deemed a health epidemic. Loneliness is a health epidemic. And, being able to put bathhouses, which gives you access to that application o

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Munir Ghesani, Chief Medical Director at United Theranostics, to explore the cutting edge of personalized cancer treatment and the business of scaling innovative healthcare delivery. Dr. Ghesani discusses his three decades long path in New York's academic medicine scene to leading a fast-growing outpatient theranostics group, detailing why he left academia, what makes theranostics uniquely effective for patients, and how United Theranostics is building a national footprint through a decentralized, community-based model.  We'll unpack how their patient-first strategy is shaking up referral dynamics, why community settings are the future of cancer care, and what it takes to recruit medical talent and manage rapid clinical expansion. Plus, Dr. Ghesani reveals the business challenges of clinical trials, payer dynamics, and how a rigorous approach to risk keeps innovation on track. Whether you're in healthcare, investing, or looking to build a next-gen medical services brand,

Welcome back to HALO Talks! In today's episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Cory Sterling, founder of Conscious Counsel, legal advisor, and entrepreneur dedicated to the health, active lifestyle, and outdoor (HALO) sectors. After starting his career in professional sports marketing and feeling uninspired by traditional corporate law, Sterling pivoted to blend his passion for movement and wellness with legal expertise, serving gym owners, studio operators, and wellness entrepreneurs across North America. In this episode, Cory explores the changing landscape of proactive legal strategies, the critical importance of customized waivers, and the pitfalls of cutting legal corners, especially in a sector known for its rapid innovation and ever-changing service offerings. From emerging liabilities in fitness centers offering pseudo-medical treatments to the impact of new click-to-cancel regulations and best practices for contract scalability, Sterling delivers actionable insight for operators looking to protect th

Welcome to HALO Talks, where we take deep dives into the minds behind the most dynamic brands in the health, active lifestyle, and outdoors space. In this episode, we're joined by Tony Scrimale, CEO of CR Fitness and a true industry operator whose path took him from upstate New York to the heart of Florida's gym scene. Starting as a young gym enthusiast, Tony's grass-roots experience paved the way for an entrepreneurial ride . . . moving from walking the floor early on, to eventually leading a powerhouse Crunch franchise group with over 100 locations. Tony opens up about the value of hands-on leadership, the importance of ownership mentality at every level, and what it takes to scale through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. We'll hear his candid thoughts on private equity partnerships, building resilient teams, and staying true to your brand identity in the face of rapid evolution. Plus, Tony shares his excitement about tackling hyper-competitive markets like Phoenix, rebranding Crunch for th

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Dario Miceli, the passionate founder of Padel Magazine, to explore the explosive growth and unique challenges of padel, one of the world's fastest-rising racket sports. Dario shares his career path from real estate investor to becoming the unlikely publisher of a global magazine, revealing what makes padel so addictive, how it's carving its own unconventional path in the U.S., and why the current market still feels like the Wild West. From navigating linguistic debates (is it "padel" or "paddle"?), to the complexities of building courts, sourcing coaches, and attracting capital, Dario delivers an insider's perspective. He unpacks the differences between padel, pickleball, and tennis, the need for innovation in business models, and how communities in places like Spain can serve as a benchmark for what's possible. Whether you're a fitness executive, an investor, or simply curious about what's next in the HALO sector, this conversation offers valuable insights on s

Welcome to HALO Talks, where host Pete Moore sits down with Rich Drengberg, CEO of EoS Fitness and a seasoned leader in the fitness industry. In a rare podcast appearance, Rich shares his journey from Gold's Gym SoCal to transforming EoS into a powerhouse of high-value, low-price gyms across the Sunbelt. Listeners will get an inside look at EoS's disciplined growth, the importance of industry relationships, lessons from private equity partnerships, and why knowing your brand's identity is crucial, straight from someone who's helped steer one of the fastest-growing health club chains in the country.  Whether you're an operator, investor, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers invaluable insights on building teams, scaling strategically, and staying ahead in a competitive landscape. Regarding chosing the right partner when looking to sell, Rich states, "We were in a great situation when we went to market that we didn't have to sell, and we were able to kind of pick who we wanted to partner with. And it w

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Pepe Jr., CEO of IGNITE Fitness Holdings, one of the largest Planet Fitness area developers and a second-generation leader in the health club industry. Born into a family deeply rooted in fitness entrepreneurship, with his father tracing back to the industry's early days, Joe shares his path evolving from a family-owned gym business to building one of the most successful Planet Fitness franchises in the country.  Pete and Joe also touch on how early risk-taking, embracing disruptive business models, and leveraging private equity fueled explosive growth from just a handful of clubs in Connecticut to over 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Joe also discusses the importance of company culture, strategies for scaling teams, the role of marketing, and the impact of industry partnerships, along with a look ahead at opportunities in acquisitions and market development.  On the topic of 'front desk to leadership' and the importance of investing in people, Pepe states, "T

On this episode of HALO Talks, Pete Moore sits down with Cricket Wardein, founder of Mighty Pilates, and Cat Martin, the company's CEO and longtime fan, to explore the explosive growth and evolution of their premium Pilates studio brand. Starting with a single location in San Francisco in 2009, Mighty Pilates has grown to 11 studios, with a 12th on the way, successfully combining authentic, high-quality Pilates instruction with a strong sense of community and innovative business strategies.  Listen in as Cricket Wardein and Cat Martin share the story of Mighty Pilates, discuss building a sustainable and inclusive fitness brand, and reveal how a commitment to instructor training and neighborhood-focused locations has helped them thrive in an ever-expanding wellness market. On creating an inclusive fitness experience, Cat states, "We don't want technology to be the first thing someone sees when they walk in the door. We want it to be a smiling, welcoming face, a tour that takes you through the studio, a connect

Welcome to another episode of HALO Talks! Today, Pete Moore is joined by Dr. Joel Seedman and Sal LoDuca for a discussion on advanced human performance and an innovative strength training methodology known as offset loading. Sal shares the origins of their company and his quest to enhance the nervous system of athletes through contralateral training and randomized exercise, which led him to discover and collaborate with Dr. Seedman, often referred to as "The father of offset loading." Together, they dive into the science and practice behind offset loading, its demonstrated benefits in boosting strength and hypertrophy, and its potential to revolutionize fitness across diverse populations, from elite athletes to those with neuromotor conditions. The conversation also explores upcoming AI-powered equipment, patent approvals, published research, and how their approach challenges conventional wisdom in the strength and conditioning world. Tune in for insights on how this technique not only exposes and corrects ph

Welcome back to HALO Talks! In this episode, we're joined once again by Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC Gym, for another conversation that explores the evolution of the brand since his last appearance in May, 2019. (Link below.) Adam takes us behind the scenes on navigating the challenges of COVID-19, transitioning to a franchise-focused, asset-light business model, and expanding globally, with UFC Gyms now operating in 48 countries and growing. You'll hear firsthand how strategic decisions protected both the UFC brand and its franchisees, why careful franchisee selection and capitalization are crucial, and how UFC Gym's new concepts, like boutique jiu-jitsu studios, are shaping the industry's future. Plus, Adam shares very candid advice for fitness entrepreneurs, his thoughts on brand partnerships, and what true community means inside—and outside—the gym doors. Whether you're a franchise veteran or just starting out, this episode is packed with a ton of takeaways.  Key themes discussed UFC Gym's global franchising

On this episode of HALO Talks, we welcome Nick Ovenden of GreatLIFE, an organization that has redefined community recreation in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. What began as a sort of "accidental" golf course acquisition has evolved into a network of six golf courses, 19 fitness centers, and a bowling alley, serving over 40,000 members within a 90-mile radius. Nick joins us to discuss the unique business model that blends fitness, golf, and family activities under one membership, fostering inclusivity and long-term member engagement. Pete and Nick also dive into how their employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) is shaping company culture and succession planning, the impact of combining recreational offerings on attrition, and GreatLIFE'S commitment to building community through partnerships and transparency.  When it comes to the recovery trends that were brought up in discussion, Nick states, "If you have not gotten on the workout recovery train yet, your time and your stop is now. You got to get these prod