Can you remember when you first found out about the GGFA ’ s Supplier Partnership Network ? Yes , I do remember . I believe it was 2008 IHRSA and it was Ginger and Blair who came to the Matrix booth to talk with me about Matrix possibly being added . I had heard about GGFA earlier from Angel Banos so was thrilled to officially have the opportunity to become a part of this wonderful network . We jumped right in because on that Saturday of IHRSA we participated in the GGFA trip to Napa event . Fortunately for my liver I was not able to go but Jim Goulding was there representing Matrix which paved the way for many future “ memorable experiences ” with GGFA !
Why did you join the SPN ? I have always respected the Gold ’ s Gym brand and the legacy it ’ s had in the fitness industry , so it was a no brainer to want to be part of the GGFA SPN so that we could further support the franchisees themselves . time together over the years has led to some amazing relationships and friendships that I will cherish forever .
Can you share a memorable experience that is particularly special ? There are so many to choose from , but I have to admit that the GGFA Trip to Encenada , Mexico after IHRSA 2010 was one that will go down in my books as GOAT . Let ’ s just say that between Mexican vineyard wine tasting at 10am , tequila shots before noon , absinth at Encenada hole in the wall bar , Papa ’ s & Beer Bar , Ginger in a Nacho Libre mask , Angel in play handcuffs but someone lost the key as we ’ re approaching boarder check back to US , Kent was MIA for 30 minutes after boarder inspection , cases of champagne during bus ride back to San Diego , twosome story ( inside joke ), lost cell phone , lost jacket and lost passport ( found later )… by all accounts I am lucky to have survived but can ’ t stop smiling every time I think of that trip !
Who is your favorite GGFA Staff Member ? Ha , well of course I want to say Ginger , but all of the GGFA staff is amazing so it ’ s a tie between “ y ’ all ”.
What have been some of the biggest changes you ’ ve seen over the years since you joined ? A few changes come to mind . First , I ’ ve seen the GGFA continue to get even better and better over the years with organized and meaningful conferences and events . What a talented and dedicated staff that truly cares about not only the franchisees , but also about the SPN members . Secondly , I continue to be impressed with the new blood that has joined the GGFA family over the years that is so passionate about the GG brand and carrying on the torch that the GGFA founders lit many years earlier . Time goes by in a flash and it ’ s great to see the future of GG locked in to ensure its success !
What is the biggest value you derive from being part of the SPN ? Undoubtedly , it ’ s the ability to be included side by side with the franchisees to really hear their needs , suggestions and concerns so that Matrix can be dialed in exactly where we need to be to provide gratifying experiences for each of our GG customers . That
Seth Robinson Matrix Fitness
Can you remember when you first found out about the GGFA ’ s Supplier Partnership Network ? Yes , I totally remember . It was around May 2008 , when I took the position with Matrix and became Manager of Strategic Accounts including Gold ’ s . If we were not the first supplier to join , we were one of the first .
Why did you join the SPN ? Back then one of the main complaints with the franchisees was lack of support , training / education , and direction . So , by becoming a partner with the GGFA we felt it made sense to be able to help out and build a strong partnership . That decision has helped Matrix become a very strong supplier for the current owners and the many more to come .
What have been some of the biggest changes you ’ ve seen over the years since you joined ? Since day one , there have been many