HALO Talks

Brynn Scarborough, CEO of JK Products, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the recovery space through her innovative approach and forward-thinking vision. With over 40 years of experience in the tanning and sunshine sector, Scarborough's company expanded its focus about five to six years ago to include stackable amenities in recovery and wellness spaces. Anticipating industry trends long before they became mainstream, she began exploring touchless and labor-free modalities even before the global pandemic sped things along in that direction anyway. Her contributions have positioned her as a pioneer in integrating advanced wellness solutions into the HALO sector. On maximizing boutique fitness revenue, she states, "Whether it's a massage, whether it's red light, whether it's recovery . . . there are multiple things you could do that don't add staff and don't take up extra extra square footage that you don't already have, things that get that extra click out of every person that comes through the door, or g

In this episode, host Pete Moore sits down with Tessa Arnold, a former banker turned wellness entrepreneur, HALO evangelist, and Co-Founder of Snapback Energy. She shares her journey from a 12-year career in commercial banking into the entrepreneurial space. She dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning industries, the importance of balance in life, and her passion for Ayurvedic health coaching. Tessa discusses the development of her patented supplement formula, her dedication to giving back to veterans, and the insights she's gained on living a fulfilling life while trying to balance the demands of running a new business.  On building out the company, Arnold states, "I think my background in banking helped because I was a project manager. I knew how to do things methodically and figure out who I needed to reach out to and bring in . . . So working with my team, bringing in a food scientist, going through a ton of variations and developing our formula to what it is today was an incredible l

Larry Blundred found solace and a new passion through an unexpected yet heartwarming intervention by friends. In the wake of his wife's passing due to a brain tumor, Larry was navigating a tumultuous period, balancing the demands of his job and his role as a caretaker. Amidst all this, he was introduced to pickleball by two friends. Initially unfamiliar with the game and without a paddle, he quickly embraced the sport, finding both emotional refuge and camaraderie on the court. His journey into pickleball became transformative, providing much-needed emotional therapy and a new community of supportive friends. Listen now to hear Larry's story of how this inclusive, community-driven sport transformed his life, inspiring him to create children's books and spread the joy of pickleball. Pete and Larry talk about the emotional and social benefits of the game, its global appeal, and the importance of maintaining its core values amidst growing commercialization, and how he ended up writing a children's book!   "It wa

Barbara Safani began her career in human resources with a specialization in recruiting candidates. Her career took a transformative turn when she found herself searching for new opportunities and ended up having to revamp her own professional narrative. This provided her with valuable insights into the many challenges job seekers face. Motivated by her newfound perspective, she decided to leverage her recruitment skills to help candidates present themselves more effectively to potential employers. She now dedicates herself to aiding job seekers in crafting compelling resumes and narratives to successfully land their desired positions. With 14 international awards to her name and a wealth of credentials, Barbara owns Career Solvers, and has dedicated herself to helping others successfully navigate their own career paths. Host Pete Moore and Executive Producer David Ganulin dive into Barbara's journey from human resources and recruiting to becoming a highly sought-after career coach. They explore the intricacie

James McGinniss is the Co-Founder and CEO of David Energy, a technology-enabled electricity provider that caters primarily to multi-location businesses, quick-serve restaurants, and fitness brands, with a special emphasis on the latter. A mechanical engineering Master's graduate from the University of Texas, James was drawn to the renewable energy sector during a significant solar and wind power boom in the state. Witnessing firsthand the economic opportunities in solar, he recognized this as a pivotal moment in the industry and was inspired to contribute to the burgeoning field. David Energy aims to solve various energy-related challenges for its clients, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability. MCGinniss also discusses how their platform not only offers lower and fixed pricing to safeguard against market fluctuations but also leverages smart technology to optimize energy use and drive cost savings. They explore case studies, including a compelling example of a fitness franchisee savin

In today's special episode (big #500!) host Pete Moore hands the mic to industry veteran Al Noshirvani and dives into a wealth of topics currently affecting the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoor) sector. Listen for insightful stories about overcoming business challenges, from employee and landlord issues to the complexities of deal funding, and aligning management teams. Pete shares his personal and professional experiences and Al (who has been "in the room" on some deal closings) praises Pete's innovative, out-of-the-box, deal-closing abilities and delves into how to maintain optimism and transparency in business transactions. Pete continues and discusses the pressures of public markets on companies like F45 and Peloton, and the high debt burdens imposed by private equity.  He goes on to explore the need for gyms to adapt to emerging trends, such as family fitness and workout recovery, and lays out his vision for the future of the HALO space among societal health concerns. Finally, Moore hits hard on t

Ryan Valencic, an accomplished entrepreneur with a 12+ years in the trenches, has built and successfully exited multiple businesses. With a family background in franchising, Ryan continues to hone his skills as a serial entrepreneur, currently overseeing multiple companies. He is in the midst of launching an innovative health tech platform and about a year ago, Ryan joined Cultivate Advisors to lead their partnerships, drawing on his extensive professional experience to drive new opportunities. In this episode, Pete and Ryan dive into concepts like business owner freedom, effective coaching, and what it may look like in the future when it comes to growing and exiting a business successfully. Ryan also highlights the importance of mission alignment, disciplined execution, and the value of saying no to ensure business success. Whether you're an established entrepreneur or just starting out, Valencic's insights on navigating the business landscape, particularly in the HALO sector, promise to be educational. "Don

We're excited to welcome back Kevin McHugh, a legend in the HALO sector and a key player in helping reinvent the Atlantic Club. (Check out his first episode here if you missed it.) Host Pete Moore sits down with Kevin and delves into how the Atlantic Club took the challenging COVID-19 shutdown as an opportunity to completely rethink and transform their business model and facilities. Kevin provides an in-depth look at the strategic decisions and renovations that not only helped them recover post-COVID but have also positioned them for future success. From creating a spacious new fitness layout to establishing a booming pickleball center, Kevin reveals the honest conversations, tough decisions, and innovative thinking that went into revitalizing the space. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, member engagement, and trend-setting in the fitness industry. "If you left the club in 2022, the new Atlantic Club today is nothing like it was. We're a brand new club, brand new progress, brand new faciliti

Sara Al Hardan's journey into the fit tech industry began unexpectedly when she joined a small startup that unfortunately didn't succeed. This eventually led her to connect with Jeff Miller who shared with her an innovative lateral motion device called the Phantom Edge, which he and his brother Ken invented. With a strong background and passion for health, wellness, and mobility—fueled by her personal connection to Parkinson's disease through her mother—Sara jumped in. She and Pete discuss the market need for posterior lateral motion devices and the potential impact on rehab and physical therapy. Sara also delves into the aspects of launching a startup, emphasizing the importance of strategic marketing and fostering key relationships within the industry. About the Edge itself, Sara states, "This is a fully instrumented device, which is a little bit different. Because you're moving side to side, what it does is actually takes bilateral measurements for a number of different attributes that's going to help not

Neal Valera's passion for golf began in college, where he competed at the collegiate level. Aspiring to turn pro, he realized he wasn't quite at that level. Unwilling to settle for a "traditional desk job," he began personal training in 2007. His entreprenurial spirit led him to collaborate with his business partner, Dennis Dunphy, in 2015. Together, they attended a course with Dr. Arthur Faygenholtz who specialized in stick stretching. Inspired by their mentor, Neal and Dennis developed an innovative fitness method that combined this with strength training and isometrics.  Neal chats about the technology and development behind Stick Mobility, including the unique engineering that makes the sticks both flexible and durable. He also goes on to discuss their certification process to ensure trainers can maximize use of their product. When asked about what really kicked them off, Valera states, "After posting on social media for a while, we got a message from the head strength coach of the Cincinnati Bengals at t

Dan Schreiber is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and a former athlete who enjoys the simplicity and effectiveness of outdoor exercises. With a philosophy rooted in maximizing training efficiency, Dan appreciates workouts that integrate both strength and conditioning without the confines of traditional gym settings. Embracing the freedom of outdoor activities, he often engages in HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), plyometrics, and hiking to maintain a robust fitness regimen. His athletic background has significantly influenced his views on training methodologies. He often reflects on the traditional approach of separating weight training and field drills in sports training, advocating for a more seamless integration of these components. His experience led him to develop Wearbands--innovative training aids that combine strength training with functional movement, ensuring a comprehensive workout aligning with the natural movements experienced in sports and everyday life. In his pursuit of fitness, Dan is al

Sandra Statz is a seasoned veteran in the beauty industry and the inspiration behind the innovative beauty brand, AP Chem. With a focus on the often overlooked Gen X market, Sandra brings a wealth of experience from her days at major beauty conglomerates. In this episode we'll dive into the origins of AP Chem, discussing the unique approach Sandra and her Co-Founder are taking to create science-forward, fun, and effective beauty products targeted at mature consumers. We also touch on the intersection of beauty and wellness, and their unique incorporation of mental health awareness and psychedelics into their brand ethos. Listen now as we uncover the wins (and losses!) of launching a beauty brand in a saturated market, the importance of transparency in ingredients, and the personal journeys that shape entrepreneurial ventures. Regarding transparency, a topic clearly important to Statz, she states, "When I say transparency, we talk about these unusual ingredients that you typically don't find in skin care, and

We're excited to have Blake Rose and Brian Price from OLA Beach Tennis on the episode. These childhood friends-turned-entrepreneurs share their journey of bringing the vibrant and accessible sport of beach tennis from Rio's shores to the sands of Southern California. Learn how they transformed a fun discovery abroad into a flourishing community-building sport that mixes play, wellness, and social interaction. Beach tennis isn't simply about the game. These guys have created a fantastic space where people can connect authentically, get some exercise, and be outside, all without the traditional pressures of the standard "networking over drinks."  Regarding the customer experience, they state, "We invest 100 percent of the profits back into the business. That's another thing to add is that because we're not drawing a paycheck from this, all the revenue we derive goes into the client experience, and it will in perpetuity while we're running it."  Key themes discussed Beach tennis: Competitive sport with growing

Nick Allen is the visionary Founder behind Sunnyside, a pioneering health and wellness app designed for individuals who consume alcohol regularly and are looking to moderate their habits without committing to complete sobriety. Motivated by the lack of middle-ground solutions in the alcohol health space, Nick identified a substantial demographic of people who drink more than what might be considered healthy and are interested in adjusting their drinking habits, yet have no intention of becoming 100% sober.  Nick's approach with Sunnyside is unique because it focuses on mindfulness and moderation, providing a supportive tool for those who want to improve their health and wellness by being more conscious of alcohol's role in their lives. He recognized the dilemma faced by many who felt alienated by the traditional all-or-nothing solutions—either facing the stigma of admitting to being a problem drinker and pursuing complete sobriety or continuing without guidance. Sunnyside fills this much-needed gap by offerin

Delaine Fowler is an innovative physical therapist with over 20 years experience. Early in her career, she noted a recurring pattern; numerous workers from the same company were suffering identical injuries. Driven by curiosity and a proactive mindset, she started reaching out to these companies, offering to tour their facilities to attempt to understand the underlying causes of these injuries. She quickly recognized an opportunity to intervene before workers ever needed medical attention. She recalls an encounter that particularly shaped her approach: a worker approached her, clipboard in hand, visibly nervous about her presence. The worker explained that she had recently switched to a different line at her plant and had been experiencing wrist pain ever since. This interaction underscored the impact of workspace adjustments on worker health and solidified Delaine's commitment to workplace health advocacy. Delaine's proactive approach and dedication to preventative physical therapy have made significant stri

Alexa Newkirk has always seen wellness and fitness as her sanctuary—a vital outlet from the everyday challenges of adolescence and an effective tool in her battle against anxiety and depression during high school. Recognizing the profound impact that holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being—had on her life, Alexa was inspired to dedicate herself to guiding young individuals in discovering their own passion for health and wellness. At bKYND ("Be Kind"), where she is an advocate for a holistic wellness model, Alexa continues to fuel her commitment to nurturing inclusive environments that empower youth to thrive in all aspects of life. Her work is a reflection of her own journey and a testament to her belief in the transformative power of well-rounded health practices. bKYND uniquely blends physical activities with educational discussions, reaching various schools and impacting thousands of students by making wellness accessible and engaging. Join host Pete Moore and Alexa

Henry Penix is an innovative entrepreneur in the holistic health industry who embarked on a transformative journey about eight years ago when he co-founded a unique clinic. This space was a melting pot of traditional and alternative medicines, featuring professionals ranging from MD's and DO's to chiropractors, offering a diverse array of healing modalities. Amidst these varied treatments, Penix and his team discovered the profound impact of sound frequency therapies. The approach was so successful that they dedicated nearly half of their clinic to a sound frequency spa, where clients would immerse themselves in tailored 20-minute sessions designed to address their specific health concerns. These sessions proved highly effective for a myriad of issues, such as anxiety, depression, low energy, and hormonal imbalances, earning rave reviews for their restorative benefits. Spotting the potential for broader access to these therapies, Penix's wife suggested digitizing the sound frequency experience. The team's tim

Radz Zalewski, an astute entrepreneur with a passion for fitness and branding, is all about transforming how gyms create and maintain their connections with members. Recognizing the pivotal role that supplements and apparel play in establishing a gym's identity, he holds a firm belief that every individual wearing a gym’s shirt not only promotes the brand but also strengthens the communal bond. His approach targets missed opportunities for brand connection by ensuring that members endorse their gym with pride, clad in merchandise that resonates with their lifestyle. As far as supplements? They're critical because they're consumable . . . people keep coming back. Radz likens them to an entry point to having a much larger wellness conversation. He acknowledges that an astonishing 85% of gym-goers engage with some form of supplementation, highlighting the necessity for gyms to offer education and seamless access to purchasing. Radz's vision extends beyond the retail aspect, as he advocates for integrating compre

Lauren Brenner is the innovative mind behind the groundbreaking fitness concept, Powerbox 360—a fusion of an immersive nightlife energy vibe with a killer workout. Brenner's concept transports participants into a 360 degree panorama of pulsating visuals and heart-pounding beats reminiscent of an electrifying club environment.  Her vision extends beyond "just" the workout though. She aspires to transform attendees from passive onlookers to dynamic players in their fitness journey.  With a fierce commitment to holistic well-being, Lauren's revolutionary workout experience is crafted not just for the body, but also the mind and spirit. Her program promises an engaging workout that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines between entertainment and personal betterment, making her a true innovator in the sphere of immersive fitness. As a driven entrepreneur herself, on the importance of building a brand Brenner states, "When you own your own business and you're a type A personality, you wanna be in it. You wanna feel

Matt Slowinski, a college junior when the pandemic struck, found himself at a crossroads along with his friend Aaron Reznik. With their academic lives interrupted and traditional internships inaccessible, Matt turned to his long-standing passion for tennis as a way to fill his time. For years, he and Aaron had coached private tennis lessons during the summer break. As they sought to shape their uncertain futures, Matt's entrepreneurial nature shone through. Leveraging his skill on the court, he suggested the idea of hosting a tennis clinic. With Aaron's marketing acumen behind them, they curated their client base and launched First Serve Tennis. This not only allowed Matt to nurture his love for the sport but also provided an avenue for professional growth during a time when opportunities seemed scarce. Matt and Aaron's journey, punctuated by adaptability and ingenuity, illustrates how they turned a period of global upheaval into a chance to further both their passion and careers in an unexpected, but highly